2003 Ford E-150 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 14%of 21 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 16,354miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Ford E-150, 14% of the 21 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 16,354 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Problem: severe shimmy in steering wheel, possibly leading to loss of control. Conditions: occurs whenever brakes are hot and vehicle speed is above 45 MPH. Problem occurs when descending long & steep inclines. Problem does not occur when brakes are not hot from heavy use. Temporary abatement: drive at speeds of 45 MPH or less down inclines.”
NHTSA complaint #10336391, filed 2010-06, 38,000 miles“Dt: consumer stated the front brake rotors wore out and warped all the time. They were eating the brake pads up. The rotors warped within the first 5, 000 miles of usage. They were changed, and the problem recurred. Consumer found on the internet that there was a special pad for this problem, but he could not get any of these pads. Dealer inspected the front brakes, and said they could not find the cause of the problem. The rotors had to be changed twice, and were turned once, but they warped again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10129763, filed 2005-07, 5,000 miles“With less than 12,000 miles the left front brakes locked up...no warning lights came on... Brake pads burnt to a crisp...warped rotors and calipers...had to get work done by other than Ford...2006..or could drive it !!!! Ford failed to pay under their warranty... Have had howling in rear end ??? Since new...Ford can't repair, they tried three times... Then said they would have a district Ford rep look at it...failed to do so until after warranty ran out... Unable to use the esp warranty anywhere but a Ford dealership... Like I want to take it back to the same people that can't fix it !!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10171348, filed 2006-10, 16,354 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10022675Sep 19, 2007Brake booster system may exhibit a brake pedal kickback and/or grabbing condition when applying the brakes.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 | 38% |
| 2015 | 1 | 13% |
| 2014 | 3 | 50% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2011 | 3 | 13% |
| 2010 | 2 | 20% |
| 2009 | 1 | 14% |
| 2008 | 1 | 9% |
| 2007 | 1 | 8% |
| 2006 | 1 | 6% |
| 2005 | 4 | 25% |
| 2004 | 8 | 24% |
| 2003 | 3 | 14% |
| 2002 | 5 | 18% |
| 2001 | 11 | 30% |
| 2000 | 7 | 14% |
| 1999 | 14 | 17% |
| 1998 | 8 | 13% |
| 1997 | 18 | 18% |
| 1996 | 14 | 24% |
| 1995 | 20 | 28% |
| 1994 | 26 | 21% |
| 1993 | 10 | 14% |
| 1992 | 8 | 13% |
| 1990 | 2 | 12% |
| 1989 | 1 | 3% |
| 1988 | 1 | 7% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford E-150
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford E-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology