Is the 2005 Ford E-150 a bad year?

Among 14 model years of the E-150, 2005 ranks 3rd worst with a Complaint Index of 85 and carries an Avoid verdict. Engine, brake, and fuel system complaints make up most of the 16 reported complaints.

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

NHTSA data shows Engine complaints lead at 31% of the total, followed by Brakes and Fuel System each at 25%, and Airbags at 19%.

Does the 2005 Ford E-150 have any recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 E-150, both involving Ricon wheelchair platform lifts on van conversions that failed to comply with requirements.

How does the 2005 E-150 compare to other years?

The 2005 model's Complaint Index of 85 is worse than most other E-150 years; only 2010 (100) and 2013 (92) score higher, while 2014-2016 earn Best verdicts with indexes of 8, 15, and 23.

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

EPA rates the 2005 E-150 at 14.5 mpg combined (13 city / 16.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,475.

2005 Ford E-150 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2005 Ford E-150 has a Complaint Index of 85, ranking 3rd worst out of 14 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Top problem areas are Engine (31%), Brakes (25%), and Fuel System (25%), with 16 total complaints and 2 recalls tied to wheelchair lift equipment.

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

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index: 85/100; #3 of 14 E-150 years
Verdict: Avoid; vs. other years of this model
Complaints: 16; unique NHTSA reports
Recalls: 2; distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes: 2; reported in complaints
Fires: 0
Injuries: 4
Top issue: Engine
Best nearby year: 2014; rated Best

NHTSA overall rating: Not rated
EPA combined MPG: 14.5; 13 city / 16.5 hwy
Injuries / deaths: 4 / 0

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 bad year?: Among 14 model years of the E-150, 2005 ranks 3rd worst with a Complaint Index of 85 and carries an Avoid verdict. Engine, brake, and fuel system complaints make up most of the 16 reported complaints.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford E-150?: NHTSA data shows Engine complaints lead at 31% of the total, followed by Brakes and Fuel System each at 25%, and Airbags at 19%.
Does the 2005 Ford E-150 have any recalls?: NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 E-150, both involving Ricon wheelchair platform lifts on van conversions that failed to comply with requirements.
How does the 2005 E-150 compare to other years?: The 2005 model's Complaint Index of 85 is worse than most other E-150 years; only 2010 (100) and 2013 (92) score higher, while 2014-2016 earn Best verdicts with indexes of 8, 15, and 23.
What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Ford E-150?: EPA rates the 2005 E-150 at 14.5 mpg combined (13 city / 16.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,475.