1994 Ford E-150

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 121 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 7 times.

Not among the Ford E-150 years to avoid. Which Ford E-150 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
130,000 milesMedian miles at failure

28 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 1994 Ford E-150 problems

20 of the 121 complaints (17%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration11
010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes10
000
Steering › Gear Box (other Than Rack and Pinion)8
011
Steering6
101
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine5
000
Tires4
001
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control · throttle and acceleration3
031
Suspension › Front › Control Arm3
000
Structure › Frame and Members · body and frame3
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads · brakes3
000

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Vehicle Speed Control09V399000
Filed Oct 13, 20094,500,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Risk. A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy. FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility09V298000
Filed Jul 29, 20097 vehiclesR&r Mobility Vans & Lifts Inc.

Defect. R&R MOBILITY IS RECALLING 7 VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, "PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES." THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.

Risk. A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy. R&R MOBILITY IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000.

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility09V297000
Filed Jul 29, 20097 vehiclesR&r Mobility Vans & Lifts Inc.

Defect. R&R MOBILITY IS RECALLING 7 VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS ON MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.

Risk. THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy. R&R MOBILITY IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFT FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control08V051000
Filed Feb 4, 2008225,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.

Risk. AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Vehicle Speed Control06V286000
Filed Aug 1, 20061,200,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.

Risk. OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURN AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 05V388)

Interior Lighting94V128000
Filed Jul 11, 19946,088 vehiclesMark Iii Industries, Inc.

Defect. THE TRANSFORMER USED TO POWER THE NEON CENTER LIGHTBEAM CAN OVERHEAT AND CATCH ON FIRE.

Risk. THE OVERHEATING AND FIRES CAUSED BY THE NEON TRANSFORMER CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE LIGHTBEAM ASSEMBLY, THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy. MARK III DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ASSEMBLIES TO ELIMINATE THE NEON LIGHTING FIXTURE IN THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE IT WITH INCANDESCENT LIGHTS OPERATING DIRECTLY FROM THE VEHICLE 12-VOLT BATTERY.

Equipment › Other › Labels94V087000
Filed May 9, 19942,255 vehiclesExplorer van Company

Defect. THE MANUFACTURER'S CERTIFICATION LABEL AND/OR THE DRIVER AIR BAG ADVISORY LABEL MAY BE MISSING FROM THE VEHICLES, WHICH DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF 49 CFR 567.

Risk. CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: OWNERS OF VEHICLE WOULD BE UNAWARE OF THE LOAD CAPACITY OF THE VANS, THE VAN BUILD DATE, AND WOULD NOT HAVE ANY ASSURANCE THAT THE VANS MEET THE FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS.

Remedy. THE LABELS WILL BE FURNISHED TO OWNER'S FOR INSTALLATION ON THE VEHICLES.

All 7 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Dec 18, 2024AL

See attached document for complaint

Steering
Filed Oct 12, 2023165,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 1994 Ford E-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated she heard an unusual noise that sounded like something broke. The contact stated she continued to drive and the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a fractured steering box. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

Steering
Filed Mar 6, 2020170,000 milesOR

ON JAN 21ST 2020, WHILE MANEUVERING AT A GAS STATION, I HEARD A LOUD POP/CRACK. THINKING I HAD HIT A STANCHION, I WALKED AROUND MY VAN BUT - NO STANCHION. NOTHING TO SEE SO I GO ABOUT MY DAY. STEERING PULLED TO THE RIGHT, I CHECKED FOR LOW TIRE PRESSURE - PRESSURE, OK. 40 MILES OF FREEWAY DRIVING LATER, I TAKE THE VAN TO THE GARAGE - STEERING FEELS LOOSE. AFTER INSPECTION, THE DANGER I WAS IN, AND THE THREAT I WAS TO THOSE AROUND ME ON THE ROAD, WAS MOST APPARENT. THE STEERING GEAR BOX WAS LOOSE FROM THE FRAME, ONE BOLT HAVING SHEERED OFF. AND THE FRAME ITSELF CRACKED. IMAGINE MY SURPRISE WHEN FINDING THAT FATIGUE FAILURE AT THIS PART OF THE FRAME WAS WELL DOCUMENTED ON THE INTERNET AND YET, AS AN ORIGINAL OWNER, I HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THIS KNOWN AND DANGEROUS DESIGN DEFECT BY FORD MOTOR CO OR LANDMARK FORD. HOW MANY VANS OF THE SAME VINTAGE ARE STILL ON THE ROAD ?? HOW MANY ARE SAFE TO DRIVE ALONG SIDE?? I GUESS I AM LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO WRITE THIS NOTE, COS HAD MY STEERING BOX BROKEN LOOSE WHILE DRIVING ACROSS THE GLEN JACKSON BRIDGE, (I 205), I COULD EASILY HAVE ENDED UP IN THE COLUMBIA RIVER ALONG WITH OTHER INNOCENTS. DISILLUSIONED CUSTOMER. 1994 FORD E150, 170,289 MLS, FRAME @ STEERING GEAR BOX.

Steering
Filed Nov 10, 2019165,000 milesMO

VERY WOBBLY LOOSE STEERING. SCARY TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE STEERING ISN'T RELIABLE. FEELS LIKE IT WILL JUST GO OFF THE ROAD OR INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. HAVENT DRIVEN IT MUCH SINCE.

Steering
Filed Nov 16, 2016135,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONE OF THE THREE BOLTS HAD BECOME LOOSELY CONNECTED ASSOCIATED WITH THE STEERING. THE CONTACT TIGHTENED THE WASHER AS AN INTERIM REPAIR TO PREVENT A POWER STEERING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Steering
Filed Apr 26, 2016140,000 milesVA

I WAS DRIVING AND CAME THRU THE TUNNEL,AND STOP BY MALL TO GET SOMETHING TO EAT.WHILE PARKING MY STEERING GEAR BOX BROKE AWAY FROM THE FRAME,CAUSING ME TO HAVE NO STEERING.IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPEN 10 MINUTES EARLIER OR AFTER I WOULD HAVE LEFT THE MALL GOING THRU THE TWO LANE MIDTOWN TUNNEL I WOULD HAVE HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY.IS THIS SOMETHING FORD KNEW ABOUT AND DID NO RECALL.THE BOLTS ARE BAD AND I RESEARCHED AND IT HAPPEN TO ALOT OF PEOPLE'S DRIVING THAT TYPE.MY VAN IN THE SHOP AND I DO THINK FORD SHOULD FOOT THE REPAIR BILL.I LOVE MY VAN.HAVE A MUSTANG TOO IT'S JUST THE IDEA I COULD HAVE KILLED SOME ONE OR MYSELF.PLEASE IF I CAN HAVE SOME FEED BACK ON THIS ISSUE OR EVEN WHO ELSE I COULD CONTACT REGARDING THIS ISSUE.

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Feb 26, 2013167,000 milesWA

HOPE THIS ISN'T A DUP; I STARTED A REPORT YESTERDAY, BUT DON'T THINK I COMPLETED IT. ASKED TO DO SOME WORK ON MY 1994 CLUB WAGON (167K MI), AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOUND A CRACK ON THE LOWER SIDE OF THE FRAME, BENEATH THE STEERING BOX. HE WOULDN'T DO THE WORK. SUBSEQUENTLY A BODY SHOP FOUND THERE WERE ACTUALLY TWO CRACKS, ONE ON THE INBOARD SIDE OF THE FRAME, RADIATING FROM THE STEERING BOX MOUNTING HOLE, TRAVELING BACK AND DOWN, AROUND THE LOWER CORNER OF THE FRAME, THEN FORWARD ABOUT 3" ON THE LOWER FACE OF THE FRAME ,ALONG THE EDGE. THE LAST 2" OF THE CRACK WERE OPEN, WITH ABOUT A 2MM GAP. THE CRACK ON THE OPPOSITE FACE TRAVELED IN AN ARC OF PERHAPS 60 DEGREES CENTERED ON THE MOUNTING BOLT HOLE, ABOUT 2" FROM THE CENTER, THEN DIAGONALLY DOWN TO THE LOWER EDGE, THEN BACK A COUPLE OF INCHES ALONG THAT LOWER EDGE. BOTH LOOK LIKE FATIGUE DUE TO SB TORQUE ON THE FRAME. FORD WON'T FIX THE PROBLEM, PROVIDE A METHOD TO FIX IT, OR COMMENT ON THE POSSIBILITY OF FIXING IT. THE CORPORATE CONSUMER HELP PHONE LINE SAID I SHOULD BUY A SHOP MANUAL AND READ IT TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS A WAY TO FIX IT. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER RECOMMENDED A BODY SHOP. THAT SHOP OFFERED TO WELD PATCHES OVER THE CRACKS. AFTER READING SIMILAR STORIES, THAT SOUNDS LIKE A PROFOUNDLY BAD IDEA. A SEARCH THIS (NHTSB) SITE FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS CLAIMS 15 TOTAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS MODEL AND YEAR. HOWEVER, ANOTHER SITE (HTTP://HARRIGILL.NET/FORDVAN/INDEX.HTML) LISTS 39 FOR THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR, COPIED FROM THE NHTSA IN

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jun 30, 2011MI

I PURCHASED THIS 1994 FORD E-150 CLUBWAGON FROM A PRIVATE OWNER IN 08/2008, IT WAS AND STILL IS IN BETTER THAN GOOD CONDITION. IT HAD A RECALL TO REPLACE A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS WHICH WAS DONE IN 12/2008. IN EARLY SPRING OF 2009, I JUST BOUGHT A NEW SET OF TIRES AND GOT A FRONT END ALIGNMENT, ABOUT TWO WEEKS LATER, I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 45 MILES AN HOUR ON A BUSY FOUR LANE STREET, WHEN I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND MY VAN BEGAN TO SHAKE VERY VIOLENTLY. AT THE SAME TIME I WAS PASSING A REPAIR SHOP, I GOT THE VAN UNDER CONTROL AND PULL IN. BEING A CERTIFIED MECHANIC MYSELF I BEGAN TO EXAMINE THE STEERING LINKAGE, EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE, WHEN THE SHOP MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE LOWER STEERING GEARBOX BOLT HAD WENT THROUGH THE FRAME AND HAD BROKE AT THE THREADS. AFTER PUTTING IT IN THE SHOP A FEW TIMES, WITH SHORT TERM SUCCESS, THAT PARTICULAR AREA OF THE FRAME CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS. WHAT STARTED OUT AS A SMALL HOLE, AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS AT THE SHOP, HAS NOW BECOME LARGER. I CHECKED WITH THE LOCAL FORD DEALER ABOUT A RECALL, THERE WAS NONE. I'VE WORKED AS A MECHANIC FOR MANY YEARS, AND HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN BEFORE, I HAVE A FEW THEORIES ON THE SUBJECT, POSSIBLY AN OVER TORQUED GEARBOX AND/OR A VERY WEAK FRAME. BUT NEVERTHELESS FORD SHOULD RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR BECOMES A FATALITY. BECAUSE THIS DEFECT COULD HAPPEN AT ANY GIVEN TIME AND WITHOUT WARNING. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 4, 2011140,000 milesNC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL BEGAN TO LEAK FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE WHILE HE WAS FUELING THE VEHICLE. THE FUEL CONTINUED TO LEAK UNTIL THE TANK WAS 1/3 FULL AND IT STOPPED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 140,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 16, 2009WA

I'M HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME GETTING RECALLS DONE AT THE LOCAL FORD DEALER. I CALLED LAST WEEK TO SCHEDULE A TIME TO GET FIXED AND THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT IN ANYTIME NEXT WEEK AFTER TUESDAY. I DID JUST THAT AND THEY TOLD ME THEY STOPPED DOING RECALLS FOR NOW. WE DON'T HAVE ANY OTHER OPTIONS OTHER THEN TAKING OUT OF TOWN AN 1 HOUR AWAY. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 14, 200850,000 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD E-150 ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS LIGHT WAS FLASHING AND THE BRAKE FLUID WAS VERY LOW. IN ADDITION, THE SPEED CONTROL LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING AND FAILED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE GEAR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, AND THE ODOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEED BRAKE FLUID AND THAT THE SPEED CONTROL FAILED DUE TO DEFECTIVE BRAKES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD CHARGE THE CONTACT $110 FOR OVERAGE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHILE REPAIRING THE VEHICLE UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT HAS HANDICAPPED TRIPLETS AND THE BRAKES AND SPEED CONTROL ARE A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 08/18/08 *BF THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. UPDATED 08/19/08 *JB

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed May 21, 2008110,009 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD E150. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A FORD RECALL NOTICE IN AUGUST OF 2007 FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL. THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. AFTER THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. THE DEALER STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO FIRST INSTALL A FUSE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK BEFORE BRINGING IT TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. AFTER HE INSTALLED THE FUSE AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THEY REFUSED TO MAKE THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED HIM TO HIS STATE'S ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 110,009.

Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed May 14, 2008108,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD E150. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A FORD RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL IN DECEMBER OF 2007. HE CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. ON MAY 7, 2008, HIS VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED THE WIRING HARNESS FUSE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE IS STUCK IN THE PARK POSITION. THE DEALER STATED THAT BECAUSE THE HARNESS WAS ALREADY MELTED, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME ANY FINANCIAL LIABILITY, NOR WOULD THEY ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 108,000. UPDATED 5/30/08 *CN

Air Bags
Filed May 9, 20087,000 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING IN THE STEERING COLUMN WAS DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED APPROXIMATELY 6-7 TIMES; THREE TIMES AT A DEALER AND THE OTHER THREE TIMES AT A REPAIR SHOP. HE BELIEVED THAT THE DEFECTIVE SPRING WOULD CAUSE ISSUES WITH THE HORN AND THE AIR BAGS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,000. UPDATED 6/30/08 *CN UPDATED

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 9, 2007129,000 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD E-150. AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON APRIL 6, 2007 THE VEHICLE'S ACCELERATION AUTOMATICALLY INCREASED, EVEN AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. THERE WAS A NATIONAL SAFETY RECALL ON THE CRUISE CONTROL OF THIS VEHICLE AND THE REMEDY WAS PERFORMED ONE YEAR AGO. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE REMEDYWAS CONTRIBUTING TO THE VEHICLE'S FAILURE TO STOP. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 129,000.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 1, 2007190,000 milesNY

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE 1994 FORD E150 HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THIS WAS DUE TO THE OIL RISING TO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND WAITED 4 HOURS BEFORE HE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS THEN UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE WITHOUT HEARING THE NOISE. HE GENERALLY HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE IN THE MORNING. HE DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT CHECKED. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 190000 MILES. *AK UPDATED 03/19/07. *JB

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Sep 15, 2006NY

1994 E150 REAR A/C LINES HAD BEEN CAPPED OFF. THE A/C LINES UNDER VEHICLE WERE CORRODED. *TS THE VEHICLE HAD NO REAR A/C INSTALLED. *NM

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Feb 6, 2006120,000 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 8 HOURS PRIOR TO THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED IN A WRITTEN REPORT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. ADDITIONAL PROPERTY DAMAGE WAS SUSTAINED TO 4 OTHER VEHICLES. THE INSURANCE COMPANY INVESTIGATED AND DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 18, 2005MI

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD E-150 CONVERSION VAN. WHEN SHE STARTED TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL IT WOULD NOT WORK. ABOUT A MONTH AFTER THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR, THE ODOMETER STOPPED WORKING, AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT KEPT FLASHING ON AND OFF. UPON INSPECTION BY A LOCAL SERVICE DEALER IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT WAS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT AFFECTED THE FORD VEHICLES THAT WERE UNDER RECALL FOR VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THERE WAS A FUSE BLOWN , CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL NOT WORK. THIS WAS CAUSED BY BRAKE FLUID LEAKING ONTO THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AND THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO. THE MANUFACTURER STATED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIRS. FOR FUTURE REFERENCE SHE WOULD NEED TO KEEP THE RECEIPTS FOR THE REPAIRS IN CASE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE AND SHE WANTED TO SEEK REIMBURSEMENT. *AK UPDATED 01/11/06. *JB

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 13, 2005IN

ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2005 WHILE THE FAMILY WAS AWAY FROM HOME, OUR 1994 FORD E 150(ECONOLINE) VAN SPONTANEOUSLY STARTED ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND NOT RUNNING AS WE WERE NOT HOME. UPON RETURN AND FOLLOWING COMMUNICATION WITH THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND WITNESSES, THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING AND THEN BURST INTO FLAMES WITH NO ONE NEAR THE VEHICLE. THE HOOD AND ENGINE AREA WERE A MASS OF MELTED WIRES AND PLASTIC. THE FOCUS OF DAMAGE WAS ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE ENGINE. WE WERE TOLD BY A NEIGHBOR AT THAT TIME ABOUT A RECALL FORD WAS SUPPOSE TO HAVE ON THEIR VEHICLES. AFTER LOOKING UP THE CRUISE CONTROL RECALL AND COMPARING PICTURES, THE BURN EVIDENCE APPEARS TO BE THE SAME. THE VEHICLE IS TOTALED. I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM THE FORD COMPANY AS THEY ONLY RECALLED THE VEHICLES THAT THE MEDIA WAS AWARE OF AND NOT THE OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME FAULTY EQUIPMENT. (RECALLED F 150 NOT E 150 WITH SAME CRUISE CONTROL THAT REMAINS HOT EVEN WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF AND VEHICLE IS PARKED OVER NIGHT.)

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Sep 8, 2005120,000 milesID

1994 FORD E150 CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED SHORTLY AFTER BEING PARKED. FIRE INVESTIGATORS BELIEVED THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *JB

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire1 injured
Filed Aug 5, 2005130,020 milesIL

UNDERHOOD FIRE STARTING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH ON THE MASTER CYLINDER, WHICH I SAVED FOR INVESTIGATION. I HAPPENED TO BE OUTSIDE, SAW THE SMOKE AND FLAMES AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH IT BEFORE MAJOR DESTRUCTION OCCURRED. THE FLAMES WERE COMING FROM THAT SWITCH. *NM

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Jun 27, 2005120,000 milesVA

DT: CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT WORKING. ONE DAY WAS UNABLE TO GET OUT OF PARK. WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE STATION AND HAD PARKED THERE FOR 48 HOURS AND EXPERIENCED A FIRE IN THE NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. FIRE DEPT STATED FIRE BEGAN UNDER THE HOOD. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE VEHICLE ALSO BURNED 2 OTHER CARS PARKED NEXT TO IT. *AK

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery
Filed Apr 5, 200582,000 milesOH

1994 FORD E150 HAS PROBLEMS WITH BATTERY EQUIPMENT. *MR THERE WAS A SERIES OF DEAD BATTERY INCIDENTS. WHILE CONNECTING A NEW BATTERY WITH THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, A CONSIDERABLE SPARK OCCURRED AT THE BATTERY TERMINAL FOLLOWED BY A PLUME OF SMOKE WHICH EMITTED FROM THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH ASSEMBLY. *SC

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 1, 200585,400 milesSC

WHILE DRIVING THE MOTOR SHUT DOWN. VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. VEHICLE WILL COAST UNTIL IT STOPS. AFTER WAITING ABOUT 15 MINUTES THE VEHICLE WILL STARTED UP AGAIN, ONLY TO SHUT BACK DOWN. OWNER HAD THE FUEL PUMP/COMPUTER/PICK UP IN THE DISTRIBUTOR/NEW IGNITION SWITCH, AND WIRING HARNESS CHANGED. YET THE VEHICLE'S PERFORMANCE HAD NOT CHANGED. *AK

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Jan 26, 2005130,000 milesOH

VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE WHEEL STUDS. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 30 MPH, AND WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP SIGN, ALL FIVE WHEEL STUDS ON THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BROKE COMPLETELY OFF. THE STUDS WERE NOT RUSTED. ALL FIVE WERE CLEAN BREAKS. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 28, 2004210,000 milesGA

1)NORMAL OPERATION, 2)THROTTLE STUCK IN OPEN POSITION. BRAKE WOULD NOT STOP VEHICLE. PLACED IN NEUTRAL JUST IN TIME TO AVOID ENTERING BUSY INTERSECTION. 3)NO PARTS REPLACED. WAITING FOR WEATHER TO WARM. DID MANUALLY OPERATE THROTTLE AT THROTTLE BODY AND THROTTLE STICKS IN OPEN POSITION SUGGESTING THAT IT IS NOT A CABLE PROBLEM. *AK

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filling/Charging
Filed Sep 7, 200495,008 milesMD

RUBBER HOSE BETWEEN FILLER NECK AND FUEL TANK CRACKED AND DETERIORATED RESULTING IN FUEL SPILL DURING FILL UP. PURCHASED FORD PART NO. F7UZ-9047-BE AS A REPLACEMENT PART. CLERK AT PART COUNTER REMARKED, "WE SELL A LOT OF THESE." OLD PART IS AVAILABLE.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Drum › Shoes/Linings
Filed Jun 25, 2004145,380 milesIL

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH MASTER CYLINDER BRAKE LINE FAILED. AS A RESULT, WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, TPEDAL DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR ,AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. CONSUMER STATES IN ORDER TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN TO A COMPLETE STOP HE HAD TO GO INTO SOME GRAVEL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. NO IMPACT REPORTED. *AK

Steering › Gear Box (other Than Rack and Pinion)
Filed Jun 8, 2004150,000 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH STEERING GEAR BOLT SHEARED OFF. THIS FORCED THE CONSUMER TO PULL OVER AND HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Steering › Gear Box (other Than Rack and Pinion)
Filed Mar 8, 2004MD

TWO DIFFERENT VEHICLES EXPERIENCED TOTAL STEERING FAILURE CAUSED BY THE STEERING BOX TEARING AWAY FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. *PH AFTER FIRST INCIDENT, CONSUMER COULDN'T FIND A DEALER IN THEIR AREA TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *LA

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap
Filed Dec 10, 200316,200 milesWV

THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED AN "ENGINEERING ERROR" WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FILL PIPE WAS PART METAL/RUBBER. THE RUBBER PORTION WAS WHAT CONNECTED THE FILL PIPE TO THE FUEL TANK. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT THE RUBBER HOSE WAS DRY ROTTED AND CAUSED GAS TO SPILL WHEN FILLING THE TANK. TS *SCC *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust SystemFire
Filed Dec 8, 2003OH

WHILE DRIVING ON OHIO TURNPIKE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE.*MR THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED OVER THE RADIO BY ANOTHER DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SMOKING. WITHIN MINUTES, THE PASSENGER SIDE CAUGHT FIRE.CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND HE AND HIS WIFE TOOK THE DOGS OUT THE VEHICLE. A TRUCK DRIVER USED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO PUT OUT THE FLAMES. CONSUMER UNHOOKED THE TRAILER AND THE THREE OF THEM PUSHED IT AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE ABOUT 15 FEET. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AGAIN BUT THEY COULDN'T PUT IT OUT. THE FIRE DEPT. EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. *PH

Steering › Gear Box (other Than Rack and Pinion)Fire1 injured
Filed Oct 1, 2003130,000 milesMA

THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WHEN A LEFT TURN WAS MADE. WHICH WAS AS A RESULT OF STEERING BOX FAILURE. ALSO THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED. *JB

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Jul 20, 200387,000 milesVA

ON MY 1994 E-150 THE BACK DOOR TIRE AREA SECURING THE TIRE TO THE DOOR HAS RUSTED HROUGH THE DOOR, AND AS A RESULT WILL NOT HOLD THE TIRE INPLACE.REAR AC UNIT DOES NOT COOL HAVE HAD REPAIR STATION LOOK AT IT. *AK AND THEY CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM THE UNIT HAS BEEN CHARGED AND STILL DOES NOT WORK. PROBLEM WITH THE ABS LIGHT ALSO. THE LIGHT REMAINS ON AND HAVE HAD THAT LOOKED AT ALSO.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Feb 16, 2003124,500 milesNH

FUEL SMELL AFTER DRIVING. MECHANIC FOUND FUEL TANK TO BE LEAKING. HAD TO REPLACE ENTIRE FUEL TANK.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Nov 14, 2002NJ

CONSUMER NOTICE WHILE FILLING VEHICLE WITH FUEL, FUEL POURING OUT FROM UNDER VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE SERVICE TECHNICIAN NOTICE THE FUEL FILL LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Nov 14, 2002NJ

CONSUMER NOTICE WHILE FILLING VEHICLE WITH FUEL, FUEL POURING OUT FROM UNDER VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE SERVICE TECHNICIAN NOTICE THE FUEL FILL LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch
Filed Aug 1, 2002IL

AFTER PUTTING VEHICLE INTO PARK AND LEAVING IDLING FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES, AND THEN WHEN TURNING VEHICLE OFF, IT STARTED TO ROLL BACK. CONSUMER HAD TO APPLY BRAKES. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control
Filed Jul 5, 2002MI

FUEL AND GAS VAPORS COULD BE SMELLED INSIDE AND AROUND VEHICLE. FOUND VENT LINE ALMOST COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF AS WELL AS LARGE DRY ROT CRACKS IN LARGER FILL HOSE. REPLACED BOTH. THERE APPEARS TO BE ATLEAST FIVE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE NHTSA BULLETIN BOARD IN REGARDS TO THIS, WILL SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE IN A CRASH BEFORE FORD IS FORCED TO RECALL???*AK

Steering › Gear Box (other Than Rack and Pinion)
Filed Nov 16, 2001PA

WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TO TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE A LARGE POP WAS HEARD FOLLOWED BY COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. ALL THREE BOLTS HOLDING THE STEERING GEAR BOX TO THE FRAME HAD SNAPPED. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER, THE GEARBOX, BOLTS AND UPPER AND LOWER LEFT HAND SIDE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED TO A TUNE OF $743.*AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap
Filed Aug 6, 2001TX

FUEL FILLER &VENT HOSES DECAYED GAS VAPOR ESCAPED WHEN ADDING FUEL. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 20, 2001MI

CONSUMER NOTICED AN OIL STAIN UNDER VEHICLE. DEALER STATED OIL PAN WAS RUSTING FROM INSIDE OUT, AND WAS LEAKING. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed May 17, 2001WA

ENGINE EXPERIENCED FAILURE - WHEN DEALER TRIED TO REPLACE ENGINE TOLD IT WAS NO LONGER MADE. IT WAS REPORTED TO MY FORD DEALER THAT PARTICULAR "HIGH PERFORMANCE" ENGINE IS NOT PLACED IN E-150. HOWEVER, IN THIS CASE IT WAS. HAVE ALSO BEEN INFORMED THAT HE "CLOCK SPRING" IN THE STEERING COLUM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. FINALLY BECAME CONSTANT ISSUE AT ABOUT 95,000 MILES. HORN CEASED TO FUNCTION, AB LIGHT STAYED IN FLASHING MODE, CRUISE CONTROL INOPERABLE. BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES ON VAN, STARTING AT LESS THAN 25, 000 MILES. IDLE ASSEMBLY REPLACED 3 TIMES DUE TO CONSTANT SQUEALING. FUEL PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED AT APPROX 95 000. *AK

Air Bags
Filed May 13, 2001MD

MULTIPLE SYSTEMS FAILURES; CURRENTLY ABS LIGHT STAYS ON, AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHES, FUEL SMELL, SLOPPY STEERING, FRONT SUSPENSION NOISES, POWER DOOR LOCKS INOPERATIVE, CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE, HORN INOPERATIVE. *AK

Suspension › Front › Shock Absorber
Filed Mar 29, 2001NC

RIGHT FRONT SHOCK IS LEAKING FLUID-NOTICE THAT THE FEMALE PART OF THE SHOCK IS RUBBING THE FRAME,RIGHT ABOVE THE MOU N TNG BOLT.ALSO THE RIGHT SHOCK IS RUBBING THE FRAME.THIS VEHICLE HASN'T BEEN IN A WRECK-I THINK THERE NEEDS TOA SPACER BETWEEN THE SHOCKS MOUNTING BOLT AND THE FRAME,TO PULL IT AWAY FROM THE FRAME-

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Mar 5, 2001NC

CONSUMER'S WIFE HEARD A POPPING SOUND, THEN NOTICED THAT STEERING WAS NOT RIGHT. MECHANIC TOLD CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS A TEAR IN FRAME, AND NEEDED WELDING. *AK THE WELDING WAS DONE AFTER THE THREE BOLTS, HOLDING THE GEAR BOX WERE REPLACED. *YH

Steering › Gear Box (other Than Rack and Pinion)
Filed Feb 15, 2001NC

WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE AT LESS THAN 5 MILES PER HOUR I HEARD A LOUD POP AND THE CAR SHUDDERED. MY STEERING WHEEL WAS THEN AT THE 2/7 POSITION INSTEAD OF THE 3/9 POSITION. TOOK THE CAR HOME FROM HERE. LATER DROVE AROUND THE CORNER (ABOUT 1/10 MILE) TO PICK UP KIDS FROM SCHOOL DANCE. STEERING WHEEL WAS NOW AT THE 6/12 POSITION. CONTACTED REPAIR SHOP ON SATURDAY 2/10. DROVE TO REPAIR SHOP ABOUT 1 1/2 MILES AWAY DOING ABOUT 25 MPH OR LESS. PARKED IT. MECHANIC CAME OUT TO SEE HOW MUCH PLAY WAS IN THE WHEEL, HEARD ANOTHER LOUD POP AND THE WHEEL PROCEEDED TO GO IN COMPLETE CIRCLES. INSPECTION BY MECHANIC SHOWED THAT ALL THREE BOLTS IN THE GEAR BOX HAD BROKEN. HEAD MECHANIC SAID THAT IN THE THIRTY SOME YEARS HE'S BEEN IN THE BUSINESS, THIS IS THE FIRST TIME HE HAS SEEN THIS HAPPEN. THESE BOLTS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BREAK.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 19, 2001MT

TRANSMISSION SHIFTED OUT OF LAST GEAR & VEHICLE WOULD START TO VIBRATE AS IF GOING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS. HAPPENS WHEN TRYING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE. VIBRATIONS IN TRANSMISSION WOULD LAST ABOUT 15-25 SECONDS. *AK

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jan 10, 2001PA

FRAME IS CRACKING WHERE STEERING BOX IS BOLTED TO FRAME. *AK

Complaints 1-50 of 121, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1994
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20230100Routine
20211000Routine
20168100Routine
20158100Routine
20146600Routine
201319600Routine
201212800Routine
2011231300Routine
201010900Routine
200971400Routine
2008111810Routine
2007121900Routine
2006171610Routine
200516400Routine
200433700Routine
200321610Routine
200228330Routine
200137410Routine
200050620Routine
199983620Routine
199860510Routine
1997102640Routine
199659380Routine
199571370Routine
1994 — this page1217121Fatalities reported
199371440Routine
1992644110Routine
199115110Routine
199017300Routine

Compare every E-150 year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 13, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.