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2003 Ford E-450Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 18 owner complaints about the 2003 Ford E-450, most often about the vehicle speed control. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

2003 Ford E-450
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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints182 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage136kVehicle speed control, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 4, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: Rjluna2, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Ford E-450 has problems

18 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Vehicle speed control51
Tires30
Equipment20
Fuel system, diesel20
Service brakes, hydraulic11
Structure10
Suspension11
Visibility10
Air bags10
4 other systems41

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

4 recalls

2003 Ford E-450 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Electrical system: wiring

Recall 04V-444 · Sep 13, 2004 · 214,849 vehicles

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,…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 04V-445 · Sep 13, 2004 · 253,076 vehicles

Risk. THESE HOT PARTICLES MAY IGNITE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM DAMAGE OR UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other E-450 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the E-450 median. How we score

'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2003 Ford E-450, and the recalls they led to.

  1. HVAC Switch FailuresPE09055 · closed Apr 21, 2010
    No recall
In owners' words

What E-450 owners report

Recent vehicle speed control complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E450. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 45 MPH USING THE CRUISE CONTROL IN RAINY WEATHER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS ALSO A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. HE WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE ROAD AND WHEN HE…
Complaint 10323741 · Apr 5, 2010 · 238,000 miles
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE (05S28) ON SEPT. 2007 ON THE CRUISE CONTROL ON OUR 2003 FORD MOTOR HOME. AS OF APRIL 2, 2008 THE DEALER STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE PART TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THEY WILL BE GETTING THE PARTS. I DO NOT FEEL THIS IS A REASONABLE RESPONSE TIME. THIS IS THE…
Complaint 10223111 · Apr 2, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E450. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL. SHE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE SERVICE. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM FORD INFORMED…
Complaint 10213387 · Jan 2, 2008

Own a 2003 E-450?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.