2012 Ford E-150 problems

General information about Ford-E-150
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
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 2012 Ford E-150 problems

The 2012 Ford E-150 is a popular full-size van that has been used for a variety of purposes, from commercial use to personal transportation. However, as with any vehicle, there are common problems that have been reported by owners of this model.

One of the most common issues reported is a rough running engine, which can be accompanied by a check engine light. Replacing the ignition coil mechanism can cost between $140-$200, depending on the E-Series model and year.

Another common problem is engine oil leaks from the cylinder head area, which can be caused by a failing cylinder head gasket.

The front end of the 2012 Ford E-150 can also make a rattling noise over bumps, which can be caused by excessive play in the upper and lower ball joints.

Additionally, some owners have reported a loud popping noise and misfire, which can be caused by a spark plug being dislodged from the cylinder head, causing the threads on the spark plugs to be stripped.

Finally, coolant leakage from the heater core can also be a problem in the 2012 Ford E-150, which can be caused by electrolysis that runs through the coolant, leading to corrosion and deterioration of heater core and radiator parts.

In conclusion, while the 2012 Ford E-150 is a reliable and capable vehicle, it is not without its common problems. Owners of this model should be aware of these issues and take proactive steps to maintain their vehicle, such as following the recommended maintenance schedule and addressing any issues as soon as they arise.

Is the e150 reliable?

The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 19% for the Ford E-150, compared to an average of 16% for commercial vans and 12% for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.

How long do Ford Econoline vans last?

What is the realistic life expectancy for a well-maintained gasoline cargo van such as a Ford econoline? If it doesn't rust away, a well maintained van can last INDEFINITELY, compared to what it costs to buy a NEW van to replace your old one.

When did Ford stop making e150?

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.

How many miles is too many for a used van?

Further to this, most cargo vans have reliably covered 150,000 miles with little to no issues. However, it is not uncommon for these vehicles to reach 250,000 miles. Therefore, based on this information, a 150,000-mile van should be the maximum mileage target if you want to get some good use out of it.

Is the e150 reliable?

Are Ford engines reliable in India?

There have been some reports of direct injection issues with Ford engines. While engineering changes to engines in looking for increasingly better economy and power are admirable, they should not be undertaken at the expense of reliability. But in general, i have been satisfied with Fords I've owned.

Is Ford reliable in India?

And to boot, Ford is known for the good quality and reliability of its vehicles in India.

Is it worth buying used Ford in India?

With the company ceasing its manufacturing operations here, the resultant dip in consumer sentiment/perceptions has negatively impacted the resale value of a Ford car. However, if you are planning to keep the car for at least five years or more, then you could ignore the reduced resale value factor.

2012 Ford E-150 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford E-150 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Power train problems
Unknown or other problems
Seat belts problems
Structure problems
Suspension problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Ford E-150 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2012 Ford E-150 complaints

The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Ford E-150.

2023-07-26

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2023-03-01
VIN: 1FDNE1BW9CD
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Summary: Is making a grinding noise and will jerk to the right. Will flash cruise control and traction control lights.

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2023-07-26

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SEAT BELTS,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2023-07-20
VIN: 1FDNE1BW9CD
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SEAT BELTS,SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: Passenger seat belt stopped working out of the blue. I've had tire sensor thing on my dash since I've bought it an I'm not sure what is happening. The horn stopped working recently. And the overhead dome light doesn't work.

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2020-06-08

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-06-05
VIN: 1FTNE1EW5CD
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: WAS DRIVING VEHICLE FELT JERKING AND HEARD GRINDING NOISE. PULLED OFF HIGHWAY INTO PARKING LOT. CHECK COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. TRIED TO BACK UP VEHICLE JERK VERY BADLYWOULDNOTBACK-UP. VEHICLEWOULDDRIVEFORWARD. *TR

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2018-09-28

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-06-18
VIN: 1FTNE1EW2CD
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD E-150. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO FIRST AND SECOND GEARS, BUT COULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF SECOND GEAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HOLMAN FORD LINCOLN MAPLE SHADE (571 NJ-38, MAPLE SHADE TOWNSHIP, NJ 08052, 888-722-6721) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,000.

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2017-12-26

ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2017-08-20
VIN: 1FTNE1EW9CD
Components: ENGINE
Summary: ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 20, DRIVING S81 JUST BEFORE THE SALEM EXIT, THE 2012 FORD E-150 WHITE CARGO VAN 4.6L ROMEO ENGINE BLEW A SPARK PLUG OUT OF THE #3 CYLINDER HEAD WHILE ACCELERATING FROM 40 MPH. THE PLANNED TRIP STARTED FROM HARRISBURG PA TO ANDREWS NC. TO WITNESS A SOLAR ECLIPSE. ENGINE FAILURE HAPPEN AT APPROXIMATELY 40MPH JUST NORTH OF THE SALEM EXIT OFF 81 SOUTH. THERE WAS NO SHOP AVAILABLE TILL NEXT DAY TO REPAIR DAMAGE.. DAMAGES INCLUDED A OVERNIGHT STAY, MISSING THE SOLAR ECLIPSE OF 2017 AND REPAIR AND PARTS COST OF OVER $300.00 SPARK PLUG WAS DESTROYED. THE COIL WAS DESTROYED AND THE CYLINDER HEAD WAS RENDER USELESS. AT THIS TIME A TEMPORARY TAP WAS MADE AND HELI COIL WAS INSERTED TO HOLD A NEW SPARK PLUG IN PLACE AND CONTINUE OUR TRIP THE NEXT DAY. SINCE THEN IT BLEW AGAIN AND I HAVE NO TRANSPORTATION FOR ME AND MY TOOLS. I HAVE REPORTED THIS COMPLAINT TO CORPORATE FORD FOR REVIEW. FORD STATED THEY WILL RESPOND BY EMAIL WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 27. TO DETERMINE CULPABILITY FOR MANUFACTURING FLAW WITH INFERIOR ALUMINUM HEAD DESIGN. TOTAL DAMAGES ESTIMATE $2500 TO $4000. SINCERELY OWNER 12/22/17 SUBMITTED TO CAS & NHTSA. *TR

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2017-01-31

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2017-01-31
Crash: 1
VIN: 114/6413
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
Summary: UGA

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2016-06-13

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2016-05-01
VIN: FTFW1ET6CFA
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD E-150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DOWNSHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR AND THE WHEELS SEIZED. THE VEHICLE STALLED IMMEDIATELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPEED SENSOR AND THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO FORD RECALL NUMBER: 16S19. AFTER REPAIRS WERE MADE, A RECALL FOR THE POWER TRAIN WAS ISSUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

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2015-06-24

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2015-06-24
Number Of Injuries: 1
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: MY 11 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE TAILGATE AND DIDN'T SEE THERE WAS SOMETHING LODGED IN THE CREVICE. THE TAILGATE POPPED OFF AND FELL ON HER KNEE. SHE IS IN EXCRUCIATING PAIN. WE ARE AT THE ER. THIS IS NOT SAFE. THERE HAS TO BE A BETTER SAFER WAY TO ATTACH THE GATE. I HAVE OWNED 3 F150S AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE. THANK GOD MY 6 YEAR OLD WAS OUT OF THE VECINITY. THIS COULD HAVE EASILY INJURED OR KILLED HIM AS WELL.

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2014-07-16

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2014-07-16
VIN: 1FTNE1EW1CD
Components: TIRES
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD ECONOLINE E150. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13T012000 (TIRES). THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE HIM AWARE THAT THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT HAVE THE TIRES AVAILABLE FOR REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

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2013-07-11

STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-06-26
VIN: 1FTNE1EW8CD
Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS
Summary: DRIVING THIS VAN IS VERY DIFFICULT, IT WILL NOT HOLD A STRAIGHT LINE ,WHEN YOU PASS BIG TRUCKS GOING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ,THE VACUUM SUCKS IT UP ,AND IT GETS MORE UNCONTROLLABLE,CAUSING A MINOR FISH TALE. OF COURSE FORD CHECKED IT OUT AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG .M---KS COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM..DO NOT DRIVE THIS VAN IF IS AT ALL WINDY,COULD BECOME UNCONTROLLABLE AND UNSAFE . THE WANDERING IN THE STEERING IS NOT ACCEPTABLE .I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS VAN FOR ANYONE. OR ANY BUSINESS. *TR

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2013-02-19

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2011-11-01
VIN: 1FTFW1CF1CF
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED 12-15 TIMES. AFTER THE ENGINE IS TURNED ON AND PUT INTO DRIVE, IT STARTS TO BUCK/HESITATE LIKE IT IS NOT GETTING GAS. SOMETIMES THIS IS VIOLENT AND OTHER TIMES SOFT. IT IS NOT BAD GAS. SOMETIMES IT WILL GO FOR 6-7 WEEKS WITHOUT DOING IT AND OTHER TIMES IT WILL HAPPEN TWO DAYS IN A ROW. DEALER WILL NOT ATTEMPT TO FIX IT BECAUSE AFTER KEEPING IT OVER NIGHT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND WOULD NOT TAKE MY WORD FOR IT. IF THEY ORDER A PART AND IT DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM FORD WILL NOT RE-IMBURSE DEALER SO I AM SUPPOSE TO RISK MY LIFE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC WITH A TRUCK THAT MIGHT NOT MAKE IT. TRUCK HAS 4500 MILES . BOUGHT NEW AT END OF OCTOBER 2012. THERE IS NO READ OUT ON THE COMPUTER WHEN THIS HAPPENS. LOVE THE TRUCK BUT NOT THIS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

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2012-11-13

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2012-08-22
VIN: 1FTNE1EW1CD
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: VEHICLE TRACKS DOWN ROAD SIDEWAYS BY 6 INCHES. THIS WILL CAUSE PREMATURE TIRE WEAR AND STEERING PROBLEMS. LOCAL DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WAS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE AND FORD CUSTOMER CARE HAS NOT RETURNED CALLS SINCE INITIAL CONTACT. *TR

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2012 Ford E-150 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the 2012 Ford E-150.

2015-11-04

Manufacturer: Mobility Works (WMK Inc.)
Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Summary: MobilityWorks (WMK Inc.) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, and E-350 vans modified by MobilityWorks to be equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.
Consequence: If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.
Remedy: MobilityWorks will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2015. Owners may contact MobilityWorks customer service at 1-800-769-8267, or Ricon Customer Service at 1-800-322-2884. Note: These vehicles and wheelchair lifts were subject to a similar recall in 2014. All vehicles that received that recall remedy are still affected by this recall as well.

2014-11-05

Manufacturer: Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply
Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Summary: Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply (Cummings) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, Chevrolet Express, 2006-2008 Dodge Sprinter, and 2009-2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2013 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured January 1, 2006, to October 8, 2014, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation after January 1, 2006. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Consequence: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
Remedy: Cummings will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2015. Owners may contact Cumming's customer service at 1-800-639-5438 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Cumming's number for this recall is 14E-041.

2014-09-23

Manufacturer: National Van Builiders, Inc.
Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Summary: National Van Builders, Inc. (National Van) is recalling certain 2007-2014 Ford E-150 and E-250 vehicles manufactured February 26, 2007, to August 19, 2014, and equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Consequence: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
Remedy: National Van will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 3, 2014. Owners may contact National Van customer service at 1-800-527-7477. National Van's number for this recall is Ricon2014.

2014-08-06

Manufacturer: Adrian Steel Company
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: Adrian Steel Company (Adrian) is recalling certain model year 2012 Ford E-150, E-250 and E-350 Commercial Cargo Vans modified by Adrian between September 21, 2012, to September 24, 2012. The affected vehicles are equipped with certain propane fuel system conversion kits with an aluminum fuel line fitting manufactured by Roush CleanTech. Due to a reaction between the different metals, the affected kits may develop a propane leak where the aluminum fuel line fitting contacts the brass supply valve housing.
Consequence: A propane leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Adrian will notify owners, and dealers will replace the aluminum fuel line fittings with stainless steel fittings, free of charge. The recall began during July 2014. Owners may contact Adrian customer service at 1-800-677-2726.

2014-07-10

Manufacturer: Roush Performance Products, Inc.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: Roush Performance Products, Inc. (Roush) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford E-150 Wagons and Cargo Vans, E-250 Cargo Vans and Extended Cargo Vans, E-350 Wagons, Extended Wagons, Cargo Vans, and Extended Vans, and E-450 Cutaway models. These models were modified by Roush to be equipped with certain propane fuel system conversion kits manufactured January 2011 to August 2012 with an aluminum fuel line fitting. Due to a reaction between the different metals, the affected kits may develop a propane leak where the aluminum fuel line fitting contacts the brass supply valve housing.
Consequence: A propane leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Roush will notify owners and will replace the aluminum fuel line fittings with new stainless steel fittings, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2014. Owners may contact Roush customer service at 1-800-597-6874.

2014-03-04

Manufacturer: Landi Renzo USA
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE
Summary: Landi Renzo USA is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, and E-350 vehicles modified January 2, 2011, through February 24, 2014 to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG). In the affected vehicles, the left and right rear brackets that support the rear CNG cylinder may fail, allowing the cylinder to dislodge from the vehicle.
Consequence: If the cylinder dislodges, a CNG leak may result, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Landi Renzo USA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the side arm brackets, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2014. Owners may contact Landi Renzo USA at 1-855-526-3400.

2013-06-21

Manufacturer: Mobility Works (WMK Inc.)
Components: EQUIPMENT
Summary: Mobility Works is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Ford E-150, E-250 and E-350 vehicles manufactured August 2006 through August 2012. The vehicles are equipped with certain Ricon S series and K Series wheelchair lifts with an optional armored pendant cable. The armored cable may be positioned such that it does not clear the wheelchair lift.
Consequence: If the cable does not clear the wheel chair lift it may contact the power lug and, if it does not have a nonconductive cover, or it has an improperly installed non-conductive cover, a short circuit may occur that could result in a fire.
Remedy: Mobility Works will notify owners and Ricon will provide a supplemental cover kit and instructions, free of charge. This recall campaign is expected to begin July 15, 2013. Owners may contact Mobility Works at 1-877-275-4912 and Ricon at 1-818-267-3000.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2012 Ford E-150 problems:

Ford E-150 Problems and Complaints - 24 Issues

https://repairpal.com/problems/ford/e-150

Top Ford E-150 Problems · Rough Running Engine and Possible Check Engine Light · Loud Popping Noise and Misfire Experienced · Engine Oil Leaks from Cylinder Head ...

Common Problems with 1993 Ford Econoline E-150 Conversion Van

https://www.justanswer.com/ford/667wy-ford-e-150-econoline-xlt-1993-ford-e150-conversion.html

Jan 30, 2012 ... I have a 1993 ford E150 conversion van with a 5.8 liter engine and a 4R70W transmission. The problem is the engine idles - Answered by a ...

Ford E-Series Questions - Intermittant electrical problem - CarGurus

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t92418_ds530682

Oct 10, 2012 ... Oil pressure problem: I have a 1998 e150 econoline van When I drive and I get to a red light the gauge goes down , I replace the oil pressure ...

Transmission died on 2011 e150, common problem? - Ford Forum ...

https://www.fordforum.com/forum/ford-econoline-e-series-18/transmission-died-2011-e150-common-problem-27073/

May 14, 2012 ... Ford Econoline E Series - Transmission died on 2011 e150, common problem? - I recently had transmission die on 2011 e150 and had it replace ...