2003 Ford E-Series recalls and problems

The 2003 Ford E-Series has 2 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
5
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Ford E-Series vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Ford E-Series recalls

Recall 07V-553: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Dec 5, 2007 · 1,176,000 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with 7.3l diesel engines, the camshaft position sensor located on the engine of the vehicle may function intermittently, possibly resulting in an engine stall.

Risk: In the event of an engine stall, a crash could result without warning.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the sensor and replace it with an improved camshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on december 29, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Recall 03V-094: Structure

Reported Mar 7, 2003 · 3,674 vehicles affected · SOUTHERN COMFORT CONVERSIONS

Problem: Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might overheat when the wire harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt.

Risk: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began march 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact southern comfort at 1-800-745-6096.

2003 Ford E-Series problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling2
Visibility1
Power Train1
Unknown or Other1

Most reported parts

  • Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor — 1
  • Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 77,000 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-Series complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · at 121,000 miles · reported Sep 6, 2015
My vehicle suddenly stopped shut off dead!!!! In the middle of traffic. I managed to restar it and immediately drove it to the closest mechanic shop.I paid $49.95 fee and they scanned the engine. Told me it might have been a loose wire, that they took care of it and go ahead and drive it. "bring it back, if it happens again" easier said than done. Yes it is still happening. I love my car and it is the only transportation I have. I AM 69 3/4 years old and drive around with my 92 year old mother. Needless to say I AM terrified to drive my vehicle.
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 77,000 miles · reported Jun 26, 2007
While driving the vehicle it started to make a loud rattling sound and started to loose power, eventually the vehicle just shut down and wouldn't start again. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where I was told that the catalytic converter is bad. The vehicle has been at the dealer since may 21, 2007. The part has been on back order since then and I was told that it will become available on june 26, 2007. Now as of today june 26, 2007, it was pushed back to august 25, 2007, because it's an engineer problem. I AM out of transportation and the dealer or ford is not assisting me in much of…
Power Train · at 47,187 miles · reported Jan 16, 2007
Grinding noise from the rear end while backing or making low speed turns. Per 3 different mechanics, this is a common problem with the ford explorer due to the rear differential. This problem has been repeatedly documented both here and in online forums. It requires a $1000.00 repair with no guarantee that the repair will prevent the problem from recurring.
Visibility · reported Oct 22, 2004
While driving in inclement weather windshield wiper came on and off intermittently. Consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced.

Other Ford E-Series years

Compare all Ford E-Series years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Ford E-Series have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Ford E-Series: 07V-553 (engine and engine cooling), 03V-094 (structure). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Ford E-Series?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (2 reports), followed by visibility (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 77,000 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.