2003 Ford E-150 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 19%of 21 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 125,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Ford E-150, 19% of the 21 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 125,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“While traveling on the highway, my 2003 e150 Ford van blew the #2 spark plug out. There was a popping sound and then the engine sounded as if it blew a rod. After checking it out, it was discovered that it was the spark plug. A few days prior to his event, I could hear a slight tapping sound coming from the engine. I had the oil changed just to be sure. The spark plug has been replaced, with a helicoil inserted, but the wall of the head was even damaged. My mechanic did an awesome job repairing it but even said he couldn't guarantee it would last a 100 miles or 100,000 due to the head damage. …”
NHTSA complaint #10390447, filed 2011-03, 138,628 miles“While the vehicle was warming up in the driveway consumer's neighbor alerted him that vehicle was on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire, but could not determine what the cause was. There were no injuries relating to the fire. Dealer examined the vehicle several times, but the results were inconclusive.”
NHTSA complaint #10066801, filed 2004-04, 3,200 miles“2003 focus- my ignition kept locking on me. Anywhere I turned off the car, I had to spend a good 15min turning and turning the key to get it started. My car has only 32,000.00 miles and it started at 18,000.00 miles. Today I had to get a locksmith to come in and fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #10266539, filed 2009-04“The contact owns a 2003 Ford E-150. The contact stated that the cruise control and horn failed to work and the air bag light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10825171, filed 2016-02, 125,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V444000Sep 13, 2004On certain vans, a diode in the anti-lock braking system (abs) module may experience an electrical short.Covers: Ford E-150 2003–2004, E550 2003–2004, E-350 2003–2004 +2 more
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 13% |
| 2015 | 1 | 13% |
| 2014 | 1 | 17% |
| 2013 | 2 | 11% |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2011 | 3 | 13% |
| 2010 | 1 | 10% |
| 2009 | 1 | 14% |
| 2007 | 2 | 17% |
| 2006 | 3 | 18% |
| 2005 | 2 | 13% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 19% |
| 2002 | 3 | 11% |
| 2001 | 7 | 19% |
| 2000 | 4 | 8% |
| 1999 | 7 | 8% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 8 | 8% |
| 1996 | 10 | 17% |
| 1995 | 3 | 4% |
| 1994 | 12 | 10% |
| 1993 | 7 | 10% |
| 1992 | 6 | 9% |
| 1991 | 4 | 27% |
| 1989 | 11 | 35% |
| 1988 | 7 | 50% |
| 1987 | 8 | 47% |
| 1986 | 4 | 44% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford E-150
3 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 28, 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