NHTSA vehicle safety data

2003 Ford E-150 Recalls & Complaints

The 2003 Ford E-150 has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 21 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Ford dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 Ford E-150. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2003 Ford E-150 owner complaints

Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Ford E-150, describing incidents dated September 12, 2003 to April 8, 2016.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 4 complaints
Engine 4 complaints
Power Train 3 complaints
Seat Belts 3 complaints
Service Brakes 3 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 3 complaints

Of the 21 complaints on file, 3 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 21 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #10855619 · Filed April 14, 2016
SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT X3 IT HAS BEGAIN TO GET VERY ANOING.
ODI #10825171 · Filed February 9, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN FAILED TO WORK AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
ODI #10585287 · Filed April 28, 2014
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F1-50. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE APRIL 26, 2014. THE VEHICLE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT CURRENT MILLAGE OVER 240,00. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH IN TRAFFICE . THE CONTACT HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. A POLICE REPORT WAS…

Read all 21 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2003 Ford E-150 in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Defect Petition DP05-005: SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
Closed January 4, 2006

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH/OVERHEATS

NHTSA #09V399000 · Vehicle Speed Control · NHTSA notice

Reported October 13, 2009 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 4,500,000 vehicles

Ford campaign 09S09 · Owners notified October 27, 2009 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

FORD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 09S09.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH

NHTSA #08V051000 · Vehicle Speed Control — Cruise Control · NHTSA notice

Reported February 4, 2008 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 225,000 vehicles

Ford campaign 08S01 · Owners notified February 18, 2008 · Vehicles built September 3, 1991 – September 15, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

FORD RECALL NO. 08S01.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH

NHTSA #07V336000 · Vehicle Speed Control · NHTSA notice

Reported August 3, 2007 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 3,600,000 vehicles

Ford campaign 05S28 · Owners notified August 13, 2007 · Vehicles built August 5, 2002 – December 31, 2002 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

FORD RECALL NO. 05S28.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION;S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FUEL LEAK/FIRE

NHTSA #06E056000 · Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA notice

Reported June 13, 2006 · UFI FILTERS USA

Potentially affected: 58,640 vehicles

Owners notified August 4, 2006

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO UFI FILTERS USA (PUROLATOR) AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FORD/ABS BRAKE SYSTEM

NHTSA #04V444000 · Electrical System — Wiring · NHTSA notice

Reported September 13, 2004 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 214,849 vehicles

Ford campaign 04S22 · Owners notified October 15, 2004 · Vehicles built April 23, 2002 – November 19, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN VANS, A DIODE IN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.

Safety consequence

THE ELECTRICAL SHORT MAY CAUSE AN ABS MALFUNCTION THAT WOULD ILLUMINATE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT, OR THE MODULE MAY OVERHEAT RESULTING IN A BURNING ODOR, SMOKE, AND/OR FIRE. THIS CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN OR UNATTENDED.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

FORD RECALL NO. 04S22/CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 04N03.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

FORD/AIR FILTER

NHTSA #04V445000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported September 13, 2004 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 253,076 vehicles

Ford campaign 04S23 · Owners notified September 27, 2004 · Vehicles built April 23, 2002 – April 30, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THESE HOT PARTICLES MAY IGNITE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM DAMAGE OR UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

FORD RECALL NO. 04S23/CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 04N03. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2003 Ford E-150. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

21 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Ford E-150.

Engine

ODI #10855619

Incident: April 8, 2016 · Filed: April 14, 2016

SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT X3 IT HAS BEGAIN TO GET VERY ANOING.

Electrical System; Air Bags

ODI #10825171

Incident: December 5, 2015 · Filed: February 9, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN FAILED TO WORK AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Seat Belts

ODI #10585287

Crash 1 injury

Incident: April 26, 2014 · Filed: April 28, 2014

TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F1-50. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE APRIL 26, 2014. THE VEHICLE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT CURRENT MILLAGE OVER 240,00. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH IN TRAFFICE . THE CONTACT HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTIFY THE MANUFICATURE. LG

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #10448681

Incident: February 9, 2012 · Filed: February 13, 2012

I WAS SITTING AT A STOP SIGN. WHEN I ACCELERATED TO MOVE, I HEARD A LOUD BANG NOISE AND THEN I HEARD A FLAPPING NOISE. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK. AFTER TOWING MY HANDICAPPED VAN TO THE FORD DEALER, I WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE HAD A SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE MIGHT HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE IF I HAD TRIED DRIVING MUCH FURTHER. THIS IS VERY SCARY FOR PEOPLE LIKE ME THAT EQUIP THESE VANS FOR SPECIAL USE. THE MILEAGE IS 99% CITY DRIVING. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS ENGINE.

Engine and Engine Cooling; Electrical System

ODI #10390447

Incident: March 13, 2011 · Filed: March 16, 2011

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY 2003 E150 FORD VAN BLEW THE #2 SPARK PLUG OUT. THERE WAS A POPPING SOUND AND THEN THE ENGINE SOUNDED AS IF IT BLEW A ROD. AFTER CHECKING IT OUT, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS THE SPARK PLUG. A FEW DAYS PRIOR TO HIS EVENT, I COULD HEAR A SLIGHT TAPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I HAD THE OIL CHANGED JUST TO BE SURE. THE SPARK PLUG HAS BEEN REPLACED, WITH A HELICOIL INSERTED, BUT THE WALL OF THE HEAD WAS EVEN DAMAGED. MY MECHANIC DID AN AWESOME JOB REPAIRING IT BUT EVEN SAID HE COULDN'T GUARANTEE IT WOULD LAST A 100 MILES OR 100,000 DUE TO THE HEAD DAMAGE. HE EVEN RECOMMENDED I TRADE IT IN. WITH ONLY 138,000 MILES ON IT I'M NOT READY TO LET IT GO. HOPEFULLY THE NEW PLUG WILL HOLD AND I WON'T HAVE TO TRADE IN MY VAN. *TR

Steering; Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #10336391

Incident: May 15, 2010 · Filed: June 15, 2010

PROBLEM: SEVERE SHIMMY IN STEERING WHEEL, POSSIBLY LEADING TO LOSS OF CONTROL. CONDITIONS: OCCURS WHENEVER BRAKES ARE HOT AND VEHICLE SPEED IS ABOVE 45 MPH. PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN DESCENDING LONG & STEEP INCLINES. PROBLEM DOES NOT OCCUR WHEN BRAKES ARE NOT HOT FROM HEAVY USE. TEMPORARY ABATEMENT: DRIVE AT SPEEDS OF 45 MPH OR LESS DOWN INCLINES. *TR

Electrical System

ODI #10266539

Incident: April 23, 2009 · Filed: April 23, 2009

2003 FOCUS- MY IGNITION KEPT LOCKING ON ME. ANYWHERE I TURNED OFF THE CAR, I HAD TO SPEND A GOOD 15MIN TURNING AND TURNING THE KEY TO GET IT STARTED. MY CAR HAS ONLY 32,000.00 MILES AND IT STARTED AT 18,000.00 MILES. TODAY I HAD TO GET A LOCKSMITH TO COME IN AND FIX IT. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #10254628

1 injury

Incident: January 8, 2009 · Filed: January 11, 2009

2003 FORD E150 VAN WITH TRITON 5.4 ENGINE SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT ON (2) SEPARATE OCCASIONS. SPARK PLUG BLOWS WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE LAST BLOW OUT HAPPENED ON JAN 8TH 2009 WHILE TRAVELING ON THE NY STATE THRUWAY DURING SEVERE WINTER WEATHER. THE INCIDENT CAUSED IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER TO MY ENGINE AND AN INABILITY TO NAVIGATE MY VEHICLE SAFELY. AN ACCIDENT NEARLY OCCURRED, HOWEVER I WAS LUCKY TO MAKE IT OFF THE HI-WAY WITHOUT SERIOUS INJURY. HOWEVER, I WAS STRANDED IN SUB-ZERO TEMPERATURES UNTIL HELP ARRIVED. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW IN FORD MANUFACTURING AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. *TR

Power Train

ODI #10238837

Incident: August 18, 2008 · Filed: August 19, 2008

I OWN A 2003 FORD F150 SUPER CREW FOUR WHEEL DRIVE PICK UP. WHEN ENGAGING THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM MOST OF THE TIME THE FRONT WHEELS WILL NOT ENGAGE. THE TRANSFER CASE ENGAGES EVERY TIME, BUT I WOULD ESTIMATE THE FRONT WHEELS ENGAGE ABOUT TWENTY PERCENT OF THE TIME. THE SYSTEM IS VERY UNPREDICTABLE AND YOU CAN NOT COUNT ON IT WORKING WHEN YOU NEED IT. IT HAS NOT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT FOR ME YET, BUT I HAVE BEEN STUCK SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE OF THE POORLY DESIGNED SYSTEM. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #10235890

Incident: July 14, 2008 · Filed: July 26, 2008

E-150 1.CRUISE CONTROL USE. 2.OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. 3. FORD REFUSED. MY SYMPTOM, MODEL, AND YEAR OF VEHICLE IS INCLUDED ON FORD RECALL UPDATE OF 6/26/08 AS FIRE HAZARD BUT BECAUSE MY VIN IS NOT LISTED FORD REFUSES EVEN TO EXAMINE MY VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL. HTTP://WWW.FORD.COM/DYNAMIC/METATAGS/ARTICLE-DETAIL/223_IMPORTANT_NOTICE_VOLUNTARY_RECALL_UPDATE. *TR

Other Ford E-150 model years

Check your 2003 Ford E-150 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Ford E-150 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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