2003 Ford E-450 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Ford E-450, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Driver assistance523.8%
- Tires & wheels314.3%
- Fuel system314.3%
- Other / unspecified29.5%
- Brakes29.5%
- Airbags14.8%
- Visibility14.8%
- Body & structure14.8%
- Electrical14.8%
- Interior & seats14.8%
- Suspension14.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E450. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 45 MPH USING THE CRUISE CONTROL IN RAINY WEATHER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS ALSO A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. HE WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE ROAD AND WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS, THE PASSENGERS SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE RETARDER WAS INOPERABLE. HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. INITIALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT CHANGE GEARS BUT DID SO WITHIN A FEW MINUTES. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FAILURE HE EXPERIENCED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED NOR HAD THE MANUFACTURER BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 238,000.
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE (05S28) ON SEPT. 2007 ON THE CRUISE CONTROL ON OUR 2003 FORD MOTOR HOME. AS OF APRIL 2, 2008 THE DEALER STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE PART TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THEY WILL BE GETTING THE PARTS. I DO NOT FEEL THIS IS A REASONABLE RESPONSE TIME. THIS IS THE SECOND RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. WE HAVE HAD TO TAKE THE MOTOR HOME TO THEM TO DISCONNECT THE CRUISE CONTROL AND REALLY NEED TO HAVE THIS FIXED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
2003 FORD E450 DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE. *KB THE RIM HAD WEAR MARKS WHERE THE LUG NUTS WORE LARGE HOLES, WHICH CAUSED THE STUDS TO SNAP OFF. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT #10-0038-91 UPDATED LETTER 04/29/10 *BF
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR OF HIS MICHELIN LT 225 75R/16 TIRES HAD LARGE CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALLS. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE CRACKS WERE DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 41,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E450. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT NUMEROUS ISSUES WHEN DRIVING SUCH AS RUNNING ROUGH, STALLING, HESITATION, FAILURE TO RESTART AND FAILURE TO INITIALLY START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE HE WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL TANK WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT WITH THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD OFFER NO ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
FOLLOW THIS LINK: HTTP://STEVEWIENCEK.SMUGMUG.COM/PHOTOGRAPHY/FORD-FUEL-TANK/10976330_WP42T#774715040_3CEQC FOR A DESCRIPTION OF WHAT I AND OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH THIS FUEL TANK. IT IS UNSAFE, DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. 1) LOSS OF POWER 2) OCCURRED EVERY 100 MILES OR LESS 3) COST WAS OVER $5000 TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FUEL LINES AND FUEL INJECTORS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-450. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A KIDDIE FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V782000 (EQUIPMENT). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 1-855-262-3540 APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AGO, BUT THE CONTACT HAD NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE IN ORDER TO HAVE THE RECALL REMEDY COMPLETED. THE CONTACT FELT THAT A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME HAD PASSED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE SERIAL NUMBER AND PURCHASE DATE WERE NOT PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
2003 FORD E450 DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE. *KB THE RIM HAD WEAR MARKS WHERE THE LUG NUTS WORE LARGE HOLES, WHICH CAUSED THE STUDS TO SNAP OFF. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT #10-0038-91 UPDATED LETTER 04/29/10 *BF
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have issues with brakes calipers that pistons are made of Phenolic material, replaced calipers multiple times and will fail in as little as one trip and when using RV in hot weather or too much braking like in the city even if is cold the brakes are constantly locking up to the point where the wheels won't turn, and burn I have to pull over when this happens and wait and hour or two while the brakes are smoking on the side of the road and my wife with a fire extinguisher afraid that the RV was going to burn then I reach inside with a tool to break them loose. I do not have more options for the repair as the calipers pistons are the problem every time and it became very dangerous to drive around anymore, I don't often complain of things but this is a safety issue that affected many of this vehicle owners with this type of caliper pistons. At this time the brakes are not the problem is the calipers pistons that fail no matter how old they are, as they heat up they warp or deform causing them to stick inside the hub of the caliper, I need assistance to correct this issue since ford has not provided a fix for that, I did not want to reach this point of filling a complain because is not me but if they made a bad part for the vehicle it need to be updated. I will buy the parts if there is a replacement available that wont stick inside calipers when is hot. Please note that the brakes calipers have been replace all of them then failed the same way within the first or second drive if driving down hills or traffic areas, is been confirmed that the issue is unrelated to other brake components. Thank you for your assistance.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E450. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 45 MPH USING THE CRUISE CONTROL IN RAINY WEATHER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS ALSO A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. HE WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE ROAD AND WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS, THE PASSENGERS SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE RETARDER WAS INOPERABLE. HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. INITIALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT CHANGE GEARS BUT DID SO WITHIN A FEW MINUTES. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FAILURE HE EXPERIENCED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED NOR HAD THE MANUFACTURER BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 238,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN SLEEPING IN MOTORHOME THE FRONT DRIVERS STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND NOT RUNNING. THE KEY WAS NOT EVEN IN THE IGNITION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
VELVAC FOLDABLE RV MIRROR FELL COMPLETELY OFF OF ITS MOUNTING. THIS FAILURE OCCURED ON BOTH SIDES OFF THE RV AT NEARLY THE SAME TIME. FORTUNATELY THE RV WAS PARKED AT THE TIME AND NOT ON THE ROAD. THE FAILURE OCCURRED IN A RETAINING RING GROOVE WITH THE RETAINING RING CUTTING THROUGH THE GROOVE ON THE MIRROR SPINDLE. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS A 2003 LAZY DAZE RV. I DO HAVE SOME OF THE PARTS, BUT THE SPINDLE WAS REPAIRED SO I CAN USE THE RV. *TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: CONSUMER OWNED A C CLASS MOTOR HOME 30 FEET LONG, E450 FORD V10 2003, MAKE OF MOTOR WAS FOREST RIVER SUN SEEKER. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED WITH EXTREME HEAT BUILD UP IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT NEXT TO THE DOG HOUSE, AND ALSO IN THE DRIVER'S COMPARTMENT. THE HEAT FROM THE MOTOR COMPARTMENT WAS COMING THROUGH THE FIRE WALL WHICH SEEMED TO BE WELL INSULATED. HOWEVER, THE HEAT WAS STILL COMING THROUGH , AND CAUSING GREAT DISCOMFORT TO OCCUPANTS OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD BEEN DRIVING VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 4 OR 5 HOURS IN OCTOBER OF 2004, WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO PLACE A COMPACT DISC IN THE CD PLAYER HE FOUND THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS SO HOT THAT IT CAUSED HIM TO DROP THE DISC. CONSUMER WAS WORRIED THAT TOUCHING DASHBOARD WOULD BURN HIM OR HIS WIFE. HEAT WAS SO INTENSE THAT THE COMPACT DISC WOULD WARP IF HE PLACED IT IN THE PLAYER. HE HAS TALKED TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY, AND WAS GIVEN THE NAME OF QUITE RIDE SOLUTIONS IN STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA. THIS COMPANY MADE AN AFTER MARKET PRODUCT THAT WILL COOL DOWN THE CAB, THE KIT COST $300.00. PLUS SHIPPING AND INSTILLATION CHARGES. QUITE RIDE SOLUTIONS COULD BE REACHED AT 209-942-4777. CONSUMER'S WIFE REFUSED TO RIDE IN CAB OF VEHICLE DUE TO EXTREME HEAT, AND HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE FORD FIX VEHICLE SO THAT HIS WIFE WOULD RIDE WITH HIM.*AK *TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: CONSUMER OWNED A C CLASS MOTOR HOME 30 FEET LONG, E450 FORD V10 2003, MAKE OF MOTOR WAS FOREST RIVER SUN SEEKER. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED WITH EXTREME HEAT BUILD UP IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT NEXT TO THE DOG HOUSE, AND ALSO IN THE DRIVER'S COMPARTMENT. THE HEAT FROM THE MOTOR COMPARTMENT WAS COMING THROUGH THE FIRE WALL WHICH SEEMED TO BE WELL INSULATED. HOWEVER, THE HEAT WAS STILL COMING THROUGH , AND CAUSING GREAT DISCOMFORT TO OCCUPANTS OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD BEEN DRIVING VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 4 OR 5 HOURS IN OCTOBER OF 2004, WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO PLACE A COMPACT DISC IN THE CD PLAYER HE FOUND THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS SO HOT THAT IT CAUSED HIM TO DROP THE DISC. CONSUMER WAS WORRIED THAT TOUCHING DASHBOARD WOULD BURN HIM OR HIS WIFE. HEAT WAS SO INTENSE THAT THE COMPACT DISC WOULD WARP IF HE PLACED IT IN THE PLAYER. HE HAS TALKED TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY, AND WAS GIVEN THE NAME OF QUITE RIDE SOLUTIONS IN STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA. THIS COMPANY MADE AN AFTER MARKET PRODUCT THAT WILL COOL DOWN THE CAB, THE KIT COST $300.00. PLUS SHIPPING AND INSTILLATION CHARGES. QUITE RIDE SOLUTIONS COULD BE REACHED AT 209-942-4777. CONSUMER'S WIFE REFUSED TO RIDE IN CAB OF VEHICLE DUE TO EXTREME HEAT, AND HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE FORD FIX VEHICLE SO THAT HIS WIFE WOULD RIDE WITH HIM.*AK *TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E450. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 45 MPH USING THE CRUISE CONTROL IN RAINY WEATHER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS ALSO A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. HE WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE ROAD AND WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS, THE PASSENGERS SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE RETARDER WAS INOPERABLE. HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. INITIALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT CHANGE GEARS BUT DID SO WITHIN A FEW MINUTES. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FAILURE HE EXPERIENCED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED NOR HAD THE MANUFACTURER BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 238,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-450. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND MERGE TO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SPINDLE HAD MELTED AND THE SHAFT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SECOND TIME THE FAILURE RECURRED, FLAMES WERE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SPINDLE HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED ALONG WITH THE SHAFT ASSEMBLY, TIRE AND BRAKES. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE A THIRD TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .