1992 Ford E-150 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 86 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.1 times the median E-150 year — the 1992 model ranks #6 of 43 E-150 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (11), brakes (10), and speed control (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other E-150 years?

E-150 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E-150 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Ford E-150 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Engine	11	13%	▲ up
Brakes	10	12%	▲ up
Speed Control	9	10%	▲ up
Tires & Wheels	9	10%	▲ up
Fuel System	8	9%	▲ up
Transmission	7	8%	▲ up
Electrical System	6	7%	— flat
Body & Structure	5	6%	▲ up
Airbags	5	6%	new
Suspension	5	6%	▲ up
Seats	4	5%	▲ up
Steering	4	5%	▲ up
Lighting	1	1%	new
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)	1	1%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	1	1%	new

Does the 1992 Ford E-150 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V399000Speed ControlOctober 13, 2009 · 4,500,000 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence

A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

08V051000Speed ControlFebruary 4, 2008 · 225,000 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.

Consequence

AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

07V336000Speed ControlAugust 3, 2007 · 3,600,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

92V123000OtherAugust 24, 1992 · 29,052 units

Defect

THE TIRE CERTIFICATION LABELS INCORRECTLY IDENTIFY THE VEHICLE TIRE REQUIREMENTS AS P235/75R15 SL (STANDARD LOAD), RATHER THAN AS P235/75R15 XL (EXTRA LOAD).

Consequence

THE CERTIFICATION LABELS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DO NOTCOMPLY WITH FMVSS 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THANPASSENGER CARS." INCORRECT TIRE SELECTION COULD RESULT IN SUDDEN FAILURE OFA TIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, AND RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

CORRECT TIRE INFORMATION LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES. OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED THAT DEALERS CAN INSTALL THE LABEL PROVIDED IF THEY PREFER.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1992 FORD E150. THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, BUT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE BEFORE THEY ARRIVED. SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED BETWEEN THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 3, 2006 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING AT 45 TO 50 MPH APPLIED BRAKES WHICH WERE HARD, LOCKED UP. THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. BRAKE PADS HAD TO TO BE CHANGED DUE TO PREMATURE WEARING OF BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN SHOP OFF AND ON ABOUT 12 TIMES.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 21, 1992

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD E150. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND FORD RECALL NUMBER 05S28. SHE NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS; HOWEVER, THE PARTS ARE STILL UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 14, 2007 · crash

“ORGINIAL TIRES PURCHASED 10/13/98, FROM THEN UNTIL 10/31/00 TIRES WERE CHECKED ON SIX DIFFERENT TIMES BECAUSE OF VIBRATION. EACH TIME THE TIRES WERE EITHER ROTATED, BALANCED OR SHOCKS CHECKED. THEN ON 10/30 /00 THE LEFT REAR TIRE LOST A CHUNK OF THE TIRE WITH NO INJURY OR ACCIDENT, BUT WHEN IT WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels

“AIR CONDITIONING BLOWER SWITCH SHORTED OUT AND OVERHEATED, CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND WIRING HARNESS TO BURN, RESULTING IN A FIRE. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 17, 1996 · fire

1992 Ford E-150 — common questions

Is the 1992 Ford E-150 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 86 complaints put the 1992 model at #6 of 43 E-150 years. It is one of the E-150 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1992 E-150 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (11 complaints), brakes (10 complaints), speed control (9 complaints).

Does the 1992 Ford E-150 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Ford E-150. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 Ford E-150 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford E-150 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E-150 years to avoid are 1994, 1997, 1999, 1995, 1993, 1992, 1998, 1996, 2000, 2001, 1989, 2002, 2004, 2003, 2011. The cleanest record among E-150 years belongs to 2023.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1992 compare to other E-150 years?

What are the most common 1992 Ford E-150 problems?

Does the 1992 Ford E-150 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1992 Ford E-150 — common questions

Is the 1992 Ford E-150 reliable?

What are the most common 1992 E-150 problems?

Does the 1992 Ford E-150 have recalls?

Is the 1992 Ford E-150 under NHTSA investigation?

Which Ford E-150 years should you avoid?

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