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1990 Ford E-250 problems

The most common problem on the 1990 Ford E-250 is fuel and propulsion system. It has fewer complaints than a typical E-250 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year

Owner complaints: 4
Recalls: 2
Service bulletins: 5
Worst area: Fuel system
Fuel economy: 11-14mpg

The worst 1990 Ford E-250 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Fuel system
2
Acceleration
1
Engine
1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Fuel system
2
Acceleration
1
Engine
1

Recalls 2

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: auxillary tank: selector devicesReported September 4, 1991 · 350,000 vehicles affected

What is wrong: The dual fuel tank selector valve may malfunction and cause an overfill condition in one of the fuel tanks, resulting in an overflow of fuel past the filler cap.
Risk: The overflow of fuel past the filler cap causes a fuelleakage, which can result in a fire when exposed to a source of ignition.
Remedy: Replace the dual fuel tank selector valve.

Recall number 91V146000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)Reported June 1, 1990 · 111,000 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Under certain conditions, the snap ring that locates the park gear on the output shaft of the transmission may fracture.
Risk: When the gear is placed in park, the park gear would notengage, allowing the truck to roll freely if the parking brake is not properlyset. This could result in an accident.
Remedy: Install improved snap ring and revised transmission extension housing.

Recall number 90V101000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1990 Ford E-250

Defect investigations

Alternator belt failureOpened June 4, 1993, closed July 29, 1994

There is no summary currently available

EA93014

Loss of brake effectivenesOpened October 30, 1991, closed October 30, 1992

===

EA91044

Fuel expulsionOpened June 26, 1991, closed November 1, 1991

There is no summary currently available

EA91031

Loss of brake effectivenesOpened May 23, 1991, closed October 31, 1991

There is no summary currently available

PE91077

Transmission fluid firesOpened April 9, 1991, closed July 5, 1991

There is no summary currently available

PE91064

Loss of power brakeOpened January 30, 1990, closed May 22, 1990

There is no summary currently available

PE90037

Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Ford E-250 5

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

Mar 18, 1998 Service bulletinSome vehicles may exhibit excessive brake pedal travel, irregular front lining wear, and brake pull
Mar 18, 1998 Service bulletinFront caliper piston boots damaged
Jun 1, 1995 Service bulletinDelayed forward engagement and/or heat stained forward clutch plates after installing center support service
Apr 1, 1995 Service bulletinUnknown
Mar 1, 1995 Service bulletinThere may be a concern of poor performance, coolant in the oil and engine knocking and/or hydraulic lock...

1990 Ford E-250 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

Engine	Drive	City	Highway	Combined
4.9L 6‑cyl	RWD	12-13	14-16	13-14
5.0L 8‑cyl	RWD	11	15	13
5.8L 8‑cyl	RWD	10	14	11

What 1990 Ford E-250 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 19, 2017 · Fuel system · 88,500 miles · TX

Can't switch from front aux. Gas tank to rear main gas tank, and gas gauge not functioning. Very slow filling and noticed gas coming out of filler spout. This van is new to me and just noticed these problems this month may 1/2017

Filed Mar 30, 2007 · Fuel system · 46,200 miles · FL

Fuel spills out from the front fuel tank. Ford refused to replace the dual tank selector valve. The federal safety agency campaign id number: 91v146000.

Filed Oct 6, 1995 · Engine · CA

The fan belt makes noise . Tt

Filed Jul 24, 1995 · Acceleration · OH

On (2) occasions, truck will accelerate 40 to 50 MPH more unwanted. Driver reach to pull accelerator with no change in condition. Please describe details. Tt

Compare the 1990 Ford E-250

Other model years

19901991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2017 2022

Questions about the 1990 Ford E-250

Is the 1990 Ford E-250 reliable?

Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 1990 Ford E-250, fewer than a typical E-250 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1990 Ford E-250?

Fuel and propulsion system, with 2 complaints. Next is acceleration (1).

How many recalls does the 1990 Ford E-250 have?

2 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and power train.

Was there a recall on the 1990 Ford E-250 fuel system?

Yes, 1 recall: 91V146000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What gas mileage does the 1990 Ford E-250 get?

Official estimates for the 1990 Ford E-250 range from 11 to 14 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.9L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 12-13 city and 14-16 highway.

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