Ford E-250 Recalls

The Ford E-250 has 34 recalls spanning 2003 through 2023, with the most serious being a 2013-2014 wheelchair lift recall where an optional pendant cable can contact an exposed power lug and cause a short circuit, creating a fire or shock risk for lift users.

The vast majority of these recalls affect vehicles that were modified by third-party converters to include Ricon-brand wheelchair lifts, and nearly all of them involve the same core safety concern: the lift's safety interlock fails to detect a wheelchair or occupant in the threshold area, allowing the platform to move or stow while someone is on it. This cluster spans 2003 through 2014 model years and involves many different conversion shops, including MobilityWorks, Quality Vans, Freewheel Mobility, Accessible Vans, Drive Master, and others. On some of these same 2006-2014 vehicles, a separate but related structural problem exists: the lift's platform side plate can crack, or the folding link arm bearings can shift out of position, causing the platform to separate from the lift and drop against the door opening. A 2008-2014 version of this lift family has an additional issue where the positioning cam can fail and allow the platform to rise above the vehicle floor level, causing a wheelchair user to tip inward when exiting.

On 2014-2015 models modified with Freedman foldaway seats, the seat back can move in a crash, leaving the occupant without proper support. The 2011 model year has a wheelchair restraint recall where QRT-series tie-down straps may not secure the wheelchair properly, allowing it to shift during transit.

On 2010-2012 models equipped with Roush propane fuel conversions, a fuel line can leak propane near an ignition source, raising the risk of fire.

The 2023 model year has a certification label that omits tire information, which can lead to an incorrect tire or rim being installed. The 2003 model year has a similar label issue where the rear axle rating and tire pressure specifications are listed incorrectly, which can lead to overloading or improper inflation and increase the risk of a tire failure.