2003 Ford E-350 problems

General information about Ford-E-350
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.

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Common 2003 Ford E-350 problems

The Ford E-350 2003 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners, with the worst problem category being engine problems. Here are some of the detailed issues:

Spark Plug Ejected While Driving: This is the most-reported problem for the 2001 Ford E-350, but it can also occur in other model years. The spark plug can eject while driving, potentially causing damage to the vehicle or injury to the occupants. The average cost to fix this issue is $11,000, with an average mileage of 87,000 miles.

Rough Running Engine and Possible Check Engine Light: This issue has been reported for the Ford E-350 Super Duty. The engine may run roughly, and a check engine light may appear on the dashboard. The root cause of this problem can be difficult to diagnose without the right tools and experience.

Loud Popping Noise and Misfire Experienced: This problem has been reported for the Ford E-350 Super Duty. The engine may produce a loud popping noise, and there may be a misfire. This issue can be caused by various factors, including faulty spark plugs or ignition coils, or a malfunctioning fuel injector.

Front End May Make Rattle Noise Over Bumps, Handling Issues: This issue has been reported for the Ford E-350 Super Duty. The front end of the vehicle may produce a rattle noise over bumps, and there may be handling issues. This problem can be caused by various factors, including worn-out suspension components or a misaligned front end.

Transmission Problems: The Ford E-350 has been reported to have various transmission problems, including a lack of power after the 1-2 shift, which can be caused by an un-commanded torque converter clutch. These issues can be difficult to diagnose and may require the replacement of the transmission.

Sudden Unintended Acceleration: This issue has been reported for the 2003 Ford Econoline E350 van. The vehicle may suddenly accelerate, even when the brake pedal is fully depressed. This can cause accidents and injuries. The root cause of this problem can be difficult to diagnose and may require the replacement of various components, including the throttle body or the engine control module.

Fuel Tank Ventline Filling Problems: This issue has been reported for the 2003 Ford E350 7.3 Diesel. The vehicle may have problems filling the fuel tank, which can be caused by various factors, including a restricted fuel vent line or a malfunctioning EVAP canister. These issues can be difficult to diagnose and may require the replacement of various components, including the fuel tank vent line or the EVAP canister.

These problems can be costly to repair and may require the replacement of various components. It is important to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic or transmission repair center to diagnose and repair the root cause of the problem.

How reliable are Ford E-350?

Ratings & reliability

RepairPal gave the Ford E-350 an overall reliability rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Ford E-350 21st out of 24 among Commercial Vans.

What is the gas mileage on a 2003 Ford E-350?

Based on data from 13 vehicles, 505 fuel-ups and 137,880 miles of driving, the 2003 Ford E-350 Super Duty gets a combined Avg MPG of 13.73 with a 0.41 MPG margin of error.

When did Ford stop making the E350?

2014

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.

What is Ford E-350 engine?

The standard 7.3L V8 Premium-rated engine with TorqShift® six-speed automatic transmission with the 2024 E-350/E-450 is rated at 325 horsepower and 450 lb. -ft.

How reliable are Ford E-350?

Ratings & reliability

RepairPal gave the Ford E-350 an overall reliability rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Ford E-350 21st out of 24 among Commercial Vans.

What is the gas mileage on a 2003 Ford E-350?

Based on data from 13 vehicles, 505 fuel-ups and 137,880 miles of driving, the 2003 Ford E-350 Super Duty gets a combined Avg MPG of 13.73 with a 0.41 MPG margin of error.

When did Ford stop making the e350?

2014

What is Ford E-350 engine?

The standard 7.3L V8 Premium-rated engine with TorqShift® six-speed automatic transmission with the 2024 E-350/E-450 is rated at 325 horsepower and 450 lb. -ft.

2003 Ford E-350 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Ford E-350.

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

2003 Ford E-350 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the 2003 Ford E-350.

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.

2008-09-18

Manufacturer: AROUND TOWN TRANSPORTATION PRODUCTS, LLC
Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Summary: AROUND TOWN IS RECALLING 6 MY 2003 FORD E-350 AND MY 2006 E-250 WHEELCHAIR CONVERSION VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.
Consequence: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.
Remedy: AROUND TOWN IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR AROUND TOWN AT 1-678-364-8594.

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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2003 Ford E-350 problems:

2003 E350 van reliability? - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1545931-2003-e350-van-reliability.html

Jun 30, 2018 ... From that list I have only experienced broken exhaust manifold studs and cat converter issues... it's beginning to come apart and rattle. No ...

2003 E350 - would you buy it? : r/VanLife

https://www.reddit.com/r/VanLife/comments/urqoub/2003_e350_would_you_buy_it/

May 17, 2022 ... If you saw a 2003 Ford E350 extended with only 95,000 miles selling for $6,500 would you buy it? Minimal rust on the bottom, no known issues, ...

Ford e-350 Super Duty Engine issues? - School Bus Conversion ...

https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f27/ford-e-350-super-duty-engine-issues-29109.html

Oct 22, 2019 ... The 5.4 Liter 3 valve with variable valve timing is prone to failure. The cam phasers start acting up. Miss fires, sputtering, runs rough.