1999 Ford E-150

Routine

Owners filed 83 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
96,000 milesMedian miles at failure

43 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel System, Gasoline7
000
Fuel/Propulsion System6
000
Steering5
100
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip5
101
Vehicle Speed Control4
100
Tires4
100
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly4
100
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly3
000
Structure2
001
Steering › Gear Box (other Than Rack and Pinion)2
000

6 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.

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 Control07V336000
Filed Aug 3, 20073,600,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility04V562000
Filed Nov 26, 20041,660 vehiclesMobility Works

Defect. ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT SYSTEMS, THE SPROCKET TEETH OF THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WHEELCHAIR MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY SECURED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES TO A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT RETRACTORS AS NECESSARY. SURE-LOK WILL HANDLE THE REPAIRS FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SURE-LOCK AT 1-908-231-1804 OR MOBILITYWORKS AT 1-800-769-8267.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly01V114000
Filed Apr 5, 2001151,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN VANS WITH AMBULANCE PREP PACKAGES OR OTHER SEVERE-DUTY APPLICATIONS INVOLVING OPERATION AT OR NEAR THE GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT WITH FREQUENT TWISTING OF THE VEHICLE BODY, SUCH AS OFF-ROAD, ROUGH ROAD OR SPEED BUMP EVENTS, THE 35 GALLON MID-SHIP FUEL TANK COULD DEVELOP A CRACK WHERE IT CONTACTS THE FRAME CROSS MEMBER. IF THE FUEL TANK CRACKS, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR.

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK AND, IF CRACKED, WILL REPLACE THE TANK. INSULATOR PADS WILL BE INSTALLED ON ALL VEHICLES TO REDUCE THE STRESS LEVELS IN THE FUEL TANK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch99V046000
Filed Mar 15, 19992,893 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: UTILITY VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE "60/40" HINGED SIDE CARGO DOORS. THE STRIKERS FOR THE 60/40 DOOR SINGLE LATCH SYSTEM WERE FOUND TO CONTAIN STRESS CRACKS AT THE STRIKER WIRE LOWER STAKE JOINT. STRIKERS WITH STRESS CRACKS MAY NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS."

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DOOR STRIKERS MAY NOT HOLD THE DOOR, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR STRIKER.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Jan 22, 2022OH

While turning into a parking space the bolts to the steering box sheared off with complete loss of steering. Further inspection showed severe cracking and loss of metal in the steering box area. After doing some searches I found that this is common issue in the E series vans. I did do a recall search and a CSA search to see about having this problem resolved safely by a certified shop. Unfortunately I haven't found any recall information on what is obviously a serious safety issue. Apparently the bolts shear off at low speeds while turning. The real concern is should one bolt only crack and not let the steering box become useless the vehical may be at highway speed when the failure does occour causing complete loss of control of the vehicle. I've read hundreds of emails on this subject and none had a resolution provided by the Ford Motor Company. I would think that something this critical would have been addressed by now. Concidering the recalls for comparatively much lesser safety issues. Thank you for reviewing this matter.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 9, 201686,000 milesCT

MY MARK III CONVERSION VAN HAS A FUEL LEAKING FROM THE MID-SHIP TANK. I NOTICED THAT THERE IS A RECALL FROM FORD, BUT WHEN I WENT TO MY LOCAL DEALER ENFIELD FORD IN ENFIELD CT THEY RAN THE VIN AND STATED MY VAN WAS EXCLUDED. THE ONLY TIME IT LEAKS IS WHEN I AM PUMPING GAS, IF I PUMP SLOWLY THERE IS LESS FUEL SPILLING ON THE GROUND

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 13, 2015128,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD E-150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL STRAP BENEATH THE FUEL TANK ON THE REAR AXLE WAS RUSTED AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WELDING ON THE TAIL PIPE WAS ALSO RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 25, 2014135,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL DUE TO A HOLE IN THE FUEL TANK. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V114000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 25, 2014135,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL DUE TO A HOLE IN THE FUEL TANK. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V114000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 21, 2014124,000 milesMI

THE GAS IS LEAKING OUT OF THE FUEL TANK. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 5, 201491,888 milesOH

WHEN FILLING WITH FUEL, GASOLINE LEAKS ONTO GROUND. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM FROM WHAT I SEE ON LINE. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 12, 2014132,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD E-150 . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING, FUEL STARTED TO SPEW OUT OF THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 19, 2013120,300 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, HE NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK AS A RESULT OF POSSIBLE RUST CORROSION. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO REMOVE THE FUEL TANK TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,300.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 9, 2011153,000 milesMI

I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT A FINDING ON MY 1997 F-150. AFTER READING ABOUT THE PROB INTO THE GAS TANK STRAPS IN THE DETROIT NEWS. I FOUND THAT ONE OF MY STRAPS HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OFF AND I WOULD LIKE TO BE NOTIFIED AS SOON AS A RECALL IS MADE AS THIS IS A SERIOUS HAZARD , [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Steering
Filed Apr 23, 2011141,537 milesNY

THE 3 MOUNTING BOLTS ATTACHING THE STEERING BOX TO THE FRAME BROKE/SHEARED OFF AS THE VEHICLE WAS BEING PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. 1999 FORD E150 VAN. A LOUD POPPING NOISE OR BANG WAS HEARD AND TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING WAS THE RESULT OF THE STEERING BOX DANGLING FROM THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPOSITIONED ON A FLAT DRIVEWAY, NO INCLINE AT ALL. NO INJURIES RESULTED , BUT IF THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED DURING OPERATION, STEERING WOULD HAVE BEEN INOPERABLE LEADING TO AN ACCIDENT WHICH EASILY COULD HAVE LED TO SERIOUS INJURY TO THE DRIVER, PASSENGERS, AND OTHER VEHICLES AND THEIR OCCUPANTS. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 22, 2011139,790 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTOMOTIVE SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A FRACTURE IN THE TANK WHICH CAUSED THE LEAKAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,790.

Structure
Filed Sep 24, 2010110,000 milesMI

DRIVING DOWN THE I94 FREEWAY IN MICHIGAN WITH MY WIFE, 2 CHILDREN, 7 AND 5,GOING ABOUT 70 MPH AND HEARD A NOISE LIKE A MUFFLER DRAGGING OR SOMETHING. IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND FOUND MY GAS TANK DRAGGING UNDER THE TRUCK. FRONT STRAP RUSTED AND BROKE OFF AND TANK WAS BEING PUSHED FORWARD, ALMOST GRINDING ALL THE WAY THROUGH! THE TANK WAS BEING HELD UP BY THE PLASTIC REAR STRAP HOLDER AND THE GAS FILLER TUBE. THE BACK STRAP WAS ALSO RUSTED THROUGH! HAD TO JACK UP THE TANK WITH BOTTLE JACK AND PIECES OF 2X4 FOUND ALONG THE FREEWAY. WAITED FOR FATHER IN LAW TO BRING RATCHET STRAPS TO LIFT UP VERY HEAVY FULL TANK WHILE LYING ON MY BACK ON THE FREEWAY. MY FAMILY WAS TERRIFIED! *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 15, 2010129,722 milesMI

1999, FORD F-150 GAS STRAP FAILURE. TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2010 WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 94 I COULD HEAR A CLINKING NOISE BENEATH THE BODY OF THE TRUCK. WHEN I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED UNDER THE TRUCK, ONE OF THE SUPPORT STRAPS FOR THE GAS TANK WAS BROKEN AND HANGING BELOW THE VEHICLE. THIS STRAP FAILED WITHOUT ANY KNOWN EXTRAORDINARY CAUSE SUCH AS A COLLISION, OR ANY OTHER SUCH INCIDENT. *TR

Suspension › Rear
Filed Aug 31, 201092,000 milesNY

WE WERE ON VACATION AND SMELLED RUBBER BURNING, PULLED OFF AND REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS SMOKING...APPARENTLY AXLE HAD BROKEN AFFECTING BRAKE LINES WE ENDED UP REPLACING REAR AXLE AND BRAKES. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Dec 1, 2009168,000 milesNC

THE SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT ON MY FORD E150. THIS IS A RIDICULOUSLY COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD TRUCKS/VANS/ SUVS- WHY IS FORD ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH THIS? JUST GOOGLE "FORD SPAR" AND INSTANTLY "FORD SPARK PLUG BLOWOUT" POPS UP- THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF WEBPAGES ABOUT THIS, YET FORD CONTINUES TO ESCAPE LIABILITY FOR THEIR POOR DESIGN. CAN'T SOMEONE MAKE THESE PEOPLE @ FORD DO THE RIGHT THING AND FIX IT? *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 1, 200999,760 milesOR

DRIVING DOWN ROAD WHEN # 8 SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF PLUG HOLE. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Oct 16, 2009120,000 milesOR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD E-150. HE NOTICED A PUDDLE OF GASOLINE OUTSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A FUEL SPECIALIST, AND THE TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS CRACKED. HE NOTIFIED THE DEALER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL #01V114000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY) AND WAS ADVISED THAT ALTHOUGH HE EXPERIENCED AN IDENTICAL FAILURE, HE WAS INELIGIBLE FOR A FREE REMEDY SINCE HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 22, 2009155,000 milesNJ

I OWN A 1999 FORD E150 THAT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN PREPARED FOR AN UPFITTER WHEN IT LEFT THE FORD PLANT. AN AMBULANCE PREP LABEL IS IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR JAM, HOW EVER IT WAS FINISHED BY EXPLORER VAN COMPANY, WARSAW INDIANA. WHEN REFUELING I NOTICED FUEL SPILL ON THE GROUND. I STOPPED DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM. FORD SERVICE TELLS ME THAT IT FUEL FILLER NECK IS THE PROBLEM AND IT WILL COST ABOUT $600 TO MAKE THE REPAIR. MY VIN DOES NOT SHOW VALID FOR PROBLEM NHTSA RECALL 11V114000 WHEN REPORTED TO FORD BUT THE PROBLEM SEEMS VERY SIMILAR TO 11V114000. MY VIN IS [XXX] . SHOULDN'T THIS HAVE BEEN A COVERED RECALL? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 22, 200859,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD E-150 ECONOLINE. WHENEVER THE CONTACT FILLS THE FUEL TANK, GASOLINE WOULD SPILL OUT OF THE TANK AND ONTO THE GROUND. WHEN THE TANK WAS FULL AND THE FUEL NOZZLE STOPPED, GASOLINE STILL LEAKED EXCESSIVELY OUT OF THE TANK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 59,000.

20 of 83 complaints, 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
1999 — this page83620Routine
199860510Routine
1997102640Routine
199659380Routine
199571370Routine
19941217121Fatalities reported
199371440Routine
1992644110Routine
199115110Routine
199017300Routine

Compare every E-150 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

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.