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Ford E-150 fire or smoke problems

45 of the 982 owner complaints about the Ford E-150 describe fire, smoke or burning smell, most of them for the 1994 model year.

owner complaints
45
worst model year
1994
typical mileage
112,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Mar 7, 2024 · Brakes, Wheels · 228,000 miles · NJ · fire

The contact owns a 2002 Ford E-150. The contact stated while driving at approximately 75 MPH, he smelled a burning odor in the passenger cabin. The contact stated that he turned the A/C on to help clear the cabin. The contact stated that he noticed smoke was being emitted from the driver's side rear tire and wheel well. The contact stated that the tire separated from the rim and the vehicle dropped to the road. The contact stated he had not noticed any warning lights. The contact stated that he managed to pull over and saw smoke emitted from the rotor and brake pads. The contact stated that the rim was almost destroyed. The contact observed that there was fluid leaking from the rotor and brake pads and had started to burst into flames. The contact stated that he was able to smother the flames with a blanket. The contact stated that he had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 228,000.

Filed Apr 28, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 81,555 miles · TN

My vehicle according the federal safety agency has recall #09v399000 for the brake system speed control which can catch on fire even in the garage with the vehicle off. I asked ford to repair this because I just bought this vehicle and they claim there are no recalls on this vehicle, and I know there is and I know the recall hasn't been installed on my vehicle. Are they saying this because time ran out to have this done because I just bought this vehicle or do they just not want to? Thanks for your help.

Filed Apr 21, 2013 · Brakes, Electrical · 168,000 miles · OH · fire

Vehicle was parked, and upon entering noticed the smell of an electrical fire. Started the vehicle, odometer was inoperable and vehicle would not shift out of park. Upon further inspection, found a blown 15 amp fuse in the fuse panel. Replaced fuse, odometer came back on and vehicle shifted out of park. Approximately 10 seconds later, the smell of burning wiring was evident, as was smoke from under the hood. Pulled the fuse back out, opened the hood to find the brake pressure switch on fire, which melted the brake fluid reservoir as well as the battery casing also.

Filed Mar 12, 2013 · Fuel system · 90,000 miles · TN

This is the exact same situation others have experienced on the federal safety agency recall campaign number 01v114000 relating to cracks/leaks to the 'mid ship' style fuel tank. My van is a 1997 e-150 conversion van. Unfortunately, I am in the same situation as many others in the fact that ford motor company does not acknowledge my particular VIN number is affected in this recall. There have been a number of other incidents reported with vehicles mysteriously catching on fire for unknown reasons. Very disturbing that a manufacturer would not agree to replace a leaking/damaged fuel tank.

Filed Feb 13, 2012 · Engine · 71,500 miles · OH

I was sitting at a stop sign. When I accelerated to move, I heard a loud bang noise and then I heard a flapping noise. I turned the engine off and called a tow truck. After towing my handicapped van to the ford dealer, I was told that the engine had a spark plug blow out. I was also informed that the vehicle might have caught on fire if I had tried driving much further. This is very scary for people like me that equip these vans for special use. The mileage is 99% city driving. There should be a recall on this engine.

Filed Oct 6, 2011 · Electrical · 36,100 miles · NY

On approximately 8/25/2010, while driving on the highway the vehicle suddenly shut down electrically. It couldn't be started by aaa. It was towed to a local repair shop and they found a burned wire that went from the fuse box to a junction box. He told me that this is an engineering defect in the vehicle as the wire is too close to the brakes and when it gets hot the wire burns out. He also said that the vehicle can eventually go on fire. It was repaired and then on 9/25/2011 the same thing occurred. I had the vehicle towed to american ford on rt 17 south in paramus new jersey. They found again a burned wire from the fuse box. I asked them not to repair the vehicle until someone from the national safety board investigates this vehicle.

Filed Sep 1, 2011 · Fuel system · 89,900 miles · MI · fire

While driving my vehicle caught on fire in the rear end of the vehicle. We pulled over and immediately got the children out of the car. Less than a minute later, the entire vehicle was blazing.

Filed Jun 21, 2011 · Engine · 118,000 miles · PA

Spark plug blew out of motor breaking the coil pack in the process and could have caught fire spewing fuel mixture from the cylinder.

Filed Jan 11, 2010 · Engine · 112,000 miles · MI · fire

As I was watching tv in my house with my son. I noticed some yellow flickering lights through my window shades. I thought there was a tow truck out front. I opened the shade and it was my van on fire.

Filed May 4, 2009 · Acceleration, Lights · 127,000 miles · FL · fire

Brake lights and hazard lights went out. Mechanic found burnt out switch in steering column for hazard light. System. Replaced. (friday may 1, 09) saturday afternoon 5-02-09 van sitting in drive, had not been driven since prior day, a burst of smoke and some flames came out from under the hood. Then it stopped. Called dealer first thing monday morning 5-04 to see if could bring in for recalled wiring harness and cc switch to be replaced. When got there brake and ABS light on dash also came on. Dealer supposedly has replaced the defected parts and lights on dash went out. ( may 4, 09.) I had contacted the dealer repeatedly in the past few years about this recall and was put off each time with no parts, too busy, when asked if they could simply disconnect the unit, I was told no. Not until I had a fire did they offer to get her in and replace the parts. And then they said they may not replace both, only the harness, which I was never notified about in the recall. Only the switch. 1992 ford e150 econoline van they would not give me the old parts said they had to send back to the company. I hope this solves the problem I do not know yet but they refuse to handle anything else only the recalled items.

Related recalls

Electrical system: wiringReported September 13, 2004 · 214,849 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain vans, a diode in the anti-lock braking system (ABS) module may experience an electrical short.
Risk
The electrical short may cause an ABS malfunction that would illuminate the ABS warning light, or the module may overheat resulting in a burning odor, smoke, and/or fire. This condition may occur while the vehicle is being driven or unattended.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new fuse in the ABS circuit and install a heat shield over the ABS module. The recall began on october 15, 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 04V444000 · Recall details

Questions about the Ford E-150 fire or smoke

Which Ford E-150 years have fire, smoke or burning smell problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1994 (11 complaints), 1995 (7 complaints) and 1992 (5 complaints).

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