2003 Ford E-450 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 11%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 238,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Ford E-450, 11% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 238,000 miles. 1 a fire, 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.
“I have issues with brakes calipers that pistons are made of Phenolic material, replaced calipers multiple times and will fail in as little as one trip and when using RV in hot weather or too much braking like in the city even if is cold the brakes are constantly locking up to the point where the wheels won't turn, and burn I have to pull over when this happens and wait and hour or two while the brakes are smoking on the side of the road and my wife with a fire extinguisher afraid that the RV was going to burn then I reach inside with a tool to break them loose. …”
NHTSA complaint #11612602, filed 2024-09“The contact owns a 2003 Ford e450. While driving at approximate speeds of 45 MPH using the cruise control in rainy weather, the vehicle began jerking. The contact stated that there was also a burning smell coming from the vehicle. He was able to move the vehicle off of the road and when he attempted to unlock the doors, the passengers side door would not unlock. In addition, the brake retarder was inoperable. He was able to restart the vehicle. Initially, the vehicle would not change gears but did so within a few minutes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10323741, filed 2010-04, 238,000 milesBrakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 7 | 54% |
| 2021 | 10 | 37% |
| 2017 | 1 | 9% |
| 2016 | 2 | 12% |
| 2013 | 2 | 17% |
| 2007 | 3 | 25% |
| 2006 | 2 | 10% |
| 2005 | 2 | 6% |
| 2004 | 4 | 15% |
| 2003 | 2 | 11% |
| 2002 | 1 | 8% |
| 2001 | 2 | 13% |
| 2000 | 3 | 7% |
| 1999 | 20 | 27% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford E-450
5 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford E-450
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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