1992 Ford E-250: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern suspension; the 1993 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 mph down a hill, the brakes failed to slow or stop the vehicle. The vehicle slid sideways as the contact turned to avoid hitting the building across the intersection, impacting the curb, causing the vehicle to roll five times before coming to a stop. Both parties were injured. The first received minor cuts to both legs and a laceration to the right arm requiring stitches as well as whiplash and a concussion. The second party was transported to the hospital before a list of injuries was made available. A police report and pictures were taken. The service dealer and manufacturer were not notified.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2006
“Shortly after delivery of my 1992 e250 (ca), when making slow sharp turns forward the rear-end would "chatter". Dealer loosened differential and chatter stopped, but now it rumbled when de-accelerating. Took back and they tightened - chatter returned, took back and they loosened it somewhat - less rumble but it was ok. Now at 62,000 miles it is rumbling a lot more when deaccelerating and also whenever transmission shifts to a higher gear - sometimes a lot.”Owner report · May 2003
“The brake rotors are worn and when the consumer applied the brake the vehicle experienced extended stopping distance. *nlm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2003
Show 6 more owner reports
“While driving down the freewaythe hood flew open and shattered the windshield the windsheild was 3 inches from the steering wheel when inspecting the hood I found that the metal that the hood catch grabs on to tore out I own 3 92 ford van 1 e 150 and 2 e 250 I checked the hoods on them ,and found that they to are ready to brake to the sheet metal they use cracks. *ak”Owner report · Structure · May 2001
“While driving about 35 mph right rear tire had a tread separation, and driver could not keep control of vehicle. Firestone lt 225/75 r 16 ms. *ak”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2000
“When consumer parked vehicle after driving from work to home, somebody told him that vehicle was on fire, acording to fire department. Fire had started in the engine compartment. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 1999
“When it rains rear window leaks. Dealership is aware of problem. Other truck have the same problem as ford f150. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 1999
“Noticed gasoline dripping on ground while filing tank. Then it continued to drip when parked. Investigated the filler tube and it was cracked. Replaced the tube. It appeared the original tube was too short and a stress crack resulted. *nlm”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 1996
“Upper and lower ball joints are prematurely wearing out, and have been replaced three timess within a 18,000 mile period, cause unknown. Please give any further details.*ak”Owner report · Suspension
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact E-250 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1992 Ford E-250 reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 Ford E-250. The most complained-about area is suspension.
Does the 1992 Ford E-250 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning vehicle speed control. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.