2003 Ford E-350 Super Duty

Introduction to the 2003 Ford E-350 Super Duty

The 2003 Ford E-350 Super Duty is a full-size van known for its spacious interior, powerful engines, and impressive towing and payload capacities. It features a rear-wheel-drive system, and comes equipped with a 5.4-liter Triton V8 engine that produces 305 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Other engine options include a 6.8-liter Triton V10 engine with 310 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque, and a 7.3-liter Power Stroke diesel engine with 235 horsepower and 505 lb-ft of torque. These engines can be paired with either a 5-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission.

Owners appreciate the vehicle’s power, spaciousness, and versatility. However, it has been noted that it can be prone to certain issues, such as transmission problems, electrical glitches, and suspension concerns.

Engine

• 5.4L Triton V8 Engine – Intake Manifold Failure —- Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks, engine overheating, performance issues —- Solution: Replace the intake manifold —- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+ —- Recalls: None Found – Spark Plug Failure —- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idle, reduced fuel economy —- Solution: Replace the spark plugs —- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250 —- Recalls: None Found
• 6.8L Triton V10 Engine – No Issues Found
• 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel Engine – Turbocharger Failure —- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive smoke, whistling or whining noises —- Solution: Replace the turbocharger —- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+ —- Recalls: 03V438000, 03V439000

Transmission

• 4-Speed Automatic Transmission – Transmission Slippage —- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, delayed engagement, shuddering —- Solution: Replace or rebuild the transmission —- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ —- Recalls: None Found
• 5-Speed Automatic Transmission – Shift Solenoid Failure —- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, stuck in gear —- Solution: Replace the shift solenoid —- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 —- Recalls: None Found
• 6-Speed Manual Transmission – Synchro Damage —- Description/Symptoms: Grinding noises when shifting, difficulty engaging gears —- Solution: Replace the damaged synchros —- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500 —- Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Leaf Spring Failure —- Description/Symptoms: Sagging or drooping rear end, excessive bounce —- Solution: Replace the leaf springs —- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 per side —- Recalls: None Found
• Front Shock Absorber Wear —- Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, poor handling, nosedive during braking —- Solution: Replace the shock absorbers —- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per pair —- Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain —- Description/Symptoms: Battery dies prematurely, difficulty starting —- Solution: Inspect and test the electrical system to identify the source of the drain —- Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the issue —- Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure —- Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, electrical system malfunctions, battery warning light —- Solution: Replace the alternator —- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800 —- Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Mirror Adjustment Motor Failure —- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty adjusting the side mirrors —- Solution: Replace the mirror adjustment motor —- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 —- Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Rattle —- Description/Symptoms: Annoying rattling noises coming from the dashboard —- Solution: Identify and secure the source of the rattle —- Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the source of the rattle —- Recalls: None Found
• Broken HVAC Controls —- Description/Symptoms: Inability to control the heating, ventilation, or air conditioning —- Solution: Replace the HVAC control module —- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 —- Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2003 Ford E-350 Super Duty is a capable vehicle with a spacious interior and potent engines. However, it has been known to experience certain issues, such as transmission slippage, rear leaf spring failure, and battery drain. The severity and cost of these issues can vary depending on the specific problem and the extent of the damage. Regularly scheduled maintenance and prompt attention to any issues can help extend the lifespan of the vehicle.