Owners have filed 12 complaints
about the 2005 Ford E-250 with NHTSA between 2005 and 2019.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 17 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 — 30
Against the median year of the Ford E-250. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
50% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 57
33% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2005 Ford E-250
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
325.0%
Median failure at 110,000 miles
Airbags
325.0%
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 40,000 mi
Steering
216.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 16,000 mi
Stability & Traction Control
18.3%
Median failure at 125,000 miles
Tires
18.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Suspension
18.3%
Median failure at 10,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
18.3%
Median failure at 187,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
111.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
111.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
222.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
111.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
333.3%
150,000+ miles
111.1%
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.
Jul 2005peak 2Jul 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 2005 Ford E-250
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.
EA10003Opened 13 Apr 2010Closed 5 Mar 2012ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
HVAC Switch Failures
This investigation was opened based on one complaint and reports from four transportation fleets alleging 182 blower motor control switch failures.ODI was concerned that these melting and burning switches could lead to an open flame that could spread throughout the vehicle.After a comprehensive review of all data related to overheating blower motor control switches in the subject vehicles, ODI did not identify the existence of a safety defect trend.ODI reviewed 1,036 complaints, claims, and field reports of failed blower motor control switches and determined that only two fires were likely to...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 30,000 milesMorrisville, PACrash
STEERING
WARNING. SAFETY HAZARD ABOUT DURALAST CENTER LINK PART# DS1287, ALTERNATIVE PART NUMBER:DS6070X. I INSTALLED THIS PART IN 2005 FORD E250 BUT YOU CAN INSTALL THIS PART IN OTHER VEHICLES ALSO. I REPLACE CENTER LINK 1.5 YEARS AGO(07/17/2015). METAL THREAD ON BALL JOINT BROKEN AND MADE CAR UNSTEERABLE. THIS HAPPENED AT PARKING WHEN I TURN WHEELS, IF THIS HAPPEN ON HIGHWAY NOT ON PARKING I WILL BE DEATH NOW.
NHTSA complaint #11052041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brunswick, OHCrash1 injured
TIRES
2005 FORD ECONLINE E250 LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND DROVE DOWN AN EMBANKMENT INTO A DITCH. *KB THE DRIVER CLAIMED MINOR INJURY TO HIS RIGHT HAND. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0034-90 UPDATED LETTER 04/29/10
NHTSA complaint #10312119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fall River, MACrashFire1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
DT: CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON JULY 18, 2005. THE VEHICLE DID NOT BELONG TO THE CONTACT, BUT WAS A COMPANY VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STRUCK A POLE FROM THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE IS IN POSSESSION OF THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONSUMER DID CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA complaint #10129719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 125,000 milesTulare, CA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
STALLS OUT WHEN DRIVING AND HAS NO TURBO BOOST LIKE IT SHOULD. ALSO USES WAY TO MUCH DIESEL BURNS THRU TO FAST.
NHTSA complaint #11229981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesTulare, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
STALLS OUT WHEN DRIVING AND HAS NO TURBO BOOST LIKE IT SHOULD. ALSO USES WAY TO MUCH DIESEL BURNS THRU TO FAST.
NHTSA complaint #11229981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesMorrisville, PACrash
STEERING
WARNING. SAFETY HAZARD ABOUT DURALAST CENTER LINK PART# DS1287, ALTERNATIVE PART NUMBER:DS6070X. I INSTALLED THIS PART IN 2005 FORD E250 BUT YOU CAN INSTALL THIS PART IN OTHER VEHICLES ALSO. I REPLACE CENTER LINK 1.5 YEARS AGO(07/17/2015). METAL THREAD ON BALL JOINT BROKEN AND MADE CAR UNSTEERABLE. THIS HAPPENED AT PARKING WHEN I TURN WHEELS, IF THIS HAPPEN ON HIGHWAY NOT ON PARKING I WILL BE DEATH NOW.
NHTSA complaint #11052041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesDelta, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FAILED DUE TO RUST IN FEB OF 2013, THE FUEL TANK WILL RUST THROUGH SOON. THIS IS NOT AN OEM FUEL TANK IN THIS VEHICLE IT HAS A DOT APPROVED FUEL TANK FROM A MFG CALLED TRANSFER FLOW, INC.OUT OF CHINO, CA. I AM DISABLED, THE VAN WAS BOUGHT NEW AS A MODIFIED WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE CONVERSION VAN. IT IS A 2005 FORD E-250 THAT HAS BEEN MODIFIED BY A COMPANY CALLED NORCALVANS IN CALIFORNIA. WHEN I CONTACTED NORCALVANS THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE VAN IS OUTSIDE OF THE 3 YEAR 36,000 MILE PERIOD. WHEN I CONTACTED TRANSFER FLOW,INC. THE MFG. OF THE TANK I WAS TOLD THE SAME AND OFFERED A PRICE OF AROUND $850.00 FOR THE TANK, SHIPPING AND INSTALL ON ME. IN MY OPINION THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. THE FUEL TANK SHOULD NOT RUST OUT AFTER ONLY 7-8 YEARS. THIS VAN WILL BECOME UNSAFE WHEN THIS RUSTY FUEL TANK STARTS LEAKING. I CAN SEND PICTURES IF YOU LIKE.
NHTSA complaint #10534984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesRedondo Beach, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD E-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED FOR ALMOST TWO WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT HE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. UPDATED 6/8/11 *CN UPDATED 06/16/11
NHTSA complaint #10396020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bohemia, NY
AIR BAGS
2005 FORD E250 CONVERSION VAN. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATING.* TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE PAID FOR THE REPAIRS AT HIS EXPENSE, AFTER HE WAS TOLD THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED.
NHTSA complaint #10359730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 187,000 milesHawaiian Gardens, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) SPARK PLUG EJECTION OR BLOWOUT, I HAVE A 2005 FORD E250 VAN. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS AND COMMON PROBLEM ON FORD MOTORS, CAN YOU LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE FOR US FORD OWNERS. THE REPAIR IN MY CASE IS GOING TO BE VERY COSTLY, DUE TO THE FACT I WILL HAVE TO RENT A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE TO CONTINUE SERVICING MY CUSTOMERS. THANK YOU FOR INVESTING THIS MATTER. [XXX]
NHTSA complaint #10318951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brunswick, OHCrash1 injured
TIRES
2005 FORD ECONLINE E250 LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND DROVE DOWN AN EMBANKMENT INTO A DITCH. *KB THE DRIVER CLAIMED MINOR INJURY TO HIS RIGHT HAND. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0034-90 UPDATED LETTER 04/29/10
NHTSA complaint #10312119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,600 milesElkton, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
NORMAL DRIVING OF A 2005 FORD E 250 ECONOLINE VAN AND SMELLED GAS. WHEN HOME, REMOVED ENGINE COVER AND DISCOVERED FUEL LINE LEAK AND SIGNIFICANT POOLING OF GAS ON REAR SECTION OF TOP OF ENGINE, THE FLEX PORTION OF THE FUEL LINE THAT FEEDS THE FUEL INJECTION MANIFOLD HAD FAILED JUST BEFORE THE CONNECTION TO THE INJECTOR. UPON REMOVAL OF THE FUEL LINE (FORD PART # 5C2Z*9B325*AA) IT APPEARS THAT THE LOWER END OF THIS UPPER FLEX LINE IS ALSO FAILING. I AM REPLACING IT WITH A NEW ONE FROM FORD, BUT I AM CONCERNED WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR A MAJOR FIRE IF THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM (WRONG OR INADEQUATE MATERIAL OF CONSTRUCTION.
NHTSA complaint #10300247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesClover, SC
STEERING
MY 2005 FORD F250 SUPERDUTY CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE VIOLENT STEERING VIBRATION WHEN ENCOUNTERING UNEVEN ROAD SURFACES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. SINCE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE IN AUGUST 2005 I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS WHERE I WAS BARELY ABLE TO RETAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ONCE THE FRONT END OSCILLATION STARTED. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM AND IS DOCUMENTED ACROSS THE INTERNET AND IN NHTSA ITEM NUMBER - 10028404. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY BUT THEY WERE ABLE TO ONLY FIX THE PROBLEM TEMPORARILY. RECENTLY I HAD NEW MICHELIN TIRES INSTALLED AND A FRONT END ALIGNMENT COMPLETED BUT THERE WAS NO IMPROVEMENT IN VEHICLE HANDLING. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND SHOULD BE REVIEWED AGAIN BY THE NHTSA.
NHTSA complaint #10283944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesMorrow, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION STARTED TO SHAKE WHILE ENTERING A BRIDGE AT 65 MPH DURING NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS STILL BEING DRIVEN, HOWEVER THE BRIDGE IS NOW ENTERED AT AN ANGLE TO AVOID THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SHAKING EFFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10164030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fall River, MACrashFire1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
DT: CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON JULY 18, 2005. THE VEHICLE DID NOT BELONG TO THE CONTACT, BUT WAS A COMPANY VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STRUCK A POLE FROM THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE IS IN POSSESSION OF THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONSUMER DID CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA complaint #10129719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.