Most common 2003 Ford E-550 problems
Share of the 1 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford E-550 complaints by model year
Best E-550 years: 2003. Compare all years →
2003 Ford E-550 recalls (4)
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
Is the 2003 Ford E-550 a good car?
Based on 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA, the 2003 E-550 rates few complaints: 33% fewer complaints than a typical year of the E-550 at the same age. It is one of the best E-550 years by this measure. 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-550?
The electrical system — 1 complaint, 100% of all complaints for this model year.
How many recalls does the 2003 Ford E-550 have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2003 Ford E-550, 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-550?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003. See the full Ford E-550 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Ford E-550 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 43,000 miles; 100% 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.