2003 Ford E Series Problems
- Complaints
- 5filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 73,500miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Ford E Series (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 2003 Ford E Series. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 2 complaints (40% of the total), followed by other or unknown (1) and transmission and drivetrain (1). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 25% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 73,500 miles. Of all complaints, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 17 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the diesel and 7 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling2 40%
- Other or unknown1 20%
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “While driving the vehicle it started to make a loud rattling sound and started to loose power, eventually the vehicle just shut down and wouldn't start again. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where I was told that the catalytic converter is bad. The vehicle has been at the dealer since may 21, 2007. The part has been on back order since then and I was told that it will become available on june 26, 2007. Now as of today june 26, 2007, it was pushed back to august 25, 2007, because it's an engineer problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10194269, filed 2007-06, 77,000 milesOther or unknown: “My vehicle suddenly stopped shut off dead!!!! In the middle of traffic. I managed to restar it and immediately drove it to the closest mechanic shop.I paid $49.95 fee and they scanned the engine. Told me it might have been a loose wire, that they took care of it and go ahead and drive it. Bring it back, if it happens again easier said than done. Yes it is still happening. I love my car and it is the only transportation I have. I am 69 3/4 years old and drive around with my 92 year old mother. Needless to say I am terrified to drive my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10761845, filed 2015-09, 121,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Grinding noise from the rear end while backing or making low speed turns. Per 3 different mechanics, this is a common problem with the Ford explorer due to the rear differential. This problem has been repeatedly documented both here and in online forums. It requires a $1000.00 repair with no guarantee that the repair will prevent the problem from recurring.”
NHTSA complaint #10178866, filed 2007-01, 47,187 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “While driving in inclement weather windshield wiper came on and off intermittently. Consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10097540, filed 2004-10Mileage when problems were reported
25% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 70,000 and 77,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 07V553000Dec 5, 2007Engine and engine cooling › Engine › DieselCovers: Ford E Series 1997–2003, F-450 SD 1997–2003, F-550 SD 1997–2003 +3 more
On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with 7.3l diesel engines, the camshaft position sensor located on the engine of the vehicle may function intermittently, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
- 03V094000Mar 7, 2003Body and structureCovers: Ford E Series 2000–2003, Explorer 2000–2003, Dodge Grand Caravan 2000–2003 +9 more
Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might…
Recall details for the 2003 Ford E Series → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 17 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10235153Apr 4, 2023Body and structure. For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement…
- 10042864Nov 17, 2011Engine cooling. Ford: the blower motor on some vehicles are operating either incorrectly or not operating or just functioning on one speed.
- 10030838Aug 19, 2009Equipment. Ford: certain vehicles, e series and f super duty, with ambulance prep package ambulance class action settlement-6.0l diesel engine replacement warranty extension. Awareness communication dated…
- 10030837Aug 19, 2009Equipment. Ford: certain vehicles with ambulance prep package ambulance class action settlement; specific component warranty extension. Awareness communication, dated 4/20/09.
- 10030836Aug 1, 2009Transmission and drivetrain. Ford: multiple vehicles with a torq shift transmission intermittent clunk when shifting between drive, reverse and park and/or during 2-3 upshift. Models f super duty; e series; excursion; f53…
- 10023943Oct 1, 2007Engine cooling. Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6l 2v, 5.4l 2v, or 6.8l 2v engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. *nj this includes f-53 motorhome…
- 10019075Jan 1, 2006Fuel system, Other or unknown. Fuel conditioner. Low power, poor fuel economy, fuel gelling in cold weather, excessive white smoke on cold start, hard start, or coking of components exposed to exhaust.
- 10018745Nov 14, 2005Engine cooling. Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10014138Jun 7, 2005Seat belts. Safety belt retraction speed.
- 10014685Mar 21, 2005Engine cooling. Use of stainless steel exhaust studs in service for 5.4l 2v engine.
Other model years of the Ford E Series
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 5 | 19,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2005 | 10 | 50,000 | 6 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 5 | 73,500 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2002 | 6 | 9,793 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 6 | 65,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2000 | 6 | 95,105 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1998 | 13 | 18,500 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 16 | 28,650 | 1 | — | — | — | Falling |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Ford E Series have?
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 2003 Ford E Series as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 Ford E Series is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 2 complaints (40% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 1.
Has the 2003 Ford E Series been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Ford E Series reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 73,500 miles and the middle half falls between 70,000 and 77,000 miles; 25% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.