1993 Ford E-150 Problems
- Complaints
- 71filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 135,000miles, 10 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in 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 / 17 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1993 Ford E-150 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this 1993 model year mostly report problems in three areas: the fasteners holding the steering gearbox to the frame, fuel leaking around the tank and filler during refueling, and cruise control that does not release or that engages on its own. Most complaints involve high-mileage vans, though several date back to the 1990s and describe failures at low mileage. These are old vehicles, and many reports describe worn or corroded parts as well as safety-seat recalls related to the cruise control switch.
- Tires
Tire tread separation and sidewall bulges
- 6 complaints (8%)
- median 106,175 mi at 20.0 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 2000–2015
Owners describe thumping and vibration at highway speed, followed by finding a bulge or separated tread on a tire; in several cases the tire was replaced and the tread separation confirmed by a tire dealer. Reports mention Firestone and Dayton-brand tires on these vans. One complaint describes a wheel and tire coming off the vehicle. Reported at various mileages, often on highway trips; several reports are from 1998-2001.
What to check: Check tire build date and brand, look for sidewall bulges or cracking, and plan for replacement of older tires regardless of tread depth.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving on I-95 when my vehicle started thumping and vibrating erratically and steering was very hard to control. I exited immediately to find that my tire had a huge bulge a little larger than a softball. A man stopped and said I should be okay to drive the 2 miles I had left to get home. When I backed out to drive home the bulge popped exposing broken ply cords and tread separation.”
NHTSA complaint #10760102, filed 2015-08, 36,350 miles“I was driving east, just past monroe, la, on I-20 just prior to mile marker 126 when the right passenger tire came off my e150 1993 Ford van. I was able to maintain control of the van to get it off the road. Thankfully, the rim/tire, and brake caliper did not hit a vehicle; I found it about a half mile prior to where I was able to get the van stopped. I thought I a blowout had occurred but when I looked, there was no rim or tire on the van. I bought the van new in late 1992 and have maintained it well throughout its lifetime. …”
NHTSA complaint #10292329, filed 2009-11, 176,000 miles - Steering
Steering gearbox mounting bolts break or pull out of frame
- 9 complaints (13%)
- median 144,000 mi at 18.5 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1996–2022
Owners describe a loud snap or pop while turning or backing up, followed by loss of steering control, and in some cases also loss of brakes when the loosened gearbox hits a brake line. Reported cause: one or more of the three bolts that hold the steering gearbox to the frame shear off, and the frame rail cracks or is torn out around the mounting holes. Repairs involve towing the van and welding or reinforcing the frame; dealers are not described as offering a fix. Reported from roughly 140,000 to 200,000 miles, typically during sharp turning or backing out of a parking space.
What to check: Inspect the frame rail around the three steering gearbox mounting bolts for cracks, elongation, or previously welded reinforcement. Ask whether the gearbox bolts or frame have ever been repaired.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I just want to know if these vans are having trouble. The ignition switch sometime would not turn off and I would have to work the key and also turn the steeing wheel back and for to get the key out. I took it to a authorized Ford dealer to have repaired. They replaced the switch cylinder they said. One week later I was driving the van and when I turned the wheels to the left some time I would have to use force to get the wheels back to the right. …”
NHTSA complaint #700620, filed 1998-11“Driving home from shopping I backed out of a parking space and heard a loud popping sound upon inspection the 2 mounting bolts holding the gearbox to the frame rail had sheared off and the 3rd one had ripped through the frame rail completely and dropped the gearbox had to have it towed home upon further inspection there are stress cracks around the mounting holes for the gearbox bolts.”
NHTSA complaint #10502038, filed 2013-03, 143,000 miles - Vehicle speed control
Cruise control does not release or engages unexpectedly
Mentioned in 5 of 41 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the speed control failing to disengage when the brake is pressed, requiring the driver to shift to neutral to stop, and in other cases the van accelerating on its own after being shifted. Some owners reference recall campaigns on the speed control deactivation switch and describe difficulty getting the part or the work completed at a dealer. Reports span the 1990s through 2008, often with the system engaged on the highway.
Recall 09V399000Recall 08V051000Recall 07V336000
What to check: Ask whether the speed control deactivation switch recalls were completed and whether the harness was replaced; test that cruise disengages with the brake pedal.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contacts owns a 1993 Ford e150. While driving 45 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle failed to stop when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that he had to shift the vehicle into neutral and then apply the brakes for the vehicle to stop. The dealer has not inspected the vehicle. The failure mileage was 127,000 and current mileage was 128,000. Updated 01-16-08. The mechanic stated the problem was due to cruise control failure. The consumer has crashed into mailboxes causing damage to the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10201608, filed 2007-08, 127,000 miles“Ford recall #05s28 indicates a potential fire hazard in my speed control deactivation switch which may leak causing a underhood fire. Ford wants to put a fuse in the wiring harness to prevent this from happening. Why would Ford not want to change the scds switch that might be leaking instead?”
NHTSA complaint #10200874, filed 2007-08 - Brakes
Brake drag, pulling, and hydraulic leaks
Mentioned in 5 of 41 sampled complaints
Complaints describe brakes dragging on the rotors, the van pulling to one side when braking, a pedal that fades, and brake fluid leaking from hoses. Some owners say the problem returned after rotor replacement, and one noted a brake line worn through by a bracket near the rear axle. Reported from low mileage (under 30,000 miles) up through higher-mileage use, with symptoms recurring after repairs.
What to check: Inspect rotors for warping and hoses and lines for rubbing or leakage; test-drive and brake firmly to check for pulling.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving the vehicle one can hear the brakes dragging against the rotors. The rotors were replaced in 4/96 with about 18,000 miles on vehicle because of warping. The rotors have become warped again and need replacing with about 28, 000 miles. Rotors have not bee replaced this time.”
NHTSA complaint #810785, filed 1997-04“Front brakes jerk, vehicle pulls to right when applied. Happens constantly. Took to dealer 4 times for repairs & was unable to locate problem. Dealer had vehicle under warranty & tecnical service bulletin. Would not repair when vehicle out of warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #822347, filed 1998-04 - Fuel system
Fuel leaks from tank or vent hose during refueling
- 5 complaints (7%)
- median 118,000 mi at 18.7 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 1999–2019
Owners report that fuel spills or drips from the top of the fuel tank or the vent/filler hose connection while filling at a gas station, and some say the tank cannot be filled completely. One report described the leak area as exposed to weather and road debris. In the reports, the vehicle was not repaired, or the dealer stated there was no recall covering the problem. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 50,000 to 186,000 miles, often noticed during fill-ups.
What to check: Inspect the filler neck, vent hose and the top of the tank for cracking or fuel residue, and note any fuel smell after a fill-up.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 1993 Ford e150 conversion van with at, ABS,ps, pw, pl, tv, vcr, and type n engine (v8 5.0). I went to fill up with gasoline and it appears that the vent pipe leaks. Has this problem been identified by other owners?”
NHTSA complaint #10064579, filed 2004-04“A leak has developed where the gas tank hose connects to the filling /venting tube, it appears as though weather has created this problem, I feel that it is a design flaw because this areais not protected from the elements. Potentially very dangerous”
NHTSA complaint #702405, filed 1999-01
Buying note. On a van of this age, have a mechanic look specifically at the steering gearbox frame mounting, the fuel filler and vent hoses, and the brake lines before buying, and confirm any open speed control recalls were completed.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 41 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 71 consumer complaints for the 1993 Ford E-150. 10 of the complaints include a mileage, and 10% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 135,000 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 3 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.
- Brakes10 14%
- Fuel system10 14%
- Steering10 14%
- Electrical system7 9.9%
- Engine cooling7 9.9%
- Suspension6 8.5%
- Tires6 8.5%
- Vehicle speed control6 8.5%
- Body and structure4 5.6%
Also reported: Wheels (4), Air bags (3), Equipment (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Other or unknown (2), Seat belts (2), Exterior lighting (1), Interior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “Wife was driving van out of driveway heard a loud snapping sound and she lost steering and brakes went out she did not make it too the road I went out and looked at van and the steering box bolts had snapped off causing the steering box too hit brake line van was towed to repair shop repairs are pending.”
NHTSA complaint #10266268, filed 2009-04, 145,000 milesElectrical system: “The inner workings of the keyhole within ignition is misaligned. The key cannot start the vehicle. Have been stranded till after countless tries, all of a sudden it will move and the ignition finally unlock. I always have the beeping going on if the door is open, even with no key in ignition. This can only be silenced by wiggling the ignition (without a key in it) I am very much afraid the ignition is going to separate from steering column and just fall out! That would leave me no way to start the vehicle and get home! Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #759903, filed 2002-03Mileage when problems were reported
10% of the 10 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 60,000 and 176,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1993 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 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| E150 Club Wagon RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
| E150 Club Wagon RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 11 | 15 | 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 | 13 | 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 | 17 | 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.
- 94V128000Jul 11, 1994Interior lightingCovers: Ford E-150 1993–1994, Chevrolet G20 1993–1994, GMC G25 1993–1994 +2 more
The transformer used to power the neon center lightbeam can overheat and catch on fire.
Recall details for the 1993 Ford E-150 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE96072Loss of steering controlClosed · Dec 5, 1996
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1993 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 1993 Ford E-150?
Owners of this 1993 model year mostly report problems in three areas: the fasteners holding the steering gearbox to the frame, fuel leaking around the tank and filler during refueling, and cruise control that does not release or that engages on its own. The issues reported most often: Tire tread separation and sidewall bulges; Steering gearbox mounting bolts break or pull out of frame; Cruise control does not release or engages unexpectedly.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1993 Ford E-150 have?
NHTSA recorded 71 consumer complaints for the 1993 Ford E-150 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1993 Ford E-150 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 10 complaints (14% of the total), followed by fuel system with 10.
Has the 1993 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 1993 Ford E-150 get?
The EPA rates the 1993 Ford E-150 (E150 Club Wagon, 4.9L 6-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 12 city and 17 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 1993 Ford E-150 reported?
Among the 10 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 135,000 miles and the middle half falls between 60,000 and 176,000 miles; 10% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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.