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2003 Ford E-450

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 10 of 18 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Tires. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Equipment. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports2 fire reports0 injury reports

Vehicle Speed Control complaints

5 reports
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238,000 miles · Apr 5, 2010
Latches/locks/linkagesService Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed ControlFire

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 P…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10323741

Mileage unknown · Apr 2, 2008
Vehicle Speed 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 THE SECOND RECALL FOR THE SAME…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10223111

Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2008
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 INFORMED HER TO PULL OUT THE FUSE SIN…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10213387

34,784 miles · Nov 5, 2007
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

NHTSA ODI #10207920

Mileage unknown · Sep 17, 2007
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

NHTSA ODI #10203249

Official recalls

4

09V399000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Oct 13, 2009

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 & remedy

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.

07V336000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Aug 3, 2007

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 & remedy

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.

04V444000 · Electrical System:wiring

Sep 13, 2004

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

Consequence & remedy

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.

04V445000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Sep 13, 2004

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE09055 · Hvac Switch Failures

Opened Dec 7, 2009 · Closed Apr 21, 2010

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

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.