2003 Ford Econoline: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 22 owner complaints on record; most reports concern vehicle speed control.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Fuel tank delamination. This will be the second time I have to replace the fuel tank, sending unit and fuel pump on my e350 diesel van. Ford has had known issues for several years regarding this problem and refuses to accept any responsibility. The inside coating of the tank peels away and clogs up the fuel system, then they turn around and sell you the same tank so it happens again. Very dangerous vehicle suddenly loses power and will even stall.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford econoline equipped with radar radial rlt-9 tires, size p245/75/r16. The contact stated that while driving 10 mph, the rear driver's tire blew out. The condition of the road were dry and the approximate temperature was 90 degrees fahrenheit. The failure recurred and the rear passenger tire blew out. The condition of the road was again dry and the approximate temperature was 80 degrees fahrenheit. The tires were not taken to dealer and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileages on the vehicle was 62,000. The failure and current mileages on the tires were 6,000.”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2012
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford econoline e-150. The contact stated that three cooper american prospector 225/70r15 tires on the vehicle have failed. The vehicle began vibrating and the dealer confirmed that the rear driver side tire needed to be replaced. Two weeks later, the rear passenger side tire blew out and was replaced. One week after the rear tire blew out the front passenger side blew out and was also replaced. The dealer stated that all of those tires must have been defective; however, the contact was not reimbursed for the repairs. The manufacturer stated that there was no warranty or free repair available. The failure mileage was 15,000.”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2009
Show 7 more owner reports
“2003 econoline speed recall defect I was told to have cruise control disconnected and repair not available until jan. 2008. *jb”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2007
“I received a recall notice in 9/07 from the ford company concerning my 2003 motorhome. It involved the speed control deactivation switch, which they said was defective. When I contacted a local ford dealer as instructed by the letter, I was told the repair had to wait till the parts arrived in december. When I called the dealer lst week, I was told the parts wouldn't arrive until at least february. I called the ford toll-free number and was told the same thing. Why are they dragging their feet on this? Why does it take so long to get the parts? *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2007
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford econoloine. The contact received a safety recall notice in september of 2007 for the vehicle speed control. The cruise control was disconnected in october. Each month since october, the dealer has informed the contact that the parts would be available the following month. There had been no failure to date. The purchase date and recall number were unknown. The current mileage was 60,000. Updated 03-18-08 *bf the consumer stated the recall number is 05s28. Updated 03/18/08 *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2007
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford econoline. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 07v336000 (vehicle speed control) in august of 2007. The dealer stated that the part would not be available until march of 2008. The contact felt that the wait time for the repair was unacceptable. There had been no failure to date. The current mileage was 40,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2007
“2003 ford aerostar lx van ABS light and brake light on dashboard will come on and stay on one day, and maybe not the next day. Going on for months. Can't predict when this will occur. The ford dealer offer to take care of the problem for less than a $1000 dollars!?!?!? Very generous of them! *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Electric · Jul 2007
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford econoline. The ABS was replaced under recall # 04v444000 (electrical system:wiring), but it did not correct the failure. The vehicle is drivable, however, the ABS is burned. The current mileage is 97,000 and failure mileage was 93,195. Updated 08/14/07. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2007
“Dt*: the contact stated when the vehicle was in reverse, the vehicle felt as if it was slipping on ice or sludge. When the vehicle was in the forward motion, sometimes the same sensation was felt when starting to make a right or left turn. The dealership inspected the vehicle five times, agreed the problems were present however, the diagnostic tests showed everything was normal.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
ON CERTAIN CUTAWAY CHASSIS CAB WITH THE SCHOOL BUS OPTION, TWO BRACKETS AND TWO OUTRIGGER MEMBERS ARE MISSING IN THE AREA OF THE FUEL TANK.
Remedy: FORD WILL SEND TECHNICIANS TO THE OWNER'S LOCATION TO INSPECT AND ADD THE BRACKETS AND OUTRIGGERS AS REQUIRED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
How other years compare
Check your exact Econoline 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 Econoline reliable?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Ford Econoline. The most complained-about area is vehicle speed control.
Does the 2003 Ford Econoline have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. 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.