Ford E-150 Best and Worst Years (2005–2023)
Ford E-150 years to avoid are 2005, 2010, 2011, and 2013, which carry the highest complaint indexes (85, 100, 77, and 92) among 14 model years tracked. The 2014, 2015, and 2016 model years score lowest (complaint indexes 8, 15, and 23) and are rated Best.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
Avoid 2005Avoid 2010Avoid 2011Avoid 2013Best 2014Best 2015Best 2016
- Model years
- 14
- 2005–2023
- NHTSA complaints
- 150
- Recall campaigns
- 33
- Crashes reported
- 6
- Fires reported
- 2
- Top problem area
- Engine
E-150 Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Ford E-150 problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Avoid | 85 | 16 | 2 | 0 | 2 | Engine | 14.5 | — |
| 2006 | Caution | 62 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 14 | Engine | 14.5 | — |
| 2007 | Caution | 38 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 18 | Engine | — | — |
| 2008 | Caution | 54 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 17 | Engine | — | — |
| 2009 | Caution | 31 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 12 | Engine | — | — |
| 2010 | Avoid | 100 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 7 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | — | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 77 | 23 | 1 | 0 | 11 | Steering | 14 | — |
| 2012 | Caution | 69 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 8 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 14 | — |
| 2013 | Avoid | 92 | 19 | 1 | 0 | 6 | Engine | 14 | — |
| 2014 | Best | 8 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | Brakes | 14 | — |
| 2015 | Best | 15 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Engine | — | — |
| 2016 | Best | 23 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Brakes | — | — |
| 2021 | No verdict | 46 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2023 | No verdict | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | — | — |
E-150 years to avoid: what went wrong
2010 Ford E-150 Index 100 · 10 complaints · 7 recalls
The 2010 E-150 has the highest complaint index of any year, at 100. Suspension, wheels, and tires issues dominate, making up half of this year's complaints, with a median failure mileage of 36,431 miles. Owners described tread separation across multiple tires and a brake pedal that locked up during driving. NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this year, including wheelchair lift equipment recalls. One crash and six injuries were reported among the year's complaints.
2013 Ford E-150 Index 92 · 19 complaints · 6 recalls
The 2013 E-150 has a complaint index of 92, the second-highest of all years. Engine and transmission/powertrain issues each make up 37% of complaints, with median failure mileages of 67,000 and 110,000 miles. Owners reported dashboard warning lights, sudden shaking with loss of acceleration, and power steering faults. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this year, including wheelchair lift equipment recalls. One crash and two injuries were reported among the year's complaints.
2005 Ford E-150 Index 85 · 16 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2005 E-150 has a complaint index of 85, the third-highest among all years covered. Engine problems lead the complaints at 31% of the year's total, with a median failure mileage of 128,005 miles, followed by brakes and fuel system issues each at 25%. Owners reported engines dying while driving and brake failures during cold weather. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this year, tied to wheelchair lift equipment on converted vans. Crashes and injuries were reported among the sample complaints, including cases involving airbag non-deployment.
2011 Ford E-150 Index 77 · 23 complaints · 11 recalls
The 2011 E-150 carries a complaint index of 77, the fourth-highest. Steering and transmission/powertrain issues each account for 22% of complaints, with median failure mileages of 38,000 and 34,870 miles respectively. Owners described unexpected downshifts into first gear with rear-wheel lockup and loss of vehicle control. NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for this year, including wheelchair lift equipment recalls. One crash was reported among the sample complaints.
Most common Ford E-150 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Engine40 (27%)
- Brakes24 (16%)
- Transmission & Powertrain24 (16%)
- Electrical System22 (15%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires18 (12%)
- Other16 (11%)
- Fuel System14 (9%)
- Steering13 (9%)
- Structure & Body11 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers6 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What year Ford E-150 should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2005, 2010, 2011, and 2013 Ford E-150 model years rank worst, with complaint indexes of 85, 100, 77, and 92 respectively.
- What is the best year for the Ford E-150?
- The 2014, 2015, and 2016 Ford E-150 model years have the lowest complaint indexes (8, 15, and 23) and are rated Best relative to other E-150 years.
- Is the 2010 Ford E-150 reliable?
- The 2010 E-150 has the highest complaint index (100) of any E-150 model year tracked, with suspension, wheels, and tires making up half of its reported problems.
- Does the Ford E-150 have recall issues?
- NHTSA lists 33 recall campaigns across the 14 E-150 model years covered, with several years like 2006 (14) and 2007 (18) carrying especially high recall counts.
- What are the most common Ford E-150 problems?
- Across all years, engine issues account for 27% of complaints, followed by brakes and transmission/powertrain at 16% each, and electrical system issues at 15%.