Model year record

1994 Ford E-150 recalls & problems

The 1994 Ford E-150 has 7 safety recalls and 121 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (28 complaints).

Recalls7safety recalls

Complaints121filed by owners

Crashes · fires2 · 12reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths5 · 1reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Vehicle speed controlOct 13, 2009

Vehicle speed control

Recall 09V3990004,500,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Fix: 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.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityJul 29, 2009

Equipment adaptive/mobility

Recall 09V2970007 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: R&R MOBILITY IS RECALLING 7 VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS ON 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: R&R MOBILITY IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFT FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityJul 29, 2009

Equipment adaptive/mobility

Recall 09V2980007 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: R&R MOBILITY IS RECALLING 7 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 SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE 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: R&R MOBILITY IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000.

Vehicle speed controlFeb 4, 2008

Cruise control

Recall 08V051000225,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.

Vehicle speed controlAug 1, 2006

Vehicle speed control

Recall 06V2860001,200,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Risk: OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURN AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 05V388)

Interior lightingJul 11, 1994

Interior lighting

Recall 94V1280006,088 vehicles

Problem: THE TRANSFORMER USED TO POWER THE NEON CENTER LIGHTBEAM CAN OVERHEAT AND CATCH ON FIRE.
Risk: THE OVERHEATING AND FIRES CAUSED BY THE NEON TRANSFORMER CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE LIGHTBEAM ASSEMBLY, THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix: MARK III DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ASSEMBLIES TO ELIMINATE THE NEON LIGHTING FIXTURE IN THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE IT WITH INCANDESCENT LIGHTS OPERATING DIRECTLY FROM THE VEHICLE 12-VOLT BATTERY.

EquipmentMay 9, 1994

Other › Labels

Recall 94V0870002,255 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: THE MANUFACTURER'S CERTIFICATION LABEL AND/OR THE DRIVER AIR BAG ADVISORY LABEL MAY BE MISSING FROM THE VEHICLES, WHICH DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF 49 CFR 567.
Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: OWNERS OF VEHICLE WOULD BE UNAWARE OF THE LOAD CAPACITY OF THE VANS, THE VAN BUILD DATE, AND WOULD NOT HAVE ANY ASSURANCE THAT THE VANS MEET THE FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS.
Fix: THE LABELS WILL BE FURNISHED TO OWNER'S FOR INSTALLATION ON THE VEHICLES.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

E150 Econoline 2WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 15 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.9 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 3-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

E150 Econoline 2WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.9 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

E150 Econoline 2WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

E150 Club Wagon

14mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

E150 Econoline 2WD

13mpg combined

City / highway	11 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.8 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

E150 Club Wagon

13mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 15 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.9 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

E150 Club Wagon

12mpg combined

City / highway	11 / 15 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.8 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,600/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	28	0	0	0	50,000 mi
SteeringGear box (other than rack and pinion); Hydraulic power assist system	21	1	1	2	157,500 mi
Vehicle speed controlCruise control	21	0	6	1	110,009 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Exhaust system › Emission control	21	0	1	0	—
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings; Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap	17	0	1	0	104,950 mi
Electrical systemHorn; Wiring	14	0	4	0	85,400 mi
SuspensionFront › Control arm; Front	12	0	0	0	—
TiresTread/belt; Sidewall	9	0	0	2	—
StructureFrame and members; Body › Door	8	0	0	0	—
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Driveline › Universal joint	7	0	0	0	—
Air bagsFrontal	5	1	0	1	—
Seat beltsFront › Anchorage; Front › Retractor	4	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Engine
See attached document for complaint
Nov 14, 2024
Steering
The contact owns a 1994 Ford E-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated she heard an unusual noise that sounded like something broke. The contact stated she continued to drive and the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a fractured steering box. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
Oct 7, 2023 · 165,000 miles
Steering
ON JAN 21ST 2020, WHILE MANEUVERING AT A GAS STATION, I HEARD A LOUD POP/CRACK. THINKING I HAD HIT A STANCHION, I WALKED AROUND MY VAN BUT - NO STANCHION. NOTHING TO SEE SO I GO ABOUT MY DAY. STEERING PULLED TO THE RIGHT, I CHECKED FOR LOW TIRE PRESSURE - PRESSURE, OK. 40 MILES OF FREEWAY DRIVING LATER, I TAKE THE VAN TO THE GARAGE - STEERING FEELS LOOSE. AFTER INSPECTION, THE DANGER I WAS IN, AND THE THREAT I WAS TO THOSE AROUND ME ON THE ROAD, WAS MOST APPARENT. THE STEERING GEAR BOX WAS LOOSE FROM THE FRAME, ONE BOLT HAVING SHEERED OFF. AND THE FRAME ITSELF CRACKED. IMAGINE MY SURPRISE WHEN FINDING THAT FATIGUE FAILURE AT THIS PART OF THE FRAME WAS WELL DOCUMENTED ON THE INTERNET AND…
Jan 21, 2020 · 170,000 miles
Steering
VERY WOBBLY LOOSE STEERING. SCARY TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE STEERING ISN'T RELIABLE. FEELS LIKE IT WILL JUST GO OFF THE ROAD OR INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. HAVENT DRIVEN IT MUCH SINCE.
Jul 10, 2019 · 165,000 miles
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONE OF THE THREE BOLTS HAD BECOME LOOSELY CONNECTED ASSOCIATED WITH THE STEERING. THE CONTACT TIGHTENED THE WASHER AS AN INTERIM REPAIR TO PREVENT A POWER STEERING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Nov 14, 2016 · 135,000 miles
Steering
I WAS DRIVING AND CAME THRU THE TUNNEL,AND STOP BY MALL TO GET SOMETHING TO EAT.WHILE PARKING MY STEERING GEAR BOX BROKE AWAY FROM THE FRAME,CAUSING ME TO HAVE NO STEERING.IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPEN 10 MINUTES EARLIER OR AFTER I WOULD HAVE LEFT THE MALL GOING THRU THE TWO LANE MIDTOWN TUNNEL I WOULD HAVE HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY.IS THIS SOMETHING FORD KNEW ABOUT AND DID NO RECALL.THE BOLTS ARE BAD AND I RESEARCHED AND IT HAPPEN TO ALOT OF PEOPLE'S DRIVING THAT TYPE.MY VAN IN THE SHOP AND I DO THINK FORD SHOULD FOOT THE REPAIR BILL.I LOVE MY VAN.HAVE A MUSTANG TOO IT'S JUST THE IDEA I COULD HAVE KILLED SOME ONE OR MYSELF.PLEASE IF I CAN HAVE SOME FEED BACK ON THIS…
Mar 12, 2016 · 140,000 miles
Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
HOPE THIS ISN'T A DUP; I STARTED A REPORT YESTERDAY, BUT DON'T THINK I COMPLETED IT. ASKED TO DO SOME WORK ON MY 1994 CLUB WAGON (167K MI), AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOUND A CRACK ON THE LOWER SIDE OF THE FRAME, BENEATH THE STEERING BOX. HE WOULDN'T DO THE WORK. SUBSEQUENTLY A BODY SHOP FOUND THERE WERE ACTUALLY TWO CRACKS, ONE ON THE INBOARD SIDE OF THE FRAME, RADIATING FROM THE STEERING BOX MOUNTING HOLE, TRAVELING BACK AND DOWN, AROUND THE LOWER CORNER OF THE FRAME, THEN FORWARD ABOUT 3" ON THE LOWER FACE OF THE FRAME ,ALONG THE EDGE. THE LAST 2" OF THE CRACK WERE OPEN, WITH ABOUT A 2MM GAP. THE CRACK ON THE OPPOSITE FACE TRAVELED IN AN ARC OF PERHAPS 60 DEGREES CENTERED ON THE MOUNTING…
Feb 12, 2013 · 167,000 miles
Structure › Frame and members
I PURCHASED THIS 1994 FORD E-150 CLUBWAGON FROM A PRIVATE OWNER IN 08/2008, IT WAS AND STILL IS IN BETTER THAN GOOD CONDITION. IT HAD A RECALL TO REPLACE A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS WHICH WAS DONE IN 12/2008. IN EARLY SPRING OF 2009, I JUST BOUGHT A NEW SET OF TIRES AND GOT A FRONT END ALIGNMENT, ABOUT TWO WEEKS LATER, I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 45 MILES AN HOUR ON A BUSY FOUR LANE STREET, WHEN I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND MY VAN BEGAN TO SHAKE VERY VIOLENTLY. AT THE SAME TIME I WAS PASSING A REPAIR SHOP, I GOT THE VAN UNDER CONTROL AND PULL IN. BEING A CERTIFIED MECHANIC MYSELF I BEGAN TO EXAMINE THE STEERING LINKAGE, EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE, WHEN THE SHOP MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE LOWER STEERING…
Apr 9, 2009

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESClosedLed to recall 05V388000
EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A VACUUM THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE SCDS TO FAIL AND, IN CERTAIN SWITCH INSTALLATION ORIENTATIONS, CATCH FIRE.FORD IS ALSO INCLUDING THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF 1998 EXPLORERS.FORD HAS INFORMED ODI THAT TESTING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURES IN THE 1998 EXPLORERS WILL CONTINUE AFTER THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLES EXHIBITING THE FACTORS CAUSING SCDS FAILURE DESCRIBED IN THIS REPORT CORRELATE WELL WITH THE OBSERVED FAILURE RATES ON THESE VEHICLES BY MODEL AND MODEL YEAR.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST IN THE NON-RECALLED…
EA05005 · opened Mar 22, 2005 · closed Aug 2, 2006
LOSS OF STEERING CONTROLClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE96072 · opened Dec 5, 1996 · closed Apr 29, 1997