RoadVitals

1993 Ford E-150

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
71
Latest Jul 7, 2022
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Oct 13, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
11
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 71 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1993 Ford E-150, most frequently naming the steering, brakes and fuel system categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 4 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Oct 13, 2009
4,500,000 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
The remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 09S09View on NHTSA.gov

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

Feb 4, 2008
225,000 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 08S01View on NHTSA.gov

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Aug 3, 2007
3,600,000 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 05S28View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE96072ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL

Opened Dec 5, 1996
Closed Apr 29, 1997

There is no summary currently available

STEERING

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Powertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Jul 7, 2022

The contact owns a 1993 Ford E-150. The contact stated that upon attempting to pull into a parking space and turning the steering wheel, she heard an abnormal sound coming from underneath the front driver's side seat and the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact contacted AAA who inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the gear box had detached from the subframe. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front driver's side subframe had three holes and one of the holes had expanded significantly and needed to be welded prior to fastening the gear box to the subframe. The independent mechanic informed the contact that they could not weld the subframe. The dealer was notified and informed the contact that the next availability was in approximately two months. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID
11472754
Incident
Jun 27, 2022
Mileage
200,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jun 24, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD E-150. WHILE FUELING THE VEHICLE AT A FUEL STATION, THE FUEL WOULD LEAK OUT FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR HER SAFETY AND CALLED FIRMIN FORD (LOCATED AT 921 E MAIN ST, LAURENS, SC 29360, (864) 682-3111) TO SCHEDULE A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000.

NHTSA ID
11222056
Incident
Jun 22, 2019
Mileage
186,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Aug 28, 2015

I WAS DRIVING ON I-95 WHEN MY VEHICLE STARTED THUMPING AND VIBRATING ERRATICALLY AND STEERING WAS VERY HARD TO CONTROL. I EXITED IMMEDIATELY TO FIND THAT MY TIRE HAD A HUGE BULGE A LITTLE LARGER THAN A SOFTBALL. A MAN STOPPED AND SAID I SHOULD BE OKAY TO DRIVE THE 2 MILES I HAD LEFT TO GET HOME. WHEN I BACKED OUT TO DRIVE HOME THE BULGE POPPED EXPOSING BROKEN PLY CORDS AND TREAD SEPARATION.

NHTSA ID
10760102
Incident
Aug 21, 2015
Mileage
36,350 mi
Body & structureSteering
Filed Mar 8, 2013

DRIVING HOME FROM SHOPPING I BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND UPON INSPECTION THE 2 MOUNTING BOLTS HOLDING THE GEARBOX TO THE FRAME RAIL HAD SHEARED OFF AND THE 3RD ONE HAD RIPPED THROUGH THE FRAME RAIL COMPLETELY AND DROPPED THE GEARBOX HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THERE ARE STRESS CRACKS AROUND THE MOUNTING HOLES FOR THE GEARBOX BOLTS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10502038
Incident
Feb 1, 2013
Mileage
143,000 mi
Body & structureTires & wheels
Filed Nov 16, 2009

I WAS DRIVING EAST, JUST PAST MONROE, LA, ON I-20 JUST PRIOR TO MILE MARKER 126 WHEN THE RIGHT PASSENGER TIRE CAME OFF MY E150 1993 FORD VAN. I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VAN TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD. THANKFULLY, THE RIM/TIRE, AND BRAKE CALIPER DID NOT HIT A VEHICLE; I FOUND IT ABOUT A HALF MILE PRIOR TO WHERE I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VAN STOPPED. I THOUGHT I A BLOWOUT HAD OCCURRED BUT WHEN I LOOKED, THERE WAS NO RIM OR TIRE ON THE VAN. I BOUGHT THE VAN NEW IN LATE 1992 AND HAVE MAINTAINED IT WELL THROUGHOUT ITS LIFETIME. HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN? JUST PRIOR TO GETTING TO MONROE, THERE WAS A WOBBLE IN THE STEERING LIKE A BIG GUST OF WIND HAD HIT IT OR I HAD STRUCK A RECAP. I GOT OUT AND CHECKED BUT FOUND NOTHING UNUSUAL. I DROVE ON TO MONROE AND ATE LUNCH AT CHILI'S. SHORTLY AFTER GETTING BACK ON I-20 IS WHEN THIS EPISODE HAPPENED. A LOT OF PEOPLE COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED. WEATHER WAS CLEAR WITH LIGHT BREEZE AND NO RAIN. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME. THE VAN WAS TOWED BY AAA BY BEARS TO HIXSON FORD IN MONROE, LA FOR REPAIR WHERE IT IS NOW WAITING. THE WHEEL WELL, PASSENGER DOOR AND VARIOUS TRIM ITEMS WERE ALSO DAMAGE DUE TO THE WHEEL COMING OFF AND HAVING IT TOWED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10292329
Incident
Nov 15, 2009
Mileage
176,000 mi
Steering
Filed Apr 21, 2009

WIFE WAS DRIVING VAN OUT OF DRIVEWAY HEARD A LOUD SNAPPING SOUND AND SHE LOST STEERING AND BRAKES WENT OUT SHE DID NOT MAKE IT TOO THE ROAD I WENT OUT AND LOOKED AT VAN AND THE STEERING BOX BOLTS HAD SNAPPED OFF CAUSING THE STEERING BOX TOO HIT BRAKE LINE VAN WAS TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP REPAIRS ARE PENDING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10266268
Incident
Apr 20, 2009
Mileage
145,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Apr 8, 2008

NON RESPONSIVE TO RECALL FIX. *TR

NHTSA ID
10223751
Incident
Oct 1, 2007
Electrical
Filed Mar 4, 2008

FORD RECALL 05S28 OF THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. I WAS CONTACTED BY FORD TO BRING MY E-150 VAN IN FOR A RECALL ON MY SCDS. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION TO WADE FORD IN SMYRNA, GA. 30080. THEY DISCONNECTED THE SCDS AND SAID THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND IT WOULD BE OCT. BEFORE THEY WERE AVAILABLE. I HAVE WAITED PATIENTLY WHILE FORD TOOK THEIR TIME TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I HAVE CALLED EVERY MONTH TO GET MY VEHICLE REPAIRED AND FINALLY ON FEB. 29, 2008 I WAS TOLD BY DAVE CHANCE A SERVICE ADVISOR THAT THEY FINALLY HAD THE PARTS TO MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS. THEY ASSURED ME THAT THEY HAD THE PARTS TO MAKE THE REPAIR AND I SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE REPAIR DONE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD TAKE 1 TO 2 HOURS TO DO. MY APPOINTMENT WAS FOR MARCH 4, 2008 AT 8:00 AM. I ARRIVED AT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 7:45 AM AND WAS CHECKED IN AND TOLD THAT I COULD WAIT IN THEIR WAITING ROOM TILL THEY WERE DONE. AT 8:55 AM THE SERVICE ADVISOR DAVE CHANCE CAME IN TO TELL ME THAT HE WAS SORRY THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS IN TO FIX THE SCDS AND THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO. I WAS VERY UPSET WITH THESE PEOPLE AS I WAS GIVEN THE IMPRESSION AND THE NOTICE THAT THEY COULD REPAIR MY SCDS AT THIS TIME. I TOLD THEM THAT MY TIME WAS AS IMPORTANT TO ME AS THEIR TIME WAS TO THEM. THEY SAID THAT THEY WERE SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE THAT IT CAUSED ME, AND WHEN I TOLD THEM THAT THEY SHOULD PAY ME THE SAME HOURLY RATE THAT THEY CHARGE TO WORK AN MY VEHICLE THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD CHANGE MY OIL FOR ME FREE OF CHARGE. I FELT THAT THIS WAS A SLAP IN THE FACE AND THAT THEY COULD CARE LESS ABOUT MY TIME. *TR

NHTSA ID
10220006
Incident
Mar 4, 2008

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

BC0678961025

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION ON AODE/4R7W TRANSMISSION MAIN CONTROL & CASE REPLACEMENT. *TT

BC0883961004

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN EXHAUST LEAK &/OR NOISE DUE TO WARPED EXHAUST MANIFOLDS. *TT

BC4321950705

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

VEHICLES EXPERIENCING OCCASIONAL HARSH REVERSE ENGAGEMENT CONCERNS. *TW

951113

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

DELAYED FORWARD ENGAGEMENT AND/OR HEAT STAINED FORWARD CLUTCH PLATES AFTER INSTALLING CENTER SUPPORT SERVICE. *TW

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford E-150 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2023010
2022000
2021100
2020000
2019000
2018000
2016810
2015810
2014660
2013196046.3
2012128052.9
20112313045.9
2010109054.4
20097140
20081118049.0
20071219041.6
20061716046.5
2005164050.1
2004337153.8
2003216159.5
2002283155.1
2001374150.7
2000506153.5
1999836158.0
1998605155.7
19971026155.3
1996593161.3
1995713259.2
19941217260.5
1993Viewing714158.3
1992644364.9
1991151454.2
1990173455.5
1989312361.7
1988140248.7
1987170152.7
1986904
1985304
1984324
1983111
1982321
1981111
1980031
1979051
1978041
1976210

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.