The 2006 Ford E-150 has 5 recalls, all centered on adaptive mobility equipment, with the most serious risks involving wheelchair lift platforms that can move unexpectedly or structurally fail, potentially injuring a user during loading or unloading.
Several of these recalls involve the same family of Ricon platform-style wheelchair lifts installed by different converters. On certain vehicles, the lift's anti-stow interlock may not detect that a wheelchair or user is present, allowing the platform to move when it should be stationary. On others, side plates on the lift platform can crack and cause the platform to separate from the lift assembly and come to rest against the door opening. A related issue involves bearings that can shift out of position, allowing the stowed platform to move excessively and eventually fail at its mounting points. There is also a concern with VMI/Ricon 6-way power seat bases installed in certain converted vans: a weld on the pivot pin that connects to the swivel plate may be defective and can fail under load, causing the seat to lose its structural support and potentially injure the occupant.
At a glance
What can fail
Wheelchair lift link arms may have oversized pivot holes, causing bearings to shift out of position and affecting lift stability.
What the fix does
Ricon dealers will inspect link arms and platform for damage or displaced bearings, replacing any damaged parts at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The side plate on certain Ricon wheelchair lifts may crack over time, potentially compromising the lift's structural integrity and safe operation.
What the fix does
A Ricon dealer will install reinforcing bumpers to support the platform. Cracked platforms will be replaced at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The pivot pin weld on the power seat base swivel plate may be defective and could fail, potentially affecting seat stability.
What the fix does
The swivel plate will be replaced at no cost if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wheelchair lift's threshold warning system may fail to detect a wheelchair or mobility aid user standing in certain positions within the threshold area.
What the fix does
The wheelchair lift will be corrected at no cost. Contact Ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or West Texas at 1-325-793-3546.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wheelchair lift's safety interlock may fail to detect a wheelchair or mobility aid on the platform because the pressure sensing switch wasn't adjusted to the proper sensitivity level. The lift could fold up while someone or something remains on it.
What the fix does
The pressure sensing switch will be adjusted to the correct sensitivity level to properly detect weight on the platform, ensuring the lift cannot stow with a user present.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
