Ford E-250 Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Dec 18, 2025 · 266 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 266 owner complaints and 73 safety recalls on file for the Ford E-250, across 24 model years (1995–2023). The 1999 model year has the most complaints (31). The most reported problem area overall is engine and engine cooling.

Peak: 1999, with 31 complaints
1995: 1519951996: 201997: 2419971998: 161999: 311999312000: 182001: 1820012002: 172003: 1720032004: 82005: 1120052006: 122007: 620072008: 62009: 220092010: 92011: 620112012: 82013: 1120132014: 72016: 120162017: 22022: 120222023: 0

n = 266 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Ford E-250 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical E-250 year: 1996, 1997, 1999. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 1999 E-250: 31 complaints, 6 recalls
  2. 1997 E-250: 24 complaints, 4 recalls
  3. 1996 E-250: 20 complaints, 3 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2016 E-250: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
  2. 2022 E-250: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
  3. 2009 E-250: 2 complaints, 17 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Ford E-250 problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Engine and Engine Cooling40111
Tires38152
Service Brakes, Hydraulic37125
Suspension27130
Electrical System26122
Power Train24152
Steering20112
Air Bags171310
Vehicle Speed Control17138
Engine1390
Structure13104
Fuel System, Gasoline1070
Wheels992
Equipment650
Fuel/propulsion System660
Seat Belts641
Visibility640
Exterior Lighting440
Service Brakes441
Equipment Adaptive/mobility322
Electronic Stability Control (esc)220
Latches/locks/linkages220
Fuel System, Other110
Interior Lighting110
Seats110
Service Brakes, Electric110

All Ford E-250 model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2023 E-25001——
2022 E-25010—Power Train
2017 E-25020—Steering
2016 E-25010—Steering
2014 E-250711—Engine
2013 E-2501111—TiresAbout as many complaints as other years
2012 E-250812—Electrical System
2011 E-250616—Engine
2010 E-250911—Electrical System
2009 E-250217—Engine
2008 E-250621—Engine
2007 E-250626—Air Bags
2006 E-2501229—Electrical SystemAbout as many complaints as other years
2005 E-250119—Air BagsAbout as many complaints as other years
2004 E-250816—Electrical System
2003 E-250177—Electrical SystemMore complaints than other years
2002 E-250175—Service Brakes, HydraulicMore complaints than other years
2001 E-250183—Engine and Engine CoolingMore complaints than other years
2000 E-250185—Service Brakes, HydraulicMore complaints than other years
1999 E-250316—Engine and Engine CoolingFar more complaints than other years
1998 E-250165—Engine and Engine CoolingMore complaints than other years
1997 E-250244—Engine and Engine CoolingFar more complaints than other years
1996 E-250203—TiresFar more complaints than other years
1995 E-250153—Service Brakes, HydraulicMore complaints than other years

More from Ford: all Ford models · Ford VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Ford E-250 years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 1996 (20), 1997 (24), 1999 (31) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical E-250 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Ford E-250?

Engine and Engine Cooling, with 40 complaints across 11 model years.

How many recalls does the Ford E-250 have?

73 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.