NHTSA lists 12 safety recalls and 23 owner complaints for the 2011 Ford E-150. Most complaints involve power train (5) and steering (5). The EPA rates it 13–15 mpg combined.
MobilityWorks (WMK Inc.) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, and E-350 vans modified by MobilityWorks to be equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.
Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply (Cummings) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, Chevrolet Express, 2006-2008 Dodge Sprinter, and 2009-2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2013 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured January 1, 2006, to October 8, 2014, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation after January 1, 2006. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
National Van Builders, Inc. (National Van) is recalling certain 2007-2014 Ford E-150 and E-250 vehicles manufactured February 26, 2007, to August 19, 2014, and equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“AT ANY SPEED IT WILL SHIFT INTO 1ST GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. SPEEDOMETER WILL FLUCTUATE BETWEEN 0-65MPH. REAR WHEELS LOCK UP, AND YOU WILL LOOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. A COUPLE HOURS AGO, ON THE FREEWAY IT SHIRTED TO 1ST GEAR, LOCKED UP THE REAR END, AND THE CAR BEHIND ME CRASHED INTO CENTER DIVIDER TRYING TO AVOID ME. THIS LOCK UP HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES ON FREEWAY AND MANY TIMES ON STANDARD ROADWAY. I TOOK IT TO FORD AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED A RE-FLASH OF THE COMPUTER, AND THAT WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. THAT WAS ON SATURDAY 2/18, AND IT JUST DID IT AGAIN MONDAY 2/20. I ENDED UP FACING THE WRONG WAY ON THE RAINY FREEWAY. IT IS NOW AT THE FORD DEALER AGAIN. THEY SAY IT COULD BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL BUT ARE NOT SURE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS!!! SOMEONE WILL LOOSE THEIR LIFE!!”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD E-150. WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE AT 40 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
“WHEN ENGINE IS STARTED IN THE MORNINGS YOU CAN HEAR A KNOCKING SOUND WHICH SEEMS TO SUBSIDE AS THE ENGINE IS WARMING. I'VE BEEN WATCHING THE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE ABOUT THE CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES THIS WILL EVENTUALLY OCCUR IF THE CAUSE IS NOT DISCOVERED AND REPAIRED. PLEASE REFER TO YOUTUBE VIDEOS FORDTECHMAKEULOCO SEE THE 2004-2015 TITLED FORD F-150/E-150 LOWER BALLJOINT REPLACEMENT AND HOW A FAILED $4.00 PART TURNED INTO A $7,000 MOTOR REPAIR. OIL PUMPS ALSO. HAPPENS IN THE DRIVEWAY IDLING . FORD DEALER WANTED $125. TO DIAGNOSE THIS MORNING THURSDAY 12/10/2020.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E150 Van FFV Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,000 | 592 |
| E150 Van FFV Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | $4,300 | 635 |
| E150 Wagon FFV Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 14 | $4,300 | 635 |
| E150 Wagon FFV Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 13 | $4,600 | 684 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
12 safety recalls as of Nov 12, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (5), steering (5), engine (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2011 Ford E-150 at 13–15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).