2003 Ford E-450
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › E-450 › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Ford E-450. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2003 Ford E-450. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
On certain vans, a diode in the anti-lock braking system (ABS) module may experience an electrical short.
Risk and remedy
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, 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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
18 complaints2 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
I have issues with brakes calipers that pistons are made of Phenolic material, replaced calipers multiple times and will fail in as little as one trip and when using RV in hot weather or too much braking like in the city even if is cold the brakes are constantly locking up to the point where the…
I have issues with brakes calipers that pistons are made of Phenolic material, replaced calipers multiple times and will fail in as little as one trip and when using RV in hot weather or too much braking like in the city even if is cold the brakes are constantly locking up to the point where the wheels won't turn, and burn I have to pull over when this happens and wait and hour or two while the brakes are smoking on the side of the road and my wife with a fire extinguisher afraid that the RV was going to burn then I reach inside with a tool to break them loose. I do not have more options for the repair as the calipers pistons are the problem every time and it became very dangerous to drive around anymore, I don't often complain of things but this is a safety issue that affected many of this vehicle owners with this type of caliper pistons. At this time the brakes are not the problem is the calipers pistons that fail no matter how old they are, as they heat up they warp or deform causing them to stick inside the hub of the caliper, I need assistance to correct this issue since ford has not provided a fix for that, I did not want to reach this point of filling a complain because is not me but if they made a bad part for the vehicle it need to be updated. I will buy the parts if there is a replacement available that wont stick inside calipers when is hot. Please note that the brakes calipers have been replace all of them then failed the same way within the first or second drive if driving down hills or traffic areas, is been confirmed that the issue is unrelated to other brake components. Thank you for your assistance.
- Equipment
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford E-450. The vehicle was equipped with a kiddie fire extinguisher. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v782000 (equipment). The manufacturer was contacted at 1-855-262-3540 approximately one month ago, but the contact had not received a…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford E-450. The vehicle was equipped with a kiddie fire extinguisher. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v782000 (equipment). The manufacturer was contacted at 1-855-262-3540 approximately one month ago, but the contact had not received a response in order to have the recall remedy completed. The contact felt that a reasonable amount of time had passed for the recall remedy. The serial number and purchase date were not provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. The vin was not available.
- Unknown or other
I reported a complaint about 10 days ago and haven't heard anything and this IS a follow up. the complaint number IS 10992187. would some one please give me an update on your procedure and when I can expect to hear from you. my name IS [xxx] . I leave saturday june 10TH and will be gone for a…
I reported a complaint about 10 days ago and haven't heard anything and this IS a follow up. the complaint number IS 10992187. would some one please give me an update on your procedure and when I can expect to hear from you. my name IS [xxx] . I leave saturday june 10TH and will be gone for a week out of country. he will return on july 10. thanks for your help. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Air bags
When sleeping in motorhome the front drivers steering wheel airbag deployed. The vehicle was parked and not running. The key was not even in the ignition.
- Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford E-450. While driving approximately 35 mph the contact noticed smoke emitting from under the vehicle on the rear passenger side. The contact was able to maintain control of the vehicle and merge to the shoulder. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford E-450. While driving approximately 35 mph the contact noticed smoke emitting from under the vehicle on the rear passenger side. The contact was able to maintain control of the vehicle and merge to the shoulder. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the spindle had melted and the shaft assembly needed to be replaced. The second time the failure recurred, flames were emitted from under the vehicle. The fire department reported to the scene and a report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic who stated that the spindle had caught on fire and needed to be repaired along with the shaft assembly, tire and brakes. After the repairs, the contact noticed smoke a third time. The vehicle was not further repaired for the most recent failure. Repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
- Visibility
Velvac foldable rv mirror fell completely off of its mounting. This failure occured on both sides off the rv at nearly the same time. Fortunately the rv was parked at the time and not on the road. The failure occurred in a retaining ring groove with the retaining ring cutting through the groove on…
Velvac foldable rv mirror fell completely off of its mounting. This failure occured on both sides off the rv at nearly the same time. Fortunately the rv was parked at the time and not on the road. The failure occurred in a retaining ring groove with the retaining ring cutting through the groove on the mirror spindle. This failure occurred without any prior warning. The vehicle was a 2003 lazy daze rv. I do have some of the parts, but the spindle was repaired so I can use the rv. *tt
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford E450. The contact stated the vehicle would exhibit numerous issues when driving such as running rough, stalling, hesitation, failure to restart and failure to initially start. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where he was advised to have the vehicle…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford E450. The contact stated the vehicle would exhibit numerous issues when driving such as running rough, stalling, hesitation, failure to restart and failure to initially start. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where he was advised to have the vehicle inspected by an authorized dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the fuel tank would need replacing. The contact stated that the fuel tank was previously replaced. The vehicle was left with the dealer where the contact was awaiting repairs. The manufacturer would offer no assistance. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000 and the current mileage was approximately 40,000.
- Latches/locks/linkages · Service brakes, hydraulic · Vehicle speed control
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…
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 attempted to unlock the doors, the passengers side door would not unlock. In addition, the brake retarder was inoperable. He was able to restart the vehicle. Initially, the vehicle would not change gears but did so within a few minutes. The contact believed that nhtsa campaign ID number 07v336000 was directly related to the failure he experienced. The vehicle had not been repaired nor had the manufacturer been contacted. The failure and current mileages were 238,000.
- Fuel system, diesel
Follow this link: http://stevewiencek.smugmug.com/photography/ford-fuel-tank/10976330_wp42t#774715040_3ceqc for a description of what I and others have experienced with this fuel tank. It IS unsafe, defective and should be recalled. 1) loss of power 2) occurred every 100 miles or less 3) cost was over $5000 to replace the fuel tank fuel lines and fuel injectors. *tr
- Tires · Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
2003 ford E450 drivers side rear wheel came off while driving on the ohio turnpike. *kb the rim had wear marks where the lug nuts wore large holes, which caused the studs to snap off. Ohio traffic crash report #10-0038-91 updated letter 04/29/10 *bf
- Fuel system, diesel › Storage › Tank assembly
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford E-450 diesel box. When driving uphill the vehicle would hesitate and then stall. The dealer replaced the fuel filter, but the failure resurfaced. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the technician concluded that the fuel tank needed de-lamination. The vehicle was still awaiting repairs . The failure and current mileages were under 43,400.
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
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…
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 second recall for the same problem. we have had to take the motor home to them to disconnect the cruise control and really need to have this fixed. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
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…
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 her to pull out the fuse since she was unable to get to the location of where the switch could be deactivated. a mechanic strongly recommended that she not pull the fuse out because the vehicle could still catch fire. in december of 2007, ford stated that the parts for the recall repair would be unavailable until approximately march of 2008. there had been no failure to date. the current mileage IS 7,402. Updated 02/19/08. *lj
- Vehicle speed control
Ford safety recall 05s28 - I went to dealer and they deactivated cruise control but they did not have parts to repair - told they would be available nov - called today told national backorder most likely not till march 08 - why the long delay? *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Ford E-450 speed control deactivation switch replacement. ford IS out of parts and will not be available until after beginning of next year according to service department at local dealer. *jb
- Tires
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford E450. the contact stated that all four of his michelin LT 225 75r/16 tires had large cracks in the sidewalls. the tire manufacturer stated that the cracks were due to normal wear and tear. the dot number was unknown. the current mileage IS 41,000 and the failure mileage was unknown.
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. · Structure
Dt: consumer owned a c class motor home 30 feet long, E450 ford V10 2003, make of motor was forest river sun seeker. Consumer was concerned with extreme heat build up in the passenger compartment next to the dog house, and also in the driver's compartment. The heat from the motor compartment was…
Dt: consumer owned a c class motor home 30 feet long, E450 ford V10 2003, make of motor was forest river sun seeker. Consumer was concerned with extreme heat build up in the passenger compartment next to the dog house, and also in the driver's compartment. The heat from the motor compartment was coming through the fire wall which seemed to be well insulated. However, the heat was still coming through , and causing great discomfort to occupants of vehicle. Consumer had been driving vehicle for about 4 or 5 hours in october of 2004, when he attempted to place a compact disc in the cd player he found that the dashboard was so hot that it caused him to drop the disc. Consumer was worried that touching dashboard would burn him or his wife. heat was so intense that the compact disc would warp if he placed it in the player. He has talked to ford motor company, and was given the name of quite ride solutions in stockton, california. This company made an after market product that will cool down the cab, the kit cost $300.00. Plus shipping and instillation charges. Quite ride solutions could be reached at 209-942-4777. Consumer's wife refused to ride in cab of vehicle due to extreme heat, and he would like to have ford fix vehicle so that his wife would ride with him.*ak *tt
- Tires
I have a jayco motorhome on a ford E450 chassis, original. Tires michelin 225/75 with load factor e. Max load of the tires IS 9880lbs, my actual rear axle weight 9270 (static and motorhome empty with no water, fuel tank 1/3 full) according to michelin that IS asking for tire failure ( had 2…
I have a jayco motorhome on a ford E450 chassis, original. Tires michelin 225/75 with load factor e. Max load of the tires IS 9880lbs, my actual rear axle weight 9270 (static and motorhome empty with no water, fuel tank 1/3 full) according to michelin that IS asking for tire failure ( had 2 already) because the dynamic loads (going down the street, bumps - uphill - downhill- sideloads) will be over the tire limit. That's the reason the law requires pass, cars and light trucks to have a 16% reserve capacity; mine IS down to about 2%. With full fuel and water tank, little bit of staff loaded for vacation or putting anything on the trailer hitch (boat or even loaded bike rack) I am overweight for the existing tires and max rear axle weight I know that IS not an issue ford has to deal but jayco.but I would very much appreciate your expertise about what to do (IS that motorhome a risk to drive , maybe unsafe?) IS there any means to increase the max rear axle weight on that E450 chassis? any way I could put on a different tire size (enough room on the rim / wheel-well;that would increase the max tire load about 1000lbs - but IS that legal and doable, especially. With the dual tires. I am looking forward to your answer *la
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- HVAC Switch Failures
ODI has received 1 complaint and reports from 4 transportation fleets alleging 182 switch failures.Each fleet operates mini buses built on a Ford E350 or E450 cutaway chassis.The OEM HVAC blower switches have melted, smoked, burned or experienced open flame and become inoperable on vehicles in each fleet.Some drivers…
ODI has received 1 complaint and reports from 4 transportation fleets alleging 182 switch failures.Each fleet operates mini buses built on a Ford E350 or E450 cutaway chassis.The OEM HVAC blower switches have melted, smoked, burned or experienced open flame and become inoperable on vehicles in each fleet.Some drivers have reported a burning smell or smoke coming from the dash.One fleet reported a vehicle fire.No injuries were sustained.However, the bus was carrying special needs children when the driver noticed smoke coming from the dash.The driver was able to evacuate the children prior to the vehicle becoming engulfed in flames.This PE has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA) to determine if the blower motor switch failures create a situation where a vehicle fire is possible and presents a safety risk to the driver and other passengers.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10056196Ford: when shifting between park, reverse and/or during 2-3 shift, an intermittent clunk occurs with a torqshift transmission. Model 2003-2014 f-super duty, e series, excursion, F-53 motorhome chassis, low cab forward.
- 10034571Ford: runs rough, lacks power, hard start, no start. Some vehicles and trucks equipped with 6.0L engine may exhibit a runs rough, lacks power, hard to start, no start concern with or without diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0611 code or various injector circuit codes.
- 10028284Ford trucks: misfire, lack of power, buck/jerk, excessive smoke, crank/no start-diagnostics for fuel system. There are several potential causes for these symptoms.
- 10018941Vibration/harshness above 45 mph (72 km/h) after tire balance.
- 10013320Fluid leaking from the vent on the transmission mounted parking brake assembly.
- 10013298Cracks in the left or right spring tower flange. Spring tower weld repair and replacement procedure.
- 10011181Low power and/or diagnostic trouble code p0299 or p2263 - turbocharger diagnostic service tip.
- 10010743Intermittent clunk on 3-2 downshift during coastdown/tip-in. Oasis. To include 2005 F-150, e-series and expedition.
- 10010545Customer satisfaction program 04n03. Additional warranty coverage for anti-lock brake system module.
- 10008561Engine roughness and driveability symptoms.
- 10007350Clunk from front suspension.
Every Ford E-450 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.