I arrived at my destination, lined up to park, shifted my foot from accelerator to brake and ... YIKES the engine was racing like crazy. I put both feet on the brake, shoving hard, engine continues to accelerate over the curb & into a fence. Pulling against the brakes, the engine continued to race. I reached to yank it out of gear, when it TOOK OFF backwards across the parking lot. Still standing on the brakes, I frantically looked for a path that would give me time to kill the engine. skipped the window that I couldn't see if there were PEOPLE on the other side of it ... angled to go around parked cars and went for the ignition switch to kill the engine. After I got the engine switch off, the momentum carried me into the first parked car, which shoved it into the next parked car. THANK GOODNESS there were no people in either, nor in the parking lot!! No warnings of any kind. The entire vehicle is available for inspection; it has yet to be inspected. There is no way I would drive this suicidal-murdering death-trap ANYWHERE, so I had it towed. Police and insurance have been notified.
The worst 2004 Ford E-250 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical3
- Brakes2
- Acceleration1
- Airbags1
- Lights1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical3
- Brakes2
- Acceleration1
- Airbags1
- Lights1
- Seats1
- Steering1
- Transmission1
Recalls 16
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 09V325000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 09V326000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- Access mobility is recalling 3 model year 2004 ford e-250 and model year 2006 dodge sprinter vans equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lift. The vehicle fails 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.
- Risk
- The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
- Remedy
- Access mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lift free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000.
Recall number 09V295000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- Access mobility is recalling 3 model year 2004 ford e-250 and model year 2006 dodge sprinter 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 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.
- Risk
- A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
- Remedy
- Access 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.
Recall number 09V296000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- R&r mobility is recalling 7 vans equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lift. 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.
- Risk
- The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
- Remedy
- R&r mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lift free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000.
Recall number 09V297000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- R&r mobility is recalling 7 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 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.
- Risk
- A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
- Remedy
- R&r 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.
Recall number 09V298000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- Van products is recalling 8 vans equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. The lift fails 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.
- Risk
- The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
- Remedy
- Van products is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lift free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000.
Recall number 09V303000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- Van products is recalling 8 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 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.
- Risk
- A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
- Remedy
- Van products is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000.
Recall number 09V304000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
- 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.
Recall number 09V243000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.t
- 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.
Recall number 09V242000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 09V100000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 09V102000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- On certain vans built on ford e250/e350 chassis and equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.
- Risk
- In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the wheelchair securement retractors as necessary. Sure-lok is conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign. Owners should contact sure-lock at 1‑908‑231‑1804 or accubuilt at 419‑222‑1501.
Recall number 04V589000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.
- Risk
- In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the wheelchair securement retractors as necessary. Sure-lok will handle the repairs for this campaign. Owners should contact sure-lock at 1‑908‑231‑1804 or mobilityworks at 1‑800‑769‑8267.
Recall number 04V562000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring
- 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
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
See all 16 recalls for the 2004 Ford E-250
Defect investigations
HVAC Switch Failures
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 the federal safety agency 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.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following (ODI) numbers: 10427875, 10114393, 10257890For additional information, see the attached closing report.
EA10003
Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton v-8 and v-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi is not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi is aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it is possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect is very low.in view of the foregoing, it is unlikely that the federal safety agency would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize the federal safety agency?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition is denied.
DP05005
Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Ford E-250 69
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- When performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV has replaced all...
- This SKU is a front upper ball joint
- Ford: when shifting between park, reverse and/or during 2-3 shift, an intermittent clunk occurs with a...
- Ford: on some trucks, there is a no crank situation and if voltage on transmission range sensor at pin 21,...
- Brake booster system may exhibit a brake pedal kickback and/or grabbing condition when applying the brakes
- Lack of power due to low fuel pressure - fuel tank liner seperation
- Lack of power due to low fuel pressure, fuel tank liner seperation
- Slow fuel fill on vehicles with a 4.6L or 5.4L engine and mid-ship fuel tank
- Headlight adjustment needed
- Watch for oil flow from the base engine oil pump
2004 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 18 | 15 |
What 2004 Ford E-250 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford E-250. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road and the contact waited for a minute to restart the vehicle before starting to drive however, the failure persisted. No warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who inspected the vehicle but could not duplicate the failure. The mechanic believed that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 05V270000 (Electrical System) and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure and the recall but was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall and that the recall only included the diesel engine vehicles. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. The VIN was not available.
The air bags deployed once igntion was turned over. No accident just deployed for no reason.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford e250. The contact stated that the glue that held the emergency brake pad separated from the pedal. The contact stated he tried to use the emergency brake but it was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who inspected the failure but did not repair the failure. The manufacturer was notified who stated there was no recall and if there was a recall in the future he would receive a reimbursement. The failure mileage was 175,339.
Tl* the contact owns 2004 ford e 250. The contact stated in order to remove his keys from the ignition; he would have to press and hold his foot on the brake pedal and hold the gear shift selector in the park position while applying slight force. The contact found (the federal safety agency campaign id number: 08v051000: vehicle speed control: cruise control) which he believed was directly related to the failure. The contact also stated the drivers side seat is defective.the dealer advised the contact that he would have to cover the repair expense for all three failures. There were no repairs made to the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 9,400 and the approximate current mileage was 24,000.
2004 e-250 standard-length van (conversion) with 4-wheel ABS disc brakes. The right rear axle-to-caliper bracket broke (cracked) completely through one ear and could've sheared the remaining ear permitting the caliper to completely break free, potentially shearing the brake line and causing the right rear wheel to lock/seize at highway speeds with potentially disastrous results. Failed pn (original) was part number xc2z2b292aa was superseded by part number 5c2z2b511ca.
Ford has not notified their customers of the 04s22 safety recall as of 10/6/04. On dealer's notification , posiibility of short in ABS module could start fire in unattended vehicle - with the ignition off was stated. As well as a warning not to park any unsold recalled vehicles inside.
While driving at any speed and when turning the steering wheel column will not come back to the original position. Dealer examined the vehicle, and replaced the steering gear box. Several days later, check engine light came on. Afterwards, the radio, interior lights, and back up lights stopped working. Dealer fixed the problem, but the engine light come on again.
Compare the 2004 Ford E-250
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Questions about the 2004 Ford E-250
Is the 2004 Ford E-250 reliable?
Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 2004 Ford E-250, close to a typical E-250 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Ford E-250?
Electrical system, with 3 complaints. Next is brakes (2).
How many recalls does the 2004 Ford E-250 have?
16 recalls, covering equipment adaptive/mobility, electrical system and engine and engine cooling.
Was there a recall on the 2004 Ford E-250 electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 04V444000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Ford E-250 get?
Official estimates for the 2004 Ford E-250 range from 15 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.6L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 18 highway.
VIN decoder
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