2003 Ford E Series problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Visibility:windshield Wiper/Washer:motor (1) · Power Train:driveline:differential Unit (1) · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Ford E Series 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 (63)
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.
Structure 2023-04-04 · SSM 51536 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
for 2000-2024 ford and lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. it is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (vin) from a different vehicle. most modules on these affe
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine 2011-11-17 · TSB-11-11-21 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ford: the blower motor on some vehicles are operating either incorrectly or not operating or just functioning on one speed. *pe
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2009-08-19 · SB-09M03 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ford: certain vehicles, e series and f super duty, with ambulance prep package ambulance class action settlement-6.0l diesel engine replacement warranty extension. awareness communication dated 4/20/09. *pe
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2009-08-19 · SB-09M02 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ford: certain vehicles with ambulance prep package ambulance class action settlement; specific component warranty extension. awareness communication, dated 4/20/09. *pe
Power Train:automatic Transmission 2009-08-01 · SB-20937 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ford: multiple vehicles with a torq shift transmission intermittent clunk when shifting between drive, reverse and park and/or during 2-3 upshift. models f super duty; e series; excursion; f53 motorhome chassis and low cab forward. *pe
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine 2007-10-01 · 07212 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6l 2v, 5.4l 2v, or 6.8l 2v engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. *nj this includes f-53 motorhome chassis. updated 2/23/10. *pe
Showing the 6 most recent of 63 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2015-09-06 · Unknown Or Other · 121,000 mi“my vehicle suddenly stopped shut off dead!!!! in the middle of traffic. i managed to restar it and immediately drove it to the closest mechanic shop.i paid $49.95 fee and they scanned the engine. told me it might have been a loose wire, that they took care of it and go ahead and drive it. "bring it back, if it happens again" easier said than d…”
2007-06-26 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor · 77,000 mi“while driving the vehicle it started to make a loud rattling sound and started to loose power, eventually the vehicle just shut down and wouldn't start again. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where i was told that the catalytic converter is bad. the vehicle has been at the dealer since may 21, 2007. the part has been on back order since then…”
2007-01-16 · Power Train:driveline:differential Unit · 47,187 mi“grinding noise from the rear end while backing or making low speed turns. per 3 different mechanics, this is a common problem with the ford explorer due to the rear differential. this problem has been repeatedly documented both here and in online forums. it requires a $1000.00 repair with no guarantee that the repair will prevent the problem from r…”
2004-10-22 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/Washer:motor“while driving in inclement weather windshield wiper came on and off intermittently. consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced. *ak…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.