Is the 2005 Ford E-150 a reliable year?

Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Ford E-150 ranks #3 of 14 among E-150 model years (Complaint Index 85/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 16 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford E-150?

The most reported problem areas are engine (5 complaints), brakes (4 complaints), and fuel system (4 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 52,879 miles.

Does the 2005 Ford E-150 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2005 Ford E-150, most recently reported 2009, covering other.

What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Ford E-150?

EPA rates the 2005 Ford E-150 at 14.5 MPG combined (13 city / 16.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,475. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

2005 Ford E-150 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

85/100

#3 most-complained of 14 E-150 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2005 Ford E-150 has 16 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 85 out of 100 — #3 highest of 14 E-150 model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is engine (5 complaints, 31% of the total). Complaints report 2 crashes and 4 injuries.

Complaints: 16
Recalls: 2
Crashes / fires: 2 / 0
Injuries / deaths: 4 / 0
NHTSA overall rating: Not rated
EPA combined MPG: 14.5; 13 city / 16.5 hwy

2005 Ford E-150 recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

NHTSA 09V100000Mar 27, 2009Other52 vehicles
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Van conversions is recalling 52 my 2004-2007 ford e-150, e-250 e-350 and my 2006 gm savanna 3500 vans built on ford and gm chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift system accessible for motor vehicles," the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. The pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. The lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift.
Risk: A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
Remedy: Van conversions is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or van conversions at 610-837-0707.
NHTSA 09V102000Mar 27, 2009Other74 vehicles
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Van conversions is recalling 74 my 2004-2007 ford e-150, e-250 e-350 and my 2006 gm savanna 3500 vans built on ford and gm chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.
Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
Remedy: Van conversions is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or van conversions at 610-837-0707.

2005 Ford E-150 fuel economy and fuel cost

City: 13 MPG
Highway: 16.5 MPG
Combined: 14.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA): $4,475; 15,000 mi/yr
Fuel: Regular
Current regular gas: $4.32/gal; national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2005 compared with other E-150 years

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2005	Avoid	85	16	2	14.5
2006	Caution	62	17	14	14.5
2007	Caution	38	12	18	—

All Ford E-150 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2005 Ford E-150 a reliable year?: Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Ford E-150 ranks #3 of 14 among E-150 model years (Complaint Index 85/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 16 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford E-150?: The most reported problem areas are engine (5 complaints), brakes (4 complaints), and fuel system (4 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 52,879 miles.
Does the 2005 Ford E-150 have any recalls?: Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2005 Ford E-150, most recently reported 2009, covering other.
What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Ford E-150?: EPA rates the 2005 Ford E-150 at 14.5 MPG combined (13 city / 16.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,475. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.