2003 Ford E550
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2003 Ford E550. 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 E550. 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 trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Overheating could result in smoke, burn, or an underhood fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on march 12, 2007. owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. (Note: also see recalls 05v017, 05v388, and 06v286)
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
66 complaints7 involved a crash3 involved a fire10 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford E-550. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 05v270000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 43,000.
- Fuel system, diesel › Storage › Tank assembly
In reference to our 2003 ford F-550 diesel dump truck. the first documented occurrence the problem of loss of power while on the road and running was back in 2005. the problem was finally properly diagnosed on 9/13/07 by mccafferty ford. the problem was that the lining of the fuel tank was…
In reference to our 2003 ford F-550 diesel dump truck. the first documented occurrence the problem of loss of power while on the road and running was back in 2005. the problem was finally properly diagnosed on 9/13/07 by mccafferty ford. the problem was that the lining of the fuel tank was flaking away and clogging the fuel lines, fuel pump and filter. ford's reason for this happening was that 5% or more of biodiesel was used in the tank. after much research we have found that just about all of our fuel purchased for this vehicle was manufactured by either exxon or sunoco. we have been able to obtain statements from both exxon and sunoco that determine undeniably that there IS no chance any biodiesel was purchased from them. beyond those statements, sunoco has offered to not only test the fuel we saved from the tank, but will also run tests on every station we purchased from and go to their board and attorneys on our behalf with this issue. mccafferty ford has also shown their support of us, just in order to keep us happy as their customer, has credited us back half of the repair costs. these tanks are obviously faulty for some reason other than the use of biodiesel in them. Customer care specialist in the escalated department told us that mccafferty ford stated that there was proof of the fact that there was 5% or more of bio diesel used and that was the sole basis of ford?s denial. no one at mccafferty made that statement to anyone. nor IS there any proof of such. and, mccafferty stated that they have addressed this same issue with ford 6 or 7 times prior to our issue and that ford has been ?very uncooperative?. we can substantiate the fact that no biodiesel was ever put in this truck and she has the ability to account for, support the make-up of, and obtain documentation on every drop of fuel ever put in this truck. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic
In the third week of june 2007 my wife moved my truck from the parking spot in the driveway, braked twice with no problem. on third brake depression, pedal went to the floorboard. truck impacted our 2004 ford explorer in the driveway, damage to both vehicles approximately $3000 total. afterwards…
In the third week of june 2007 my wife moved my truck from the parking spot in the driveway, braked twice with no problem. on third brake depression, pedal went to the floorboard. truck impacted our 2004 ford explorer in the driveway, damage to both vehicles approximately $3000 total. afterwards the brakes maintained pressure. (The F250 had been parked for about five days without movement). on august 17,2007 I picked up the F250 after being parked at the airport for five days (high temperatures - 100 degrees). after starting, brakes applied good for two light applications, third application resulted in pedal going completely to the floor. rapid activation of the emergency brake stopped vehicle prior to any collision. once IS a fluke, second IS a defect. took F250 to ford dealer, could not duplicate failure. was going to have me drive away as if there was no problem. after call back to ford tech, they thought possible master brake cylinder problem. F250 left at dealership for master cylinder replacement after being told that they would have to sign liability in the event of failure. master cylinder will be retained and available for nhtsa inspection if requested. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel
While driving truck engines would shut off and then restart. this happened a couple of time on a narrow mountain road causing me to lose steering for a second or two, very scary. Problem fixed after I replaced the cps on my own. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission problems, ford F-250 power stroke diesel, will not go into reverse will not change gears correctly. *Tr
- Tires
Driving east bound on I-30 1/2 mile west of exit 121, the tread came off of the driver side front. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Hoses/lines/piping/fittings · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel
My husband was having a routine oil change on his 2003 F-350 ford diesel when the technician noticed he had a radiator leak, there was a hole in a radiator hose. the large dealership was out of stock of replacement hoses. (There's a clue that this IS a widespread problem) they decided to pull one…
My husband was having a routine oil change on his 2003 F-350 ford diesel when the technician noticed he had a radiator leak, there was a hole in a radiator hose. the large dealership was out of stock of replacement hoses. (There's a clue that this IS a widespread problem) they decided to pull one from one of the used trucks in stock and had to check three before they found one without a hole (there's a second clue) I found the following on-line "so I took my truck in for a coolant leak..more like an added drain in a 3" hose that to me looks like the return under the engine. This hose IS located in very close proximity to the steering box.....yep...a hole was worn in this hose from the steering..." this indicates to me that there IS a design flaw placing the radiator hose too close to the steering mechanism. overheating and stranded motorists constitutes a safety issue. *Jb
- Tires › Sidewall
Firestone steeltex lt265/75/r16 R4S tires - sidewalls are separated at the raised letters. This issue was identicle on all 4 tires. Tires were original equipment on a ford excursion - 2003 2WD diesel. Tires currently have 48000 miles with good tread remaining. I can lift up the lettering and see…
Firestone steeltex lt265/75/r16 R4S tires - sidewalls are separated at the raised letters. This issue was identicle on all 4 tires. Tires were original equipment on a ford excursion - 2003 2WD diesel. Tires currently have 48000 miles with good tread remaining. I can lift up the lettering and see the sidewall fibers on the sidewalls. this vehicle IS never used off road and specifically used for long distance travel. I am going to replace these tires tomorrow, 3/21/2007. I have not at this time had a blowout or flat tire but these tires are extremely unsafe.*ak
- Visibility › Glass, side/rear
2003 ford explorer tailgate glass the tailgate cracks form the point of where the glass starts and the tailgate ends this IS a plastic or fiberglas part that has the vertical crack. *nm
- Electrical system · Power train › Automatic transmission › Torque converter · Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate
I own a 2003 lincoln navigator. 2 problems..1. Power liftgate does not work, causing running boards not to deploy..sometimes I was able to pull fuse for liftgate and everything would reset and work for about 1 day. Now that will not work...2 my overdrive lite flashes. took car to ford dealer and…
I own a 2003 lincoln navigator. 2 problems..1. Power liftgate does not work, causing running boards not to deploy..sometimes I was able to pull fuse for liftgate and everything would reset and work for about 1 day. Now that will not work...2 my overdrive lite flashes. took car to ford dealer and paid for 1 hr labor with no results..i was told that they were getting 4 or 5 error codes on transmission, but I had to pay for additional labor for them to drop transmission to hopefully isolate problem..there IS a 4/50K warranty on transmission, and I have just over 70K. I would think that this IS a major problem, and am wondering eventhough mileage IS exceeded, am I still covered by years? *nm
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel
No warning/symptom camshaft position sensor failed -10* outside with icy roads 7:00 pm moderate traffic on freeway engine shut down this IS a 1TON pickup going 55 mph with very little steering control with lack of power steering. my understanding this IS a common occurrence with the ford 7.3…
No warning/symptom camshaft position sensor failed -10* outside with icy roads 7:00 pm moderate traffic on freeway engine shut down this IS a 1TON pickup going 55 mph with very little steering control with lack of power steering. my understanding this IS a common occurrence with the ford 7.3 diesel poor design this IS also a dealer only part that cost $175.00 I was just glad I was able to get the vehicle on the side of the road and avoid an accident. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
I had a fire in my vehicle on 6/26/2006 and it was a total loss. two fire investigators determined that the fire started in the ABS module. I not only lost my vehicle but my whole business which was in that vehicle. but I have gotten no response from ford. *nm
- Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Steering · Suspension
My truck IS a 03. I got it with 32000 on it. I had to replace the steering idem arm. And since I got the truck this truck I have a had problem with a shocking in my front end of the truck when I make a turn. I have gone back to my dealer and I have taken it to 3 other people plus ford dealer. I…
My truck IS a 03. I got it with 32000 on it. I had to replace the steering idem arm. And since I got the truck this truck I have a had problem with a shocking in my front end of the truck when I make a turn. I have gone back to my dealer and I have taken it to 3 other people plus ford dealer. I just found out that there was a recall on the drive shaft. it needed grease. well, guess what that didn't work. I need to know what IS wrong with this truck. there IS a problem with this truck. my dealer will not take care of it and ford dealer will not take care of this. I am ready to give this truck up. I hate this truck. this IS my dream truck and it has became a nightmare since jan of this year. I had a ford ranger and never had to put the kind of money in that truck then I do with this one. please help me. this truck should not have these kind of problems. I would like this fix. michelle hardenburgh of sandston. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Exhaust manifold bolts breaking. Causing exhaust leak and exhaust fumes into vehicle cabin. *Jb
- Air bags › Frontal
On july 23, 2006 we were in a car accident. we were traveling through ogden, ut on our way to yellowstone. we were following my parents who were driving a F350 pulling a 37 foot cardinal 5TH wheel. we have a F250 and we were pulling a 32 foot prowler travel trailer. a suburban pulling a boat…
On july 23, 2006 we were in a car accident. we were traveling through ogden, ut on our way to yellowstone. we were following my parents who were driving a F350 pulling a 37 foot cardinal 5TH wheel. we have a F250 and we were pulling a 32 foot prowler travel trailer. a suburban pulling a boat jack-knifed in front of my parents. they barley stopped in time, however, by the time we realized his red brake lights were from a dead stop and not a slow down, we could not stop in time. we were traveling about 50 when we first started slowing down and probably were about 30 mph when we hit the back of my parents 5TH wheel. the F250 IS totaled because the engine ended up in the fire wall. the front end hood crumbled up to the front window, but did not break the glass. both front head lights were broken and both ends of the bumper were damaged. our front license plate ended up in the 5TH wheel. our impact was so severe that we totaled our trailer that was not even hit. it shifted off the frame making it unable to be fixed. we hit the back of the 5TH wheel square on. there were concrete k-rails on both sides of the freeway so we had no shoulder to go to. both doors were unable to open to let us out at first. after kicking the drivers door a few times we were unable to exit out of that side. the reason I am writing this IS to say that my air bags did not go off. everybody who sees the pictures taken at the scene say they should have gone off. even a local ford dealer says they would have thought they should have gone off. IS there anything that we can do about this? also, we want to make the public aware of this. thank you! *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I was driving my ford F150 (51K miles) through town when all of a sudden boom. my children were scared to death and I was more than a bit concerned. when I was able to pull over and analyze the situation I found the coil on plug blown off of the #3 plug on the passenger side. upon further…
I was driving my ford F150 (51K miles) through town when all of a sudden boom. my children were scared to death and I was more than a bit concerned. when I was able to pull over and analyze the situation I found the coil on plug blown off of the #3 plug on the passenger side. upon further inspection I found the actual spark plug had blown out of the cylinder head. the truck was towed to the dealership from which it was bought and repair costs were in excess of $3100. this IS a design flaw and ford should fix the problem. why else do you change designs in the next model year vehicle? *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Other fuel types › Turbo/supercharger
We have 3- 2003 F550 trucks, the first two trucks are always in the shop for repair to the engines, the first truck [xxx] has had two re-manufactured engines put in and the 2ND truck [xxx] has had patch jobs done to the motor. these trucks are work trucks and are on the highways five days a…
We have 3- 2003 F550 trucks, the first two trucks are always in the shop for repair to the engines, the first truck [xxx] has had two re-manufactured engines put in and the 2ND truck [xxx] has had patch jobs done to the motor. these trucks are work trucks and are on the highways five days a week or more, but the safety issues of these trucks IS that the engine either freezes up or just quits and this has happened on a corner, intersection on a hill they are going down. At this time we have been lucky that there has been areas to pull off the side of the road and cars have able to swerve around us to avoid an accident. he had to back down with the traffic on the west bound side to get to an area that was out of the way. also he was lucky he was in an area where the west bound traffic could see him, if this would have been more of a curve there probably would have been an accident. someone IS going to get killed, because there IS no warning when these trucks will shut down, because of motor problems. the motor have had intercooler problems, injectors replaced, motor shutting down, etc.. The ford motor company IS well aware of this problem because we have read in other papers of similar incidents, it looks at this time that ford IS trying to patch the trucks together instead of putting in a new motor and style, in which IS not having these problems. we have also filed a previous complaint with ford motor company the first time the oil coolers went out and the injectors, then again today when the motor quit again in traffic in the mountain areas, this was motor shut down for no reason. there a lot of dangerous curves and hills, some are which 6% to 10% grades that a semi or larger would not be able to stop as quickly as a passenger car or smaller vehicle! *Jb updated 07/16/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Repleacement of defective cruise control deactivation switch. *nm
- Air bags
Our 2003 ford expedition was involved in a one vehicle accident. The impact was on the entire passenger side and frontal impact. The vehicle was labeled a total loss. Neither the drivers side nor passenger side airbags deployed. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Every time this vehicle ( 2003 ford expedition FX4 4X4 ) IS either washed, and or when it rains, the truck will attempt to stall out, in any driving conditions city or fwy, which may cause an accident. I know this to be true for I have this vehicle and it stalled on the fast lane hwy 15, I had…
Every time this vehicle ( 2003 ford expedition FX4 4X4 ) IS either washed, and or when it rains, the truck will attempt to stall out, in any driving conditions city or fwy, which may cause an accident. I know this to be true for I have this vehicle and it stalled on the fast lane hwy 15, I had first believed it was a fuel problem, due to, it acts like its out of gas, bad filter etc, with this type of truck ford has installed ignition coils, one on top of each spark plug a total of 8, I had ford recently look at the problem and they did replace #8 coil due to water in the spark plug port ( 4-3-06 ), the plug boots do not stop any water from getting into the engine (spark plugs and wire assembly area), I have spoken to ford service dept, and out side mechanics and they all have agreed that this IS a common problem with the ford expeditions. What IS unethical the ford dealers and service dept, will attempt to convince the consumer that it IS their fault and that any warranty may be void, sunrise ford ( 909-434-0473 ) had tried to make me agree or say that I was washing the engine with water to clean it, the only time I look under the hood IS to change the oil or check the fluids, sunrise ford has been the only one, doing any major repairs to this truck and there mechanic, lost two machine type screws, and they told me I lost them, and that I should have checked the work after it being done, IS this my responsibility as a consumer? But as I write to you 4-14-2006 my wife's ford expedition has failed again it stalled after she left our driveway thank god I have a subaru in case of an emergency, and I will have to take it back to ford to do repairs due to ignition problems. Know wonder ford IS going out of business they treat their valid customers so poorly. sincerely: gregory m ritchie. *nm
- Fuel system, diesel
Purchased a new 2003 ford F-350 super duty with the 6.0 diesel on sept.9-15. at 10,000 miles troubles began. at 20,000 2 injectors failed. between then and the warranty expiration, another 12 failed. since then, another 16 have failed. from day one, I've tried to get relief from the dealer and ford. the dealer has filed for bankruptcy and ford doesn't care. *nm
- Tires › Sidewall
Tire defect: goodyear wrangler rt/s P255 70r16 - side wall cracks on 3 of 4 tires. vehicle: 2003 ford truck F-150 4X4 mileage: 53000. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
The cold air tube to the turbo blew loose on a uphill pull. I experienced a severe loss of power and lots of black smoke. I am pulling a 5TH wheel trailer and had this been on a mountain pass I feel I could have lost control, thus resulting in a deadly accident. country ford at las vegas…
The cold air tube to the turbo blew loose on a uphill pull. I experienced a severe loss of power and lots of black smoke. I am pulling a 5TH wheel trailer and had this been on a mountain pass I feel I could have lost control, thus resulting in a deadly accident. country ford at las vegas re-attached the hose b ut gave no guarantee that it would not happen again. I believe ford should re-engineer the tube with a more severe flange that could be better secured. *jb
- Air bags › Frontal · Seat belts › Front
Air bags failed to deploy in an accident. woman pulled out in front of me and I hit her left front quarter panel. her saturn and my F-150 were totaled at about 30 mph. my air bags did not deploy nor did my seat belt hold. I sustained moderate facial and leg injuries. Had the bags deployed, I would be hurting a lot less! *Jb
- Tires › Tread/belt
Tire tread failure. *Jb
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.
- 10018941Vibration/harshness above 45 mph (72 km/h) after tire balance.
- 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.
Every Ford E550 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.