2008 Ford E-350 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Problem: New England Wheels (New England) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-250, E-350, and 2015 Ford Transit vans equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts by Ricon. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack. Additionally, the lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.

Risk: If the platform side plates crack or the platform mounting fails from out-of-position bearings, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the vehicle's doors are opened, the platform may fall onto the lift operator, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: New England will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on June 29, 2016. Owners may contact New England customer service at 1-800-886-9247. New England's number for this recall is 16E-020.

Problem: New England Wheels is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-250, and E-350 cargo vans modified to be equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts built by the Ricon Corporation. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.

Risk: If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.

Fix: New England Wheels will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on January 5, 2016. Owners may contact New England Wheels customer service at 1-800-866-9247, or Ricon Customer Service at 1-800-322-2884. New England Wheels' number for this recall is 15E-068. Note: These vans and wheelchair lifts were subject to a similar recall in 2014. All vehicles that received that recall remedy are still affected by this recall as well.

Problem: Mobility Specialists, Inc. (Mobility Specialists) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-250, and E-350 vehicles modified to be equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack. Additionally, the affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.

Risk: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator. Additionally, if the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.

Fix: Mobility Specialists will notify owners to take their vehicles to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on November 13, 2015. Owners may contact Mobility Specialists customer service at 1-877-777-5438, or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884.

Problem: MobilityWorks (WMK Inc.) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, and E-350 vans modified by MobilityWorks to be equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.

Risk: If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.

Fix: MobilityWorks will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2015. Owners may contact MobilityWorks customer service at 1-800-769-8267, or Ricon Customer Service at 1-800-322-2884. Note: These vehicles and wheelchair lifts were subject to a similar recall in 2014. All vehicles that received that recall remedy are still affected by this recall as well.

Problem: Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply (Cummings) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, Chevrolet Express, 2006-2008 Dodge Sprinter, and 2009-2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2013 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured January 1, 2006, to October 8, 2014, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation after January 1, 2006. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.

Risk: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.

Fix: Cummings will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2015. Owners may contact Cumming's customer service at 1-800-639-5438 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Cumming's number for this recall is 14E-041.

Problem: Mobility Works (WMK Inc.) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E150, E250, and E350 vans modified by Mobility Works to be equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.

Risk: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.

Fix: Mobility Works will notify owners, and Ricon will supply supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2014. Owners may contact Mobility Works customer service at 1-800-769-8267 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884.

Problem: New England Wheels (New England) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 E-250, and E-350 vehicles modified by New England to be equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.

Risk: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.

Fix: New England will notify owners to take vehicles to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2014. Owners may contact New England customer service at 1-800-886-9247 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. New England's number for this recall is 14E-041.

Problem: Elkhart Coach (Elkhart) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-350 and Ford E-450 vehicles manufactured January 1, 2006, to May 1, 2014 and equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.

Risk: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.

Fix: Elkhart will notify owners to take the vehicles to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 1, 2014. Owners may contact Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Owners may also contact Elkhart customer service at 1-574-264-5179. This recall has been superseded by campaign 15V-768.

Problem: Advanced Wheels of Technology, Inc. (Advanced Wheels) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Ford E-350 vehicles modified by Advanced Wheels and equipped with Braun NCL-2, and NVL-2 wheel chair lifts manufactured November 20, 2006, through September 10, 2010. Over time, and with frequent use, the roll stop latches on the outer barrier of the lifts in these vans may become bent or misaligned.

Risk: A wheelchair occupant may defeat or ride over the insufficiently latched roll stop. If this occurs when the lift platform is in an elevated position, the wheelchair's occupant could fall and sustain injury.

Fix: Braun Corporation notified all of the vehicle owners, and Advanced Wheels replaced the recalled parts with new parts, free of charge. Owners may contact Advanced Wheels customer service at 1-860-653-8064.

Problem: Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply, Inc. (Cummings) is recalling various model year 1994-2011 Ford and Chevrolet vans equipped with Braun NCL-2, and NVL-2 wheel chair lifts manufactured November 20, 2006, through September 10, 2010. Over time, and with frequent use, the roll stop latches on the outer barrier of the lifts in these vans may become bent or misaligned.

Risk: A wheelchair occupant may defeat or ride over the insufficiently latched roll stop. If this occurs when the lift platform is in an elevated position, the wheelchair's occupant could fall and sustain injury.

Fix: Braun Corporation notified all the vehicle owners, and Cummings Mobility replaced the recalled parts with new parts, free of charge. The recall was completed as of April 10, 2014. Owners may contact Cummings customer service at 1-800-639-5438.

Problem: Mobility Works is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Ford E-150, E-250 and E-350 vehicles manufactured August 2006 through August 2012. The vehicles are equipped with certain Ricon S series and K Series wheelchair lifts with an optional armored pendant cable. The armored cable may be positioned such that it does not clear the wheelchair lift.

Risk: If the cable does not clear the wheel chair lift it may contact the power lug and, if it does not have a nonconductive cover, or it has an improperly installed non-conductive cover, a short circuit may occur that could result in a fire.

Fix: Mobility Works will notify owners and Ricon will provide a supplemental cover kit and instructions, free of charge. This recall campaign is expected to begin July 15, 2013. Owners may contact Mobility Works at 1-877-275-4912 and Ricon at 1-818-267-3000.

Problem: Frontline is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 electronic news gathering (eng) vehicles built on a ford e-350 chassis with an aftermarket rear anti-sway bar and manufactured from october 31, 2006, through july 12, 2011. These vehicles may be susceptible to rear hydraulic brake line damage. The rear anti-sway bar frame mounting bolt threads may come in contact with the steel hydraulic brake line. If metal-to-metal abrasion occurs, the brake line may eventually rupture and cause a loss of hydraulic service brake pressure.

Risk: If a loss of service brake pressure occurs, the driver may not be able to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash

Fix: Frontline will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. Repairs will be performed by local ford dealers and frontline authorized service facilities. The manufacturer began contacting owners by telephone on july 12, 2011. Owners may contact frontline communications at 1-727-573-0400.

Problem: Braun is recalling certain model year 2005 through 2011 paratransit vans built on ford e-350 chassis from april 27, 2005, through july 29, 2010, equipped with carrier genv em-1 evaporator units (em-1) manufactured from january 1, 2006 through december 2010, containing a delphi pack-con iii fuse holder in an allied motion motor assembly; em-1 unit part numbers 77-62112-xx and 77-62512-xx, starting with serial number knt90890232 to serial number nne91230058. Due to time, temperature, and/or vibration, the fuse may loosen in the fuse holder resulting in high resistance and arcing.

Risk: If sufficient arcing occurs, the fuse holder may melt, and may be accompanied by flame, smoke and potential fire.

Fix: Braun will notify owners and instruct them to contact either carrier or a braun dealer to obtain the free remedy. The safety recall began on march 17, 2011. Owners may contact carrier at 1-800-793-4741 or braun at 1-800-the-lift (1-800-843-5438).

Problem: Mobility transportation (mts) is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2009 conversion vans built on ford e150, e250, and e350 chassis from september 16, 2008 through april 15, 2009 and fitted with ricon public use lifts. The restraint belt on these lifts was designed to prevent the lift from moving, unless the tongue of the belt is fully engaged and latched in the buckle. Ricon has discovered, however, that it is possible for the operator to insert the belt tongue into the buckle without fully engaging the latching mechanism. In this case, the restraint belt would appear to be latched, and the operator could run the lift. If the restraint belt tongue is not fully engaged into the restraint belt buckle, and latched, the lift may operate with an occupant on the platform.

Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move without the restraint belt properly buckled.

Fix: Mts is working with ricon and ricon will be performing the remedy for this campaign. Please see ricon's defect report 09e-060. Ricon will provide customers with a warning decal and a dvd-based training aid. The safety recall began on october 18, 2010. Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or mts at 1-734-453-6452.

Problem: Mobility transportation (mts) is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2009 conversion vans built on ford e150, e250, and e350 chassis from september 16, 2008 through april 15, 2009 and fitted with certain ricon s series and k series l-model wheelchair lifts. Due to a problem in the software that controls the lift's "up" function, should the "up" button be released before the floor level limit switch is activated, the lift may continue its upward travel and may overrun the floor level cut off point.

Risk: When the platform overruns the vehicle floor level and stops at an angle from 15-20 degrees, it is possible for a person in a wheelchair to tip over and for someone standing on the platform to fall, possibly resulting in injuries.

Fix: Mts will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by authorized ricon dealers free of charge. A software solution for this safety defect is under investigation. Until the software solution is available, ricon will provide owners with a bulletin outlining proper wheelchair lift operation and will ship owners a dvd-based training aid to promote proper lift operation at no cost. The safety recall began on october 18, 2010. Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or mts at 1-734-453-6452.

Problem: Mobility works is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 conversion vans built on ford e150, e250, and e350 chassis after november 2007 and fitted with ricon public use lifts. The restraint belt on these lifts was designed to prevent the lift from moving, unless the tongue of the belt is fully engaged and latched in the buckle. Ricon has discovered, however, that it is possible for the operator to insert the belt tongue into the buckle without fully engaging the latching mechanism. In this case, the restraint belt would appear to be latched, and the operator could run the lift. If the restraint belt tongue is not fully engaged into the restraint belt buckle, and latched, the lift may operate with an occupant on the platform.

Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move without the restraint belt properly buckled.

Fix: Mobility works is working with ricon and ricon will be performing the remedy for this campaign. Please see ricon's defect report 09e-060. Ricon will provide customers with a warning decal and a dvd-based training aid. The safety recall began on august 20, 2010. Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or mobility works at 1-800-769-8267.

Problem: Mobility works is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 conversion vans built on ford e150, e250, and e350 chassis and chevrolet 2500 chassis after november 2007 and fitted with certain ricon s series and k series l-model wheelchair lifts. Due to a problem in the software that controls the lift's "up" function, should the "up" button be released before the floor level limit switch is activated, the lift may continue its upward travel and may overrun the floor level cut off point.

Risk: When the platform overruns the vehicle floor level and stops at an angle from 15-20 degrees, it is possible for a person in a wheelchair to tip over and for someone standing on the platform to fall, possibly resulting in injuries.

Fix: Mobility works will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by authorized ricon dealers free of charge. A software solution for this safety defect is under investigation. Until the software solution is available, ricon will provide owners with a bulletin outlining proper wheelchair lift operation and will ship owners a dvd-based training aid to promote proper lift operation at no cost. The safety recall began on august 20, 2010. Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or mobility works at 1-800-769-8267.

Problem: Comm-trans is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 ada conversion vans built on ford e-150, e-250, and e-350 chassis between december 7, 2007 and december 23, 2009 and fitted with ricon public use lifts. The restraint belt on these lifts was designed to prevent the lift from moving, unless the tongue of the belt is fully engaged and latched in the buckle. Ricon has discovered, however, that it is possible for the operator to insert the belt tongue into the buckle without fully engaging the latching mechanism. In this case, the restraint belt would appear to be latched, and the operator could run the lift. If the restraint belt tongue is not fully engaged into the restraint belt buckle, and latched, the lift may operate with an occupant on the platform.

Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move without the restraint belt properly buckled.

Fix: Comm-trans is working with ricon and ricon will be performing the remedy for this campaign. Please see ricon's defect report 09e-060. Ricon will provide customers with a warning decal and a dvd-based training aid. The safety recall began on july 6, 2010. Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or comm-trans at 1-901-726-9394.

Problem: Comm-trans is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 ada conversion vans built on ford e-150, e-250, and e-350 chassis between december 7, 2007 and december 23, 2009 and fitted with certain ricon s series and k series l-model wheelchair lifts. Due to a problem in the software that controls the lift's "up" function, should the "up" button be released before the floor level limit switch is activated, the lift may continue its upward travel and may overrun the floor level cut off point.

Risk: When the platform overruns the vehicle floor level and stops at an angle from 15-20 degrees, it is possible for a person in a wheelchair to tip over and for someone standing on the platform to fall, possibly resulting in injuries.

Fix: Comm-trans will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by authorized ricon dealers free of charge. A software solution for this safety defect is under investigation. Until the software solution is available, ricon will provide owners with a bulletin outlining proper wheelchair lift operation and will ship owners a dvd-based training aid to promote proper lift operation at no cost. The safety recall began on july 6, 2010. Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or comm-trans at 1-901-726-9394.

Problem: Elkhart coach has notified nhtsa of a defect in certain transit buses fitted with ricon public use lifts. The restraint belt on these lifts was designed to prevent the lift from moving, unless the tongue of the belt is fully engaged and latched in the buckle. Ricon has discovered, however, that it is possible for the operator to insert the belt tongue into the buckle without fully engaging the latching mechanism. In this case, the restraint belt would appear to be latched, and the operator could run the lift. If the restraint belt tongue is not fully engaged into the restraint belt buckle, and latched, the lift may operate with an occupant on the platform.

Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move without the restraint belt properly buckled.

Fix: Elkhart coach is working with ricon and ricon will be handling the remedy for this campaign. Please see ricon's defect report 09e-060. Ricon will provide customers with a warning decal and a dvd-based training aid. The safety recall began on july 27, 2010. Owners may contact ricon customer service at 800-322-2884, emailing at [email protected].

Problem: Elkhart coach has notified nhtsa about a defect in certain transit buses equipped with certain ricon s series and k series l-model wheelchair lifts, due to a problem in the software that controls the lift's "up" function. If the "up" switch is released before the floor level limit switch is activated, the lift may continue its upward travel for approximately 1 second before stopping. The continued upward travel may overrun the floor level cut off point.

Risk: When the platform overruns the vehicle floor level and stops at an angle from 15-20 degrees, it is possible for a person in a wheelchair to tip over and for someone standing on the platform to fall, possibly resulting in injuries.

Fix: Elkhart coach will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by authorized ricon dealers free of charge. Currently ricon is developing a software solution and is not available. Until the software solution is available, ricon will provide owners with a bulletin outlining proper wheelchair lift operation and will ship owners a dvd-based training aid to promote proper lift operation at no cost. The safety recall began on july 27, 2010. Owners may contact ricon customer service at 800- 322-2884, emailing at [email protected].

Problem: E-n-g mobile system is recalling certain model year 2008 chevrolet w5500, model year 2007-2009 dodge 3500, model year 2009 mighty mover, model year 2006-2009 ford e-250, e-350 and e-450, model year 2008-2009 gmc w4500, model year 2007 international 4300, model year 2009 toyota land cruiser vehicles equipped with carrier airv ceiling units, model nos. 68rv0010ba, 68rv0012ca, and 68rv0010ea. The heater element in these assemblies may be defective which could cause the unit to create smoke or sparks.

Risk: This defect could result in a fire.

Fix: E-n-g mobile system will notify owners and the vehicles will be repaired by carrier free of charge. Please see carrier's defect report 09e-053. The safety recall is expected to begin during december 2009. Owners may contact carrier at 1-877-584-7059 or e-n-g mobile system at 1-925-798-4060.

Problem: Ford is recalling 65 my 2008-2009 e-350 and my 2009 e450 cutaway vehicles equipped with school bus prep packages for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 301, "fuel system integrity." these vehicles may not have been assembled with the fuel tank protection brackets that are required for school bus applications.

Risk: In certain types of very severe crashes, the fuel tank may be damaged and result in a leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect for proper fuel tank protection bracket installation and install brackets free of charge. The recall began on june 26, 2009. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332 or through the internet at www.ownerconnection.com.

Problem: Colonial is recalling 50 my 2006-2008 ford e350, e450, and chevrolet g-van cutaway chassis vehicles and 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 systems 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.

Fix: Colonial is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or colonial at 1-301-698-5100.

Problem: Colonial is recalling 50 my 2006-2008 ford e350, e450, and chevrolet g-van cutaway chassis vehicles equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations in 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.

Fix: Colonial is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or colonial at 1-301-698-5100.

Problem: Cummings is recalling 42 my 2006-2008 ford e150, e350, chevrolet express, my 2006 ford e250, gmc savanna, dodge sprinter conversion vans, and my 2007 newmar dutchstar motor homes equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These buses fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installation in 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.

Fix: Cummings is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or cummings at 1-763-498-7887.

Problem: Cummings is recalling 42 my 2006-2008 ford e150, e350, chevrolet express, my 2006 ford e250, gmc savanna, dodge sprinter conversion vans, and my 2007 newmar dutchstar motor homes 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 systems 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.

Fix: Cummings is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or cummings at 1-763-498-7887.

Problem: Accubuilt is recalling 890 my 2006-2008 ford e150, e250, and e350 cargo vans equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These buses fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installation in 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.

Fix: Accubuilt is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). The recall is expected to begin on or about october 6, 2008. Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or accubuilt at 1-800-837-8624.

Problem: Accubuilt is recalling 890 my 2006-2008 ford e150, e250, and e350 cargo 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 systems 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.

Fix: Accubuilt is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or accubuilt at 1-800-837-8624.

Problem: Ford is recalling 3,331 my 2008 e-350 vehicles built with a 138 inch wheel base. The drive shaft may have been manufactured with a slip yoke that has cracks. The effect of the cracks on fatigue performance is variable, but on some yokes with cracks, the performance is reduced below design specification.

Risk: Cracks in the slip yoke would progress over time and the slip yoke could fracture without warning while the vehicle is being driven allowing the drive shaft to separate from the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will have the drive shaft inspected for manufacturing date and replace it free of charge. The recall began on april 14, 2008. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.