2003 Ford E-150 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 14%of 21 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 11,240miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Ford E-150, 14% of the 21 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,240 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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 idling in the driveway consumer stepped out of the vehicle and went inside the house, vehicle went into reverse on its own, and drove backwards into the garage, bending the driver side door which was open. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, who claimed that he understood what happened but did not think that what happened was a defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10075597, filed 2004-06, 6,125 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 miles“I own a 2003 Ford f150 super crew four wheel drive pick up. When engaging the four wheel drive system most of the time the front wheels will not engage. The transfer case engages every time, but I would estimate the front wheels engage about twenty percent of the time. The system is very unpredictable and you can not count on it working when you need it. It has not caused an accident for me yet, but I have been stuck several times because of the poorly designed system.”
NHTSA complaint #10238837, filed 2008-08Related service bulletins
- 10056196May 1, 2014Ford: when shifting between park, reverse and/or during 2-3 shift, an intermittent clunk occurs with a torqshift transmission. Model 2003-2014 f-super duty, e series, excursion…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 13% |
| 2014 | 1 | 17% |
| 2013 | 7 | 37% |
| 2012 | 3 | 25% |
| 2011 | 5 | 22% |
| 2009 | 1 | 14% |
| 2008 | 1 | 9% |
| 2006 | 3 | 18% |
| 2005 | 2 | 13% |
| 2004 | 4 | 12% |
| 2003 | 3 | 14% |
| 2002 | 3 | 11% |
| 2001 | 3 | 8% |
| 2000 | 4 | 8% |
| 1999 | 3 | 4% |
| 1998 | 5 | 8% |
| 1997 | 5 | 5% |
| 1996 | 2 | 3% |
| 1995 | 5 | 7% |
| 1994 | 7 | 6% |
| 1993 | 4 | 6% |
| 1992 | 6 | 9% |
| 1991 | 2 | 13% |
| 1989 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford E-150
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsSeat belts
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