Owners filed 22 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the vehicle speed control. It has been recalled 4 times.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
4
0
0
0
Tires
2
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
2
0
1
1
Engine and Engine Cooling
2
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
1
0
1
1
Structure › Frame and Members
1
0
0
0
Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments
1
0
0
0
Structure
1
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
1
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Electric
1
0
0
0
4 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control08V051000
Filed Feb 4, 2008225,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
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.
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.
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage03V282000
Filed Aug 5, 200364 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 10, 2016105,000 milesNY
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 AGAIN. VERY DANGEROUS VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOSES POWER AND WILL EVEN STALL.
Tires
Filed Jul 23, 201262,000 milesIL
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 THE APPROXIMATE TEMPERATURE WAS 80 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. THE TIRES WERE NOT TAKEN TO DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES ON THE VEHICLE WAS 62,000. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES ON THE TIRES WERE 6,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 8, 2012168,000 milesCA
NO. 2 SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF CYLINDER HEAD. *TR
Tires
Filed Sep 15, 2009110,000 milesUT
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 PASSENGER SIDE BLEW OUT AND WAS ALSO REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT ALL OF THOSE TIRES MUST HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS NOT REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY OR FREE REPAIR AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
Service Brakes, Electric
Filed Jul 18, 2009100,969 milesCA
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
Filed Feb 5, 2008WI
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 WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 03-18-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL NUMBER IS 05S28. UPDATED 03/18/08 *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 15, 2008KY
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 UNTIL AT LEAST FEBRUARY. I CALLED THE FORD TOLL-FREE NUMBER AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. WHY ARE THEY DRAGGING THEIR FEET ON THIS? WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG TO GET THE PARTS? *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 30, 2007CA
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 › Storage
Filed Oct 4, 2007WA
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
Filed Sep 18, 2007PA
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 › Engine
Filed Jul 20, 2007MA
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 TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP, WE HAD TO RENT A CAR FOR 3 DAYS AND PAY FOR YET ANOTHER REPAIR. I INVESTIGATED AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A RECURRING DEFECT IN THIS TYPE OF FORD ENGINES. I CALLED THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REPAIR THE ACTUAL ENGINE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT MY VAN IS NOW FIXED, SO TECHNICALLY IT IS FINE. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THERE IS ONLY A 50% CHANCE THAT THE PROBLEM MAY OCCUR AGAIN AND IF IT DOES I SHOULD CALL BACK. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT RECOURSE THERE IS FOR SOMEONE WHO JUST DOESN'T WANT TO DRIVE AROUND WITH THEIR CHILDREN IN A KNOWN TIME BOMB! *TR
Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Jul 10, 200793,195 milesIN
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
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 24, 200630,000 milesVA
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WAS SLIPPING ON ICE OR SLUDGE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE FORWARD MOTION, SOMETIMES THE SAME SENSATION WAS FELT WHEN STARTING TO MAKE A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE FIVE TIMES, AGREED THE PROBLEMS WERE PRESENT HOWEVER, THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS SHOWED EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL.
Structure
Filed Jun 21, 200610,000 milesOH
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THAT A DEALER CALLED MONTGOMARY FORD SOLD THREE 15 PASSENGER VANS TO A PUBLIC SCHOOL CALLED HARMONY COMMUNITY SCHOOL. *AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › EngineFire1 injured
Filed Feb 16, 2006CA
2003 ECONOLINE MADE A LOUD POPPING SOUND IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, LOST POWER SHORTLY AFTER. VEHICLE LATER CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** AFTER THE NOISE WAS HEARD THE DRIVER PULLED TO VEHICLE ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THAT'S WHEN THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE DRIVER AND FIREMEN WERE INJURED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A RECALL WAS RECEIVED IN OCTOBER 2004. THE RECALL REFERENCED SAFETY RECALL 04S22 AND 04S23. *NM
Equipment
Filed Aug 26, 200535,000 milesFL
2003 FORD ECONOLINE DEFECTIVE PART REPAIRS.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE EIGHTH TIME TO REPAIR THE ALARM. THE ALARM STILL WASN'T FIXED. THE TIRES AND/OR RIMS ARE DEFECTIVE. THE BRAKES, SHOCKS AND A/C FAILED. THE VEHICLE ALSO LOST POWER. *NM
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Apr 12, 2005PA
2003 FORD ECONO-LINE VAN CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.*MR THE CONSUMER HAD THE ABS RECALL REPAIRED IN DEC 2004. THE FIRE SEEMED TO ORIGINATE IN THE AREA OF THE ABS SYSTEM/ MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER. *NM
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire1 injured
Filed Mar 8, 200510,158 milesNC
VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE THE OWNER'S HOME. OWNER WAS AWAKENED, AND TO DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS AN ECONOLINE VAN MODIFIED FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. *AK *TC
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 10, 20054,000 milesNH
VEHICLE CONSTANTLY STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.*AK
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jan 4, 20057,000 milesVA
MANUFACTURER'S RECALL GM04S22 WAS ISSUED FOR THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. HOWEVER, THE DEALER CONTINUED TO STATE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS FOR THREE MONTHS. *AK
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.