There are no safety recalls for the 2003 Ford E550, but owners have filed 65 complaints with NHTSA.
2003 Ford E550 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 22 | |
| Power Train | 10 | |
| Tires | 9 | |
| Electrical System | 7 | |
| Air Bags | 6 | |
| Visibility | 5 | |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 4 | |
| Fuel System, Other | 3 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | |
| Seat Belts | 2 | |
| Steering | 2 | |
| Suspension | 2 | |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel — 9
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 6
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
- Air Bags › Frontal — 3
- Tires › Sidewall — 3
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 3
- Seat Belts › Front — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Other Fuel Types › Turbo/Supercharger — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 33,900 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 E550 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Fuel System, Diesel · reported Sep 25, 2007
In reference to our 2003 ford f-550 diesel dump truck. The first documented occurrence the problem of loss of power while on the road and running was back in 2005. The problem was finally properly diagnosed on 9/13/07 by mccafferty ford. The problem was that the lining of the fuel tank was flaking away and clogging the fuel lines, fuel pump and filter. Ford's reason for this happening was that 5% or more of biodiesel was used in the tank. After much research we have found that just about all of our fuel purchased for this vehicle was manufactured by either exxon or sunoco. We have been able to…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 45,000 miles · reported Aug 20, 2007
In the third week of june 2007 my wife moved my truck from the parking spot in the driveway, braked twice with no problem. On third brake depression, pedal went to the floorboard. Truck impacted our 2004 ford explorer in the driveway, damage to both vehicles approximately $3000 total. Afterwards the brakes maintained pressure. (The f250 had been parked for about five days without movement). On august 17,2007 I picked up the f250 after being parked at the airport for five days (High temperatures - 100 degrees). After starting, brakes applied good for two light applications, third application…
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 46,000 miles · reported Jun 5, 2007
While driving truck engines would shut off and then restart. This happened a couple of time on a narrow mountain road causing me to lose steering for a second or two, very scary. Problem fixed after I replaced the cps on my own.
Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Mar 27, 2007
My husband was having a routine oil change on his 2003 f-350 ford diesel when the technician noticed he had a radiator leak, there was a hole in a radiator hose. The large dealership was out of stock of replacement hoses. (There's a clue that this is a widespread problem) they decided to pull one from one of the used trucks in stock and had to check three before they found one without a hole (There's a second clue) I found the following on-line "so I took my truck in for a coolant leak..more like an added drain in a 3" hose that to me looks like the return under the engine. This hose is…
Tires · reported Mar 20, 2007
Firestone steeltex lt265/75/r16 r4s tires - sidewalls are separated at the raised letters. This issue was identicle on all 4 tires. Tires were original equipment on a ford excursion - 2003 2wd diesel. Tires currently have 48000 miles with good tread remaining. I can lift up the lettering and see the sidewall fibers on the sidewalls. This vehicle is never used off road and specifically used for long distance travel. I AM going to replace these tires tomorrow, 3/21/2007. I have not at this time had a blowout or flat tire but these tires are extremely unsafe.
Other Ford E550 years
No other model years have data.
Compare all Ford E550 years · All Ford models
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Ford E550 have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2003 Ford E550 as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Ford E550?
Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (22 reports), followed by power train (10). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 33,900 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.