2003 Ford E-150 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 14%of 21 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Ford E-150, 14% of the 21 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“I was sitting at a stop sign. When I accelerated to move, I heard a loud bang noise and then I heard a flapping noise. I turned the engine off and called a tow truck. After towing my handicapped van to the Ford dealer, I was told that the engine had a spark plug blow out. I was also informed that the vehicle might have caught on fire if I had tried driving much further. This is very scary for people like me that equip these vans for special use. The mileage is 99% city driving. There should be a recall on this engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10448681, filed 2012-02, 71,500 miles“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“2003 e150 conversion van gas pedal got stuck 3 times causing an accident. The rear cargo door was repaired, the fan clutch was replaced. The running board did not fit correctly. Air conditioner blown warm air. The exhaust was blowing out white smoke. There was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The gas tank was not completely full even though the consumer filled up the tank.”
NHTSA complaint #10155207, filed 2006-04, 2,519 milesRelated recalls
- 04V445000Sep 13, 2004On certain vans, the air filter element material process resulted in an air filter paper element that can smolder or burn. This change in filter paper…Covers: Ford E-150 2003–2004, E550 2003–2004, E-350 2003–2004 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 10018741Nov 14, 2005Malfunction indicator lamp on with diagnostic trouble code p1131 and/or p1151 - 4.2l engine.
- 10011181Aug 1, 2004Low power and/or diagnostic trouble code p0299 or p2263 - turbocharger diagnostic service tip.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 | 9% |
| 2007 | 1 | 8% |
| 2006 | 2 | 12% |
| 2005 | 1 | 6% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 3 | 14% |
| 2002 | 2 | 7% |
| 2001 | 5 | 14% |
| 2000 | 3 | 6% |
| 1999 | 11 | 13% |
| 1998 | 15 | 25% |
| 1997 | 20 | 20% |
| 1996 | 11 | 19% |
| 1995 | 6 | 8% |
| 1994 | 17 | 14% |
| 1993 | 7 | 10% |
| 1992 | 11 | 17% |
| 1991 | 1 | 7% |
| 1989 | 5 | 16% |
| 1987 | 4 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford E-150
4 complaintsBrakes
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 27, 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