2004 Ford E-250 recalls and problems

16 recalls and 8 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Ford E-250.

16
recalls
8
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2004 Ford E-250 recalls

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 09V325000 · reported August 3, 2009 · QUALITY VANS · 14 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Quality vans is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2008 vans manufactured between august 2005 and november 2007, 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.
The risk
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
The fix
Quality vans 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 quality vans at 1-480-464-7007.

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 09V326000 · reported August 3, 2009 · QUALITY VANS · 8 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Quality vans is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2006 vans 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 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.
The risk
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
The fix
Quality vans 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 quality vans at 1-480-464-7007.

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 09V295000 · reported July 29, 2009 · ACCESS MOBILITY CENTER · 3 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Access mobility is recalling 3 model year 2004 ford e-250 and model year 2006 dodge sprinter vans equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lift. The vehicle fails to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations on 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.
The risk
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
The fix
Access mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lift free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000.

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 09V296000 · reported July 29, 2009 · ACCESS MOBILITY CENTER · 3 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Access mobility is recalling 3 model year 2004 ford e-250 and model year 2006 dodge sprinter vans 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.
The risk
A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
The fix
Access mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000.

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 09V297000 · reported July 29, 2009 · R&R MOBILITY VANS & LIFTS INC. · 7 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
R&r mobility is recalling 7 vans equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lift. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations on 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.
The risk
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
The fix
R&r mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lift free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000.

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 09V298000 · reported July 29, 2009 · R&R MOBILITY VANS & LIFTS INC. · 7 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
R&r mobility is recalling 7 vans 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.
The risk
A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
The fix
R&r mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000.

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 09V303000 · reported July 29, 2009 · VAN PRODUCTS MOBILITY & COMMERCIAL · 8 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Van products is recalling 8 vans equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. The lift fails to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations on 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.
The risk
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
The fix
Van products is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lift free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000.

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 09V304000 · reported July 29, 2009 · VAN PRODUCTS MOBILITY & COMMERCIAL · 8 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Van products is recalling 8 vans 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.
The risk
A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
The fix
Van products is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000.

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 09V243000 · reported June 29, 2009 · HANDICAPPED DRIVER SERVICES, INC. · 3 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Handicapped driver services is recalling 3 model year 2004 and 2005 ford e-250 transit buses built on ford 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 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.
The risk
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
The fix
Handicapped driver services 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 handicapped driver services at 1-770-422-9674.

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 09V242000 · reported June 26, 2009 · HANDICAPPED DRIVER SERVICES, INC. · 3 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Handicapped driver services is recalling 3 model year 2004 and 2005 ford e-250 rental vans built on ford 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.
The risk
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.t
The fix
Handicapped driver services 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 handicapped driver services at 1-770-422-9674.

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 09V100000 · reported March 27, 2009 · VAN CONVERSIONS OF LEHIGH VALLEY INC. · 52 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
The fix
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.

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 09V102000 · reported March 27, 2009 · VAN CONVERSIONS OF LEHIGH VALLEY INC. · 74 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
The fix
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.

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 04V589000 · reported December 15, 2004 · ACCUBUILT, INC. · 501 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain vans built on ford e250/e350 chassis and equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.
The risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the wheelchair securement retractors as necessary. Sure-lok is conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign. Owners should contact sure-lock at 1-908-231-1804 or accubuilt at 419-222-1501.

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 04V562000 · reported November 26, 2004 · MOBILITY WORKS · 1,660 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.
The risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the wheelchair securement retractors as necessary. Sure-lok will handle the repairs for this campaign. Owners should contact sure-lock at 1-908-231-1804 or mobilityworks at 1-800-769-8267.

Electrical system: wiring

NHTSA campaign 04V444000 · reported September 13, 2004 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 214,849 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain vans, a diode in the anti-lock braking system (ABS) module may experience an electrical short.
The risk
The electrical short may cause an ABS malfunction that would illuminate the ABS warning light, or the module may overheat resulting in a burning odor, smoke, and/or fire. This condition may occur while the vehicle is being driven or unattended.
The fix
Dealers will install a new fuse in the ABS circuit and install a heat shield over the ABS module. The recall began on october 15, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. Also ford is extending the limited warranty (for a one time replacement) of the ABS module for a total of 10 years or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date, whichever occurs first. If your vehicle has already accumulated more than 150,000 miles, this coverage will last until september 30, 2005.

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 04V445000 · reported September 13, 2004 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 253,076 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain vans, the air filter element material process resulted in an air filter paper element that can smolder or burn. This change in filter paper composition combined with the configuration of the air induction system, may allow hot carbon particles to contact the air filter element during certain driving conditions that create hot particles.
The risk
These hot particles may ignite the air filter element with the potential for air induction system damage or underhood fire.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the air filter element. The recall began september 27, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. Also ford is extending the limited warranty (for a one time replacement) of the ABS module for a total of 10 years or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date, whichever occurs first. If your vehicle has already accumulated more than 150,000 miles, this coverage will last until september 30, 2005.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 8, 2022 · Unknown or other · crash reported

I arrived at my destination, lined up to park, shifted my foot from accelerator to brake and ... YIKES the engine was racing like crazy. I put both feet on the brake, shoving hard, engine continues to accelerate over the curb & into a fence. Pulling against the brakes, the engine continued to race. I reached to yank…

Feb 9, 2022 · Electrical system · 110,000 miles

The contact owns a 2004 Ford E-250. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road and the contact waited for a minute to restart the vehicle before starting to drive however, the failure persisted. No warning light was illuminated. The…

Jan 13, 2018 · Air bags · 135,000 miles

THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ONCE IGNTION WAS TURNED OVER. NO ACCIDENT JUST DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON.

Nov 20, 2012 · Service brakes · 175,339 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD E250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GLUE THAT HELD THE EMERGENCY BRAKE PAD SEPARATED FROM THE PEDAL. THE CONTACT STATED HE TRIED TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BUT IT WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE…

Apr 14, 2010 · Electrical system · 9,400 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 FORD E 250. THE CONTACT STATED IN ORDER TO REMOVE HIS KEYS FROM THE IGNITION; HE WOULD HAVE TO PRESS AND HOLD HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND HOLD THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR IN THE PARK POSITION WHILE APPLYING SLIGHT FORCE. THE CONTACT FOUND (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V051000: VEHICLE SPEED…

E-250 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 31813
2002 51722
2003 71742
2004 16810
2005 91131
2006 291210
2007 26601

All Ford E-250 years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Ford E-250 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 16 recalls for the 2004 Ford E-250, the most recent reported on August 3, 2009 (Equipment adaptive/mobility). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford E-250?
Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (3 complaints), followed by air bags (1).
How many 2004 Ford E-250 complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 8 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 8, 2022.