Is the 2011 Ford E-250 reliable?

The 2011 Ford E-250 has 9 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Ford E-250?

Top problems: ENGINE (2 complaints, avg repair $500); SUSPENSION (1 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Ford E-250?

Yes, there are 17 recall(s): EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD, FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST, FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, EQUIPMENT, FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2011 Ford E-250?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Ford E-250 is approximately $1,366/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2011 Ford E-250

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2011 Ford E-250 has 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 12. The most common issue is engine problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford e-250. the contact stated that the engine warning indicator was constantly illuminated. the dealer stated that the urea pump was contaminated and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate failure mileage was 36,606. jcc. There are 17 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

2 complaints

22%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD E-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE UREA PUMP WAS CONTAMINATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,606. JCC
• THE PCM AT 34,000 MILES CAUSED TWO FUEL PUMPS TO BURN OUT IN 4 DAYS. A "WRENCH" WARNING SYMBOL APPEARED ON THE DASH AND THE VANS ENGINE DIES WHILE GOING AT HIGH SPEED (WE PULL A PRESSURE WASHING TRAILER HOLDING WITH HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS & WATER). IF IT WAS RAINING OR EVEN HEAVY TRAFFIC THIS COULD CAU

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD E-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE UREA PUMP WAS CONTAMINATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,606. JCC”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (17)

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY24/05/2016

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.

Risk: 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 opened, the platform may fall onto the lift operator, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: New England will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on June 29, 2016. Owners may contact New England customer service at 1-800-886-9247. New England's number for this recall is 16E-020.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Ford E-250

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,366

Full coverage / month

$114

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-18%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1366

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford E-250 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2011 E-250, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

LIGHTING(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 9 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD E-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE UREA PUMP WAS CONTAMINATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,606. JCC
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SUSPENSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD E-250. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 72 MPH WHEN THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A STEERING FAILURE IN WHICH THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A RESULT OF THE BAL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD E-250. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 72 MPH WHEN THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A STEERING FAILURE IN WHICH THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A RESULT OF THE BAL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: THE INTERIOR GRAB HANDLE IS USED TO CLIMB INTO THE TRUCK. DUE TO A WEAK DESIGN THE HANDLE BREAKS CAUSING THE POTENTIAL FOR A PERSON TO FALL BACKWARDS AND SERIOUSLY INJURING THEMSELVES. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 17 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)