2003 Ford E550 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 14%of 66 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 23,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Ford E550, 14% of the 66 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 23,000 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.
“Was taking vehicle in for a fuel smell that was intermitent on 7-30-03 to ricart Ford when I threw in the clutch to shift and lost hte clutch it went to the floor so I proceed to the break down lane and that is when I noticed the smoke and flames coming from under the hood. The dealer ship was 1/2 mile away and in sight when this happened. I got out of the truck and called 911 then the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10030822, filed 2003-08, 11,000 miles“I bought a new 2003 Ford explorer eddie bauer edition in september 2003. I do a lot of highway driving and put a lot of miles on in any given month. Currently the odometer reading is 60540. At about 28000 had a noise in the rear end that was repaired at no charge because of warranty, the noise reoccurred at 59000 and the dealership says it's the rear end once more but they said Ford motors won't cover the repai ( $1300.00-$1500.00). I have owned a number of SUV's in the past and never had this. Any one else having reoccuring rear end problems with the 2003 Ford explorer?”
NHTSA complaint #10101002, filed 2004-12, 59,640 miles“When braking when coming to an intersection the vehicle suddenly surges ahead and requires hard braking. To avoid running into an approaching 18 wheeler may 27, 2005 the vehicle surged so hard after braking that the tires burned rubber to stop the forward motion.”
NHTSA complaint #10123907, filed 2005-06, 45,000 miles“Since may 2nd, 2003 have had farm truck, f550 6.0 liter diesel 4x4 cab & chassis, into dealer six (6) times for a problem with 6.0 liter diesel motor, have asked twice to fix leaking transmission/transfer case and have complained once about severe front end shake (to which no responce was made and after discovering Ford had installed drive position only tires on front axle, replacement was made with proper steering tires). Truck used for long distance transportation of hay, straw, cattle and machinery. …”
NHTSA complaint #10031141, filed 2003-08, 18,300 miles“Truck idles very rough. When shifting from reverse to drive truck goes dead. Excessive smoke when cranked. Engine races when idling. Truck lags when accelerator is pressed.”
NHTSA complaint #10041683, filed 2003-10, 10,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10056196May 1, 2014Ford: when shifting between park, reverse and/or during 2-3 shift, an intermittent clunk occurs with a torqshift transmission. Model 2003-2014 f-super duty, e series, excursion…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 9 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford E550
20 complaintsTires
9 complaintsElectrical system
8 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 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