Ford E Series Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 67 consumer complaints across the 8 model years of the Ford E Series (1997–2008) that have at least 5 complaints. 1997 has the most, with 16. Across all years, the part named most often is tires (21 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All E Series model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 5 | 19,000 | 0 | 8 | — | Not enough data |
| 2005 | 10 | 50,000 | 6 | 9 | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 5 | 73,500 | 2 | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 2002 | 6 | 9,793 | 2 | 14 | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 6 | 65,000 | 2 | 14 | — | Not enough data |
| 2000 | 6 | 95,105 | 2 | 14 | — | Not enough data |
| 1998 | 13 | 18,500 | 1 | 8 | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 16 | 28,650 | 1 | 8 | — | Falling |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Tires21 36%
- Engine cooling9 15%
- Brakes7 12%
- Fuel system6 10%
- Suspension5 8.5%
- Transmission and drivetrain4 6.8%
- Steering4 6.8%
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)3 5.1%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2000: “One of our vans' bct jb42 front tire blew up leaving from a parked area without going over any sharp objects or curves. Fortunately no one was hurt but it could have caused a huge accident on the road. I checked for recall on this tire but it was not... I will now have to replace 12 of these tires on my other vehicles because I can't take any more chances with these tires although they are in decent conditions... I think someone needs to check into this tire model for future safety.”
NHTSA complaint #10643893, filed 2014-10, 80,210 miles2003: “My vehicle suddenly stopped shut off dead!!!! In the middle of traffic. I managed to restar it and immediately drove it to the closest mechanic shop.I paid $49.95 fee and they scanned the engine. Told me it might have been a loose wire, that they took care of it and go ahead and drive it. Bring it back, if it happens again easier said than done. Yes it is still happening. I love my car and it is the only transportation I have. I am 69 3/4 years old and drive around with my 92 year old mother. Needless to say I am terrified to drive my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10761845, filed 2015-09, 121,000 miles2008: “We ordered a new 2008 econoline e-350 xlt and after driving we discerned the steering was very loose; it had an unusual amount of play ; it floated around the road. It was extremely difficult to control on the highways especially at higher speeds. We brought it back to the dealer and both service manager and general manager took it for a test drive and confirmed there was a serious problem. Van was brought in for another appointment to investigate the issue. They tightened some parts (?) and asked for me to drive it home and report back if it were any better. …”
NHTSA complaint #10253812, filed 2009-01, 100 milesOther Ford models
38,897 complaintsFord Explorer
34,624 complaintsFord Escape
27,530 complaintsFord Fusion
22,441 complaintsFord Focus
22,107 complaintsFord Taurus
18,162 complaintsFord Windstar
14,152 complaintsFord Edge
14,106 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology