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2003 Ford E-150
5 recall campaigns and 21 complaints are on NHTSA's register for the 2003 Ford E-150; the recalls concern vehicle speed control, electrical system and engine and engine cooling.
The component named most often is electrical system: 129 of every 1,000 component mentions for this year, close to the 123.7 per 1,000 across all 2003 model-year vehicles and against 77.3 per 1,000 for the Ford E-150 line as a whole.
That is fewer than the average of 33.4 complaints per model year across the 28 Ford E-150 model years on this register; 3 complaints reported a crash and 1 a fire.
Complaints were received in the largest number in 2006 (4); the most recent in the file is dated 14 Apr 2016.
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation has opened 1 investigation naming this model year.
Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA. Recall text is the manufacturer's Part 573 report as filed with NHTSA. Complaint file through 15 May 2019; recall file through 29 Sep 2026.
Recalls by model year:
Recall campaigns
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 09S09).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 08S01).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: This could result in an underhood fire.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 05S28).
Defect, as filed: On certain vans, a diode in the anti-lock braking system (ABS) module may experience an electrical short.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 04S22).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: These hot particles may ignite the air filter element with the potential for air induction system damage or underhood fire.
Remedy: 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.
Filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY (manufacturer campaign 04S23).
Each entry links to the NHTSA record. NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are free of charge at an authorised dealer; check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Component mentions per 1,000 for the 2003 Ford E-150 (black) against all 2003 model-year vehicles in the file (yellow). A complaint can name more than one component.
| Per 1,000 component mentions | 2003 | E-150 line | All 2003 vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 129 | 77.3 | 123.7 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 129 | 100.2 | 77.7 |
| Power Train | 96.8 | 61.6 | 121 |
| Seat Belts | 96.8 | 19.7 | 12.9 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 96.8 | 137.3 | 58.7 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 96.8 | 68.7 | 42 |
| Component | Mentions | Per 1,000 | Line | All 2003 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 4 | 129 | 77.3 | 123.7 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | 129 | 100.2 | 77.7 |
| Power Train | 3 | 96.8 | 61.6 | 121 |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 96.8 | 19.7 | 12.9 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | 96.8 | 137.3 | 58.7 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | 96.8 | 68.7 | 42 |
| Equipment | 2 | 64.5 | 17.4 | 21.5 |
| Steering | 2 | 64.5 | 71.8 | 47.3 |
| Structure | 2 | 64.5 | 41.8 | 62 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | 64.5 | 96.3 | 36.5 |
| Tires | 1 | 32.3 | 55.2 | 20.4 |
| Air Bags | 1 | 32.3 | 26 | 82.2 |
| Engine | 1 | 32.3 | 24.5 | 27.3 |
21 unique complaints, 31 component mentions; 2 injuries and 0 deaths reported by complainants. Complaint narratives are not republished.
Complaints by year received
Investigations
| Action | Type | Subject | Component | Opened | Closed | Recall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DP05005 | Defect petition | SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD | engine and engine cooling:engine | 22 Sep 2005 | 4 Jan 2006 | — |
Other Ford E-150 model years
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Units in campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 NHTSA | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1991 NHTSA | 1 | 15 | 350,000 |
| 1992 | 4 | 64 | 8,354,052 |
| 1993 | 4 | 69 | 8,331,088 |
| 1994 | 7 | 117 | 5,933,357 |
| 1995 | 3 | 70 | 5,925,000 |
| 1996 | 3 | 59 | 5,925,000 |
| 1997 | 5 | 100 | 8,476,013 |
| 1998 | 4 | 60 | 8,476,000 |
| 1999 | 5 | 82 | 8,478,893 |
| 2000 | 5 | 48 | 8,476,004 |
| 2001 | 4 | 35 | 8,476,000 |
| 2002 | 3 | 25 | 8,325,000 |
| 2003 | 5 | 21 | 8,792,925 |
| 2004 | 4 | 32 | 468,051 |
| 2005 | 2 | 15 | 126 |
| 2006 | 13 | 16 | 259,873 |
| 2007 | 17 | 11 | 60,502 |
| 2008 | 16 | 10 | 3,407 |
| 2009 | 11 | 7 | 1,364 |
| 2010 | 6 | 9 | 920 |
| 2011 | 10 | 20 | 6,002 |
| 2012 | 7 | 9 | 1,190 |
| 2013 | 5 | 18 | 1,103 |
| 2014 | 6 | 6 | 1,107 |
| 2015 NHTSA | 1 | 8 | 4 |
| 2016 NHTSA | 1 | 8 | 4 |
| 2023 NHTSA | 1 | 0 | 5,247 |
Model years with a single campaign and fewer than 25 complaints have no page here; the NHTSA link opens the agency's record for that year.
All Ford E-150 model years · Ford: 201 model lines
Questions and answers
How many recalls does the 2003 Ford E-150 have?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns name this model year; the most recent, 09V399000, was reported to NHTSA on 13 Oct 2009 and concerns vehicle speed control. Across all model years the Ford E-150 line has 48 campaigns.
Is there an open NHTSA investigation into the 2003 Ford E-150?
NHTSA's investigation file lists 1 action naming this model year; the table above shows each action's opening and closing dates. An action with no closing date was still open when the file was produced.
What component do owners of the 2003 Ford E-150 complain about most?
Electrical System: 4 of 31 component mentions (129 per 1,000). Next is engine and engine cooling with 4. Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA.
How do I get a recall repaired?
NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are performed free of charge by the manufacturer's authorised dealers. Each campaign's remedy text above is the manufacturer's statement as filed with NHTSA. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Where does this data come from?
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation recall, complaint and investigation flat files, public domain, downloaded 29 Sep 2026. Complaint counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; component figures count each component a complaint names. The NHTSA record linked from each campaign is authoritative.
Provenance
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Defects Investigation flat files (recalls, complaints, investigations), public domain, files dated 29 Sep 2026 (recalls) and 15 May 2019 (complaints). Complaints since 1 Jan 1995. Counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; per-1,000 rates divide a component's mentions by all mentions for the same group. Errors in processing are corrected at the next daily build; see corrections and the methodology.