Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 11 complaints on file for the 1991 Ford E-250 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
11
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
5
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 5 | 45% | new |
| Fuel System | 3 | 27% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 1 | 9% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE MAY MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE AN OVERFILL CONDITION IN ONE OF THE FUEL TANKS, RESULTING IN AN OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST THE FILLER CAP.
Consequence
THE OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST THE FILLER CAP CAUSES A FUELLEAKAGE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Remedy
REPLACE THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“HUSBAND WAS TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE, APPROX. 65MPH. SUDDEN METALLIC NOISES AND RUMBLING. PULLED OVER SAFELY TO FIND REAR OF TRANSMISSION HOUSING HAS LOST SEVERAL LARGE CHUNKS, LEAVING A GAPING HOLE APROXIMATELY 10 INCHES BY 4 INCHES. TOWED TO REPAIR FACILITY. MECHANIC COULD NOT REMOVE DRIVE LINE…”
“NHTSA#6238-91-V-146-000 FUEL TANK: THE DUAL TANK SELECTOR VALVE MAY MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE AN OVERFILL CONDITION IN ONE OF THE FUEL TANKS CONSUMER STATES HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED ON SIMILAR MAKES AND MODELS, HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO THE VIN. *TS *JB”
“PE000020; FIRESTONE, STEEL TEX RADIAL R4S REPLACEMENT TIRE ON A 1991, FORD, F250. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH ON HIGHWAY RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. *AK THE VIBRATION WAS VERY INTENSE. *YH ”
The record is thin — 11 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (5 complaints), fuel system (3 complaints), tires & wheels (2 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1991 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 5 investigations 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.