Ford E150 problems
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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Ford E150 model years
Common Ford E150 problems
The Ford E150, a full-size van, is known for its spacious interior and ability to carry heavy payloads. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems that owners have reported.
- Engine Oil Leaks from Cylinder Head Area: Engine oil leaks from the cylinder head gasket are a common problem. The best option is to replace the head gasket and mating surfaces on the cylinder head and block. In extreme cases, the cylinder head will need to be replaced. The average cost for replacing a head gasket is between $1100-$1400.
- Front End Makes Rattle Noise Over Bumps: Handling issues and excessive play in the upper and lower ball joints can cause a rattle noise over bumps. The ball joints will need to be replaced due to entry of moisture and lack of lubrication. Replacing one ball can cost around $250 while replacing both is about $550.
- Loud Popping Noise and Misfire: A loud popping noise and a misfire are often caused by a spark plug that has been dislodged from the cylinder head, causing the threads on the spark plugs to be stripped. If the vehicle is still under warranty, it is recommended that the cylinder head be replaced. If it is not under warranty, using “Lock-N-Stitch” aluminum inserts to replace the threads in the cylinder can start around $500 just to rent the Tool Kit.
- Coolant Leakage from Heater Core: The electrolysis that runs through the coolant can cause corrosion and deterioration of heater core and radiator parts. Coolant liquid often finds its way onto the passenger side footwell. Replacing the heater core is a $200-$300 fix.
- Power Steering Issues: Some owners have reported issues with the power steering system, where the vehicle will die and lose power steering randomly. This can be due to a variety of issues, including fuel lines, electrical connections, or a dirty fuel filter. It is recommended to clean out the fuel lines, check for engine codes, and research all possible reasons before replacing parts.
- Gas Consumption: The Ford E150 has a reputation as a gas guzzler, with some owners reporting that they need to fill up the tank multiple times on long drives. For example, one owner reported that they needed to fill up the tank twice on a trip from Manila to Pagudpud, a distance of 550 kilometers.
These are some of the most common problems reported by owners of the Ford E150. It is important to note that not all vehicles will experience these issues, and many owners have reported positive experiences with the van. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider them when making a purchasing decision.
Are Ford E-150 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.
What kind of engine is in the Ford E-150?
The Ford E-150 cargo vans or passenger wagons are built on a rugged platform and offer large interiors with vast cargo capacities. The Ford E-150 comes with a standard 225-hp 4.6-liter Triton V8 with an optional 255-hp 5.4-liter Triton V8. Both engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.
What is the gas mileage on the E150 van?
Find and Compare Cars
| 2014 Ford E150 Van FFV | |
|---|---|
| Personalize Find a car | Flex-Fuel Vehicle 8 cyl, 4.6 L, Automatic 4-spd Compare |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA MPG | Regular Gas 15 combined city/highway MPG 13 city 16 highway 6.7 gals/100 miles E85 11 combined city/highway MPG 10 city 12 highway 9.1 gal/100mi |
What are the recalls on the Ford Econoline van?
SUMMARY. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Ford Econoline vehicles equipped with a 5R110W transmission, 5.4L engine, and a school bus or ambulance preparation package. A weld within the coast clutch may fail, causing an unexpected loss of drive power.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ford E150 years
We have researched Ford problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ford E150 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Ford E150 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ford E150 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ford E150 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ford E150 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ford E150 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Tires problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ford E150 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by E150 model years
A total of 2 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by E150 model years
There were a total of 22 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by E150 model years
There were a total of 6 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by E150 model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 106 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ford E150 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ford E150 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Ford E150 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-06
- Date Complaint: 2009-08-21
- VIN: 1FTDF15N8LN
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS SPEWING FROM GAS CAP INPUT AREA DURING PERIODS OF WARM WEATHER. GAS CONTINUES TO SPEW REGARDLESS OF AMOUNT OF GAS IN EITHER TANK. HIGH POTENTIAL FOR FIRE AND LOSS OF LIFE. FORD KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND IS SAYING THEY NEVER HAD A RECALL ON THIS SUBJECT. *TR
Ford E150 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2009-07-01
- VIN: 1FTEF15Y2LN
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THERE IS A FUEL LEAK THAT BEGAN A WHILE BACK BUT ONLY WHEN BOTH TANKS WERE FULL. NOW THE LEAK IS SUBSTANTIAL AND SEEMS TO OCCUR EVEN WHEN LESS THAN FULL....BUT NOT AT ALL WHEN ABOUT HALF FULL. I AM NOT SURE OF WHEN I FIRST NOTICED THE OCCURRENCE BUT IT HAS BEEN QUITE SOME YEARS NOW. I WILL ENTER A DATE. *TR
Ford E150 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2008-07-01
- VIN: 1FDEE14N6KH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID# 91V146000 REFERS TO A SAFETY RECALL FOR A FAULTY DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE IN FORD ECONOLINE VANS EQUIPPED WITH DUAL FUEL TANKS BUILT BETWEEN 1989 AND 1991 AND OTHER SIMILAR MODELS . I HAVE CONTACTED FORD TO INVESTIGATE , BUT THERE ARE NO RECORDS THAT CONFIRM OR DISAFFIRM MY VEHICLE'S INCLUSION IN THIS RECALL. BASICALLY, I DON'T KNOW IF MY VAN WAS AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL AND IF ANY RECALL SERVICES WERE PERFORMED. I AM EXPERIENCING A FAULT IN THE DUAL FUEL TANK SYSTEM. IT SEEMS THAT THE FUEL SELECTOR VALVE WILL NOT SWITCH TO THE MAIN TANK, AND WHEN FILLED, THE MAIN TANK WILL FLOW PAST THE FILLER CAP AND CAUSES A FUEL LEAKAGE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION. I CONTACTED A LOCAL FORD DEALER WHO ADVISED ME THAT NO RECALL SERVICE CAN BE PERFORMED TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE MY VIN# DOES NOT REGISTER IN THE FORD RECALL DATABASE. AGAIN, FORD CANNOT CONFIRM OR DISAFFIRM ANY RECALL SERVICES PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE. I AM NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE SO I DO NOT HAVE ANY SERVICE RECORDS PRIOR TO 2005. IN AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THIS CONCERN, I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THE SECONDARY FUEL PUMP, AS ADVISED BY MY LOCAL MECHANIC. I HAVE ALSO OVERHAULED BOTH FUEL TANKS TO CHECK FOR CLOGGING, OR ANY FOREIGN MATERIALS, AND I HAVE REPLACED SEVERAL SEALS AND MISC. HARDWARE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM. THIS CONCERN HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2005. I AM ONLY ABLE TO OPERATE MY VEHICLE ON THE AUXILLARY (REAR) FUEL TANK WITH A 13 GALLON CAPACITY. WHEN THE SELECTOR SWITCH IS ON THE FRONT TANK, THE VEHICLE WILL EVENTUALLY STALL AS IF IT IS OUT OF FUEL. WHEN THE FUEL SELECTOR SWITCH IS SET TO THE REAR TANK, I AM ABLE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE NORMALLY WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE LIMITED RANGE DUE TO THE SMALL AUXILLARY FUEL TANK. *TR
Ford E150 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-25
- Date Complaint: 2008-04-25
- VIN: 1FDEE14N7KH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: VAN DIED,TOWED TO MECHANICS SHOP,WAS TOLD SWITCH VALVE BETWEEN TANKS WAS PROBLEM, LOOKED ON NHTSA WEBSITE ABOUT RECALLS. FORD VAN 89 E-150 WITH DUEL GAS TANKS. FORD SAFETY RECALL NUMBER IS 91S39 WENT TO FORD WEB SITE,CALLED THEM ON PHONE, CUSTOMER SERVICE AND LOCAL DEALERSHIP. BOTH SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY VAN. *TR
Ford E150 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-30
- Date Complaint: 2005-07-02
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: NO PREVIOUS EVENT BEFORE FAILURE. TIRE BECAME DEFORMED, PROBABLE CAUSE BELT SEPARATION. CAUSED SEVERE HANDLING PROBLEMS AT LOW SPEEDS. PLAN TO RETURN TIRE FOR REPLACEMENT.
Ford E150 1976
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-16
- Date Complaint: 2004-06-16
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I OWN A 1976 FORD ECONOLINE (ONLY 110,000 MILES DRIVEN) THAT RUNS WELL EXCEPT FOR A FRONT END THAT HAS FELT "LOOSE" OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS, GRADUALLY WORSENING. I THOUGHT I COULD "LIVE WITH" THE PROBLEM BUT RECENTLY DISCOVERED A 1976 RECALL THAT SPECIFIED FRONT-END LOOSENESS INVOLVING WRONG KINDS OF WASHERS INSTALLED AT THE FACTORY. FORD TELLS ME THAT THE VIN HAS BEEN CHANGED TO 17 CHARACTERS, AS OPPOSED TO THE 10 IDENTIFYING MY FORD, AND THEREFORE THE VEHICLE IS, IN EFFECT, BEYOND THEIR SCOPE OF CONCERN. OKAY,THE VEHICLE IS ANCIENT. BUT SHOULD NHTSA CONTINUE CARRYING ITS RECALL NOTICE, OR IS THE DANGER IMPLIED BY LOOSE WASHERS THAT MAY (OR MAY NOT) INCLUDE THIS VEHICLE SUDDENLY NIL? *AK
Ford E150 1983
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-14
- Date Complaint: 2003-12-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE'S ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN INTO A SERVICE PLAZA WHEN THE DRIVER NOTICED FLAMES EMITTING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FLAMES ENGULFED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. *PH *NM
Ford E150 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2003-09-12
- VIN: 1FDEE14N1HH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD IS CRACKED ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THE EXHAUST FUMES LEAK. THE CONSUMER FEELS THIS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. *AK *TS
Ford E150 1984
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-15
- Date Complaint: 2003-09-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FMEE11HXEH
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND WHILE AT A STOP. WHILE STOPPED FOR A CONSTRUCTION FLAG PERSON A VEHICLE REAR ENDED THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE. THE CONSUME SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES TO HIS NECK, HEAD, MOUTH, SHOULDERS, ARMS, KNEE, HIP AND SPINE. *NLM
Ford E150 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-18
- Date Complaint: 2003-07-10
- VIN: 1FDEE14N1KH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION AND DAMAGED THE FRONT FENDER. *AK THE VALVE STEM WAS ALSO REPLACED. *PH *JB
Ford E150 1986
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2003-03-07
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE THROTTLE STUCK, WHICH CAUSED UNWANTED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. ON ONE OCCASION THE THROTTLE BODY WAS DIRTY AND ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON, THE VACUUM LINE MALFUNCTIONED. IN EITHER CASE, PRESSING DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE WAS TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION. *TT *JB
Ford E150 1986
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2003-02-28
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE CRUISE CONTROL VACUUM LINE HAD KINKED WHILE THR CRUISE WAS ON, THE THROTTLE BODY HAD STUCK, AND THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE. SCC *JB
Ford E150 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-05
- Date Complaint: 2003-02-20
- VIN: 1FDEE14HXLH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: MY LOCAL FORD DEALER REFUSED TO SERVICE MY VEHICLE FOR THE FOLLOWING: NHTSA ID NO.: 91V-146 DATE OF COMPANY NOTIFICATION: 9-4-91 MAKE: FORD MODEL: ECONOLINE MODEL YEAR: 1989-91 MODEL: F-150, F-250, F-350 MODEL YEAR: 1989 NUMBER OF VEHICLES: 350,000 MFG. CAMPAIGN NO. 91S39. FUEL TANK, AUXILIARY. DOM: 2/89-2/91. DUAL FUNCTION FUEL RESERVOIR MAY MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE AN OVERFILL CONDITION IN ONE OF THE FUEL TANKS, RESULTING IN AN OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST FILLER CAP. OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST FILLER CAP CAUSES A FUEL LEAKAGE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION. CORRECT BY REPLACING DUAL FUNCTION FUEL RESERVOIRS WITH NEW RESERVOIRS CONTAINING O-RINGS OF A REVISED MATERIAL. THEY SAID THIS APPLIES ONLY TO THE PICK-UPS, AND NOT THE ECONOLINE VAN. ANOTHER DEALER SAY THAT VIN NUMBER INDICATED THAT THIS WAS COMPLETED ALREADY, WHICH I KNOW WAS NOT... I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER... AND IS THE EXACT PROBLEM I AM HAVING IS STATED ABOVE... THE FUEL IS SPILLING ON THE GROUND WHEN I SWITCH ON THE REAR FUEL TANK.
Ford E150 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-14
- Date Complaint: 2002-07-30
- VIN: 1FDEE14NXLH
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHILE IN MOTION, THE LEFT REAR TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN THE LUG NUTS BACKED OUT. *JG
Ford E150 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-06
- Date Complaint: 2001-12-04
- VIN: 1FTEE14H8LH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 91V146000 COVERS THIS 1990 MODEL, BUT FORD SAYS NOT PART OF RECALL ALTHOUGH THE SAME EXACT FAILURE DID OCCUR WITH GAS/FUEL SPILL INSIDE ENCLOSED GARAGE. REAR TANK RETURN WAS TO FRONT TANK FORCING FUEL OVERFLOW. *AK
Latest 5 recalls Ford E150
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 13 recalls for different components of the Ford E150.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ford E150 2006
- Report Received Date: 2014-10-10
- Manufacturer: Mobility Works (WMK Inc.)
- Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
- Summary: Mobility Works (WMK Inc.) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E150, E250, and E350 vans modified by Mobility Works to be 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: Mobility Works will notify owners, and Ricon will supply supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2014. Owners may contact Mobility Works customer service at 1-800-769-8267 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884.
- Model: Ford E150 1989
- Report Received Date: 1991-09-04
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK:SELECTOR DEVICES
- Summary: THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE MAY MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE AN OVERFILL CONDITION IN ONE OF THE FUEL TANKS, RESULTING IN AN OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST THE FILLER CAP.
- Consequence: THE OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST THE FILLER CAP CAUSES A FUELLEAKAGE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE.
- Model: Ford E150 1990
- Report Received Date: 1991-09-04
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK:SELECTOR DEVICES
- Summary: THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE MAY MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE AN OVERFILL CONDITION IN ONE OF THE FUEL TANKS, RESULTING IN AN OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST THE FILLER CAP.
- Consequence: THE OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST THE FILLER CAP CAUSES A FUELLEAKAGE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE.
- Model: Ford E150 1990
- Report Received Date: 1991-07-03
- Manufacturer: VAN CRAFT CORP
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES DID NOT MEET LOAD REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 210; BELT ANCHORAGE BAR PULLED THROUGH THE FLOOR OF VEHICLE WHEN SUBJECTED TO LOADS OF FMVSS 210 TEST.
- Consequence: SEAT OCCUPANTS WOULD NOT HAVE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THEEVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT AND WOULD BE SUBJECT TO INCREASED RISKOF INJURY.
- Remedy: SECURE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE BAR TO VEHICLE FRAME FOR ADDED STRENGTH.
- Model: Ford E150 1981
- Report Received Date: 1990-07-18
- Manufacturer: MARK III INDUSTRIES, INC.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Consequence: OCCUPANTS WOULD NOT BE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED IN EVENT OFAN ACCIDENT OR SUDDEN STOP.
- Remedy: INSTALL PROPER MOUNTING HARDWARE AND SEAT BELTS.
Latest positive Ford E150 car reviews
Are you having problems with your Ford E150?
Vito Schmidt 2024-03-02
Vehicle year: 1990
I've had this van for a year and I absolutely love it. It hasn't given me any trouble at all!