Owners have filed 22 complaints
about the 2003 Ford E-250 with NHTSA between 2003 and 2016.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 17 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 55
Against the median year of the Ford E-250. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
36.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 60
35% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2003 Ford E-250
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
731.8%
0 crashes, 2 fires · median 50,103 mi
Steering
313.6%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 30,427 mi
Tires
29.1%
Median failure at 114,800 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
29.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 170,000 mi
Brakes
29.1%
Median failure at 88,818 miles
Airbags
29.1%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 41,000 mi
Other & Unspecified
14.5%
Equipment & Accessories
14.5%
Median failure at 3,000 miles
Wheels
14.5%
Suspension
14.5%
Median failure at 30 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
211.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
15.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
15.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
211.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
741.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
211.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
15.9%
150,000+ miles
15.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2003peak 5Sep 2016
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Ford E-250
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA10003Opened 13 Apr 2010Closed 5 Mar 2012ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
HVAC Switch Failures
This investigation was opened based on one complaint and reports from four transportation fleets alleging 182 blower motor control switch failures.ODI was concerned that these melting and burning switches could lead to an open flame that could spread throughout the vehicle.After a comprehensive review of all data related to overheating blower motor control switches in the subject vehicles, ODI did not identify the existence of a safety defect trend.ODI reviewed 1,036 complaints, claims, and field reports of failed blower motor control switches and determined that only two fires were likely to...
DP05005Opened 22 Sep 2005Closed 4 Jan 2006ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE.AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS WHERE THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, A CRASH, AN INJURY, OR A FATALITY IN A...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 170,000 milesMiami, FLCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD E-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING, THE VEHICLE SURGED IN REVERSE AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10454526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesBIG BAY, MICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E250. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A LIGHTPOLE AND SEVERAL TREES. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 27,000. UPDATED 03/04/09. *LJ UPDATED 03/04/09.
NHTSA complaint #10255999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesChesterfield, VACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AROUND A CURVE AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED TRYING TO AVOID AN ON-COMING VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HIT A RAILROAD POST. THIS LAUNCHED THE VEHICLE INTO A CREEK. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, HOWEVER THE SEAT BELTS DID RESTRAIN THE CONTACT. DUE TO THE AIR BAG'S FAILURE TO DEPLOY, THE CONTACT WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESCUED THE CONTACT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS PROCESSED AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT.*AK UPDATED 08/08/06.
NHTSA complaint #10161324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Asheboro, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
THE VAN WAS PARKED AN DIT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VAN WAS TOWED AND TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY.
NHTSA complaint #10109519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,427 milesMiami, FLCrash
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM
A FORD 2003 VAN, WITH 30,000 MILES EXPERIENCES A STEERING FAILURE, WHEN THE PITMAN ARM BROKE OFF THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING BOX. IT CLEANLY SHEARED OFF A SHAFT OF METAL WHICH IS 1 1/4 INCHES OF SOLID STEEL.*AK SINCE THE DRIVER WAS OPERATING AT LOW SPEED ON THE RAMP OF MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, HE STRUCK A BARRIER WITH MINIMAL SHEETMETAL DAMAGE. THE DRIVER REPORTED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SPINNING FREELY IN HIS HANDS AT THE TIME OF IMPACT. I REPORTED THIS TO FORD, WHO'S STAFF DETERMINED THAT THE SHAFT DID NOT FAIL DUE TO MANUFACTURING DEFECT. HAD THIS VEHICLE BEEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON A MAJOR ROADWAY, THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SO CLEARLY OBVIOUS. AND SURELY A FATALITY WOULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED. I RETAINED THE BROKEN PART. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN INCIDENT WHICH SHOULD BE REPORTED. FORD DETERMINED THAT STRIKING THE BARRIER CAUSED THE METAL TO FAIL. HOWEVER THE IMPACT WAS MINIMAL AND THOUGH A CENTERED IMPACT ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE THE AIRBAG DID NOT EVEN DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10098553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesAnnapolis, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY IT CAUGHTON FIRE. ELECTRICAL/ABS SYSTEM'S WAS THE DEFECTIVE. MANUFACTURER URGED CONSUMER TO FILE A COMPLAINT. RECALL 04V444000.
NHTSA complaint #10092734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Bothell, WA
TIRES
TIRE BRAND AND SIZE: PATHFINDER SPORT S A/T 245/75-16 PUT ON REAR OF 2003 FORD E250 EXTENDED LENGTH WORK VAN. BOUGHT NEW FROM DISCOUNT TIRE. AS SOON AS I GOT ON THE INTERSTATE I NOTICED THE VEHICLE FELT UNSTABLE. WAS WANDERING IN REAR. WHEN MAKING A LANE CHANGE IS WAS REALLY BAD AND FELT UNSAFE AS THE REAR SWAYED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. HAD THEM TAKE THESE TIRES OFF AND REPLACE WITH A MAJOR BRAND AND THIS PROBLEM WENT AWAY. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND SOME ONE LOOKS INTO THESE TIRES AS I THINK THE POTENTIAL IS THERE FOR CAUSING A SPIN OUT OR ROLL OVER.
NHTSA complaint #10907234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesModesto, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM KNOWING IF THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #10531554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesMiami, FLCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD E-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING, THE VEHICLE SURGED IN REVERSE AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10454526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,636 milesConcord, NC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 FORD E-250. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS A SMALL PINHOLE IN THE BRAKE LINES THAT DEVELOPED DUE TO CORROSION. AS A RESULT, BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE BRAKE LINES. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WAS 93,636.
NHTSA complaint #10419442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,103 milesIndianapolis, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
LOSS OF INSTRUMENTS IN 2003 F250 DIESEL WITH 50,153 MILES. FUSE REPLACED BY SERVICE CENTER AND INSTRUMENTS CAME ON. 3 DAYS LATER THEY WENT OFF WHILE IN 4 WHEEL LOW AND THE THE ENGINE STOPPED (BATTERY'S DEAD). I HAD NO CONTROL OVER STEERING AND WENT OFF THE ROAD. REPAIR OF DAMAGED WIRING IN STEERING COLUMN FIXED PROBLEM. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM ON THE WEB AND KNOWN TO THE SERVICE CENTERS I HAVE CONTACTED. IF WIRING IS WORN IN A 50,000 MILE TRUCK I WOULD THINK IT PROBABLY WILL OCCUR IN SIMILAR MODELS. THE TRUCK COULD HAVE SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLY RESULTED IN INJURY. WHY NO RECALL OR AT LEAST NOTIFICATION OF OWNERS.
NHTSA complaint #10413775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,103 milesIndianapolis, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
LOSS OF INSTRUMENTS IN 2003 F250 DIESEL WITH 50,153 MILES. FUSE REPLACED BY SERVICE CENTER AND INSTRUMENTS CAME ON. 3 DAYS LATER THEY WENT OFF WHILE IN 4 WHEEL LOW AND THE THE ENGINE STOPPED (BATTERY'S DEAD). I HAD NO CONTROL OVER STEERING AND WENT OFF THE ROAD. REPAIR OF DAMAGED WIRING IN STEERING COLUMN FIXED PROBLEM. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM ON THE WEB AND KNOWN TO THE SERVICE CENTERS I HAVE CONTACTED. IF WIRING IS WORN IN A 50,000 MILE TRUCK I WOULD THINK IT PROBABLY WILL OCCUR IN SIMILAR MODELS. THE TRUCK COULD HAVE SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLY RESULTED IN INJURY. WHY NO RECALL OR AT LEAST NOTIFICATION OF OWNERS.
NHTSA complaint #10413775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,103 milesIndianapolis, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
LOSS OF INSTRUMENTS IN 2003 F250 DIESEL WITH 50,153 MILES. FUSE REPLACED BY SERVICE CENTER AND INSTRUMENTS CAME ON. 3 DAYS LATER THEY WENT OFF WHILE IN 4 WHEEL LOW AND THE THE ENGINE STOPPED (BATTERY'S DEAD). I HAD NO CONTROL OVER STEERING AND WENT OFF THE ROAD. REPAIR OF DAMAGED WIRING IN STEERING COLUMN FIXED PROBLEM. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM ON THE WEB AND KNOWN TO THE SERVICE CENTERS I HAVE CONTACTED. IF WIRING IS WORN IN A 50,000 MILE TRUCK I WOULD THINK IT PROBABLY WILL OCCUR IN SIMILAR MODELS. THE TRUCK COULD HAVE SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLY RESULTED IN INJURY. WHY NO RECALL OR AT LEAST NOTIFICATION OF OWNERS.
NHTSA complaint #10413775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,103 milesIndianapolis, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
LOSS OF INSTRUMENTS IN 2003 F250 DIESEL WITH 50,153 MILES. FUSE REPLACED BY SERVICE CENTER AND INSTRUMENTS CAME ON. 3 DAYS LATER THEY WENT OFF WHILE IN 4 WHEEL LOW AND THE THE ENGINE STOPPED (BATTERY'S DEAD). I HAD NO CONTROL OVER STEERING AND WENT OFF THE ROAD. REPAIR OF DAMAGED WIRING IN STEERING COLUMN FIXED PROBLEM. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM ON THE WEB AND KNOWN TO THE SERVICE CENTERS I HAVE CONTACTED. IF WIRING IS WORN IN A 50,000 MILE TRUCK I WOULD THINK IT PROBABLY WILL OCCUR IN SIMILAR MODELS. THE TRUCK COULD HAVE SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLY RESULTED IN INJURY. WHY NO RECALL OR AT LEAST NOTIFICATION OF OWNERS.
NHTSA complaint #10413775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,103 milesIndianapolis, IN
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
LOSS OF INSTRUMENTS IN 2003 F250 DIESEL WITH 50,153 MILES. FUSE REPLACED BY SERVICE CENTER AND INSTRUMENTS CAME ON. 3 DAYS LATER THEY WENT OFF WHILE IN 4 WHEEL LOW AND THE THE ENGINE STOPPED (BATTERY'S DEAD). I HAD NO CONTROL OVER STEERING AND WENT OFF THE ROAD. REPAIR OF DAMAGED WIRING IN STEERING COLUMN FIXED PROBLEM. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM ON THE WEB AND KNOWN TO THE SERVICE CENTERS I HAVE CONTACTED. IF WIRING IS WORN IN A 50,000 MILE TRUCK I WOULD THINK IT PROBABLY WILL OCCUR IN SIMILAR MODELS. THE TRUCK COULD HAVE SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLY RESULTED IN INJURY. WHY NO RECALL OR AT LEAST NOTIFICATION OF OWNERS.
NHTSA complaint #10413775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesSummer SET, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-250. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE GEARS WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE ABS LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THERE WAS A FEE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V444000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
NHTSA complaint #10407294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,800 milesAurora, CO
TIRES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-250. THE VEHICLE HAS TRAIL KING A/S MUD N SNOW LOAD RANGE E TIRES, SIZE LT235 85 R1. THE CONTACT NOTICED PULSATION AND VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END OF HIS VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH. A WEEK LATER, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH AGAIN, THE VIBRATION WORSENED. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, THE TREAD SEPARATED AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPLODED, WHICH RESULTED IN $1,900 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 114,800.
NHTSA complaint #10265082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesBIG BAY, MICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E250. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A LIGHTPOLE AND SEVERAL TREES. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 27,000. UPDATED 03/04/09. *LJ UPDATED 03/04/09.
NHTSA complaint #10255999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE (#05S28) FROM FORD CONCERNING A DEFECTIVE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (CREATING A FIRE HAZARD) ON A VEHICLE I OWN. WHEN I CONTACTED DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENTS AS INSTRUCTED (TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS) I WAS TOLD THE NECESSARY PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL AT LEAST DECEMBER 07 BUT THAT I COULD HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DISCONNECTED UNTIL PARTS WERE AVAILABLE (MEANING TWO TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP - TWO DAYS WITHOUT USE OF A COMPANY VEHICLE). I HAVE CONTACTED FORD DIRECTLY AND WAS TOLD THE SAME. HOW CAN IT POSSIBLY TAKE LONGER TO OBTAIN REPLACEMENTS FOR HAZARDOUS DEFECTIVE PARTS THAN IT TAKES TO ORDER A CUSTOM VEHICLE FROM THE FACTORY? DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION HAVE ANY AUTHORITY TO FORCE A MANUFACTURER TO EXPEDITE SUCH MATTERS?
NHTSA complaint #10203953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesChesterfield, VACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AROUND A CURVE AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED TRYING TO AVOID AN ON-COMING VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HIT A RAILROAD POST. THIS LAUNCHED THE VEHICLE INTO A CREEK. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, HOWEVER THE SEAT BELTS DID RESTRAIN THE CONTACT. DUE TO THE AIR BAG'S FAILURE TO DEPLOY, THE CONTACT WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESCUED THE CONTACT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS PROCESSED AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT.*AK UPDATED 08/08/06.
NHTSA complaint #10161324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,000 milesPalmdale, CA
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
DT: CALLER BOUGHT A USED VEHICLE FROM AN ARMORED CAR COMPANY. THE AIR CONDITIONER HAD A BAD COMPRESSOR. FORD OFFERED NO HELP BECAUSE THEY DID NOT WORK ON VAN CONVERSIONS. THE COMPANY CONSUMER BOUGHT THE VAN SENT HIM TO AN AIR CONDITIONING COMPANY. THEY SAID THE ENTIRE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK 12 TIMES BECAUSE IT BLEW HOT AIR. THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPANY RETURNED THE MONEY THE ARMORED CAR COMPANY PAID TO FIX IT, AND WILL OFFER NO MORE HELP. THE ARMORED CAR COMPANY REFERRED THE CALLER TO ANOTHER AIR CONDITIONER COMPANY, AND THEY REPAIRED THE NEW SYSTEM. NOW THE AIR CONDITIONER IS BROKEN AGAIN. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE COMPRESSOR. THE CALLER HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. MANUFACTURER HAS OFFERED NO HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10133344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Asheboro, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
THE VAN WAS PARKED AN DIT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VAN WAS TOWED AND TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY.
NHTSA complaint #10109519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,427 milesMiami, FLCrash
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM
A FORD 2003 VAN, WITH 30,000 MILES EXPERIENCES A STEERING FAILURE, WHEN THE PITMAN ARM BROKE OFF THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING BOX. IT CLEANLY SHEARED OFF A SHAFT OF METAL WHICH IS 1 1/4 INCHES OF SOLID STEEL.*AK SINCE THE DRIVER WAS OPERATING AT LOW SPEED ON THE RAMP OF MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, HE STRUCK A BARRIER WITH MINIMAL SHEETMETAL DAMAGE. THE DRIVER REPORTED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SPINNING FREELY IN HIS HANDS AT THE TIME OF IMPACT. I REPORTED THIS TO FORD, WHO'S STAFF DETERMINED THAT THE SHAFT DID NOT FAIL DUE TO MANUFACTURING DEFECT. HAD THIS VEHICLE BEEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON A MAJOR ROADWAY, THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SO CLEARLY OBVIOUS. AND SURELY A FATALITY WOULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED. I RETAINED THE BROKEN PART. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN INCIDENT WHICH SHOULD BE REPORTED. FORD DETERMINED THAT STRIKING THE BARRIER CAUSED THE METAL TO FAIL. HOWEVER THE IMPACT WAS MINIMAL AND THOUGH A CENTERED IMPACT ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE THE AIRBAG DID NOT EVEN DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10098553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesAnnapolis, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY IT CAUGHTON FIRE. ELECTRICAL/ABS SYSTEM'S WAS THE DEFECTIVE. MANUFACTURER URGED CONSUMER TO FILE A COMPLAINT. RECALL 04V444000.
NHTSA complaint #10092734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 600 milesHopkinton, MA
STEERING
WHEN DRIVING 55 MPH OR MORE STEERING VIBRATED VIOLENTLY.
NHTSA complaint #10087673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30 milesHaughton, LA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
WHILE DRIVING FRONT END SUSPENSION CAUSED STEERING WHEEL TO VIBRATE WHEN DRIVING AND HITTING ROUGH OR UNEVEN SURFACES. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES, BUT MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE VIBRATION PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10057231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia Station, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE FORD VAN E-250 2003 WERE PRODUCED AND SOLD WITH THE WRONG LUG WRENCH. CAN NOT CHANGE MY TIRES BECAUSE THE LUG WRENCH WILL NOT FULLY COVER THE LUG NUT BECAUSE THE WRENCH IS TO THICK AND HITS THE INER RIM. THIS IN TURN CAUSES THE WRENCH TO SLIP OFF OR STRIP THE NUT.
NHTSA complaint #10049774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia Station, OH
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
THE FORD VAN E-250 2003 WERE PRODUCED AND SOLD WITH THE WRONG LUG WRENCH. CAN NOT CHANGE MY TIRES BECAUSE THE LUG WRENCH WILL NOT FULLY COVER THE LUG NUT BECAUSE THE WRENCH IS TO THICK AND HITS THE INER RIM. THIS IN TURN CAUSES THE WRENCH TO SLIP OFF OR STRIP THE NUT.
NHTSA complaint #10049774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.