2003 Ford E-450: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 18 owner complaints on record; most reports concern vehicle speed control.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford e-450. The vehicle was equipped with a kiddie fire extinguisher. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v782000 (equipment). The manufacturer was contacted at 1-855-262-3540 approximately one month ago, but the contact had not received a response in order to have the recall remedy completed. The contact felt that a reasonable amount of time had passed for the recall remedy. The serial number and purchase date were not provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Equipment · Jan 2018
“I reported a complaint about 10 days ago and haven't heard anything and this is a follow up. The complaint number is 10992187. Would some one please give me an update on your procedure and when I can expect to hear from you. My name is [xxx] . I leave saturday june 10th and will be gone for a week out of country. He will return on july 10. Thanks for your help. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2017
“When sleeping in motorhome the front drivers steering wheel airbag deployed. The vehicle was parked and not running. The key was not even in the ignition.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Velvac foldable rv mirror fell completely off of its mounting. This failure occured on both sides off the rv at nearly the same time. Fortunately the rv was parked at the time and not on the road. The failure occurred in a retaining ring groove with the retaining ring cutting through the groove on the mirror spindle. This failure occurred without any prior warning. The vehicle was a 2003 lazy daze rv. I do have some of the parts, but the spindle was repaired so I can use the rv. *tt”Owner report · Visibility · Jul 2011
“2003 ford e450 drivers side rear wheel came off while driving on the ohio turnpike. *kb the rim had wear marks where the lug nuts wore large holes, which caused the studs to snap off. Ohio traffic crash report #10-0038-91 updated letter 04/29/10 *bf”Owner report · Wheels · Jan 2010
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford e-450 diesel box. When driving uphill the vehicle would hesitate and then stall. The dealer replaced the fuel filter, but the failure resurfaced. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the technician concluded that the fuel tank needed de-lamination. The vehicle was still awaiting repairs . The failure and current mileages were under 43,400.”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Nov 2009
“Follow this link: http://stevewiencek.smugmug.com/photography/ford-fuel-tank/10976330_wp42t#774715040_3ceqc for a description of what I and others have experienced with this fuel tank. It is unsafe, defective and should be recalled. 1) loss of power 2) occurred every 100 miles or less 3) cost was over $5000 to replace the fuel tank fuel lines and fuel injectors. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Oct 2009
“Ford safety recall 05s28 - I went to dealer and they deactivated cruise control but they did not have parts to repair - told they would be available nov - called today told national backorder most likely not till march 08 - why the long delay? *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2007
“Ford e-450 speed control deactivation switch replacement. Ford is out of parts and will not be available until after beginning of next year according to service department at local dealer. *jb”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2007
“I received a recall notice (05s28) on sept. 2007 on the cruise control on our 2003 ford motor home. As of april 2, 2008 the dealer still does not have the part to fix the problem and they have no idea when they will be getting the parts. I do not feel this is a reasonable response time. This is the second recall for the same problem. We have had to take the motor home to them to disconnect the cruise control and really need to have this fixed. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2007
Recalls - 5 campaigns
ON CERTAIN VANS, A DIODE IN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUSE IN THE ABS CIRCUIT AND INSTALL A HEAT SHIELD OVER THE ABS MODULE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO FORD IS EXTENDING THE LIMITED WARRANTY (FOR A ONE TIME REPLACEMENT) OF THE ABS MODULE FOR A TOTAL OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF YOUR VEHICLE HAS ALREADY ACCUMULATED MORE THAN 150,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2005.
ON CERTAIN VANS, THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT MATERIAL PROCESS RESULTED IN AN AIR FILTER PAPER ELEMENT THAT CAN SMOLDER OR BURN. THIS CHANGE IN FILTER PAPER COMPOSITION COMBINED WITH THE CONFIGURATION OF THE AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM, MAY ALLOW HOT CARBON PARTICLES TO CONTACT THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT DURING CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS THAT CREATE HOT PARTICLES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO FORD IS EXTENDING THE LIMITED WARRANTY (FOR A ONE TIME REPLACEMENT) OF THE ABS MODULE FOR A TOTAL OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF YOUR VEHICLE HAS ALREADY ACCUMULATED MORE THAN 150,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2005.
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
How other years compare
Check your exact E-450 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Ford E-450 reliable?
NHTSA has 18 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Ford E-450. The most complained-about area is vehicle speed control.
Does the 2003 Ford E-450 have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:wiring. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.