2003 Ford Econoline Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 18%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Ford Econoline, 18% of the 22 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,000 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.
“Vehicle constantly stalled while driving at any speed. Vehicle had been to the dealer on three separate occasions. Dealer was unable to determine the cause of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10111307, filed 2005-02, 4,000 miles“We have a 2003 Ford Econoline van that ejected it's first spark plug this spring costing us towing and $500.00+ in repairs. Wednesday, it happened again, this time on the new york state thruway. We were forced to stand in a 10 foot piece of grass between 3 lanes of traffic and a rock cliff with 4 small children. After we managed to get 7 people packed into a tow truck and get to the nearest Ford dealership, we had to rent a car for 3 days and pay for yet another repair. I investigated and found out that this is a recurring defect in this type of Ford engines. …”
NHTSA complaint #10197049, filed 2007-07“2003 Econoline made a loud popping sound in the engine compartment, lost power shortly after. Vehicle later caught on fire. ***no answer required*** after the noise was heard the driver pulled to vehicle onto the side of the road and that's when the driver noticed that the vehicle was on fire. The driver and firemen were injured while attempting to extinguish the fire. A recall was received in october 2004. The recall referenced safety recall 04s22 and 04s23.”
NHTSA complaint #10151899, filed 2006-02Related service bulletins
- 10026321May 26, 2008Ford: vehicles mistakenly charged $100 powertrain warranty deductible for fuel injector repair or repairs. No model or model years provided. *pe econoline, excursion and f-series…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 4 | 18% |
| 2002 | 6 | 26% |
| 2001 | 4 | 14% |
| 2000 | 2 | 5% |
| 1999 | 14 | 17% |
| 1998 | 6 | 13% |
| 1997 | 11 | 14% |
| 1996 | 12 | 15% |
| 1995 | 7 | 10% |
| 1994 | 14 | 11% |
| 1993 | 9 | 14% |
| 1992 | 13 | 16% |
| 1991 | 5 | 21% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
| 1989 | 5 | 16% |
| 1988 | 5 | 23% |
| 1987 | 1 | 7% |
| 1986 | 1 | 14% |
| 1984 | 2 | 29% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Econoline
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford Econoline
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