Ford E250 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 E250 model years
Common Ford E250 problems
The Ford E250 is a popular commercial van with a history of common problems. Based on owner complaints and recall data, the following issues are among the most frequently reported:
- Fuel System: The fuel system in the Ford E250 has had 21 recalls, making it the most frequently recalled component. Common issues include fuel leaks, fuel pump failures, and faulty fuel pressure regulators. These problems can lead to decreased engine performance, stalling, and even fire hazards.
- Engine: The engine in the Ford E250 has had 11 recalls, with issues ranging from misfiring to oil leaks. Common problems include worn-out spark plugs, faulty ignition coils, and leaking cylinder head gaskets. These issues can lead to decreased engine performance, rough idling, and increased oil consumption.
- Transmission: The transmission in the Ford E250 has had 7 recalls, with issues including leaks, slipping, and failure to shift properly. Common problems include leaking transmission seals, worn-out clutch plates, and faulty solenoids. These issues can lead to difficulty shifting, slipping, and even complete transmission failure.
- Steering: The steering system in the Ford E250 has had 4 recalls, with issues including leaks, binding, and failure to return to center. Common problems include leaking power steering hoses, worn-out steering gearboxes, and faulty steering shaft couplings. These issues can lead to difficulty steering, increased steering effort, and even loss of steering control.
- Brakes: The brakes in the Ford E250 have had 3 recalls, with issues including leaks, binding, and failure to stop the vehicle properly. Common problems include leaking brake lines, worn-out brake pads, and faulty brake calipers. These issues can lead to decreased braking performance, increased stopping distances, and even brake failure.
- Wheels: The wheels in the Ford E250 have had 1 recall, with issues including wheel separation and loss of control. The common problem is wheel studs breaking, which can lead to wheel separation and loss of control of the vehicle.
- Frame: The frame in the Ford E250 has had 1 recall, with issues including frame cracking and loss of structural integrity. The common problem is frame cracking, which can lead to loss of structural integrity and decreased vehicle safety.
- Seats: The seats in the Ford E250 have had 1 recall, with issues including seat belt failure and loss of occupant protection. The common problem is seat belt retractor failure, which can lead to seat belt failure and loss of occupant protection in the event of a crash.
In summary, the Ford E250 has had a history of common problems, including exhaust leaks, fuel system issues, engine problems, transmission failures, steering issues, brake problems, wheel stud failures, frame cracking, and seat belt retractor failure. These issues can lead to decreased vehicle performance, safety concerns, and increased repair costs. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the vehicle.
Are Ford E250 vans reliable?
The Ford E-250 Reliability Rating is 2.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 19th out of 21 for commercial vans. The average annual repair cost is $1,156 which means it has poor ownership costs. The frequency of repairs is average, but when issues do arise, they are more likely to be severe than with other models.
What is the recall on the Ford E250?
2014 Ford E250 Recall
(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.
How many miles per gallon does a Ford E250 get?
The E-250 averages around 13 miles per gallon, while the E-150 averages 14 miles per gallon.
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.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ford E250 years
We have researched Ford problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ford E250 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Ford E250 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ford E250 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ford E250 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ford E250 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ford E250 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ford E250 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by E250 model years
A total of 1 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 E250 model years
There were a total of 3 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 E250 model years
There were a total of 3 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 E250 model years
There were a total of 2 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 24 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ford E250 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ford E250 vehicles.
List of Ford E250 complaints
Ford E250 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-31
- Date Complaint: 2017-02-21
- VIN: 1FTNS2EW1ED
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN FOR TRANSMISSION WORK. NOW THE DEALER WILL ONLY COVER A THIRD OF THE COST. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE TRANSMISSION UNDER WARRANTY, NOW THEY ARE SAYING BECAUSE WE DIDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR IT, THE WARRANTY IS UP. YET THEIR WEB-SITE STATES 3 YEARS AFTER REPLACEMENT. WE ARE NOT PAYING THE BILL.
Ford E250 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-09
- Date Complaint: 2014-11-13
- VIN: 1FTNE24W16D
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD E250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATER SWITCH MELTED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT OWNS A FLEET OF VEHICLES WITH THE SAME FAILURE.
Ford E250 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-30
- Date Complaint: 2014-10-31
- VIN: 1FTNE2EL2ED
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SPEEDOMETER ACTED UP WHILE DRIVING COME TO A COMPLETE STOP STAYED AT ABOUT 13 MPH. CONTINUED TO DRIVE AGAIN AND IT SHOWED I WAS GOING ABOUT 13 MPH FASTER THEN I WAS ACTUALLY GOING DID THIS FOR ABOUT 6-8 MILES. I LET IT SET FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES IT THEN SOMEHOW FIXED ITSELF. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE YOU CANT EXACTLY TELL THE SPEED YOUR GOING WHICH EFFECTS EVERYONE AROUND YOU THIS IS A COMPANY VAN MY FELLOW ASSOCIATE ALSO HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THE EXACT SAME VAN. *TR
Ford E250 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-15
- Date Complaint: 2008-06-17
- VIN: 1FDFE24H1KH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD E250. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVES WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE CONTACT ALSO SMELLED GASOLINE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. HE CALLED THE DEALER IN REFERENCE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 91V146000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILIARY TANK:SELECTOR DEVICES) AND WAS REFERRED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT FORD DOES NOT KEEP ANY RECALL INFORMATION FROM THE PAST TEN YEARS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 41,000. UPDATED 07/09/08 *BF UPDATED
Ford E250 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-29
- Date Complaint: 2007-03-30
- VIN: 1FTFE24N7LH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL SPILLS OUT FROM THE FRONT FUEL TANK. FORD REFUSED TO REPLACE THE DUAL TANK SELECTOR VALVE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 91V146000. *JB
Ford E250 1984
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-06
- Date Complaint: 2005-11-06
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: FIRESTONE STEELTEX RADIAL R4S TIRE BLEW OUT AT 50 MPH WHILE DRIVING IN A NARROW, NO-STOP HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION ZONE. FLYING TIRE TREAD DESTROYED VAN'S REAR QUARTER PANEL AND SOME PAINT. *NM
Ford E250 1979
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2003-07-14
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD IS CRACKED ON THE RIGHT SIDE WHICH CAUSES THE EXHAUST GASES TO ENTER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *AK
Ford E250 1978
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2000-09-20
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WE HAVE HAD THIS VAN FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. IT IS NOT USED MUCH NOW. THE PROBLEM IS THE WHEELS DO NOT TRACK. THE FRONT WHEELS ARE OFFSET TO THE LEFT, WHEN LOOKING FORWARD. I HAVE NOTICED THIS ON MANY OTHER FORD E TYPE VANS AND F TYPE PICKUP TRUCKS ON THE HIGHWAY. THE BODY OF THESE AFFECTED VEHICLES SEEMS TO BE CANTED, NOT GOING STRAIGHT DOWN THE HIGHWAY. IT WOULD SEEM THAT THIS WOULD PUT LATERAL FORCES ON THE TIRES, ETC. CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR AND OTHER PROBLEMS. I AM NOT LOOKING FOR MFGR. SUPPORT AND ONLY SENDING THIS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES BASED ON CURRENT TIRE PROBLEMS WITH FORD VEHICLES. *AK
Ford E250 1985
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-01
- Date Complaint: 1997-09-23
- VIN: 1FBHE21LXFH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRONIC MODULE WOULD HEAT UP AND FAIL AT TIMES. THE VEHICLE WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO START AT TIMES ALSO DUE TO ELECTRONIC MODULE.
Ford E250 1985
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-09-23
- VIN: 1FBHE21LXFH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL TANK CHANGE OVER SWITCH FAILED.
Ford E250 1985
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-09-23
- VIN: 1FBHE21LXFH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL PUMP FAILED.
Ford E250 1989
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-27
- Date Complaint: 1997-05-27
- VIN: 1FMHE21GXKH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: SMELL OF FUEL WHILE DRIVING, FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING FUEL TO POUR OUT THROUGH FUEL FILLER CAP,COULD CAUSE FIRE. *AK
Ford E250 1980
- Date Of Incident: 1991-08-01
- Date Complaint: 1997-04-23
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH OVERHEATED/PLASTIC HOUSING BURNED.
Ford E250 1988
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
- Date Complaint: 1997-01-09
- VIN: 1FDMF60HOJV
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OIL PAN LEAKS.
Ford E250 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1996-12-06
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Number Of Deaths: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FTFE24Y7KH
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: SEAT TRACKS BENT IN ACCIDENT, CAUSING SEAT TO DISLODGE FROM TRACKS.
Latest 5 recalls Ford E250
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 30 recalls for different components of the Ford E250.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ford E250 2014
- Report Received Date: 2016-05-18
- Manufacturer: Mobility Works (WMK Inc.)
- Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
- Summary: Mobility Works (WMK Inc.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, and Chevrolet Express 2500 vans manufactured January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2015, and equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts by Ricon. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack. Additionally, the 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 platform side plates crack or the platform mounting fails from out-of-position bearings, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the vehicle's doors are opened, the platform may fall onto the lift operator, increasing their risk of injury.
- Remedy: Mobility Works 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 June 17, 2016. Owners may contact Mobility Works customer service at 1-800-769-8267. Mobility Works' number for this recall is 16E-020.
- Model: Ford E250 2014
- 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 E250 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 E250 1985
- Report Received Date: 2007-08-27
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
- Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
- Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
- Model: Ford E250 1978
- Report Received Date: 2007-08-27
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
- Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
- Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
Are you having problems with your Ford E250?
