2003 Ford E-250 problems

General information about Ford-E-250
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

The Ford E-Series (also known as the Ford Econoline, Ford Econovan or Ford Club Wagon) is a range of full-size vans manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced for 1961 as the replacement of the Ford F-Series panel van, four generations of the model line have been produced. Marketed for both cargo and passenger transport configurations, the E-Series has been designed with multiple design variations for both retail and commercial sale, including vans, and commercial-grade cutaway van chassis and stripped chassis (a chassis without bodywork).

With over 8.2 million units sold since 1961, the Ford E-Series is the third-best selling van line in history (outranked only by the Ford Transit and Volkswagen Transporter). Ford retired the E-Series passenger and cargo vans after 2014, replacing them with the Ford Transit. As of current production, the E-Series remains offered exclusively in cutaway and stripped-chassis configurations. In 2021, the model line entered its 60th year of production (becoming the second current Ford line to do so).

The E-Series (cutaway/stripped chassis) is assembled by Ford at its Ohio Assembly facility (Avon Lake, Ohio), which has produced the model line since 1975. Prior to its closure, Lorain Assembly (Lorain, Ohio) assembled the model line from 1961 to 2005.

Social links

Common 2003 Ford E-250 problems

The Ford E-250, a popular van model, has had its fair share of common problems reported by owners. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues, along with their symptoms, causes, and potential solutions.

Blower Motor: A blower motor issue can cause the vehicle's heating and cooling system to malfunction. Symptoms include the blower motor not working at all or not working at certain speeds due to a bad resistor. A completely failed blower motor could be caused by a wiring issue. To fix this, check the wiring, the resistor, and the blower motor itself.

Engine Misfire: An engine misfire can occur due to worn-out or cracked spark plugs or bad coil packs. Symptoms include a check engine light, skipping or bucking from the engine, and difficulty taking off or stopping. To diagnose this issue, pull the code to identify the misfiring cylinder and replace the faulty components.

Transmission Fluid Leaks: Transmission fluid leaks from the front of the transmission bell housing are a common problem in the Ford E-250. This issue can lead to transmission failure and should be addressed promptly. To fix this, inspect the transmission for leaks and replace any damaged seals or gaskets.

Rough Running Engine: A rough running engine can be caused by various issues, such as faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or air intake problems. Symptoms include shaking, stalling, or difficulty starting the engine. To diagnose and fix this issue, perform a thorough inspection of the engine and its components and replace any faulty parts.

These are just a few of the common problems reported by Ford E-250 owners. For a more comprehensive list, including problems specific to certain model years, it is recommended to consult resources like RepairPal, 1A Auto, and Haynes Manuals.

What engine is in the E-250?

4.6-liter V-8

Standard 225-hp, 4.6-liter V-8.

What is the difference between Econoline 150 and 250?

The Basic Difference:

The higher the number, the more weight the van can haul and the heavier duty it is. For example, in this case, the E-250 is more of a heavy-duty option than the E-150. This means that vans are all built with different parts, so they can accommodate different weights.

What is the mpg on a 2007 Ford Econoline E-250?

Based on data from 13 vehicles, 756 fuel-ups and 226,167 miles of driving, the 2007 Ford E-250 gets a combined Avg MPG of 12.02 with a 0.18 MPG margin of error.

Is E 250 a good car?

If Mercedes brought back this engine with the 9 speed transmission I would be a buyer. Sadly, that won't happen which makes the E250 the last of its kind. The E250 is a very good car and has aged well so far. If you're considering a used one, I wouldn't hesitate to buy.

2003 Ford E-250 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Ford E-250.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2003 Ford E-250 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the 2003 Ford E-250.

2009-10-13

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: 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: 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.

2008-02-04

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
Summary: 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.

2007-08-03

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: 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: 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.

2006-06-13

Manufacturer: UFI FILTERS USA
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Consequence: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

2004-09-13

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: 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: 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.

2004-09-13

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Summary: ON CERTAIN VANS, A DIODE IN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
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.

2004-05-13

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: 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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2003 Ford E-250 problems:

Looking at a 2003 E-250, thoughts? - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1222715-looking-at-a-2003-e-250-thoughts.html

Feb 10, 2013 ... ... issue here: 2003 Ford Econoline Cargo E-150 4.2L V6 4-speed Automatic Reliability. The manifold gasket issue is mentioned here, but note also ...

Common Problems with 2004 Ford E250 Van - Q&A

https://www.justanswer.com/ford/bxbu2-common-problem-2004-ford-e250-van.html

Jan 8, 2019 ... I have a common problem on my 2004 Ford e250 van, where I can[t fill the tank without the pump clicking off constantly.

2003 Ford E-250 Problems and Complaints - 9 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2003-ford-e-250/problems

Problem with your 2003 Ford E-250? Our list of 9 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2003 Ford E-250.

Common 2005 Ford E250 Transmission Problems - Q&A

https://www.justanswer.com/transmissions/bw8ko-believe-i-ve-common-problem-05-e250-transmission.html

Dec 30, 2018 ... I believe I've got a common problem. '05 E250 transmission slips above 35mph. More noticeable during/after - Answered by a verified ...