RoadVitals

2005 Ford E-250

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.
11
Latest Jul 8, 2019
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.
11
Latest Nov 8, 2011
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.
4
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 11 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Ford E-250, most frequently naming the fuel system, airbags and steering categories. 11 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 56 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

  • Fuel system325.0%
  • Airbags325.0%
  • Steering216.7%
  • Engine18.3%
  • Tires & wheels18.3%
  • Suspension18.3%
  • Driver assistance18.3%

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

11 campaigns cover this model year

View all 11

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
11E047000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Nov 8, 2011
17 units potentially affected
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL TANKS THAT COULD BE INSTALLED INTO MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2008 E-150, E-250, AND E-350 VANS AND WAGONS. THE AFFECTED FUEL TANKS HAVE AN EXTRA OBDII SENSOR HOLE ON THE TOP OF THE TANK THAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED AND MAY LEAK FUEL.
The risk: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANKS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-800-232-5952.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 11S22View on NHTSA.gov
09V250000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Jul 1, 2009
1 units potentially affected
The defect: J'S MOBILITY UNLIMITED, INC., IS RECALLING ONE MODEL YEAR 2005 FORD E-250 VAN EQUIPPED WITH A RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFT. THIS VEHICLE FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN 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.
The risk: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.
The remedy: J'S MOBILITY UNLIMITED 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 J'S MOBILITY UNLIMITED AT 1-601-939-2112.
J'S MOBILITY UNLIMITED, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
09V249000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Jul 1, 2009
1 units potentially affected
The defect: J'S MOBILITY UNLIMITED, INC., IS RECALLING ONE MODEL YEAR 2005 FORD E-250 VAN EQUIPPED WITH A RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFT. THIS VEHICLE FAILS 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.
The risk: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.
The remedy: J'S MOBILITY UNLIMITED 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 J'S MOBILITY UNLIMITED AT 1-601-939-2112.
J'S MOBILITY UNLIMITED, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

EA10003ClosedEngineering Analysis

HVAC Switch Failures

Opened Apr 13, 2010
Closed Mar 5, 2012

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 have been caused by a failing subject blower motor control switch.This represents a failure rate of 0.2 R/100K on a population of 1,076,975 vehicles that have been in service for up to 14 years.ODI has found that when the subject switches do fail and begin to melt, they are constructed in a manner that typically prevents the failing switch from igniting and developing into an open flame.Ford Motor Company has agreed to take two actions to further reduce the likelihood an overheated blower motor switch in the subject vehicles.Ford informed ODI that it has implemented a series of design changes to the subject switch that will help prevent it from developing internal high resistance short circuits.Ford has also informed ODI that it would release a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB-11-11-21) instructing subject vehicle owners to replace the electrical connector at the same time a failed switch is replaced.In light of the low rate of failure resulting in open flame and fire spread on the subject vehicles, and Ford's actions to reduce the likelihood of a switch failure through switch design changes and a TSB, further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following (ODI) numbers: 10427875, 10114393, 10257890For additional information, see the attached closing report.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 11
Driver assistanceFuel system
Filed Jul 8, 2019

STALLS OUT WHEN DRIVING AND HAS NO TURBO BOOST LIKE IT SHOULD. ALSO USES WAY TO MUCH DIESEL BURNS THRU TO FAST.

NHTSA ID
11229981
Incident
Feb 8, 2017
Mileage
125,000 mi
Steering
Filed Dec 3, 2017
Crash reported

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 ID
11052041
Incident
Dec 1, 2017
Mileage
30,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Aug 12, 2013

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. *TR

NHTSA ID
10534984
Incident
Feb 1, 2013
Mileage
110,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Apr 15, 2011

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 ID
10396020
Incident
Apr 1, 2011
Mileage
40,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Oct 8, 2010

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. *JB

NHTSA ID
10359730
Incident
Jul 19, 2010
Engine
Filed Mar 11, 2010

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] *TR

NHTSA ID
10318951
Incident
Mar 5, 2010
Mileage
187,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Feb 18, 2010
Crash reported1 injury reported

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 *BF

NHTSA ID
10312119
Incident
Jan 12, 2010
Fuel system
Filed Jan 19, 2010

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. *TR

NHTSA ID
10300247
Incident
Jan 13, 2010
Mileage
74,600 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

SSM 51909

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

When performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV has replaced all versions of MERCON SP and can be used going forward. Mixing MERCON LV and MERCON SP in the same transmission is acceptable. After 30-Jun-2023, MERCON SP ATF will no longer be manufactured and will only be available until inventory depletes.

DOR-T7F8K-08

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; TRAILER HITCHES

These SKUs are Trailer Brake Control Modules. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to an internal software issue. The internal software issue leads to a false check trailer brake message and Trailer Brake Controller fault whenever the brake pedal is pressed. This will cause the part to be replaced, due to repetitive dashboard warning light, even though it sends signals to the trailer brakes properly.

ASI-44534

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

FORD: WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN PARK, REVERSE AND/OR DURING 2-3 SHIFT, AN INTERMITTENT CLUNK OCCURS WITH A TORQSHIFT TRANSMISSION. MODEL 2003-2014 F-SUPER DUTY, E SERIES, EXCURSION, F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS, LOW CAB FORWARD. *PE

ASI-44404

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

FORD: ON SOME TRUCKS, THERE IS A NO CRANK SITUATION AND IF VOLTAGE ON TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR AT PIN 21, IS LESS THAN 5 VOLTS, DISCONNECT THE ENGINE COOLING FAN CLUTCH, ELECTRONICALLY, AND RECHECK VOLTAGE. MODEL 2003-2007 F SUPER DUTY, 2004-2010 E SERIES, 2003-2005 EXCURSION.

TSB T2007-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

ON SOME VEHICLES, WHEN THE GATEWAY 401 MODULE TRANSITIONS FROM ITS POWER DOWN MODE (IGNITION OFF) TO ITS POWER UP MODE (IGNITION ON) THE MODULE MAY NOT WAKE UP. IF THIS ACTION OCCURS, THE MODULE'S LED DISPLAY PANELS WILL NOT PROVE-OUT AND THE BACKLIGHTS ON THE LED DISPLAY PANELS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE.

19728

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

LACK OF POWER DUE TO LOW FUEL PRESSURE - FUEL TANK LINER SEPERATION. *KB

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-250 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2023010—
2022100—
2021000—
2020000—
2019000—
2018000—
2017200—
2016100—
20147110—
20131111049.1
20128120—
20116180—
20109130—
20092190—
20086221—
20076271—
20061231160.4
2005Viewing1111161.1
20048182—
2003178265.8
2002175261.4
2001183262.3
2000185263.2
1999316258.8
1998165253.0
1997244362.4
1996203048.6
1995153055.1
1994113151.4
1993731—
1992143361.2
1991815—
1990426—
1989725—
1988204—
1987023—
1986034—
1985254—
1984263—
1983061—
1982031—
1981011—
1980121—
1979141—
1978161—
1977020—
1976020—
1975050—

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.