Owners have filed 180 complaints
about the 1994 Ford E-150 with NHTSA between 1995 and 2024.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 23 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Ford E-150. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 69
13.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 9
5% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
12.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
12.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
512.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
923.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1538.5%
150,000+ miles
820.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 11Dec 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 1994 Ford E-150
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA05005Opened 22 Mar 2005Closed 2 Aug 2006ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A VACUUM THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE SCDS TO FAIL AND, IN CERTAIN SWITCH INSTALLATION ORIENTATIONS, CATCH FIRE.FORD IS ALSO INCLUDING THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF 1998 EXPLORERS.FORD HAS INFORMED ODI THAT TESTING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURES IN THE 1998 EXPLORERS WILL CONTINUE AFTER THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI BELIEVES THAT THE VEHIC...
PE96072Opened 5 Dec 1996Closed 29 Apr 1997STEERING
LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL
Recalls on the 1994 Ford E-150
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09V399000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
09V297000
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
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.
09V298000
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
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.
08V051000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
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.
06V286000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
94V128000
INTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
94V087000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 110,009 milesCleveland, OHFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10228528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesCleveland, OHFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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
NHTSA complaint #10227744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesCleveland, OHFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
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
NHTSA complaint #10227744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesUtica, MIFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10149552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
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.)
NHTSA complaint #10136393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.)
NHTSA complaint #10136393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Sylacauga, AL
ENGINE
See attached document for complaint
NHTSA complaint #11631341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sylacauga, AL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
See attached document for complaint
NHTSA complaint #11631341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesMenifee, CA
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11549611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesPortland, OR
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11316572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesGreenfield, MO
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11279223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesWest Frankfort, IL
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10926539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesPortsmouth, VA
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10861501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,000 milesLakewood, WA
STEERING
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 2007 - AND YET MORE FROM 1993. WHERE ARE THE OTHERS? AND WHAT OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE SAME FRAME IN OTHER YEARS? WHAT IS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REPORTED PROBLEMS FOR THIS DESIGN, SUMMED OVER ALL YEARS? IT SEEMS TO ME THE NHTSA AND FORD SHOULD HAVE WARNED OWNERS OF THIS PROBLEM. PERHAPS YOU HAVEN'T NOTICED BECAUSE FRAME NOT IN YOUR LIST OF PARTS?
NHTSA complaint #10500077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,000 milesLakewood, WA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
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 2007 - AND YET MORE FROM 1993. WHERE ARE THE OTHERS? AND WHAT OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE SAME FRAME IN OTHER YEARS? WHAT IS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REPORTED PROBLEMS FOR THIS DESIGN, SUMMED OVER ALL YEARS? IT SEEMS TO ME THE NHTSA AND FORD SHOULD HAVE WARNED OWNERS OF THIS PROBLEM. PERHAPS YOU HAVEN'T NOTICED BECAUSE FRAME NOT IN YOUR LIST OF PARTS?
NHTSA complaint #10500077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Rapids, MI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10410141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesCharlotte, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10374093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walla Walla, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10296091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesBaldwin, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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
NHTSA complaint #10234288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesBaldwin, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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
NHTSA complaint #10234288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesBaldwin, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #10234288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesBaldwin, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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
NHTSA complaint #10234288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesBaldwin, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
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
NHTSA complaint #10234288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,009 milesCleveland, OHFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10228528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesCleveland, OHFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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
NHTSA complaint #10227744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesCleveland, OHFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
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
NHTSA complaint #10227744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,000 milesAtlanta, GA
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #10227164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesStockbridge, GA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10187324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesQueensbury, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10183917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buffalo, NY
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10169094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesUtica, MIFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10149552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.