Does the 2003 Ford Econoline have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Ford Econoline, the most recent reported on February 4, 2008 (Vehicle speed control: cruise control). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Econoline?

Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is vehicle speed control (5 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (4).

How many 2003 Ford Econoline complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 22 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 Ford Econoline recalls and problems

2 recalls and 22 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Ford Econoline.

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 Econoline recalls

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.

Fuel system, gasoline: storage

NHTSA campaign 03V282000 · reported August 5, 2003 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 64 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Most reported problems

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

Vehicle speed control5
Engine and engine cooling4
Electrical system3
Structure3
Tires3
Service brakes, hydraulic2
Equipment1
Fuel system, gasoline1
Fuel/propulsion system1
Power train1

What owners report

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

Oct 10, 2016 · Fuel/propulsion system · 105,000 miles
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…

Jul 23, 2012 · Tires · 62,000 miles
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…

May 8, 2012 · Engine and engine cooling · 168,000 miles
NO. 2 SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF CYLINDER HEAD.

Sep 15, 2009 · Tires · 110,000 miles
TL CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ECONOLINE E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THREE COOPER AMERICAN PROSPECTOR 225/70R15 TIRES ON THE VEHICLE HAVE FAILED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN VIBRATING AND THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT AND WAS…

Jul 18, 2009 · Service brakes, electric · 100,969 miles
2003 FORD AEROSTAR LX VAN ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT ON DASHBOARD WILL COME ON AND STAY ON ONE DAY, AND MAYBE NOT THE NEXT DAY. GOING ON FOR MONTHS. CAN'T PREDICT WHEN THIS WILL OCCUR. THE FORD DEALER OFFER TO TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM FOR LESS THAN A $1000 DOLLARS!?!?!? VERY GENEROUS OF THEM!

Econoline model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	3	39	3	4
2001	3	28	1	2
2002	2	23	0	3
2003	2	22	0	3
2005	2	0	0	0
2006	2	0	0	0

Across all years, the 2000 Econoline has the most complaints (39). All Ford Econoline years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Ford Econoline have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Ford Econoline, the most recent reported on February 4, 2008 (Vehicle speed control: cruise control). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Econoline?: Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is vehicle speed control (5 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (4).
How many 2003 Ford Econoline complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 22 complaints report a crash and 3 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 October 10, 2016.