Most common 2003 Ford E-150 problems
Share of the 21 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford E-150 complaints by model year
Best E-150 years: 2009, 2014, 2015. Years to avoid: 2001, 1997, 1999, 1995, 1996. Compare all years →
2003 Ford E-150 recalls (5)
Vehicle speed control
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…
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…
Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
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.
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.
Vehicle speed control
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.
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…
Electrical system › Wiring
On certain vans, a diode in the anti-lock braking system (ABS) module May experience an electrical short.
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.
Engine and engine cooling
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…
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2003 Ford E-150:
Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
On September 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 Ford vehicles with triton v-8 and v-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or…
What 2003 Ford E-150 owners say
Electrical system
While the vehicle was warming up in the driveway consumer's neighbor alerted him that vehicle was on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire, but could not determine what the cause was. There were no injuries relating to the fire. Dealer examined the vehicle several times, but the results were inconclusive.
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.
Engine & cooling
2003 e150 conversion van gas pedal got stuck 3 times causing an accident. The rear cargo door was repaired, the fan clutch was replaced. The running board did not fit correctly. Air conditioner blown warm air. The exhaust was blowing out white smoke. There was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The gas tank was not completely full even though the consumer filled up the tank.
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.
Transmission & drivetrain
While idling in the driveway consumer stepped out of the vehicle and went inside the house, vehicle went into reverse on its own, and drove backwards into the garage, bending the driver side door which was open. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, who claimed that he understood what happened but did not think that what happened was a defect.
With less than 12,000 miles the left front brakes locked up...no warning lights came on... Brake pads burnt to a crisp...warped rotors and calipers...had to get work done by other than Ford...2006..or could drive it !!!! Ford failed to pay under their warranty... Have had howling in rear end ??? Since new...Ford can't repair, they tried three times... Then said they would have a district Ford rep look at it...failed to do so until after warranty ran out... Unable to use the ESP warranty anywhere but a Ford dealership... Like I want to take it back to the same people that can't fix it !!!!
2003 Ford E-150 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 17 / 15 |
| 5.4L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 12 / 16 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Ford E-150 a good car?
Based on 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 E-150 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the E-150 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Ford E-150?
The electrical system — 4 complaints, 19% of all complaints for this model year, most often about wiring. Next are the engine & cooling (4) and transmission & drivetrain (3).
How many recalls does the 2003 Ford E-150 have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2003 Ford E-150, the most recent from October 13, 2009 (vehicle speed control). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford E-150?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2014 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001, 1997, 1999, 1995 and 1996. See the full Ford E-150 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Ford E-150 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 16,000 miles; 60% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.