2004 Ford E-250: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 Ford E-250: 16 recalls, 8 owner complaints and up to 15 mpg combined.
Recalls
16 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #04V444000 · 2004 · 214,849 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain vans, a diode in the anti-lock braking system (ABS) module May experience an electrical short.
Why it matters: 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…
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #04V445000 · 2004 · 253,076 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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…
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #04V562000 · 2004 · 1,660 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.
Why it matters: 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.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #04V589000 · 2004 · 501 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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 Vehicle recall #09V100000 · 2009 · 52 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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).
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #09V102000 · 2009 · 74 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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).
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #09V242000 · 2009 · 3 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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).
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #09V243000 · 2009 · 3 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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).
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #09V297000 · 2009 · 7 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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).
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #09V303000 · 2009 · 8 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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).
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #09V296000 · 2009 · 3 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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).
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #09V304000 · 2009 · 8 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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).
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #09V298000 · 2009 · 7 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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).
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #09V295000 · 2009 · 3 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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).
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #09V326000 · 2009 · 8 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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).
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #09V325000 · 2009 · 14 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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).
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E056000 · 2006 · 58,640 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from January 16 through June 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Due to incorrect design, the quick connectors May not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection May believe that the quick connector is fully attached.
Why it matters: Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix: Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2006.
Fuel system Equipment recall #11E047000 · 2011 · 17 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected fuel tanks have an extra obdii sensor hole on the top of the tank that May not be properly sealed and May leak fuel.
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source May result in a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks free of charge. The safety recall began on November 28, 2011.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (3): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Interior lights (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Exterior lights (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2004 Ford E-250 has 8 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 16 E-250 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 10). Complaints peaked in 2004 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 89,500 miles.
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2004 Ford E-250.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2004 Ford E-250 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 16 vehicle recalls for the 2004 Ford E-250, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2004 Ford E-250 problems?
Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (3), interior lights (1), exterior lights (1).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Ford E-250 get?
EPA ratings run up to 15 mpg combined (4.6 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 Ford E-250 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.