Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2003 Ford E-250 recalls
Vehicle speed control
NHTSA campaign 09V399000 · reported October 13, 2009 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 4,500,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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 deactivation switch (scds). The scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
- The risk
- A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
- The fix
- 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 as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 27, 2009. Owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.
Vehicle speed control: cruise control
NHTSA campaign 08V051000 · reported February 4, 2008 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 225,000 vehicles potentially affected
- 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.
Vehicle speed control
NHTSA campaign 07V336000 · reported August 3, 2007 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 3,600,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This could result in an underhood fire.
- The fix
- 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 as an interim repair. As soon as repair parts are available (expected october 2007), owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness. The recall began on august 13, 2007, and mailing completed by september 19, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.
Equipment adaptive/mobility
NHTSA campaign 04V589000 · reported December 15, 2004 · ACCUBUILT, INC. · 501 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain vans built on ford e250/e350 chassis and equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.
- The risk
- In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the wheelchair securement retractors as necessary. Sure-lok is conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign. Owners should contact sure-lock at 1-908-231-1804 or accubuilt at 419-222-1501.
Electrical system: wiring
NHTSA campaign 04V444000 · reported September 13, 2004 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 214,849 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain vans, a diode in the anti-lock braking system (ABS) module may experience an electrical short.
- The risk
- The electrical short may cause an ABS malfunction that would illuminate the ABS warning light, or the module may overheat resulting in a burning odor, smoke, and/or fire. This condition may occur while the vehicle is being driven or unattended.
- The fix
- 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. Also ford is extending the limited warranty (for a one time replacement) of the ABS module for a total of 10 years or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date, whichever occurs first. If your vehicle has already accumulated more than 150,000 miles, this coverage will last until september 30, 2005.
Engine and engine cooling
NHTSA campaign 04V445000 · reported September 13, 2004 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 253,076 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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 create hot particles.
- The risk
- These hot particles may ignite the air filter element with the potential for air induction system damage or underhood fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the air filter element. The recall began september 27, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. Also ford is extending the limited warranty (for a one time replacement) of the ABS module for a total of 10 years or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date, whichever occurs first. If your vehicle has already accumulated more than 150,000 miles, this coverage will last until september 30, 2005.
Equipment: other, labels
NHTSA campaign 04V232000 · reported May 13, 2004 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 28,456 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Certain vans and wagons fail to conform to the requirements of part 567, "certification." for certain 2003 e250 vans built with lt225/75r16e tires, the rear axle rating is incorrectly listed on the label. In addition, the tire pressure is incorrectly listed on the label for the rear tires on certain 2002 e350 wagons and for the front tires on certain 2002 e250 vans built with these tires.
- The risk
- Failure to follow proper vehicle loading specifications or tire inflation recommendation can result in tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Owners will be provided with supplementary tire labels containing correct information and installation instructions. If an owner so desires, their dealer can install the label for them. The recall began on july 8, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Sep 16, 2016 · Tires
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…
Jul 24, 2013 · Electrical system · 60,000 miles
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…
Apr 9, 2012 · Vehicle speed control · 170,000 miles · crash reported
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…
Aug 15, 2011 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 93,636 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 FORD E-250. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS A SMALL PINHOLE IN THE BRAKE…
Jul 20, 2011 · Electrical system · 50,103 miles
LOSS OF INSTRUMENTS IN 2003 F250 DIESEL WITH 50,153 MILES. FUSE REPLACED BY SERVICE CENTER AND INSTRUMENTS CAME ON. 3 DAYS LATER THEY WENT OFF WHILE IN 4 WHEEL LOW AND THE THE ENGINE STOPPED (BATTERY'S DEAD). I HAD NO CONTROL OVER STEERING AND WENT OFF THE ROAD. REPAIR OF DAMAGED WIRING IN STEERING COLUMN FIXED…
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 16, 2016.