VehicleVerdict

1992 Ford E-350 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 51 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.6 times the median E-350 year — the 1992 model ranks #16 of 53 E-350 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (10), speed control (10), and engine (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

51

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other E-350 years?

E-350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted96 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 5 complaints1984: 6 complaints1985: 3 complaints1986: 14 complaints1987: 15 complaints1988: 17 complaints1989: 38 complaints1990: 28 complaints1991: 22 complaints1992: 51 complaints1993: 53 complaints1994: 60 complaints1995: 93 complaints1996: 59 complaints1997: 96 complaints1998: 70 complaints1999: 77 complaints2000: 63 complaints2001: 59 complaints2002: 61 complaints2003: 59 complaints2004: 70 complaints2005: 80 complaints2006: 76 complaints2007: 23 complaints2008: 55 complaints2009: 12 complaints2010: 22 complaints2011: 20 complaints2012: 22 complaints2013: 32 complaints2014: 23 complaints2015: 10 complaints2016: 5 complaints2017: 15 complaints2018: 5 complaints2019: 4 complaints2020: 2 complaints2021: 30 complaints2022: 20 complaints2023: 2 complaints2024: 1 complaints2025: 1 complaints2026: 0 complaints2027: 0 complaints
E-350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E-350 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Ford E-350 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1020%
Speed Control1020%
Fuel System510%
Tires & Wheels510%
Engine510%
Electrical System48%
Suspension48%
Transmission48%
Visibility & Wipers36%
Body & Structure12%

Does the 1992 Ford E-350 have recalls?

3 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I DROVE MY 1992 FORD E-350 15 PASSENGER VAN TO INDIANA ON FRIDAY. I USED THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE HIGHWAY. I ARRIVED AT 5:00 PM. AND PARKED. AT ABOUT 1 A.M. I MOVED THE VEHICLE TO A FLATTER AREA, SO I COULD SLEEP IN IT AT THE CAMPGROUND. SHORTLY BEFORE 4 A.M. I AWOKE TO A SMELL AND SAW FLAMES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 15, 2005 · fire

“WHEN CONSUMER APPLIES BRAKES, BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR . CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC, AND AFTER REPLACING THE MASTER CYLINDERS, ABS, VALVE, BRAKE PADS AND CALIPERS, THE VEHICLE STILL HAD SOFT BRAKES. DEALER AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, NO RECALL HAS BEEN MADE. *AK *ML”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 1, 1999

“REXHALL INC IS USED ON FORD TRUCKS HAS STALLED SEVERELY ON AN OCCASION DUE TO FUEL PUMP. OWNER AWARE AND TOLD OF OTHERS W/SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE DESCRIBE *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System

“AFTER MARKET TIRE LT225/75R16 SIZE. TREAD SEPARATED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON THREE OF THE TIRES.*AK THE LEFT REAR TIRE SHREDDED PREMATURELY. AFTER 10,000 MILES, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE SHREDDED. AGAIN AFTER 10,000 MILES THE THIRD TIRE SHREDDED. THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED FROM NTW. *YH ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 1, 1998

“SAW RECALL 96I003000 AND 3001 ON THE INTERNET, DEALER SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL ON OUR CAR, SERPENTINE BELT TENSIONERS, BELT GUIDES AND IDLER PULLEYS ON OTHER VANS BEING REPLACE, WE FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A REFUND COMING TO US”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 6, 2000

1992 Ford E-350 — common questions

Is the 1992 Ford E-350 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 51 complaints put the 1992 model at #16 of 53 E-350 years. It is one of the E-350 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1992 E-350 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (10 complaints), speed control (10 complaints), engine (5 complaints).

Does the 1992 Ford E-350 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Ford E-350. 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-350 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Ford E-350 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E-350 years to avoid are 1997, 1995, 2005, 1999, 2006, 1998, 2004, 2000, 2002, 1994, 1996, 2003, 2001, 2008, 1993, 1992, 1989, 2013, 2021. The cleanest record among E-350 years belongs to 2027.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.