2005 Ford E-250: problems, recalls and reliability
10 recalls and 11 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2011
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2017
“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”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2011
“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”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2010
Show 5 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2010
“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”Owner report · Tires · Jan 2010
“Dt*: the contact stated that the front suspension started to shake while entering a bridge at 65 mph during normal road conditions. The vehicle was taken to the dealership who could not duplicate the problem. The vehicle is still being driven, however the bridge is now entered at an angle to avoid the development of the shaking effect.”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2005
“Dt: contact's vehicle was involved in an accident on july 18, 2005. The vehicle did not belong to the contact, but was a company vehicle. The vehicle struck a pole from the right front passenger side. The vehicle rolled over and caught on fire. The driver or passenger side air bag deployed. The vehicle is in possession of the insurance company. The consumer did contact the manufacturer. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 10 campaigns
QUALITY VAN SALES IS RECALLING 18 MY 2005-2007 FORD E-250, MY 2006 FORD E-350, AND CHEVROLET EXPRESS VANS 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.
Remedy: QUALITY VAN SALES 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 QUALITY VAN SALES AT 1-800-408-8550.
QUALITY VAN SALES IS RECALLING 18 MY 2005-2007 FORD E-250, MY 2006 FORD E-350 AND CHEVROLET EXPRESS 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.
Remedy: QUALITY VAN SALES 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 QUALITY VAN SALES AT 1-800-408-8550.
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.
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.
VAN CONVERSIONS IS RECALLING 52 MY 2004-2007 FORD E-150, E-250 E-350 AND MY 2006 GM SAVANNA 3500 VANS BUILT ON FORD AND GM CHASSIS 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 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.
Remedy: VAN CONVERSIONS 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 VAN CONVERSIONS AT 610-837-0707.
VAN CONVERSIONS IS RECALLING 74 MY 2004-2007 FORD E-150, E-250 E-350 AND MY 2006 GM SAVANNA 3500 VANS BUILT ON FORD AND GM CHASSIS AND 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.
Remedy: VAN CONVERSIONS 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 VAN CONVERSIONS AT 610-837-0707.
HANDICAPPED DRIVER SERVICES IS RECALLING 3 MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 FORD E-250 RENTAL VANS BUILT ON FORD CHASSIS AND 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.
Remedy: HANDICAPPED DRIVER SERVICES 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 HANDICAPPED DRIVER SERVICES AT 1-770-422-9674.
HANDICAPPED DRIVER SERVICES IS RECALLING 3 MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 FORD E-250 TRANSIT BUSES BUILT ON FORD CHASSIS AND 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 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.
Remedy: HANDICAPPED DRIVER SERVICES 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 HANDICAPPED DRIVER SERVICES AT 1-770-422-9674.
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
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.
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., 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.
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.
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 2005 Ford E-250 reliable?
NHTSA has 11 owner complaints and 10 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Ford E-250. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 2005 Ford E-250 have open recalls?
10 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment adaptive/mobility. 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.