Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1979 Ford E-250 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1 | 100% | new |
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED LEFT FRONT BRAKE HOSES MAY ALLOW FOR CONTACT BETWEEN THE FRONT BRAKE HOSES AND THE FRONT TIRES WHEN THE FRONT WHEELS ARE IN FULL RIGHT OR LEFT TURN POSITIONS. IF CONTACT IS MADE, THE HOSE COULD WEAR AND ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK OUT.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT FRONT BRAKE HOSES AND REPLACE THOSE LACKING THE PROPER CLEARANCE WITH CURRENT PRODUCTION HOSES, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Defect
CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY NOT CONTAIN THE SPECIFIED BODY MOUNTED HEAT SHIELDS. THIS COULD CAUSE HIGH FLOOR PAN TEMPERATURES WHEN THE ENGINE IS IDLED FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME. FOULED SPARK PLUGS OR OTHER ENGINE CONDITIONS COULD FURTHER INCREASE EXHAUST TEMPERATURES.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSTALL THE NECESSARY FRAME MOUNTED HEAT SHIELD, IF MISSING.
Defect
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH BRAKE PUSH-ROD TO BRAKE PEDAL RETAINING PINS WHICH WERE NOT HEAT-TREATED AS SPECIFIED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE PUSH-ROD.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT BRAKE RETAINING PIN.
Defect
ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR THE OUTBOARD SEAT BELTS TO BECOME TRAPPED IN THE SEAT-BED PIVOTING MECHANISM. SHOULD THE BELT BECOME TRAPPED IN THE MECHANISM WHEN THE SEAT IS CONVERTED TO A BED, THE BELT MAY BECOME CUT OR FRAYED.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSTALL SEAT BELT SHIELDS ON THE FOLDING SEAT/BED PIVOTING MECHANISM AND REPLACE THE OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES IF DAMAGED, FREE OF CHARGE.
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1979 Ford E-250. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E-250 years to avoid are 1999, 1997, 1998, 1992. The cleanest record among E-250 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.