The contact owns a 1993 Ford E-150. The contact stated that upon attempting to pull into a parking space and turning the steering wheel, she heard an abnormal sound coming from underneath the front driver's side seat and the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact contacted AAA who inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the gear box had detached from the subframe. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front driver's side subframe had three holes and one of the holes had expanded significantly and needed to be welded prior to fastening the gear box to the subframe. The independent mechanic informed the contact that they could not weld the subframe. The dealer was notified and informed the contact that the next availability was in approximately two months. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Ford E-150 engine failure problems
16 of the 982 owner complaints about the Ford E-150 describe engine failure, most of them for the 1994 model year.
- owner complaints
- 16
- worst model year
- 1994
- typical mileage
- 105,000
By model year
- 20122
- 20111
- 20081
- 20011
- 19991
- 19982
- 19973
- 19951
- 19943
- 19931
Often reported together
Knocking 3Steering lock-up 2Stalling 1Power steering loss 1Overheating 1Fuel pump 1Grinding brakes 1Adaptive cruise 1
What owners say
On sunday, august 20, driving s81 just before the salem exit, the 2012 ford e-150 white cargo van 4.6l romeo engine blew a spark plug out of the #3 cylinder head while accelerating from 40 MPH. The planned trip started from harrisburg pa to andrews nc. To witness a solar eclipse. Engine failure happen at approximately 40mph just north of the salem exit off 81 south. There was no shop available till next day to repair damage.. Damages included a overnight stay, missing the solar eclipse of 2017 and repair and parts cost of over $300.00 spark plug was destroyed. The coil was destroyed and the cylinder head was render useless. At this time a temporary tap was made and heli coil was inserted to hold a new spark plug in place and continue our trip the next day. Since then it blew again and I have no transportation for me and my tools. I have reported this complaint to corporate ford for review. Ford stated they will respond by email wednesday december 27. To determine culpability for manufacturing flaw with inferior aluminum head design. Total damages estimate $2500 to $4000. Sincerely owner 12/22/17 submitted to cas & the federal safety agency.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford e-150. While turning the vehicle at 40 MPH, the power steering failed and the steering wheel seized. The power steering assist fault warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford e-150. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle independently downshifted into first gear and the wheels seized. The vehicle stalled immediately. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the speed sensor and the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was related to ford recall number: 16s19. After repairs were made, a recall for the power train was issued. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The federal safety agency campaign number was unknown. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Burnt cam from lack of oiling. Dealer unable to repair, said new engine only option. Ford would not pay for new engine. Warranty stated drivetrain warranty good for 60,000 miles or five years.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford e150. The contact heard a loud knocking noise and noticed steam coming from the tailpipe once the vehicle was started. The failure was diagnosed as a risk pin in the engine. The manufacturer stated that there was no remedy for this type of engine failure. The failure mileage was 68,900.
1998 (manufactured 1997) ford 4.2 liter engine blew main head gasket - engine froze up. Replaced with remanufactured engine - combustion too high - pings - ford refuses to install another engine. Carbon build up - valves, rings, crankshaft, egr and catalytic converter will all be damaged if not corrected. Dealer had tried on 5 occasions - ford continues to deny approval for another engine.
98 ford e150, 4.2l,82k miles, engine started knocking. Took to ford dealer. They said needs new engine. Cost $4749. I find out this engine has been failing prematurely and ford knows about it. They supposedly sent out a recall to replace gasket. I never received notice. I think I should get partial reimbursement.
Engine coolant leaked into cylinder due to gasket failure causing piston rod to bend. I have learned that this is all to common problem with 1997 4.2 v6. I am unable to have my truck repaired at this time .the engine needs to be replaced $4,000.00.
1999 ford f150 4.2 liter v-6 engine. Only 52,000 miles and blown engine. Starts blowing steam out of exhaust, then engine starts knocking and ties up because of hydro lock. Coolant in cylinders locks engine. This is a very well known problem that ford will not back up costing consumers thousands of dollars. All starts with a defective intake manifold gasket which cannot be detected until it's to late. Thousands of complaints about the same engine from 1997 till ????, who knows if they are any good now. Someone needs to address this issue.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- On certain vans, the air filter element material process resulted in an air filter paper element that can smolder or burn. This change in filter paper composition combined with the configuration of the air induction system, may allow hot carbon particles to contact the air filter element during certain driving conditions that create hot particles.
- Risk
- These hot particles may ignite the air filter element with the potential for air induction system damage or underhood fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the air filter element. The recall began september 27, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673. Also ford is extending the limited warranty (for a one time replacement) of the ABS module for a total of 10 years or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date, whichever occurs first. If your vehicle has already accumulated more than 150,000 miles, this coverage will last until september 30, 2005.
Recall number 04V445000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford E-150 engine failure
Which Ford E-150 years have engine failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1994 (3 complaints), 1997 (3 complaints) and 1998 (2 complaints).
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