Research · Vans, Cargo Type

2013 Ford E-250Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls and 11 owner complaints for the 2013 Ford E-250. Most complaints involve tires (3) and engine (1). The EPA rates it 14–15 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
14–15mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
10campaigns
Latest Feb 2019
Owner complaints
11
Top: tires
Fuel cost / yr
$4,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

10 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Equipment adaptive

Free remedy

New England Wheels (New England) is recalling certain 2008, 2013 and 2014 Ford E-250 vehicles modified to be equipped with Ricon Wheelchair lifts. The wheelchair lift positioning input cam may fail while the lift is in use, allowing the platform to travel higher than the vehicle's floor height. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 403, "Platform Lift Systems."

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported Feb 26, 2019NHTSA 19V125000

Equipment adaptive

Free remedy

New England Wheels (New England) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-250, E-350, and 2015 Ford Transit vans equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts by Ricon. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack. Additionally, the lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported May 24, 2016NHTSA 16V350000

Equipment adaptive

Free remedy

New England Wheels is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-250, and E-350 cargo vans modified to be equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts built by the 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.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported Nov 20, 2015NHTSA 15V779000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

11 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2013 – Feb 2024
  1. Tires3
  2. Engine1
  3. Fuel/propulsion system1
  4. Vehicle speed control1
  5. Fuel system, gasoline1
  6. Exterior lighting1
  7. Wheels1
  8. Structure1
  9. Air bags1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each E-250 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20116
20128
201311
20147
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Tires

3 reports
“The contact owns a 2013 Ford E-250 equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: Discoverer A/T, Tire Size: 245/75/16, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while he was inspecting the rear tires, he noticed that the tires were cracked with tread separation. The contact called a tire shop and the tires were replaced with another brand of tires. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate tire failure mileage was 10,000. The vehicle failure mileage was not provided.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 17, 2021TiresODI 11440788

Engine

1 report
“The vehicle Blew a spark plug while driving. It took place right as I attempted to accelerate up to highway speed of 50 MPH. When I had it checked the mechanic said the number 3 plug was blown out and I had a busted injector. Vehicle mileage is 164k. The repair was over $1100.00 with none being covered under my full coverage insurance policy. I need to let others know what to expect from their Ford vehicle... Found out that this is a frequent problem with Ford Engines 5.4 Liter V-8..”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 14, 2023Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11507184

Fuel/propulsion system

1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Vans, Cargo Type
Engines
4.6L 8-cyl · 5.4L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
E250 Van FFV
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
131715$4,300609
E250 Van FFV
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
121614$4,600645
  • E250 Van FFV
    Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L
    13 city · 17 hwy · $4,300/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
  • E250 Van FFV
    Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L
    12 city · 16 hwy · $4,600/yr
    14
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 Ford E-250 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2013 E-250 questions

How many recalls does the 2013 Ford E-250 have?

10 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 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.

What are the most common 2013 Ford E-250 problems?

Owners filed 11 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are tires (3), engine (1), fuel/propulsion system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2013 Ford E-250 get?

The EPA rates the 2013 Ford E-250 at 14–15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026