Summary
The Ford E-150 has 21 recalls spanning 1992 through 2017, with the most serious being a compressed natural gas cylinder mounting failure on 2011-2014 vehicles converted to run on CNG, where the rear support brackets can crack and allow the cylinder to break free, creating a gas leak and fire risk.
The 2014-2017 model years carry a wheelchair lift recall affecting vehicles modified with Ricon S-Series and K-Series lifts, where a positioning cam can fail and let the platform rise above the vehicle floor, causing a wheelchair user to tip forward into the vehicle when exiting. On 2006-2014 examples equipped with certain Ricon wheelchair lifts, cracked side plates can cause the lift platform itself to separate and drop against the door opening. Several 2006-2008 models modified with Ricon platform lifts have anti-stow interlocks that may not detect a wheelchair user on the platform, allowing the lift to begin folding with someone on it. The 2007-2008 model years also have a separate wheelchair lift issue where roll stop latches can bend or misalign over time, allowing a wheelchair to ride over the barrier.
On the mechanical side, 2004 models have two independent fire-related issues: hot carbon particles from the engine can ignite the air filter element, and a short-circuiting diode in the anti-lock brake module can overheat and produce smoke or fire. The 2010 model year, when fitted with aftermarket Roush liquid propane autogas fuel system kits, has improperly retained injector clips and loose fuel line fittings that can leak propane near an ignition source.
Going further back, 2000-2007 vehicles equipped with VMI/Ricon six-way power seat bases have a weld on the pivot pin that can fail and allow the seat to shift unexpectedly under an occupant. The 1997 model year, specifically those built with ambulance prep packages or used in severe-duty applications, can develop cracks in the 35-gallon mid-ship fuel tank where it contacts the frame, leading to fuel leaks. The 1994 model year has Ricon platform lift threshold detection failures similar to those seen in later production. On 1992 models equipped with a Texas Instruments speed control deactivation switch, internal fluid leakage onto electrical contacts can start a fire even with the engine off.
