1981 Ford E150 problems

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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.

1981 Ford E150

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Common 1981 Ford E150 problems

The Ford E150 1981 is a popular vehicle among car enthusiasts, but like any other vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the issues that Ford E150 1981 owners have reported:

  • Air Injection Manifold: Another common problem is the air injection manifold cracking at each cylinder, which can cause the air pump to fail. This issue can lead to a lack of power and poor acceleration.
  • Timing: The timing on the Ford E150 1981 can be difficult to set correctly, even with the "plug" pulled. This issue can cause the engine to always try to advance, leading to endless EGR position sensor codes.
  • Rocker Arms: The rocker arms on the Ford E150 1981 can wear through, leading to intake leaks and poor engine performance.
  • Fuel System: The fuel system is a common problem area for the Ford E150 1981, with 34 recalls related to this issue.
  • Equipment: Equipment issues are also common in the Ford E150 1981, with 28 recalls related to this problem.
  • Lighting: Lighting issues have been reported in the Ford E150 1981, with 26 recalls related to this problem.
  • Transmission: Transmission issues are a common problem in the Ford E150 1981, with 18 recalls related to this issue.
  • Engine: Engine problems have been reported in the Ford E150 1981, with 10 recalls related to this issue.
  • Brakes: Brake issues have been reported in the Ford E150 1981, with 8 recalls related to this problem.
  • Wheels: Wheel issues have been reported in the Ford E150 1981, with 5 recalls related to this problem.
  • Steering: Steering issues have been reported in the Ford E150 1981, with 4 recalls related to this problem.

These are some of the common problems that Ford E150 1981 owners have reported. If you own a Ford E150 1981, it's essential to be aware of these issues and take preventive measures to avoid them. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify potential problems before they become major issues. Additionally, if you experience any of these problems, it's essential to have them addressed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your vehicle.

1981 Ford E150 engine

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 many miles per gallon does a 1981 Ford Econoline van get?

Based on data from 1 vehicles, 16 fuel-ups and 3,024 miles of driving, the 1981 Ford E-250 Econoline gets a combined Avg MPG of 11.93 with a 1.75 MPG margin of error.

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.

1981 Ford E150 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford E150 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Ford E150 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1981 Ford E150 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Ford E150.

1996-05-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-04-10
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2FDDE15G4BB
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK
1996-05-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-04-10
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2FDDE15G4BB
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK

1981 Ford E150 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1981 Ford E150.

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.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1981 Ford E150 problems:

Common Ford 5.8 Engine Problems: Expert Q&A | JustAnswer
Common Ford 5.8 Engine Problems: Expert Q&A | JustAnswer
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/0cchm-ford-351-5-8l-stalling-stop-lights.html

Aug 25, 2006 ... What is typical issue with vehicle (E150 custom van) with 5.8l (351) stalling at stop lights? - Answered by a verified Ford Mechanic.

Ford 4.9l reliability and problems| Grassroots Motorsports forum |
Ford 4.9l reliability and problems| Grassroots Motorsports forum |
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/ford-49l-reliability-and-problems/110220/page1/

... common problems with them... Last one I had was in an e150 with blown head gasket... spitfirebill PowerDork 2/6/16 11:30 a.m..

1993 Ford E150 Clubwagon XLT Van: Common Issues & Expert ...
1993 Ford E150 Clubwagon XLT Van: Common Issues & Expert ...
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/aib5l-1993-ford-e150-clubwagon-xlt-van-replaced.html

Jun 26, 2017 ... The AOD transmission was used in many rear wheel drive Ford vehicles from late 1981 through early 1993. The AODE transmission was produced ...

The worse problem(s) on a 300 inline 6 - Ford Truck Enthusiasts ...
The worse problem(s) on a 300 inline 6 - Ford Truck Enthusiasts ...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1072748-the-worse-problem-s-on-a-300-inline-6-a.html

Jun 6, 2011 ... Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300 - The worse problem(s) on a 300 inline 6 - In your opinion, what is the worse problems 300 inline 6s ...

1984 Ford Econoline E150 V8 4.9L : r/MechanicAdvice
1984 Ford Econoline E150 V8 4.9L : r/MechanicAdvice
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/ji4b9q/1984_ford_econoline_e150_v8_49l/

Oct 26, 2020 ... I just picked up a '90 e150 with the same engine for its reliability. ... 1993 Yamaha XJ600 - engine problems. 3 ... 1981 GMC Sierra bucking and ...

Other years of Ford E150

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E150 1982
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E150 1983
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E150 1984
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E150 1985
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E150 1986
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E150 1987
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1981 Ford E150 photo