2003 Ford E-350 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 20%of 46 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 101,604miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Ford E-350, 20% of the 46 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 101,604 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 3 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.
“F-350 diesel running erratically. Than will not shift radio stopped working no power all electronics stopped working. Smelt insulation burning on wires. Vehicle was totally disabled. Towed to dealer. Dealer found fuse box melted. Asked dealer to also check out alternator, [maybe putting out to much voltage] got the vehicle back the same thing happened. It was the alternator. Is can cause vehicle fires. Dealer claims he gets a few a month, different models.”
NHTSA complaint #10252619, filed 2008-12, 82,000 miles“The contact stated the vehicle was involved in a crash while driving 15 MPH. The vehicle rear-ended another vehicle, and glanced off the bumper. A passenger in the second vehicle noticed smoke emanating from under the hood, followed closely by flames. A police report was taken, and the vehicle was considered a total loss. The vehicle was not seen by a dealer, however the manufacturer was notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10170673, filed 2006-10, 85,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Ford e350 super duty. The vehicle was connected to a 2004 phoenix cruiser. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the speedometer would not operate above 30 MPH. A local Ford dealer stated that it would take 30 to 40 days to diagnose the failure. The contact purchased and replaced the electrical instrument cluster at the cost of $304.50. The contact requested to be reimbursed prior to repairing the vehicle and made an agreement with the manufacturer; however, they later denied the reimbursement. The failure mileage was 26,175. Updated 06/02/08”
NHTSA complaint #10226631, filed 2008-05, 26,175 miles“2003 Ford cutaway van while driving vehicle driver noticed smelled a burning smell and saw smoke coming from under the center of dash. Pulled vehicle over and got out of vehicle. Smoke continued and flames began to consume vehicle until entire vehicle was on fire. We have experienced many HVAC switch failures(melting of switch and or harness connector) and notice very hot wires to the switch at times. Fleet contains 85 Ford e350 vehicles and this switch has been a common failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10427875, filed 2011-09“Problems with auxiliary battery, brakes and steering. Auxiliary battery is low; therefore, vehicle won't start. Rotors, pads and calipers were replaced due to recall but problem still exists. Steering wheel jerks hard to the left. Nar”
NHTSA complaint #10051712, filed 2003-12Related recalls
- 04V444000Sep 13, 2004On certain vans, a diode in the anti-lock braking system (abs) module may experience an electrical short.Covers: Ford E-350 2003–2004, E550 2003–2004, E-450 2003–2004 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 10012941Feb 7, 2005Diagnostic trouble code b1876, b1880, b1915 and/or b1920 in the ecs module - vehicles equipped with aftermarket high current devices.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 7% |
| 2017 | 1 | 8% |
| 2014 | 3 | 18% |
| 2013 | 1 | 8% |
| 2012 | 1 | 6% |
| 2011 | 1 | 5% |
| 2010 | 3 | 18% |
| 2008 | 2 | 5% |
| 2007 | 1 | 6% |
| 2006 | 7 | 13% |
| 2005 | 17 | 31% |
| 2004 | 5 | 11% |
| 2003 | 9 | 20% |
| 2002 | 6 | 11% |
| 2001 | 3 | 6% |
| 2000 | 4 | 7% |
| 1999 | 5 | 7% |
| 1998 | 5 | 8% |
| 1997 | 4 | 5% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
| 1995 | 2 | 3% |
| 1994 | 2 | 4% |
| 1993 | 2 | 5% |
| 1992 | 4 | 10% |
| 1991 | 2 | 11% |
| 1990 | 1 | 4% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
| 1988 | 3 | 27% |
| 1987 | 2 | 14% |
| 1986 | 6 | 55% |
| 1983 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford E-350
11 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford E-350
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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