2003 Ford E-250 recalls and problems
The 2003 Ford E-250 has 6 safety recalls and 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Ford E-250 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Ford E-250 recalls
Recall 09V-399: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: 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.
Risk: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
Fix: 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.
Recall 08V-051: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 07V-336: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: 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.
Risk: This could result in an underhood fire.
Fix: 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.
Recall 04V-445: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Risk: These hot particles may ignite the air filter element with the potential for air induction system damage or underhood fire.
Fix: 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.
Recall 04V-444: Electrical System
Problem: On certain vans, a diode in the anti-lock braking system (Abs) module may experience an electrical short.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 04V-232: Equipment
Problem: Certain vans and wagons fail to conform to the requirements of part 567, "certification." for certain 2003 e250 vans built with lt225/75r16e tires, the rear axle rating is incorrectly listed on the label. In addition, the tire pressure is incorrectly listed on the label for the rear tires on certain 2002 e350 wagons and for the front tires on certain 2002 e250 vans built with these tires.
Risk: Failure to follow proper vehicle loading specifications or tire inflation recommendation can result in tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners will be provided with supplementary tire labels containing correct information and installation instructions. If an owner so desires, their dealer can install the label for them. The recall began on july 8, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
2003 Ford E-250 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 7 | |
| Steering | 3 | |
| Air Bags | 2 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | |
| Tires | 2 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | |
| Unknown or Other | 1 | |
| Wheels | 1 | |
| Suspension | 1 | |
| Equipment | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Electrical System › Wiring — 2
- Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs — 1
- Suspension › Front — 1
- Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm — 1
- Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
- Air Bags › Frontal — 1
- Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,103 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Ford E-250 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Ford E-250 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Ford E-250 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2003 Ford E-250: 09V-399 (vehicle speed control), 08V-051 (vehicle speed control), 07V-336 (vehicle speed control), 04V-445 (engine and engine cooling), 04V-444 (electrical system) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Ford E-250?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (7 reports), followed by steering (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,103 miles.
Are Ford recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.