2003 Ford E-350 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 24%of 46 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 104,188miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Ford E-350, 24% of the 46 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 104,188 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.
“Fuel leaks in 7.3l and 6.0l diesel engines in Ford E-350 ambulances. We have had 4 failures of the fuel filter mounting which have cracked and resulted in fuel leaks. Repairs have been made at our expense with significant down time. Repairs have been averaging about $900.00 for each ambulance. There are no TSB or recalls according to our local Ford dealer. But parts are on a national back order.”
NHTSA complaint #10314671, filed 2010-02, 106,000 miles“I was in traffic and crossing an intersection when my vehicle lost all power and stalled. After a few minutes of sitting the vehicle ran fine. Later in traffic it did it again and an accident almost occurred. I had the vehicle checked by pro automotive services and found the inside of the fuel tank lining is flaking off blocking the fuel lines and stalling the vehicle out. This is a very dangerous and unheard of problem. The vehicle is 5 years old and the fuel tank inside is flaking badly. You never know when the vehicle is going to stall or fail in traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10241189, filed 2008-09, 155,753 miles“When driving my truck last week it started slowing down and violently shaking. It would not drive faster than 30mph on 95. We found that the fuel system was clogged. We then removed the fuel tank and found what looked to be silver paint chips in the bottom of the tank. It appears as though the lining of the tank is delaminating. This has clogged the entire fuel system. I am in the process of replacing the tank but I don't know if the new tank will have the same problem. I have read many other accounts of this problem online and the repairs to this point will cost me about 1000 dollars.”
NHTSA complaint #10243951, filed 2008-09, 124,500 miles“Lost power. Filter heavily plugged particulate. Dropped tank. Bottom of tank has 1/2 silvery flakes. Fuel pick-up screen plugged. Boiled and reinstalled tank. Fuel pump failure about 2 months later. New pump. At 149000 mile, new tank and may need new pump. Tank was delaminating.”
NHTSA complaint #10508712, filed 2013-04, 102,375 miles“Failure of fuel vapor valve assembly part #f65z*9b593 . Gas vapors build up in tank and are released under pressure when gas cap removed for refueling. Vehicle operates normally with no warning light for at least 30 days or more before check engine light comes on. I think it is fair to say under the correct conditions these vapors could ignite at gas pump when refueling. …”
NHTSA complaint #10364911, filed 2010-11, 23,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10034571Jun 11, 2010Ford: runs rough, lacks power, hard start, no start. Some vehicles and trucks equipped with 6.0l engine may exhibit a runs rough, lacks power, hard to start, no start concern…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 21% |
| 2021 | 1 | 5% |
| 2017 | 1 | 8% |
| 2015 | 2 | 29% |
| 2014 | 1 | 6% |
| 2012 | 2 | 13% |
| 2010 | 1 | 6% |
| 2009 | 1 | 10% |
| 2008 | 3 | 8% |
| 2007 | 3 | 17% |
| 2006 | 7 | 13% |
| 2005 | 17 | 31% |
| 2004 | 18 | 39% |
| 2003 | 11 | 24% |
| 2002 | 6 | 11% |
| 2001 | 6 | 12% |
| 2000 | 10 | 17% |
| 1999 | 9 | 13% |
| 1998 | 9 | 14% |
| 1997 | 5 | 6% |
| 1996 | 4 | 8% |
| 1995 | 4 | 6% |
| 1994 | 5 | 10% |
| 1993 | 8 | 19% |
| 1992 | 4 | 10% |
| 1991 | 1 | 5% |
| 1990 | 2 | 9% |
| 1989 | 3 | 12% |
| 1988 | 2 | 18% |
| 1987 | 2 | 14% |
| 1986 | 1 | 9% |
| 1983 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford E-350
9 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 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