Model year record

2003 Ford E-550 recalls & problems

The 2003 Ford E-550 has 5 safety recalls and 66 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (22 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints66filed by owners

Crashes · fires7 · 3reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths10 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Vehicle speed controlOct 13, 2009

Vehicle speed control

Recall 09V3990004,500,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Fix: 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.

Vehicle speed controlMar 6, 2007

Vehicle speed control

Recall 07V078000155,584 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Risk: OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE, BURN, OR AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Fix: 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)

Fuel system, gasolineJun 13, 2006

Fuel system, gasoline

Recall 06E05600058,640 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Fix: 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.

Electrical systemSep 13, 2004

Wiring

Recall 04V444000214,849 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN VANS, A DIODE IN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
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.
Fix: 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.

Engine and engine coolingSep 13, 2004

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 04V445000253,076 vehicles

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

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Diesel; Engine	22	0	0	1	26,650 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Driveline › Driveshaft	10	0	1	0	20,650 mi
TiresSidewall; Tread/belt	9	0	0	1	47,500 mi
Electrical system	8	0	1	0	39,250 mi
Air bagsFrontal	6	6	0	8	47,500 mi
VisibilityRearview mirrors/devices › Exterior; Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring	5	0	0	0	200 mi
Fuel system, dieselStorage › Tank assembly	4	0	0	0	—
Fuel system, otherStorage › Fuel gauge system; Fuel injection system	3	0	0	0	851 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module	3	1	1	0	—
Seat beltsFront	2	2	0	4	—
SteeringLinkages	2	0	0	0	—
Suspension	2	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner 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.
Jan 19, 2015 · 43,000 miles
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 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…
Sep 12, 2007
Service brakes, hydraulicCrash
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…
Aug 17, 2007 · 45,000 miles
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
Dec 16, 2006 · 46,000 miles
Power train › Automatic transmission
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, FORD F-250 POWER STROKE DIESEL, WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE WILL NOT CHANGE GEARS CORRECTLY. *TR
May 1, 2007 · 90,000 miles
Tires
DRIVING EAST BOUND ON I-30 1/2 MILE WEST OF EXIT 121, THE TREAD CAME OFF OF THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT. *TR
Mar 25, 2007 · 33,900 miles
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Hoses/lines/piping/fittings
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…
Mar 27, 2007
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 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
Mar 20, 2007

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.