Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2 | 17% | 5,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 9% | 0 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 10% | 0 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 14% | 83,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 9% | 90,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 8% | — |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% | 93,000 miles |
| 2002 | 2 | 7% | 132,000 miles |
| 2001 | 2 | 5% | 172,000 miles |
| 2000 | 8 | 16% | 27,000 miles |
| 1999 | 6 | 7% | 92,000 miles |
| 1998 | 5 | 8% | — |
| 1997 | 6 | 6% | 163,000 miles |
| 1996 | 5 | 8% | — |
| 1995 | 12 | 17% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
At 35,500 miles on my 2000 e-150 series van, the vehicle had a problem with pulling or "drifting hard" to the right. After requesting that the vehicle have a front end alignment check, the dealership found that the ball-joints were in need of replacement. Joints were replaced under manufacturers warranty on 07/2002, but alignment was charged to me. Now the vehicle was just in for the same problem with hard drift to right (at 55mph, the vehicle would make enough of drift to change one full lane in 5 seconds) was told by dealer that the ball joints were bad again, and were replaced under extended warranty plan. Was told by dealership that drifting was normal for vans.
Rear left leaf spring cracks, considered a major safety hazard by Ford service techs. This failure was on a 2000 Ford e-150 van. It was purchased new in jan. 2001 and only has 26,000 miles. I am a disabled driver and do not drive fast or any type of off rode, all city driving. In dec. 2006 I had Ford perform a thorough safety inspection prior to my 6 year warranty end. This inspection included the suspension and it checked out fine. 9 months and only 2,000 miles later 3 of the steel bars are cracked on the left rear leaf spring. I was unaware of the cracks until it was caught during a routine maitainance visit at Ford. I had no accidents prior to this failure, or hit any potholes, bumps etc. In fact, I had the Ford service tech and two independant techs tell me that cracked leaf springs not resulting from an accident are almost unheard of. …
After purchase, on 3 hr. Trip home, van had major vibrations. We contacted dealer. He suggested alignment, or tire rotation. We took van to several other dealsers as to vibration, and given no help, just suggestions as above and to drive it more to break it in, and bring back after 20,000 miles. Took it in for an estimate for new tires, and they said it should be towed to a dealer it was dangerous to drive, needed ball joints, rotors, pads.took it to a dealer to have the work done under our extended warranty we bought. Took it back to the same dealer a year later as the rotors were gone again. The dealer replaced only the right one as we wouldnt pay again. Last week 4 blocks off the freeway after 3 hr. Trip,tie rod end broke,had it towed to the same dealer again. …
Major shaking in the front end of the vehicle and steering control greatly reduced. This problem has been on going, and the dealer keeps telling me it is normal. If this is normal, than these vehicles need to be removed from the highways before death occurs.
Driving on bestbuy parking lot, went over a speed bumper heard a loud clunk coming from driver side front tire. Drove home, stopped van, got help, while turning the steering to left, loud metal clunk from that driver side, helper on floor noticed that bottom bolt holding power steering box is going in and out, rusted on front and back of frame, this box should be mounted on reinforced brackets front and back of frame then welded to frame to protect occupants from possible separation of box and frame with consequent loss of control and possible accident (could be fatal when driving the vehicle). So, with the engine on, in park, if the steering is turn to the left, driver will feel and hear the clunk.
I have just recently lost the rear shock mount due to too extreme rust of the frame, Ford does not make a replacement part for this. And the frame is now cracking in two. Contacted the dealer and was told to buy a new frame really. Well it will not be long till the other side goes. Or my frame breaks in two and causes serious injury to me or others. This is a common problem with this year truck and Ford don't seem to care. If the frame needs replaced it should be at their expense not mine recall time. Their are hundreds of thousands still on the road I am not the only one.
Upon traveling the vehicle pulls to the left and right. Also vehicle cuts off without prior warning. There is a loud noise coming from the engine. Please provide any further details. Consumer has contacted the dealer.
When driving vehicle over 50 MPH it is unusable and wanders all over the road. Driver states that it's like driving on ice. The dealer states that the prolbem is due to the vehicle not having a sway bar.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford E-150 years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (12), 2000 (8), 1997 (6), 1999 (6) and 1996 (5) model years. Suspension complaints make up 17% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Ford E-150 suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for any Ford E-150 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford E-150 suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles; 41% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (14 mentions), followed by the front › control arm › upper ball joint (7).
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.