2003 Ford E550 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 12%of 66 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,250miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Ford E550, 12% of the 66 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,250 miles. 1 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.
“No warning/symptom camshaft position sensor failed -10* outside with icy roads 7:00 pm moderate traffic on freeway engine shut down this is a 1ton pickup going 55 MPH with very little steering control with lack of power steering. My understanding this is a common occurrence with the Ford 7.3 diesel poor design this is also a dealer only part that cost $175.00 I was just glad I was able to get the vehicle on the side of the road and avoid an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10173793, filed 2006-11, 48,950 miles“I have a Ford 250 superduty with a 6.0l engine. Twice the engine quit, once when I was in heavy traffic on the interstate, needless to say it left me with limited bracking and once when I was coming to a stop. Both times I was able to start the engine. I found a recall on this problem #05s34 but it was only for years 2004 and 2005 models. I call and I was told to file a complaint and to give refferance #o5v270000 when fileing the complaint.”
NHTSA complaint #10127835, filed 2005-07, 39,250 miles“On 6-17-03 purchased 2003 f350, super duty, 6.1 d on 7-22-03, 2000 miles excessive smoke coming from exhaust pipe, results: rocker assemlby broken. On 7-30-03, all dash gages, radio, windows not working, results: electrical short number 35 fuse blown on 7-31-03 after 200 miles, all dash gages, radio, window not working: while driving you have no speed, oil presure or fuel readings.”
NHTSA complaint #10030589, filed 2003-08, 2,573 miles“11/20/03 and 01/28/04. Ford f150. 4.6l engine. Total lost of engine power over a period of several seconds after 3 - 8 miles of driving after startup. Speed was approximately 35-40 MPH. Idle drops to 500 RPM, recovers, drops, recovers and all is again well. No diagnostic codes created.”
NHTSA complaint #10056356, filed 2004-02, 14,400 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Ford e-550. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05v270000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 43,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10678829, filed 2015-01, 43,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V444000Sep 13, 2004On certain vans, a diode in the anti-lock braking system (abs) module may experience an electrical short.Covers: Ford E550 2003–2004, E-350 2003–2004, E-450 2003–2004 +2 more
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 8 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford E550
20 complaintsTires
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford E550
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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