Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 1.2× | 2 | Engine | Few |
| 2003 | 1 | −33% | 4 | Electrical | Few |
| 2002 | 1 | 1.2× | 2 | Engine | Few |
* Complaints compared with the median E-550 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford E-550 problems
Latest Ford E-550 recalls
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
On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch May overheat.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on March 12, 2007. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. (note: also see recalls 05V017, 05V388, and 06V286)
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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford E-550 should you avoid?
None of the Ford E-550 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Ford E-550?
2003 has the fewest complaints compared with other E-550 years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Ford E-550 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (2) and electrical system (1). Engine complaints peak in the 2002 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford E-550 had?
4 recalls across 2002–2004. The model year with the most is 2003. See all Ford E-550 recalls by year.
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.