Own a Ford E 150 in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Ford E 150 for model years 2005 to 2016, 2021. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help E 150 owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 416 owner complaints on file for the E 150 and 32 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (77), structure (51), power train (48).
Most-Reported Ford E 150 Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the E 150 (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 77 | 18% | |
| Structure | 51 | 12% | |
| Power Train | 48 | 11% | |
| Engine | 41 | 9% | |
| Air Bags | 32 | 7% | |
| Suspension | 31 | 7% | |
| Tires | 30 | 7% | |
| Service Brakes | 28 | 6% |
Electrical System
77 of the 416 complaints (18%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Structure
51 of the 416 complaints (12%) mention body, doors and latches. Latch and body complaints affect security and safety. We inspect and repair door, hood and trunk hardware. See our auto repair page.
Power Train
48 of the 416 complaints (11%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Ford E 150 Complaints by Model Year
The E 150 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2008, 2005, 2011. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 26 | |
| 2006 | 17 | |
| 2007 | 12 | |
| 2008 | 266 | |
| 2009 | 8 | |
| 2010 | 10 | |
| 2011 | 23 | |
| 2012 | 12 | |
| 2013 | 19 | |
| 2014 | 6 | |
| 2015 | 8 | |
| 2016 | 8 | |
| 2021 | 1 |
Ford E 150 Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the E 150, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Ford.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your E 150? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Ford E 150 Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 32 recall campaigns for the E 150 in these model years, most often involving equipment adaptive/mobility, fuel system, other, fuel system, gasoline. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2019 recall, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility (campaign 19V271000): Mobility Specialists, Inc. (Mobility Specialists) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Ford E-150 and Transit vans modified to be equipped with Ricon S-Series and K-Series wheel chair lifts.
- 2015 recall, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility (campaign 15V729000): MobilityWorks (WMK Inc.) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, and E-350 vans modified by MobilityWorks to be equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by...
- 2014 recall, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility (campaign 14V706000): Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply (Cummings) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, Chevrolet Express, 2006-2008 Dodge Sprinter, and 2009-2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2013 Ford Transit Connect vehicles...
- 2014 recall, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility (campaign 14V279000): Mobility Specialists, Inc. (Mobility Specialists) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Ford E-150 vans modified by Mobility Specialists and equipped with Braun NCL-2, and NVL-2 wheel chair lifts.
- 2014 recall, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility (campaign 14V584000): National Van Builders, Inc. (National Van) is recalling certain 2007-2014 Ford E-150 and E-250 vehicles manufactured February 26, 2007, to August 19, 2014, and equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510...
- 2014 recall, Fuel System, Other (campaign 14V097000): Landi Renzo USA is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, and E-350 vehicles modified January 2, 2011, through February 24, 2014 to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG).
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the E 150, 28 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, 34 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Ford E 150 Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Ford will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a E 150 that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for E 150 owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Ford E 150, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Ford E 150 Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Ford E 150 repair service, or choose a service below.
Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Ford E 150 FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Ford E 150?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Ford E 150 are electrical system (77), structure (51), power train (48). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which E 150 model years have the most complaints?
The E 150 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2008, 2005, 2011. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Ford E 150?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Ford E 150. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Ford E 150 have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 32 recall campaigns for the Ford E 150 across model years 2005 to 2016, 2021. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Ford E 150 in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Ford vehicles including the E 150, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Ford E 150?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Ford E 150 in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Ford Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.