The Lemon Index
200520074th generation
43 owner complaints, first 3 years — combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 9,000 and 40,000 miles (14,000–64,000 km) (the middle half of the 37 complaints, of all 43 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 19V401000 (equipment), 16V350000 (equipment adaptive/mobility) and 15V779000 (equipment adaptive/mobility) done? It has 43 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Ford sent dealers 70 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Hard start, no start and/or other symptoms caused by a high pressure oil system leak - service…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Ford's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 43 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 9K to 39K miles (14K to 64K km) on the car (37 of all 43 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
The school bus was on parked at 10:00 am at 1:15 pm our shop noticed smoke coming from the parking yard. They found the engine compartment and front of bus was on fire. The van was a total loss.
2006 Ford E-Series owner · NHTSA complaint 10197210
More owner reports
2005 Ford e-350 egr valve problems, check engine light illuminated.
NHTSA complaint 10165836
(2) 2006 e450 series Ford ambulances, engine problems.
NHTSA complaint 10178122
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 70 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Hard start, no start and/or other symptoms caused by a high pressure oil system leak - service…
- Ford-installed alternators
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 43
- Equipment · recall issued 2019
The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2016
If the platform side plates crack or the platform mounting fails from out-of-position bearings, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the vehicle's doors are …
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2015
If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when …
Show all 43 recalls
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2015
The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2015
If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when …
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2015
The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2014
The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2014
The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2014
The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
- Equipment · recall issued 2013
The vehicles are equipped with certain Ricon S series and K Series wheelchair lifts with an optional armored pendant cable.
- Equipment · recall issued 2012
Over time, or with frequent use, the roll stop latches on the outer barrier of the lifts may become bent or misaligned.
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2011
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL TANKS THAT COULD BE INSTALLED INTO MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2008 E-150, E-250, AND E-350 VANS AND WAGONS.
- Suspension · recall issued 2011
FRONTLINE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2011 ELECTRONIC NEWS GATHERING (ENG) VEHICLES BUILT ON A FORD E-350 CHASSIS WITH AN AFTERMARKET REAR ANTI-SWAY BAR AND MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 31, 2006, THROUGH JULY 12, 2…
- Equipment · recall issued 2011
BRAUN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2011 PARATRANSIT VANS BUILT ON FORD E-350 CHASSIS FROM APRIL 27, 2005, THROUGH JULY 29, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH CARRIER GENV EM-1 EVAPORATOR UNITS (EM-1) MANUFACTURED FROM J…
- Equipment · recall issued 2009
E-N-G MOBILE SYSTEM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 CHEVROLET W5500, MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 DODGE 3500, MODEL YEAR 2009 MIGHTY MOVER, MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 FORD E-250, E-350 AND E-450, MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 GMC W4500, M…
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2009
PERSONALIZED VANS AND TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS MANUFACTURED BY RICON CORPORATION.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2009
PERSONALIZED VANS AND TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS MANUFACTURED BY RICON CORPORATION.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2009
QUALITY VANS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2006 VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2009
QUALITY VANS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2008 VANS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 2005 AND NOVEMBER 2007, EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2009
VAN CONVERSIONS IS RECALLING 52 MY 2004-2007 FORD E-150, E-250 E-350 AND MY 2006 GM SAVANNA 3500 VANS BUILT ON FORD AND GM CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2009
VAN CONVERSIONS IS RECALLING 74 MY 2004-2007 FORD E-150, E-250 E-350 AND MY 2006 GM SAVANNA 3500 VANS BUILT ON FORD AND GM CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2009
STARCRAFT IS RECALLING 814 MY 2005-2007 FORD E-350 STARLITE, FORD E-350/E-450 ALLSTAR, AND GM 3500 ALLSTAR TRUCKS BUILT ON FORD AND GM CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2009
LEADER INDUSTRIES IS RECALLING 14 MY 2005-2006 VANS BUILT ON FORD CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2009
LEADER INDUSTRIES IS RECALLING 14 MY 2005-2006 VANS BUILT ON FORD CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2009
ONENESS MOBILITY IS RECALLING 19 MY 1998, AND 2005-2006 E-350 VANS BUILT ON FORD CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2009
ONENESS MOBILITY IS RECALLING 2 MY 2006 E-350 VANS BUILT ON FORD CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2008
COLONIAL IS RECALLING 50 MY 2006-2008 FORD E350, E450, AND CHEVROLET G-VAN CUTAWAY CHASSIS VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2008
COLONIAL IS RECALLING 50 MY 2006-2008 FORD E350, E450, AND CHEVROLET G-VAN CUTAWAY CHASSIS VEHICLES AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2008
WILLARD'S IS RECALLING 1 MY 2006 FORD ECONOLINE E350 EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2008
WILLARD'S IS RECALLING 1 MY 2006 FORD ECONOLINE E350 EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2008
CUMMINGS IS RECALLING 42 MY 2006-2008 FORD E150, E350, CHEVROLET EXPRESS, MY 2006 FORD E250, GMC SAVANNA, DODGE SPRINTER CONVERSION VANS, AND MY 2007 NEWMAR DUTCHSTAR MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELC…
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2008
CUMMINGS IS RECALLING 42 MY 2006-2008 FORD E150, E350, CHEVROLET EXPRESS, MY 2006 FORD E250, GMC SAVANNA, DODGE SPRINTER CONVERSION VANS, AND MY 2007 NEWMAR DUTCHSTAR MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELC…
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2008
MOBILITYWORKS IS RECALLING 133 MY 2005-2006 FORD E250, MY 2000, 2004-2006 E350, MY 2000, 2005 E450, MY 2005-2006 GMC 2500, GMC 3500, AND MY 2006 DODGE 2500 VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2008
ACCUBUILT IS RECALLING 890 MY 2006-2008 FORD E150, E250, AND E350 CARGO VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2008
ACCUBUILT IS RECALLING 890 MY 2006-2008 FORD E150, E250, AND E350 CARGO VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2008
MOBILITYWORKS IS RECALLING 224 MY 2007-2008 FORD E150, MY 2006-2008 E250, MY 2004-2007 E350, MY 2006 E450, MY 2005-2007 CHEVROLET 2500, MY 2007 CHEVROLET 1500, AND MY 2006 DODGE 2500 VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STY…
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2008
LA BOIT IS RECALLING 8 MY 2006-2007 FORD E-450, GMC 5500, AND WORKHORSE SPECIALTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2008
LA BOIT IS RECALLING 8 MY 2006-2007 FORD E-450, GMC 5500, AND WORKHORSE SPECIALTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2008
QUALITY VAN SALES IS RECALLING 18 MY 2005-2007 FORD E-250, MY 2006 FORD E-350 AND CHEVROLET EXPRESS VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · recall issued 2008
QUALITY VAN SALES IS RECALLING 18 MY 2005-2007 FORD E-250, MY 2006 FORD E-350, AND CHEVROLET EXPRESS VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS.
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2008 5.4L engines only
FORD IS RECALLING 57,199 MY 2006-2007 E-150, E-250, E-350, AND MY 2007 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L ENGINES.
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2006
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- Visibility · recall issued 2005
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, PASSENGER CARS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE BEING APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedHvac switch failures2010–2012
- ClosedHvac switch failures2009–2010
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Every Ford E-Series year. 2006 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2006 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/ford-e-series/?y=2006" title="Ford E-Series reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="698" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/ford-e-series/2006/">Lemon Index</a> (2006 Ford E-Series reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2006 Ford E-Series reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew a bit under half as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 38; 100 is average, lower is better). The Ford E-Series year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2010.
What are the most common 2006 Ford E-Series problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (42%), electrical (19%) and brakes (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2006 Ford E-Series have?
43 safety recalls (latest: equipment). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage do 2006 Ford E-Series problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 9,000 and 40,000 miles (14,000–64,000 km) (the middle half of the 37 complaints, of all 43 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2006 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2006 Ford E-Series have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
What Ford E-Series year is better than the 2006?
Nearby, the 2007 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a fifth as many complaints as the average car). Across every year, 2010 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works