Ford E-150 Electrical Problems

Owners have filed 66 complaints about electrical system problems with the Ford E-150 — 10% of all E-150 complaints. The worst model years are 1996 (10), 1997 (8) and 1999 (7). Problems typically start around 102,000 miles. One related recall has been issued.

66complaints
1996worst year
102ktypical miles
1related recalls
2crashes
13fires

Electrical complaints by model year

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’163108174734123211312111
Electrical complaints per model year, Ford E-150.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
2016113%0 miles
2015113%4,000 miles
2014117%22,000 miles
2013211%108,000 miles
201218%355,000 miles
2011313%217,000 miles
2010110%44,000 miles
2009114%36,000 miles
2007217%152,000 miles
2006319%63,000 miles
2005213%157,000 miles
200413%—
2003419%125,000 miles
2002311%47,000 miles
2001719%41,000 miles
200048%109,000 miles
199978%130,000 miles
199812%—
199788%150,000 miles
19961017%120,000 miles
199534%72,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Wiring
    8
  • Ignition
    5
  • Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
    4
  • Horn
    4
  • Wiring › Interior/under dash
    3
  • Ignition › Switch
    2
  • Starter assembly
    2
  • 12V/24V/48V battery
    2

Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    719%
  • 25k–50k
    719%
  • 50k–75k
    26%
  • 75k–100k
    26%
  • 100k–150k
    1131%
  • 150k+
    719%

What owners report

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford e-150. While driving at any speed, the vehicle made a very loud noise and decreased in speed while turning. The steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rack and pinion electronic assist failed. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 217,000.

2011 E-150 · 217,000 miles · Jun 2016

2011 e-150 econoline. Consumer seeking arbitration for vehicle. The consumer stated the vehicle had an oil leak. The rear main seal was replaced twice, the transmission would lock up, the steering gear box was leaking fluid, the battery was replaced.

2011 E-150 · 12V/24V/48V battery · 19,000 miles · Aug 2013

I own a 2006 Ford f-150 4x4 pickup. Two weeks ago the speed odometer went crazy, it started out sticking at 10 MPH and moved all the way over to 120+ and sometimes drops to the 40 MPH area and then right back up to the 120 MPH zone. I have never had this truck over 75 MPH...ever. I checked for a cable malfunction but I found out there is no cable, its electronic.this truck has 144,000 miles what is going on with Ford these days? Is there a recall on something? How do you fix this? I have already changed all 8 coil packs on this truck for an unrelated problem with ignition. I hear the spark plugs are a pain also. All I know now when I drive this truck there is no way to tell how fast I am going. I just judge my speed by how fast everybody else is going. If nobody is on the road I am screwed...thanks a lot Ford !!!

2006 E-150 · 144,000 miles · Sep 2016

My Ford e150, econo van came to a sudden stall when I was driving on high way. Once it got stalled, I l don't have steering, power and brake control. The van won't start and won't stay idle. Or running, but after like 20 times trying to restart the car, it started running again like normal. The sudden stalling happens more often when I was trying to make turns. Each time the engine stops, the check engine light, check tool light, and check gauge light came on. I took it to the dealer to have it serviced, they replaced the air flow sensors and cleaned the engine,...costs about $1,000.00 in less than a week, the van suddenly stalls again. I almost got into an accident with on coming car while I was making a left turn. Again, I have no steering control and braking power. I took the van back to the dealer, and they replaced the electronic throttle body. …

2006 E-150 · 47,000 miles · Oct 2010

While the vehicle was warming up in the driveway consumer's neighbor alerted him that vehicle was on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire, but could not determine what the cause was. There were no injuries relating to the fire. Dealer examined the vehicle several times, but the results were inconclusive.

2003 E-150 · Wiring · 3,000 miles · Mar 2004 · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford e-150. The contact stated that the cruise control and horn failed to work and the air bag light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.

2003 E-150 · 125,000 miles · Dec 2015

This was a car fire Ford f-150 in front a residence they had last driven the vehicle 5 hours prior and I saw for the window by my residence the smoking in the driveway and I attempt to extinguish with a garden hose and I received help from off duty ff he finished extinguished but the vehicle has a heavy damage on the engine compartment.

2002 E-150 · 114,000 miles · Jan 2009 · fire

During very wet weather, the horn does not work or works very faintly. This has happened multiple times. The van is a 2002. I have always had the recommended maintenance performd by the Ford dealership. I made a complaint to them on 2 occasions and was told there is nothing they can do about it. I have not had any incidents other than hitting my horn and having little noise come out. I am afraid that when I need the horn it will not work in wet weather.

2002 E-150 · Horn · 10,000 miles · Dec 2004

Related recalls (1)

Electrical system › Wiring

NHTSA recall 04V-444 · Sep 13, 2004 · 214,849 vehicles

On certain vans, a diode in the anti-lock braking system (ABS) module May experience an electrical short.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA investigations

Engine compartment fires

NHTSA investigation EA05005 · opened Mar 22, 2005 · closed Aug 2, 2006 · led to recall 05V-388

Ea05-005 is closed with Ford?s actions in recalls 05v-017, 05v-388, and 06v-286, recalling approximately 6.7 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).the brake systems in these recalled vehicles generate a vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in certain switch installation orientations, catch fire.Ford is also including the entire population of…

Frequently asked questions

Which Ford E-150 years have electrical problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (10), 1997 (8), 1999 (7) and 2001 (7) model years. Electrical complaints make up 17% of all complaints for the 1996.

Is there a recall for Ford E-150 electrical problems?

Yes — 1 recall, including 04V-444 (wiring, Sep 13, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Ford E-150 electrical problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 102,000 miles; 39% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the wiring (8 mentions), followed by the ignition (5).

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.