Does the 2003 Ford E Series have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Ford E Series, the most recent reported on December 5, 2007 (Engine and engine cooling: engine, diesel). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford E Series?

Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (2 complaints), followed by power train (1).

How many 2003 Ford E Series complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 5 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 Ford E Series recalls and problems

2 recalls and 5 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Ford E Series.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

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 Series recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine, diesel

NHTSA campaign 07V553000 · reported December 5, 2007 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 1,176,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with 7.3l diesel engines, the camshaft position sensor located on the engine of the vehicle may function intermittently, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
The risk: In the event of an engine stall, a crash could result without warning.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the sensor and replace it with an improved camshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on december 29, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Structure

NHTSA campaign 03V094000 · reported March 7, 2003 · SOUTHERN COMFORT CONVERSIONS · 3,674 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, INC. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might overheat when the wire harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt.
The risk: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began march 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact southern comfort at 1-800-745-6096.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine and engine cooling2
Power train1
Unknown or other1
Visibility1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 6, 2015 · Unknown or other · 121,000 miles
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…

Feb 2, 2008 · Engine and engine cooling · 70,000 miles
I HAVE A FORD E350 4X4 VAN 2003. THERE HAS BEEN FUMES ACCUMULATING IN THE VAN WHEN DRIVING. I GET HEADACHES AND MY EYES TEAR AND MY FEEL SICK. I NOTICED THE FUMES INTENSELY ON 1.25.08 WHEN DRIVING HIGHWAY MILES IN COLD WEATHER AT A DISTANCE OF 2.5 HOURS AND 132 MILES ONE WAY AND 264 ROUND TRIP. THE FUMES BUILD UP WHEN…

Jun 26, 2007 · Engine and engine cooling · 77,000 miles
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD RATTLING SOUND AND STARTED TO LOOSE POWER, EVENTUALLY THE VEHICLE JUST SHUT DOWN AND WOULDN'T START AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS BAD. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER SINCE MAY 21, 2007. THE PART HAS…

Jan 16, 2007 · Power train · 47,187 miles
GRINDING NOISE FROM THE REAR END WHILE BACKING OR MAKING LOW SPEED TURNS. PER 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FORD EXPLORER DUE TO THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPEATEDLY DOCUMENTED BOTH HERE AND IN ONLINE FORUMS. IT REQUIRES A $1000.00 REPAIR WITH NO GUARANTEE THAT THE REPAIR…

Oct 22, 2004 · Visibility
WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER WINDSHIELD WIPER CAME ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

E Series model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2000	2	6
2001	2	6
2002	2	6
2003	2	5
2004	0	2
2005	6	10
2006	6	0

All Ford E Series years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Ford E Series have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Ford E Series, the most recent reported on December 5, 2007 (Engine and engine cooling: engine, diesel). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford E Series?: Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (2 complaints), followed by power train (1).
How many 2003 Ford E Series complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 5 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 6, 2015.