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2005 Ford E-350

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

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Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

43 reports with mileage · 12 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Diesel. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports2 fire reports0 injury reports

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

4 reports
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87,000 miles · Sep 14, 2020
Fuel/propulsion System

ONLY 87000 MILES AND THE FUEL TANK IS SHEDDING SILVER PAINT FLAKES, INTO THE FUEL SYSTEM.. HAVE NOW REPLACED ALL THE FILTERS TWICE, PUMP ONCE.. AND THE TANK PRE FILTER HAS TO BE CLOGGED AS NO FUEL WILL EVEN COME OUT.. HAD BEEN A VERY GOOD TRUCK, BUT THIS ENGINEERING CAUSES THE VAN TO JUST DIE!! ON THE ROAD. THIS IS APPARENTLY A…

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ONLY 87000 MILES AND THE FUEL TANK IS SHEDDING SILVER PAINT FLAKES, INTO THE FUEL SYSTEM.. HAVE NOW REPLACED ALL THE FILTERS TWICE, PUMP ONCE.. AND THE TANK PRE FILTER HAS TO BE CLOGGED AS NO FUEL WILL EVEN COME OUT.. HAD BEEN A VERY GOOD TRUCK, BUT THIS ENGINEERING CAUSES THE VAN TO JUST DIE!! ON THE ROAD. THIS IS APPARENTLY A COMMON PROBLEM AND ONE THAT FORD AND THEIR ENGINEERS ARE NOT BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR.. REALLY... PAINT INSIDE AT FUEL TANK? WTF ARE THEY THINKING...

NHTSA ODI #11355011

90,000 miles · Oct 4, 2016
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD E-350. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL INJECTION CONTROL MODULE FAILED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE CONTROL MODULE, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL IN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD E-350. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL INJECTION CONTROL MODULE FAILED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE CONTROL MODULE, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL INJECTION CONTROL MODULE WIRE HARNESS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V270000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #10913614

141,008 miles · Nov 21, 2014
EngineFuel/propulsion System

WHILE DRIVE ON HIGHWAY,VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER WHEN I ENCOUNTERED A HILL. IT BOGGED DOWN AND STRUGGLED TO MAKE IT TO TOP OF HILL AND LOST SPEED DOWN TO 30 MPH OR LESS AND THEN DIED. IT WOULD NOT START RIGHT AWAY, BUT AFTER LETTING IT SIT FOR 15 MINUTES, IT STARTED AND HAD REGAINED POWER AND I DROVE IT TILL I GOT TO THE NEST …

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WHILE DRIVE ON HIGHWAY,VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER WHEN I ENCOUNTERED A HILL. IT BOGGED DOWN AND STRUGGLED TO MAKE IT TO TOP OF HILL AND LOST SPEED DOWN TO 30 MPH OR LESS AND THEN DIED. IT WOULD NOT START RIGHT AWAY, BUT AFTER LETTING IT SIT FOR 15 MINUTES, IT STARTED AND HAD REGAINED POWER AND I DROVE IT TILL I GOT TO THE NEST HILL AND DID THE SAME THING SEVERAL TIMES TILL I MADE IT HOME 3 HOURS LATER FOR A 10 MILE TRIP. I CHECKED ONLINE ON THE VEHICLE FOR FORD OWNERS FORUM AND SAW THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND DESCRIBED IT AS BOGGING DOWN AND LOSING POWER. SOME ONE SUGGESTED CHANGING THE EGR VALVE WHICH I HAD DONE, AND THE FUEL FILTERS AS WELL AS AIR FILTER. WHEN I REMOVED THE BOTTOM FUEL FILTER UNDER THE VAN, I CAPTURED THE FUEL IN THE FILTER AND LINE AND IT HAD WHAT LOOKED LIKE SILVER PAINT. I KEPT THE SAMPLE AND IT IS SOFT AND PLIABLE. I ASSUMED IT WAS A PROTECTIVE COATING LINING THE FUEL TANK. I DON'T BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE HAPPENING,BECAUSE IT COULD DO DAMAGE TO THE INJECTORS AND OTHER THINGS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10659991

82,867 miles · Nov 7, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD E-350 SD. WHILE DRIVING UPHILL APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN ENGINE POWER. THE FAILURE WAS CONSTANT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE FUEL TANK LINER HAD DETERIORATED. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL TANK, FUEL …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD E-350 SD. WHILE DRIVING UPHILL APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN ENGINE POWER. THE FAILURE WAS CONSTANT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE FUEL TANK LINER HAD DETERIORATED. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL TANK, FUEL PUMP AND INJECTORS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL FILTERS WOULD REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,867.

NHTSA ODI #10483617

Official recalls

12

11V131000 · Equipment:appliance:air Conditioner

Feb 24, 2011

BRAUN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2011 PARATRANSIT VANS BUILT ON FORD E-350 CHASSIS FROM APRIL 27, 2005, THROUGH JULY 29, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH CARRIER GENV EM-1 EVAPORATOR UNITS (EM-1) MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 1, 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2010, CONTAINING A DELPHI PACK-CON III FUSE HOLDER IN AN ALLIED MOTION MOTOR ASSEMBLY; EM-1 UNIT PART NUMBERS 77-62112-XX AND 77-62512-XX, STARTING WITH SERIAL NUMBER KNT90890232 TO SERIAL NUMBER NNE91230058. DUE TO TIME, TEMPERATURE, AND/OR VIBRATION, THE FUSE MAY LOOSEN IN THE FUSE HOLDER RESULTING IN HIGH RESISTANCE AND ARCING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF SUFFICIENT ARCING OCCURS, THE FUSE HOLDER MAY MELT, AND MAY BE ACCOMPANIED BY FLAME, SMOKE AND POTENTIAL FIRE.

Remedy: BRAUN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO CONTACT EITHER CARRIER OR A BRAUN DEALER TO OBTAIN THE FREE REMEDY. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 17, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CARRIER AT 1-800-793-4741 OR BRAUN AT 1-800-THE-LIFT (1-800-843-5438).

09V325000 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility

Aug 3, 2009

QUALITY VANS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2008 VANS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 2005 AND NOVEMBER 2007, 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy: QUALITY VANS 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 VANS AT 1-480-464-7007.

09V326000 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility

Aug 3, 2009

QUALITY VANS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2006 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 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy: QUALITY VANS 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 QUALITY VANS AT 1-480-464-7007.

09V306000 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility

Jul 29, 2009

CUSTOMIZERS IS RECALLING 6 VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy: CUSTOMIZERS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFT FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000.

09V275000 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility

Jul 15, 2009

FREEWHEEL MOBILITY IS RECALLING 4 MY 2005 FORD E-350 AND MY 2006 FORD E-250 PASSENGER VANS 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy: FREEWHEEL 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.

09V271000 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility

Jul 14, 2009

FREEWHEEL MOBILITY IS RECALLING 4 MY 2005 FORD E-350 AND MY 2006 FORD E-250 PASSENGER 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 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy: FREEWHEEL MOBILITY IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000.

09V100000 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility

Mar 27, 2009

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.

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.

09V102000 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility

Mar 27, 2009

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.

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.

09V016000 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility

Jan 16, 2009

LEADER INDUSTRIES IS RECALLING 14 MY 2005-2006 VANS BUILT ON FORD 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy: LEADER INDUSTRIES 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 LEADER INDUSTRIES LEADER INDUSTRIES AT 626-575-0880.

09V015000 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility

Jan 15, 2009

LEADER INDUSTRIES IS RECALLING 14 MY 2005-2006 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 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy: LEADER INDUSTRIES 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 LEADER INDUSTRIES AT 626-575-0880.

09V014000 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility

Jan 14, 2009

ONENESS MOBILITY IS RECALLING 19 MY 1998, AND 2005-2006 E-350 VANS BUILT ON FORD 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy: ONENESS 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 OR ONENESS MOBILITY AT 1-818-267-3000.

05V270000 · Electrical System:wiring

Jun 10, 2005

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH 6.0L DIESEL ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE STALLING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AND MAY OR MAY NOT RESTART.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPGRADE THE FUEL INJECTION CONTROL MODULE (FICM) WIRE HARNESS OR REPLACED, AND/OR HAVE A NEW INJECTION CONTROL PRESSURE (ICP)) SENSOR CONNECTOR INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

EA10003 · Hvac Switch Failures

Opened Apr 13, 2010 · Closed Mar 5, 2012

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

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.

PE09055 · Hvac Switch Failures

Opened Dec 7, 2009 · Closed Apr 21, 2010

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

ODI has received 1 complaint and reports from 4 transportation fleets alleging 182 switch failures.Each fleet operates mini buses built on a Ford E350 or E450 cutaway chassis.The OEM HVAC blower switches have melted, smoked, burned or experienced open flame and become inoperable on vehicles in each fleet.Some drivers have reported a burning smell or smoke coming from the dash.One fleet reported a vehicle fire.No injuries were sustained.However, the bus was carrying special needs children when the driver noticed smoke coming from the dash.The driver was able to evacuate the children prior to the vehicle becoming engulfed in flames.This PE has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA) to determine if the blower motor switch failures create a situation where a vehicle fire is possible and presents a safety risk to the driver and other passengers.