FORD E 250 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used FORD E 250 options? We analyzed 10 model years (2005–2014) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the FORD E 250 has 77 owner complaints and 12 safety recalls across model years 2005–2014. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2005 drew the most complaints; 2011 drew the fewest.
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- E 250
- Model years analyzed
- 2005–2014 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 77
- Safety recall campaigns
- 12
- Crash-related complaints
- 12
- Fire-related complaints
- 4
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2005 (11 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2011 (6 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Average
By model year
FORD E 250: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
AverageThe FORD E 250 has 77 NHTSA complaints and 12 recalls on record. 12 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 77 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 12 federal recall campaigns
- 12 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
12 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
EQUIPMENT
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2005–2014. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 77 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
77 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The rubber body mounts that are used between the body and chassis have deteriorated and crumbled to the point that there is nothing left but the bolt where a mount or bushing once was and this has happened within 100,000 or less on this vehicle when first noticed due to very harsh ride, body roll, popping and screeching noise from underneath van due to the rubber missing in places. This has been a constant problem with our f-250 Ford trucks as well and we do not drive the van or trucks off road and do not tow either and never drive in salt on roads in the winter so this is not due to road salt or muddy wet conditions of off roading as we are in the house cleaning business and never drive on anything other than paved or solid driveways on all jobs and do not work if bad weather is present. The bad mounts cause severe body roll, radiator damage due to bottom of radiator making contact with frame because rubber eventually fell apart and caused body to contact chassis cracking the radiator on bottom and the flexing due to instability cracked the side casing on radiator as well. This has been a safety issue for years and the new Ford trucks are still having this issue as we are dealing with this again on the new truck with less than 60,000 miles and this is the truck that we use to estimate jobs so it's basically a town truck and shouldn't be having failing body mounts. I believe during an accident the body could separate from chassis if this isn't corrected and it greatly affects the handling and ride of the vehicle when body contacts the chassis and also damages other components such as radiator. Reapirs about 2000.00 for new mounts replacement.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD E-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL WIRES MELTED ON HIS VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TONY BETTEN & SON'S FORD INC (3839 PLAINFIELD AVE NE IN GRAND RAPIDS, MI) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL WIRE HARNESS AND BLOWER SWITCH FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
WHEN I AM DRIVING IN MY TRUCK , MANY TIMES , WITH THE WINDOWS UP , I CAN SMELL EXHAUST IN MY CAB . MANY TIMES ON THE HIGHWAY , WHETHER THE WINDOWS ARE UP OR DON , WHEN I ACCELERATE , STRONG FUMES ENTER MY CAB AREA . THIS SITUATION ALWAYS HAPPENS AND CONTINUES TO HAPPEN !!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD E-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 50 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE RANDALL REEDS PARK CITIES DEALER IN FORD, DALLAS WAS CONTACTED AT PHONE NUMBER: 214-358-8800, BUT THE DEALER DID NOT RETURN THE CALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,900.
SPARK PLUG WAS PUSHED OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD BY CYLINDER COMPRESSION RESULTING IN POWER LOSS AND FIRE CONCERN. THESE ARE FACTORY INSTALLED SPARK PLUGS AND HAVE NEVER BEEN SERVICED. THE CONDITION OCCURRED AFTER A 200 MILE TRIP. THIS VEHICLE HAS 95K MILES AND HAS BEEN ROUTINELY SERVICED.
THE DEATH WOBBLE OCCURS WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD LARGE OR SMALL . I HAVE BEEN REPLACING EVERYTHING ON THE FRONT END . JUST ROTATED TIRES GOING TO SEE IF THAT WORKS
Read 14 more owner reports
2010 FORD E250. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE TIRES RECALL NOTICE. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPLACEMENT TIRES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED ON MARCH 15, 2013, SHE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH ONE OF THE TIRES. AN INSPECTION REVEALED A BULGE ON THE SIDEWALL. THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP, WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THE TIRES DID NOT MEET THE OEM SPECIFICATIONS. ALL OF THE TIRES WERE REPLACED AT A COST OF $ 862.94. UPON RECEIPT OF THE RECALL, THE CONSUMER CHECKED THE SPARE TIRE ON THE VAN, AND DISCOVERED IT WAS ONE OF THE RECALLED TIRES IN THE NOTICE, AS VERIFIED BY THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ADDRESSING THE REPLACEMENT TIRE OF THE SPARE TIRE, THAT WAS STILL IN HER POSSESSION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIRES THAT WERE REPLACED BACK IN MARCH, WERE THE SAME AS THE SPARE TIRE, THAT WAS RECALLED. THE CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT.
BRAKES LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT RELEASE NOR SLOW THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN CRASH. *TR
TL*THE DRIVER OWNS A 2010 FORD E-250. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES BUT THE PEDAL WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE THEN SURGED FORWARD UNTIL IT CRASHED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OR NOT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE.
Airbags deployed for no reason. I was doing 70 mph on the freeway and out of nowhere both airbags deployed didn't hit any bumps just smooth driving. Could of killed me.
SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF CYLINDER BROKE OFF COIL.
ENGINE REVS UP WHILE POWER BRAKE PETAL IS DEPRESSED AND TRANSMISSION IS ENGAGED. IT REVS UP ENOUGH TO OVERPOWER THE BRAKE AND PROPEL THE VEHICLE FORWARD ( OR BACKWARD IF IN REVERSE). *TR
FORD E250 VAN 9000#GVW. NO REAR SEATS, OWNERS MANUAL STATES A ON/OFF SWITCH FOR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG FOR SMALL CHILD USE, THIS VAN HAS NO SUCH SWITCH, I AM UNABLE TO TRANSPORT MY GRAND CHILD SAFELY. FORD WAS INFORMED OF THIS AND STATED IT WAS A MISS PRINT IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. THEY SAY IT WAS DISCONTINUED BUT NOT REMOVED FROM THE OWNERS MANUAL THAT HAD BEEN REVISED TWICE. I HAVE A VAN THAT I CAN NOT TRANSPORT A SMALL CHILD IN. THE VAN WAS JUST BOUGHT NEW FROM FORD THIS MONTH. *JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD E-250. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE IGNITED IN FLAMES WHILE PARKED. AFTER THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED THE CONTACT CALLED THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND THEN CALLED FORD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SHOP, WHERE IT HAS REMAINED FOR EIGHT DAYS. THE CAUSE OF FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT SUSPECTED AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 20,000. *AK
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 56 MPH, THERE WAS A PRONOUNCED VIBRATION THAT WAS PHYSICALLY FELT THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT ALERTED. *AK UPDATED 2/27/2007 - *NM
The contact owns a 2014 Ford E-250. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly fishtailed, causing the rear passenger side of the vehicle to crash into an unknown object. The contact indicated that the vehicle would only operate in limp mode after the crash. After switching back to the drive position, the vehicle operated normally. During the crash, no injuries were reported, and no police report was filed. The contact used a scanner to determine that the PCU had malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The contact also discovered that electrical wires in the vehicle were damaged by rodents. A Number 6 Injector Wire was chewed out by rodents, and the contact independently replaced the wire however, the vehicle continued to misfire. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The manufacturer was aware that there was a software issue with the PCU and that it was a known failure, and the contact was concerned due to Ford acknowledging there was a fatality due to this known failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD E-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL OR WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
ON NOVEMBER 27, 2019 I WAS DRIVING BACK TO MY OFFICE AFTER COMPLETION OF A CHIMNEY JOB WHEN MY MOTOR WENT WITH ONLY 73,660. I THEN HAD TO HAVE MY VEHICLE TOWED AND THAT'S WHEN MY MECHANIC PULLED THE VALVE COVERS AND DISCOVERED A BROKEN VALVE SPRING THAT HAD CAUSED IT TO DROP THE VALVE INTO THE PISTON WHICH THEN CAUSED THE COOLANT AND OIL TO MIX. IN RETURN, THIS CAUSED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE TO THE ENGINE. AT THAT POINT THE ENGINE WAS PULLED. IT WAS ALSO NOTED THAT THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE BLOCK WAS CRACKED AND BENT THE OIL PAN. UPON CLEANING THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET SURFACES HE FOUND THAT DUE TO A POSITIVE CRANKCASE FROM THE VALVE DAMAGING THE PISTON THAT THE INTAKE WAS FULL OF OIL COOLANT MIXTURE AS WELL AS PIECES OF METAL FROM THE PISTON SHATTERING.
NUMBER 2 SPARK BELOW OUT OF THE MOTOR,WHEN DRIVING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD E-250. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, A SNAPPING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE INNER BRAKE PAD HAD SEPARATED. THE BRAKE PAD WAS REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE LOCAL DEALER (BASIL FORD, 1540 WALDEN AVE, CHEEKTOWAGA, NY) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
Showing 20 of 77 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact FORD E 250
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used FORD E 250, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The FORD E 250 has 77 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The FORD E 250 has 12 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 12 of the FORD E 250's 77 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all FORD E 250 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two FORD E 250 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The FORD E 250 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a FORD E 250 by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used FORD E 250.
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FORD E 250 reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the FORD E 250 reliable?
Average. The FORD E 250 has 77 NHTSA owner complaints and 12 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which FORD E 250 years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2005 (11 complaints), 2006 (11 complaints), 2013 (11 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common FORD E 250 problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (11 complaints); TIRES (9 complaints); AIR BAGS (8 complaints).
Does the FORD E 250 have recalls?
Yes — 12 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the FORD E 250. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.