1992 Ford E-150 Problems
- Complaints
- 64filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles, 11 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 14 mpgcombined, 4.9L 6-cyl RWD · 12 city / 16 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1992 Ford E-150 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this 1992 E-150 most often write in about cruise control and speed control problems, cooling and engine issues, and fuel and brake faults. Complaints typically involve high-mileage vans, and several electrical and fuel-filler reports describe smoke or fire around the dash, wiring harness, and filler hose. Many entries are older filings about the speed-control deactivation switch recall and delays in getting the parts.
- Vehicle speed control
Cruise control won't release or vehicle speeds up
- 8 complaints (13%)
- median 92,900 mi at 14.8 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1996–2011
Owners describe the cruise control engaging or holding throttle when they want to slow down, with the vehicle accelerating again after the brake is released and the engine running high. Some reports mention sudden acceleration while parking or pulling in, and brake pedal feel becoming hard. Several owners also describe waiting for recall parts or being refused the repair, and a few say the switch or associated wiring was involved in smoke or fire. Reported at mileages from around 40,000 up to about 175,000, often on long highway trips or after many years in service.
Recall 09V399000Recall 08V051000Recall 07V336000
What to check: Ask whether the speed control deactivation switch recall work was completed and whether the switch is currently connected; if unsure, have a shop check the switch and its wiring before driving.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was traveling home to camden, tn from west frankfort, il with my children on hwy 69. Cruise control was engaged. When entering a lower speed zone, I attempted to slow the vehicle, but after attempting to slow the vehicle, upon releasing the brake, the vehicle would increase in speed again and the engine continued to run high. I knew there was a major problem when I was going uphill and the vehicle was increasing in speed relatively quickly. I pressed hard on the brakes, but the brakes were very hard to press. …”
NHTSA complaint #10430375, filed 2011-10“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10267708, filed 2009-05, 127,000 miles - Electrical system
Under-dash or wiring harness fire and smoke
- 14 complaints (22%)
- median 112,000 mi at 15.4 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2010
Complaints describe smoke coming from the vents or under the dash, sometimes followed by flames with the van parked or just after being shut off. Owners attribute this to wiring routed against steel or rubbing on the frame, a shorted blower switch, or a power seat harness cut by seat springs. Some say the dealer replaced a switch but did not trace the wiring further. Reported from the late 1990s through about 2010, at mileages ranging from very low (under 200 miles on the odometer) to roughly 130,000.
What to check: Look for scorched or chafed wiring under the dash and along the frame, and ask whether any harness or switch repairs have been done; an electrical inspection is worthwhile on a van this age.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving my 1992 E-150 econoline Ford, smoke started coming from vehicle air vents and under dash board. I pulled to side of the road disconnected the battery. With the help and use of passing vehicle that stopped and let me use his cell phone to call the fire dept, by this time my vehicle totally on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10219562, filed 2008-02, 107 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10299075, filed 2010-01, 112,000 miles - Engine cooling
Overheating and coolant loss from rusted lines
- 7 complaints (11%)
- typically at 8.1 yrs old
- filed 1996–2001
Owners describe overheating with no obvious leak, and one fleet operator reported the rear heater lines running under the body rusting through and losing coolant, with even a low-mileage van showing rust. Other reports mention a corroded oil pan rusting through and an exhaust manifold breaking and letting fumes into the cabin. Dealers typically recommended replacing the affected part, and one owner was told the repair was out of warranty. Reported from the mid-1990s onward across a wide mileage range, with rusted coolant lines noted on vans as new as 12,000 miles in road-salt conditions.
What to check: Check the coolant tubes under the body and in the rear wheel well for rust, look at the oil pan for corrosion, and confirm the cooling system holds pressure.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This is a design problem relating to all vans with rear heaters manufactured from 1991 to the present. The tubing leading to the rear heater has rusted out on all 18 of our fleet vans. Without close inspection, tube could rust completely through, causing loss of engine coolant. The tubes run under the body of the van and through the rear wheel well, where they are exposed to road salt and other environmental conditions. Our newest van has only 12,000 miles and is already showing signs of rust.”
NHTSA complaint #724369, filed 2000-06“The vehicle overheats, but there is no trace of leakage. The overheating has blown a fuse, causing the cargo lights /the radio and the transmission to malfunction. The manufacturer will be notified.”
NHTSA complaint #827476, filed 1998-09 - Brakes
Brakes lock up, pull, or fade when wet
- 6 complaints (9%)
- typically at 5.3 yrs old
- filed 1995–2011
Owners report the brakes locking up or grabbing during harder stops, a loud noise from the brakes, and premature pad and rotor wear requiring repeat visits to the shop. Others describe the front brakes locking on wet pavement and lengthening stopping distance, or water getting into the brakes and reducing braking ability. Work described in the complaints includes pad, rotor, and caliper-pin replacement. Reported across a broad range of age and mileage, often in wet or rainy conditions and during braking from around 45-50 mph.
What to check: Have the brakes inspected for pad and rotor wear and stuck calipers, and test a firm stop on a wet, empty road if it is safe to do so.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving at 45 to 50 MPH applied brakes which were hard, locked up. There was a loud noise coming from the brakes. Brake pads had to to be changed due to premature wearing of brake pads and rotors. Vehicle has been in shop off and on about 12 times.”
NHTSA complaint #834391, filed 1999-02“When applying the brakes, the vehicle pulls to the right/replaced front brake rotors/ caliper pin, also power steeering belt/engine belts failed, causing engine noise/front end misalignment, resulting in vehicle pulling to the right.”
NHTSA complaint #800302, filed 1996-08
Buying note. A van this old depends heavily on how it was kept: ask for records on recall work, especially the speed control switch, and check wiring, fuel hoses, and coolant lines for age-related cracking and rust. A pre-purchase inspection covering brakes, cooling, and electrical systems is worth the cost.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 36 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 64 consumer complaints for the 1992 Ford E-150. 11 of the complaints include a mileage, and 18% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 100,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 11 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling11 17%
- Brakes8 13%
- Fuel system8 13%
- Electrical system6 9.4%
- Air bags5 7.8%
- Body and structure4 6.3%
- Tires4 6.3%
- Wheels4 6.3%
Also reported: Steering (3), Suspension (3), Seats (2), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “The contact owned a 1992 Ford e150. The engine compartment caught fire while the vehicle was parked. The contact called the fire department, but extinguished the fire before they arrived. She was informed that the fire originated between the headlights and dashboard. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and the contact received approximately 5-6 recall notices. The current and failure mileages were unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #10232072, filed 2008-06Vehicle speed control: “While pulling, into a parking space the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The driver had both feet on the brake pedal. The vehicle continue to accelerated. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle. The driver would contact a dealer with in the week. Please fill in additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #10073986, filed 2004-05Brakes: “When brakes are applied on wet pavement front brakes locks up, causing extended stopping distance. Vehicle slid which has nearly caused collisions to occur ,cause unknown. Please give any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #8017306, filed 2002-08Fuel system: “While fueling the vehicle, fuel began leaking on ground from fuel tank/filler area. Leak stopped when fueling was discontinued. Took vehicle to repair shop and they found split approximately 3 inches long in rubber fill hose which is part of the fuel filler neck assembly had to replace this assembly (at 134,088 miles) . Had replaced this assembly previously at about 90,000 miles to cure a strong fuel odor complaint. This fuel hose should last for the life of the vehicle. It's failure might result in fire hazard, personal injury or death.”
NHTSA complaint #10051086, filed 2003-12, 134,088 milesMileage when problems were reported
18% of the 11 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 58,800 and 127,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1992 Ford E-150 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E150 Club Wagon RWD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
| E150 Club Wagon RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 13 | $5,150 |
| E150 Club Wagon RWD | 5.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 10 | 14 | 12 | $5,600 |
| E150 Econoline 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| E150 Econoline 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 13 | 15 | 14 | $4,800 |
| E150 Econoline 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
| E150 Econoline 2WD | 5.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 11 | 15 | 12 | $5,600 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 09V399000Oct 13, 2009Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003, E-250 1992–2003 +12 more
Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and…
- 08V051000Feb 4, 2008Vehicle speed control › Cruise controlCovers: Ford E-150 1992–2003, Econoline 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +10 more
Ford is recalling 225,000 my 1992-2003 econoline, my 1993-1995 taurus sho, my 1992-1998 crown victoria, my 1993 bronco, f-series, my 1995-1997 f-series super duty stripped chassis, my 1992-1998 mercury grand marquis, and my 1992-1995 lincoln town car…
- 07V336000Aug 3, 2007Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford E-150 1992–1993, 1997–2003, E-350 1992–1993, 1997–2003, E-250 1992–1993, 1997–2003 +18 more
On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
- 92V123000Aug 24, 1992Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Ford E-150 1992, Econoline 1992
The tire certification labels incorrectly identify the vehicle tire requirements as p235/75r15 sl (standard load), rather than as p235/75r15 xl (extra load).
Recall details for the 1992 Ford E-150 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1992 Ford E-150.
Other model years of the Ford E-150
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 8 | 6,500 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 8 | 18,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 6 | 16,738 | 6 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 19 | 82,800 | 6 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 2012 | 12 | 60,000 | 8 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
| 2011 | 23 | 37,500 | 11 | — | 14 | — | Falling |
| 2010 | 10 | 42,500 | 7 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 7 | 83,000 | 12 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 11 | 66,325 | 17 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2007 | 12 | 49,000 | 18 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2006 | 17 | 44,373 | 14 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 2005 | 16 | 52,879 | 2 | — | 15 | — | Rising |
| 2004 | 33 | 65,000 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 21 | 16,354 | 5 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 28 | 86,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 37 | 73,000 | 4 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 50 | 104,602 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 83 | 96,000 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 60 | 89,146 | 5 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 102 | 103,000 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 59 | 120,000 | 3 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 71 | 95,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 121 | 129,500 | 7 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 71 | 135,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 64 | 100,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 15 | 75,000 | 1 | — | 13 | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 17 | 126,000 | 3 | — | 13 | — | Falling |
| 1989 | 31 | 94,000 | 2 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1988 | 14 | — | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 17 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 9 | — | 0 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
All Ford E-150 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1992 Ford E-150?
Owners of this 1992 E-150 most often write in about cruise control and speed control problems, cooling and engine issues, and fuel and brake faults. The issues reported most often: Cruise control won't release or vehicle speeds up; Under-dash or wiring harness fire and smoke; Overheating and coolant loss from rusted lines.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1992 Ford E-150 have?
NHTSA recorded 64 consumer complaints for the 1992 Ford E-150 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1992 Ford E-150 is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 11 complaints (17% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control with 9.
Has the 1992 Ford E-150 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1992 Ford E-150 get?
The EPA rates the 1992 Ford E-150 (E150 Club Wagon, 4.9L 6-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 12 city and 16 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1992 Ford E-150 reported?
Among the 11 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 100,000 miles and the middle half falls between 58,800 and 127,000 miles; 18% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.