2003 FORD E-250 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
22
Owner Complaints
7
Recalls
2
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2003 FORD E-250
The 2003 FORD E-250 has received a total of 22 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL. 2 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (3 complaints), Electrical Systemwiring (2 complaints), and Service Brakes Hydraulic (2 complaints).
Recalls for the 2003 FORD E-250
NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2003 FORD E-250, potentially affecting up to 8,880,021 vehicles.
Recall 09V399000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
| 4,500,000 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
View full details →Recall 08V051000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
| 225,000 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
View full details →Recall 07V336000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
| 3,600,000 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
View full details →Recall 06E056000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
| 58,640 vehicles affected
Defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Consequence: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
View full details →Recall 04V444000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
| 214,849 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
View full details →Recall 04V445000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
| 253,076 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
View full details →Recall 04V232000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 28,456 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION RECOMMENDATION CAN RESULT IN TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2003 FORD E-250
22 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 FORD E-250. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical Systemwiring | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulic | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Air Bagsfrontal | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System12v24v48v Battery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steeringelectric Power Assist System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steeringlinkagesknucklespindlearm | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspensionfront | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
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 SIDE TO SIDE. HAD THEM TAKE THESE TIRES OFF AND REPLACE WITH A MAJOR BRAND AND THIS PROBLEM WENT AWAY. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND SOME ONE LOOKS INTO THESE TIRES AS I THINK THE POTENTIAL IS THERE FOR CAUSING A SPIN OUT OR ROLL OVER.
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. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000. *TR
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 170,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
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 LINES THAT DEVELOPED DUE TO CORROSION. AS A RESULT, BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE BRAKE LINES. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WAS 93,636.
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 PROBLEM. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM ON THE WEB AND KNOWN TO THE SERVICE CENTERS I HAVE CONTACTED. IF WIRING IS WORN IN A 50,000 MILE TRUCK I WOULD THINK IT PROBABLY WILL OCCUR IN SIMILAR MODELS. THE TRUCK COULD HAVE SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLY RESULTED IN INJURY. WHY NO RECALL OR AT LEAST NOTIFICATION OF OWNERS. *KB
Safety Rating for the 2003 FORD E-250
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 FORD E-250 in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 FORD E-250
Ford Motor Company has issued 2 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 FORD E-250. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
04N03 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 04N03. ADDITIONAL WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM MODULE. *TT
16804 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKE DRAG OR FAILURE TO FULLY RELEASE. *TT
NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 FORD E-250
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the FORD E-250
- 1998 FORD E-250 — 30 complaints
- 1999 FORD E-250 — 56 complaints
- 2000 FORD E-250 — 21 complaints
- 2001 FORD E-250 — 18 complaints
- 2002 FORD E-250 — 18 complaints
- 2003 FORD E-250 (current)
- 2004 FORD E-250 — 14 complaints
- 2005 FORD E-250 — 12 complaints
- 2006 FORD E-250 — 14 complaints
- 2007 FORD E-250 — 7 complaints
- 2008 FORD E-250 — 10 complaints
Other FORD Models
- FORD F-150 — 45,660 total complaints
- FORD EXPLORER — 42,140 total complaints
- FORD ESCAPE — 34,654 total complaints
- FORD FOCUS — 29,539 total complaints
- FORD FUSION — 28,243 total complaints
- FORD TAURUS — 23,867 total complaints
- FORD WINDSTAR — 19,456 total complaints
- FORD EDGE — 17,247 total complaints