NHTSA lists 17 complaints for the 2003 Ford E-250, 4 of them mention a crash and 2 mention a fire. 2 complaints mention an injury, with 2 injuries and 0 deaths reported.
Data build 2026-10-08.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as FORD E-250.
Model-generated complaint tags: This model year has not been tagged.
Recalls
See new recalls and investigations this week.
7 recalls.
Date: 2009-10-13. Systems: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.
Defect: 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 OVERHEA (excerpt)
Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING. (excerpt)
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. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2008-02-04. Systems: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.
Defect: FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.
Consequence: AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2007-08-03. Systems: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.
Defect: 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. (excerpt)
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. (excerpt)
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 (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2004-12-15. Systems: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY.
Defect: ON CERTAIN VANS BUILT ON FORD E250/E350 CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT SYSTEMS, THE SPROCKET TEETH OF THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WHEELCHAIR MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY SECURED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES TO A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT RETRACTORS AS NECESSARY. SURE-LOK IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SURE-LOCK AT 1-908-231-1804 OR ACCUBUILT AT 419-222-1501.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2004-09-13. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Defect: 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. (excerpt)
Consequence: THESE HOT PARTICLES MAY IGNITE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM DAMAGE OR UNDERHOOD FIRE. (excerpt)
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, THI (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2004-09-13. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Defect: ON CERTAIN VANS, A DIODE IN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. (excerpt)
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. (excerpt)
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 ALREA (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2004-05-13. Systems: EQUIPMENT.
Defect: CERTAIN VANS AND WAGONS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION." FOR CERTAIN 2003 E250 VANS BUILT WITH LT225/75R16E TIRES, THE REAR AXLE RATING IS INCORRECTLY LISTED ON THE LABEL. IN ADDITION, THE TIRE PRESSURE IS INCORRECTLY LISTED ON THE LABEL FOR THE REAR TIRES ON CERTAIN 2002 E350 WAGONS AND FOR THE FRONT TIRES ON CERTAIN 2002 E250 VANS BUILT WITH THESE TIRES.
Consequence: FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION RECOMMENDATION CAN RESULT IN TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH SUPPLEMENTARY TIRE LABELS CONTAINING CORRECT INFORMATION AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 8, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Investigations
2 investigations; 0 open.
EA10003
Opened: 2010-04-13. Closed: 2012-03-05.
HVAC Switch Failures
This investigation was opened based on one complaint and reports from four transportation fleets alleging 182 blower motor control switch failures.ODI was concerned that these melting and burning switches could lead to an open flame that could spread throughout the vehicle.After a comprehensive review of all data related to overheating blower motor control switches in the subject vehicles, ODI did
Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Linked campaign numbers: None listed.
DP05005
Opened: 2005-09-22. Closed: 2006-01-04.
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CY
Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Linked campaign numbers: None listed.
Manufacturer communications
16 manufacturer communications.
Communications by system| System | Count |
|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 4 |
|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2 |
|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2 |
|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 2 |
|---|
| STEERING | 2 |
|---|
| SUSPENSION | 2 |
|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 |
|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR | 1 |
|---|
10148820
Date: 2018-04-06. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STEERING.
This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible increase in steering effort.
10056196
Date: 2014-05-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
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
10022232
Date: 2006-12-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING.
HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT NEEDED. *KB
10018741
Date: 2005-11-14. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1131 AND/OR P1151 - 4.2L ENGINE. *TT
10017865
Date: 2005-07-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING.
HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT - CHASSIS CAB INCOMPLETE VEHICLES. *TT
10012941
Date: 2005-02-07. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B1876, B1880, B1915 AND/OR B1920 IN THE ECS MODULE - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AFTERMARKET HIGH CURRENT DEVICES. *TT
10018941
Date: 2005-01-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SUSPENSION.
VIBRATION/HARSHNESS ABOVE 45 MPH (72 KM/H) AFTER TIRE BALANCE. *TT
10010545
Date: 2004-10-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 04N03. ADDITIONAL WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM MODULE. *TT
10010743
Date: 2004-10-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
INTERMITTENT CLUNK ON 3-2 DOWNSHIFT DURING COASTDOWN/TIP-IN. OASIS. TO INCLUDE 2005 F-150, E-SERIES AND EXPEDITION. *TT
10011181
Date: 2004-08-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
LOW POWER AND/OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0299 OR P2263 - TURBOCHARGER DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE TIP. *TT