2003 Ford Econoline recalls & problems

4 recalls 22 complaints 1 investigation

4recalls
22owner complaints
0crashes reported
3fires reported
2 / 0injuries / deaths

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2003 Ford Econoline and 22 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is vehicle speed control (5 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (4). NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation that include this vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.

2003 Ford Econoline recalls

Exterior Lighting · NHTSA 09E025000 · May 11, 2009

Problem: Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.

Risk: Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on july 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.

42,540 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Exterior Lighting · NHTSA 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009

Problem: Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.

Risk: Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

16,270 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Vehicle Speed Control · NHTSA 08V051000 · Feb 4, 2008

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

225,000 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA 03V282000 · Aug 5, 2003

Problem: On certain cutaway chassis cab with the school bus option, two brackets and two outrigger members are missing in the area of the fuel tank.

Risk: The brackets and outrigger members are intended to enhance crash performance.

Fix: Ford will send technicians to the owner's location to inspect and add the brackets and outriggers as required. Owner notification began on september 3, 2003. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

64 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

2003 Ford Econoline problems by component

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Vehicle Speed Control 5
011
Engine and Engine Cooling 4
011
Electrical System 3
010
Structure 3
000
Tires 3
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 2
000
Equipment 1
000
Fuel/Propulsion System 1
000
Fuel System, Gasoline 1
000
Power Train 1
000
Service Brakes, Electric 1
000
Suspension 1
000
Wheels 1
000

NHTSA investigations

Latest owner complaints

Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 10, 2016 · 105,000 miles · NY

Fuel tank delamination. This will be the second time I have to replace the fuel tank, sending unit and fuel pump on my e350 diesel van. Ford has had known issues for several years regarding this problem and refuses to accept any responsibility. The inside coating of the tank peels away and clogs up the fuel system, then they turn around and sell you the same tank so it happens…

Tires · Jul 23, 2012 · 62,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford econoline equipped with radar radial rlt-9 tires, size p245/75/r16. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the rear driver's tire blew out. The condition of the road were dry and the approximate temperature was 90 degrees fahrenheit. The failure recurred and the rear passenger tire blew out. The condition of the road was again dry and…

Engine and Engine Cooling · May 8, 2012 · 168,000 miles · CA

No. 2 spark plug blew out of cylinder head. *tr

Tires · Sep 15, 2009 · 110,000 miles · UT

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford econoline e-150. The contact stated that three cooper american prospector 225/70R15 tires on the vehicle have failed. The vehicle began vibrating and the dealer confirmed that the rear driver side tire needed to be replaced. Two weeks later, the rear passenger side tire blew out and was replaced. One week after the rear tire blew out the front…

Service Brakes, Electric · Jul 18, 2009 · 100,969 miles · CA

2003 ford aerostar lx van ABS light and brake light on dashboard will come on and stay on one day, and maybe not the next day. Going on for months. Can't predict when this will occur. The ford dealer offer to take care of the problem for less than a $1000 dollars!?!?!? Very generous of them! *tr

Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 5, 2008 · WI

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford econoloine. The contact received a safety recall notice in september of 2007 for the vehicle speed control. The cruise control was disconnected in october. Each month since october, the dealer has informed the contact that the parts would be available the following month. There had been no failure to date. The purchase date and recall number…

Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 15, 2008 · KY

I received a recall notice in 9/07 from the ford company concerning my 2003 motorhome. It involved the speed control deactivation switch, which they said was defective. When I contacted a local ford dealer as instructed by the letter, I was told the repair had to wait till the parts arrived in december. When I called the dealer lst week, I was told the parts wouldn't arrive…

Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 30, 2007 · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford econoline. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 07V336000 (vehicle speed control) in august of 2007. The dealer stated that the part would not be available until march of 2008. The contact felt that the wait time for the repair was unacceptable. There had been no failure to date. The current mileage was 40,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 4, 2007 · WA

2003 ford econoline with a recall. Customer stated the former owners forwarded the recall notice to them. Although he is mad because the parts will not be in until december or the beginning of next year. *kb *tr

Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 18, 2007 · PA

2003 econoline speed recall defect I was told to have cruise control disconnected and repair not available until jan. 2008. *jb

Engine and Engine Cooling · Jul 20, 2007 · MA

We have a 2003 ford econoline van that ejected it's first spark plug this spring costing US towing and $500.00+ in repairs. Wednesday, it happened again, this time on the new york state thruway. We were forced to stand in a 10 foot piece of grass between 3 lanes of traffic and a rock cliff with 4 small children. After we managed to get 7 people packed into a tow truck and get…

Electrical System · Jul 10, 2007 · 93,195 miles · IN

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford econoline. The ABS was replaced under recall # 04V444000 (electrical system:wiring), but it did not correct the failure. The vehicle is drivable, however, the ABS is burned. The current mileage is 97,000 and failure mileage was 93,195. Updated 08/14/07. *jb

Other Ford Econoline years

1967 1969 1971 1972 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2005 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Ford Econoline have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls covering the 2003 Ford Econoline, the most recent one (09E025000) for exterior lighting. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Econoline?

Based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are vehicle speed control (5), engine and engine cooling (4), electrical system (3).

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2003 Ford Econoline?

Owners reported 0 crashes, 3 fires, 2 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.

Is NHTSA investigating the 2003 Ford Econoline?

NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation that include this vehicle, most recently DP05005: Spark plug ejection from cylinder head.