- The problem
- Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on july 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Ford Econoline Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 215 complaints about the 2003 Ford Econoline with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (44) and the electrical system (40). Those complaints describe 19 crashes, 15 fires, 21 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in May 2009 for the headlights. For comparison, the 2002 has 170 and the 2004 has 115.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Econoline year, for its age
#61 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 215
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 19
- Fires
- 15
- Injuries
- 21
- Deaths
- 1
Most common 2003 Ford Econoline problems
Share of all 215 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Ford Econoline recalls 4
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
- The problem
- 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. The affected vehicles were previously repaired using a wiring harness that is not compatible with the vehicle circuit polarity.
- The risk
- As a result, the fuse is located in the output circuit rather than in the intended input power feed circuit, and may not offer the intended protection in the event of an electrical short to ground.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- On certain cutaway chassis cab with the school bus option, two brackets and two outrigger members are missing in the area of the fuel tank.
- The risk
- The brackets and outrigger members are intended to enhance crash performance.
- The fix
- Ford will send technicians to the owner's location to inspect and add the brackets and outriggers as required. Owner notification began on september 3, 2003. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
What owners say
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215 complaints about the 2003 Ford Econoline
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 9.
To whom it may concern, i recently purchased a 2003 ford econoline e150 vin# [[redacted]] . from a private party in the state of michigan, im am being refused insurance because the van is coming up as incomplete , the van was sent and finished by Elk automotive Inc , on [[redacted]] MPV [[redacted]] they company that manufactured it ,gave it the same vin # [[redacted]] with completion date as [[redacted]] the identification sticker from Elk automotive is on the door jam and has been dot approved, i have the...
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michigan title in my name , it says nothing about incomplete on title, but NHTSA website keeps popping up incomplete and my insurance provider wont insure it please contact me or help please. my name is [[redacted]] , [[redacted]] or by phone is [[redacted]] or, my email is : [[redacted]] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford e-350 pulling a 24-footer auto trailer. While driving 30 mph and attempting to reduce speed, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard. The contact used the trailer brakes to stop the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was repaired per an unknown recall for the brakes in 2004. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined...
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that the air booster, master cylinder, and pressure pump needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired, but the contact stated that the brake pedal was still soft and still almost traveled to the floorboard. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 173,000.
I was stopped at a stoplight on a highway ramp in town behind another vehicle waiting for the light to turn green. As I sat waiting, the van suddenly accelerated into the vehicle ahead of me while the brakes were still fully applied! I did not have my foot on the gas pedal, just on the brake. The acceleration was so sudden and fast that my front tires left skid marks because the brakes were fully applied. I had been using the cruise control earlier on the highway, but had disengaged it before getting into town,...
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well before the ramp to the stoplight. This is the first time this has happend with this van; however, I also own a 2001 ford e350 van, and before I stopped using it, I had problems with the cruise control engaging while I was driving, and refusing to disengage. I have reported these incidents with both of my vans to the local ford dealership, but they said nothing was wrong with the vehicle.
Fuel tank delamination. This will be the second time I have to replace the fuel tank, sending unit and fuel pump on my e350 diesel van. Ford has had known issues for several years regarding this problem and refuses to accept any responsibility. The inside coating of the tank peels away and clogs up the fuel system, then they turn around and sell you the same tank so it happens again. Very dangerous vehicle suddenly loses power and will even stall.
Tire brand and size: pathfinder sport s a/t 245/75-16 put on rear of 2003 ford e250 extended length work van. Bought new from discount tire. As soon as I got on the interstate I noticed the vehicle felt unstable. Was wandering in rear. When making a lane change is was really bad and felt unsafe as the rear swayed from side to side. Had them take these tires off and replace with a major brand and this problem went away. I highly recommend some one looks into these tires as I think the potential is there for causing a spin out or roll over.
Spark plug blow out x3 it has begain to get very anoing.
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.
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.
SPARK PLUG BLOWN OUT OF HEAD. *TR
SPARK PLUG BLOWN OUT OF HEAD. *TR
SPARK PLUGBLOWNOUT OF HEAD. *TR
SPARK PLUG BLOWN OUT OF HEAD. *TR
A patient, 21 year old ambulance driver, has been treated here at the university of missouri from 10/27/14 for injuries from an auto accident, sustained when a vehicle pulled out in front of the ambulance she was driving. Her air bag deployed, protecting her appropriately. However, there is a metal disc beneath the airbag on the steering column, which was quite hot, and as she was trapped in the vehicle, she sustained burns to her chest and to her clothing. The burns were third degree burns requiring surgery,...
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small area, but were significant burns. I am uncertain whether the hot disc at the base of the airbag is the result of a defect, or if it is part of the design. I am notifying you so you will be aware of this potential hazard, and to track the frequency of this type of injury. Although there was a death and another injury in this accident, they were not related in any way to the hot disc on the airbag mechanism. The ambulance is a 2003 ford e-350. This was the driver's side airbag. *Tr
Tl- the contact owns a 2003 ford f1-50. The contact experienced the failure april 26, 2014. The vehicle air bags deployed while sitting in traffic. The contact current millage over 240,00. The contact was driving 5 mph in traffice . The contact hit the vehicle in front of him. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not taken in for repairs. The contact did not notify the manuficature. Lg
The ford e-350 van began to loose power then stalled on md route 43. There was no possibility to pull of the road way. The vehicle started after waiting 15 minutes then drove another 2 miles until it stalled again. Aaa towed the vehicle and the fuel tank was removed. The fuel tank was found to be delaminating and clogging the fuel lines with silver strands of coating from inside the tank. A new tank is being ordered and installed along with cleaning the fuel system. Very dangerous as there is no warning. ...
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This 15 passenger vehicle is used to transport children. Ford should be required to recall this problem to prevent a disaster. Many of these vehicles are used as school transportation which would multiply the tragedy in the event of an accident. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford e-250. The contact stated that the engine temperature gauge failed. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the instrument panel would need to be replaced. The failure prevented the contact from knowing if the vehicle was overheating. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 60,000. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford e-350 equipped with bf goodrich all terrain ko tires, size lt285-75r16, dot pfyuuj11. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph, the driver rear tire blew out. The vehicle was repaired. The tire failure mileage was 23,000 and the vehicle failure mileage was 53, 8000.
Lost power. Filter heavily plugged particulate. Dropped tank. Bottom of tank has 1/2" silvery flakes. Fuel pick-up screen plugged. Boiled and reinstalled tank. Fuel pump failure about 2 months later. New pump. At 149000 mile, new tank and may need new pump. Tank was delaminating. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford econoline equipped with radar radial rlt-9 tires, size p245/75/r16. The contact stated that while driving 10 mph, the rear driver's tire blew out. The condition of the road were dry and the approximate temperature was 90 degrees fahrenheit. The failure recurred and the rear passenger tire blew out. The condition of the road was again dry and the approximate temperature was 80 degrees fahrenheit. The tires were not taken to dealer and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vin was unavailable. The failure and current mileages on the vehicle was 62,000. The failure and current mileages on the tires were 6,000.
NO. 2 SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF CYLINDER HEAD. *TR
Tl* the contact owned a 2003 ford e-250. The contact stated that upon starting, the vehicle surged in reverse and crashed into a building. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an independent repair shop. The failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000. The vin was unavailable.
I was sitting at a stop sign. When I accelerated to move, I heard a loud bang noise and then I heard a flapping noise. I turned the engine off and called a tow truck. After towing my handicapped van to the ford dealer, I was told that the engine had a spark plug blow out. I was also informed that the vehicle might have caught on fire if I had tried driving much further. This is very scary for people like me that equip these vans for special use. The mileage is 99% city driving. There should be a recall on this engine.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford e 350. The contact stated that the vehicle would lose power and prevent him from accelerating. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who informed the contact that the fuel tank was delaminating and causing the fuel pump to fail. As a result, the fuel tank and transfer pump would need to be replaced. No repairs were performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The current mileage was 190,000 and the failure mileage was 189,500. The vin was unavailable.
2003 Ford cutaway van while driving vehicle driver noticed smelled a burning smell and saw smoke coming from under the center of dash. Pulled vehicle over and got out of vehicle. Smoke continued and flames began to consume vehicle until entire vehicle was on fire. We have experienced many hvac switch failures(melting of switch and or harness connector) and notice very hot wires to the switch at times. Fleet contains 85 ford e350 vehicles and this switch has been a common failure. *Tt
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford e-350. While driving highway speeds, the contact stated a bolt separated from the engine block. This defect also caused the serpentine belt to fail, which caused the steering wheel and power steering to fail. The dealer and manufacturer denied any assistance with repair to the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 39,895 and the current mileage was 40,395.
Ford Econoline: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 0 | 2 | B |
| 2006 | 0 | 2 | B |
| 2005 | 0 | 2 | B |
| 2004 | 115 | 0 | F |
| 2003 | 215 | 4 | F |
| 2002 | 170 | 4 | F |
| 2001 | 175 | 5 | F |
| 2000 | 231 | 5 | F |
| 1999 | 300 | 7 | F |
2003 Ford Econoline vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Ford Econoline | 215 | 4 | F | |
| 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | 1,313 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Ford Explorer Sport | 1,313 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Ford Explorer | 1,313 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Ford Expedition | 655 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Ford Escape | 598 | 9 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Ford F-150 | 465 | 11 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Ford Crown Victoria | 289 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Ford F-250 SD | 178 | 6 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Ford Econoline
Does the 2003 Ford Econoline have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Ford Econoline: headlights (May 2009); exterior lighting (April 2009); cruise control (February 2008); storage (August 2003). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Econoline?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (44), electrical system (40), fuel system (25).
How many complaints has the 2003 Ford Econoline had?
215 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 11, 2003 and the latest on February 12, 2025. Of these, 19 describe a crash and 15 a fire, and together they report 21 injuries and 1 death.
Is the 2003 Ford Econoline a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 0 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Ford Econoline year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Ford Econoline years have the most complaints?
1999 (300), 2000 (231), 2003 (215). See every Ford Econoline year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Ford Econoline has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data