2003 Ford E-450 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Vehicle Speed Control (4) · Tires (2) · Wheels:lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Ford E-450 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (11)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Power Train:automatic Transmission 2014-05-01 · ASI-44534 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ford: 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. *pe
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors 2010-06-11 · TSB-10-12-6 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ford: 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. *pe
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline 2009-03-20 · TSB-08-20-1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ford trucks: misfire, lack of power, buck/jerk, excessive smoke, crank/no start-diagnostics for fuel system. there are several potential causes for these symptoms. *pe
Structure:frame And Members 2005-11-14 · 0511 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
cracks in the left or right spring tower flange. *tt spring tower weld repair and replacement procedure. *tt
Suspension 2005-01-01 · 05248 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
vibration/harshness above 45 mph (72 km/h) after tire balance. *tt
Power Train 2005-01-01 · 18382 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
fluid leaking from the vent on the transmission mounted parking brake assembly. *tt
Showing the 6 most recent of 11 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2024-09-04 · 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 wheels won't turn, and burn i have to pull over when …”
2018-03-01 · 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 response in order to have the recall remedy completed. t…”
2017-06-06 · Unknown Or Other · 95,000 mi“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. t…”
2016-07-25 · Air Bags · 36,540 mi“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.…”
2012-08-07 · Suspension:rear:axle:spindle · 20,000 mi · 🔥 fire“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 asse…”
2011-07-11 · Visibility · 40,000 mi“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 a…”
2010-08-25 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly · 20,000 mi“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 inform…”
2010-04-05 · Vehicle Speed Control · 238,000 mi · 🔥 fire“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 …”
2010-02-26 · Fuel System, Diesel · 113,020 mi“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 li…”
2010-02-18 · 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…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.