Electrical System. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
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NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

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Electrical System complaints

1 reports

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Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 1996

Electrical System

ELECTRICAL SHORT, SMOKE WAS COMING UNDER THE DASH AND VENT AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. *AK

NHTSA ODI #983790

Official recalls

89V139000 · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core

Aug 15, 1989

HEATER HOSE MAY BE INCORRECTLY ROUTED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: HOSE COULD WEAR THROUGH AND LEAK WHICH COULD RESULT INAN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy: REROUTE AND REPAIR HOSE, AS NECESSARY.

89V140000 · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core

Aug 15, 1989

HEATER HOSE MAY BE INCORRECTLY ROUTED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: HOSE COULD WEAR THROUGH AND LEAK WHICH COULD RESULT INAN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy: REROUTE AND REPAIR HOSE AS NECESSARY.

89V062000 · Electrical System:wiring

Apr 17, 1989

NYLON TIES THAT SUPPORT THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS TO THE CHASSIS COULD WEAR AND BREAK DUE TO EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. THUS, WIRING HARNESS COULD FALL ON ENGINE COMPONENTS AND SHORT CIRCUIT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE LOSS OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WHICH COULDRESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy: INSTALL RETROFIT RIT OF PLASTIC-COATED METAL CLAMPS, LOOM FOR POSITIVE BATTERY CABLES AND RE-ROUTE WIRING.

88V133000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings

Aug 9, 1988

EXTREME OPERATING CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE PREMATURE DETERIORATION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HEATER HOSES OR ENGINE BYPASS HOSES.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: ENGINE COOLANT COULD DISCHARGE ONTO THE ENGINE AND ITSEXHAUST MANIFOLD CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE DUE TO THE HIGH ENGINEEXHAUST MANIFOLD TEMPERATURES.

Remedy: REPLACE HOSES AND RADIATOR CAPS; INSTALL HIGH HEAT RESISTANCE ALUMINIZED STAINLESS STEEL MUFFLERS.

87V144000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control

Sep 9, 1987

VEHICLES ARE SUBJECT TO EXCESSIVE UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES AND FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURES IN SEVERE DUTY APPLICATIONS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CREATES POTENTIAL FOR FUEL EXPULSION FROM THE FUELFILLER PIPE WHICH IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN AFIRE.

Remedy: INSTALL MODIFICATION KITS TO MINIMIZE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL EXPULSION AND TO SHIELD UNDERBODY COMPONENTS FROM EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT.

87V113000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control

Jul 21, 1987

EXPULSION OF FUEL DUE TO OVERPRESSURIZATION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL OR FUEL VAPORS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITIONSOURCE CAN CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy: MODIFICATION OF THE BASE FUEL VENTING AND EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM TO REDUCE OPERATING TEMPERATURES AND FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURES.

87V111000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting

Jul 16, 1987

FUEL LEAK AT THE TOP OF THE FRONT FUEL TANK IN THE AREA OF THE VAPOR VALVE GROMMET. GROMMET MAY SPLIT DUE TO COMPRESSIVE LOAD WHEN INSTALLED IN THE FUEL TANK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL MAY LEAK FROM VAPOR VALVE AND BECOME THE SOURCE OFFUEL FOR A FIRE.

Remedy: INSTALLATION OF A NEWLY DESIGNED VAPOR VALVE GROMMET.

86V094000 · Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection

Jul 15, 1986

THE RUBBER THAT ENCASES BALL STUD AND SOCKET JOINT (CONNECTS STEERING DRAG LINK AND PITMAN ARM) MAY DETERIORATE, CAUSING METAL TO METAL CONTACT, AND MAY EVENTUALLY RESULT IN COMPLETE SEPARATION. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE DRAG LINK TO PITMAN ARM CONNECTION RESULTS IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHICH MAY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Not supplied

Remedy: INSTALL NEW DRAG LINK ASSEMBLIES WITH STEEL BALL AND SOCKET JOINTS AT THE PITMAN ARM CONNECTIONS.

86V092000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

Jul 14, 1986

COMPOSITE GRAPHITE DRIVESHAFTS ARE SUBJECT TO OVERHEATING WHILE IDLING, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE DRIVESHAFT TWISTING AND SHORTENING CAUSING THE SLIP YOKE TO DISCONNECT FROM THE TRANSMISSION. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE DRIVESHAFT DISCONNECTS FROM THE TRANSMISSION THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME IMMOBILE WITHOUT WARNING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Not supplied

Remedy: INSTALL METAL DRIVESHAFT.

85V061000 · Fuel System, Diesel

May 14, 1985

WHEN FRONTALLY IMPACTED INTO A FIXED BARRIER AT 30 MPH, AS SPECIFIED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 301, THE LEFT FRAME RAILS OF SUCH VEHICLES MAY DISPLACE INBOARD, PINCHING THE FUEL/WATER SEPARATOR CANISTER BETWEEN THE FRAME RAIL AND ENGINE SUFFICIENTLY TO DISPLACE THE FUEL/WATER SEPARATOR DRAIN ROD, ALLOWING THE CONTENTS OF THE CANISTER TO DRAIN. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: FUEL LEAK DURING OR AFTER A CRASH INCREASES THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Not supplied

Remedy: INSTALL A CANISTER SHIELD, A REVISED DESIGN DRAIN ROD SHIELD, AND MODIFY FUEL/WATER SEPARATOR MOUNTING BRACKET.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

PE94065 · Fuel Injector Pump Fails

Opened Aug 19, 1994 · Closed Dec 28, 1994

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

There is no summary currently available

PE89102 · Heater Hose Routing

Opened Mar 15, 1989 · Closed Aug 1, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89044 · Heater Hose Misrouting

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Apr 19, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

SUMMARY:CHAMPION HAS FURNISHED HEATER HOSE ROUTING DIAGRAMS WHICHCLEARLY SHOW THAT THE ONLY HEATER HOSE ROUTING EVER USED BY CHAMPIONROUTES THE HOSES FROM THE HEATER, ACROSS THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT NEAR THERADIATOR, AND DOWN TO THE DRIVERS SIDE FRAME RAIL THE SIDE MOST REMOTEFROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, AND REARWARD ALONG THIS FRAME RAIL TO THE REAROF THE VEHICLE.THIS ROUTING IS THE ROUTING PREFERRED AND MOST HIGHLYRECOMMENDED BY FORD.===

PE89045 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Aug 29, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89046 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89047 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Mar 15, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89048 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jul 21, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89049 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jun 15, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

SUMMARY:AMERICAN MODULAR BODY WENT BANKRUPT AND THE ASSETS WERELIQUIDATED AT AUCTION.ACCORDING TO INDUSTRY SOURCES, NO ONE BOUGHTTHE BUSINESS, OR ASSUMED ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR WARRANTY ON THE UNITSTHEY SOLD.===

PE89050 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jul 19, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89051 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Mar 15, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89052 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jul 19, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89053 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Mar 15, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89054 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89055 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Mar 15, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89056 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89057 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jun 15, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

SUMMARY:LEADER INDUSTRIES HAS REPORTED THAT THEY DO NOT NOW, OR HAVETHEY EVER ATTACHED ANYTHING TO THE TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK TUBE.===

PE89058 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89059 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89060 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jul 19, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89061 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jul 5, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

SUMMARY:MEDTEC HAS NOT ATTACHED ANY HOSES OR WIRING TO TRANSMISSIONFILL TUBES.===

PE89062 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89063 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89064 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jul 5, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

SUMMARY:RINGDAHL HAS NOT ATTACHED HOSES OR WIRES TO THE DIPSTICKFILLER TUBE.===

PE89066 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89067 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Aug 3, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89068 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89069 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jul 19, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89070 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Aug 29, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89071 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Aug 29, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

===

PE89072 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Mar 15, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89073 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Sep 27, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

Additional source detail variants (2)

Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89074 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jul 3, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

SUMMARY:TRI STAR WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND STATED THAT THEY DO NOTSELL ANY UNITS IN THE U.S.THEY ALSO REPORTED THAT THEY DO NOT ATTACHANYTHING TO THE TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK TUBE.===

PE89075 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89076 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89077 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89078 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Sep 27, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89079 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Sep 28, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89080 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89081 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89082 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89083 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89084 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89085 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89086 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89087 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Mar 15, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89088 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jul 19, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89089 · Underhood Fires

Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Aug 1, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

PE89043 · Heater Hose Misrouting

Opened Feb 15, 1989 · Closed Aug 2, 1989

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

===

DP88016 · FIRES-COOLANT Hose Failure

Opened May 12, 1988 · Closed Nov 16, 1988

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline

FIRES-COOLANT HOSE FAILURE

DP87024 · Ford E-350 Ems Vehicle Fires

Opened Jul 17, 1987 · Closed Aug 7, 1987

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline

FORD E-350 EMS VEHICLE FIRES

DP87025 · Ford E350 Ems Veh. Fires

Opened Jul 17, 1987 · Closed Aug 18, 1987

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline

FORD E350 EMS VEH. FIRES

EA87019 · Fuel Expulsion

Opened Apr 30, 1987 · Closed Oct 23, 1987

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

SYNOPSIS: UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS, FUEL IS EXPELLED FROM THEFUEL FILLER PIPE, WHEN THE FILLER CAP IS REMOVED. IT HAS BEEN REPORTEDTHAT VEHICLE FIRES AND PERSONAL INJURIES HAVE RESULTED. THE PROBLEMAPPEARS TO BE ONE OF EXCESSIVE HEAT COLLECTING UNDER THE VEHICLES, USUALLYWHILE STATIONARY WITH THE ENGINES IDLING OR BEING OPERATED UNDER EXTREMESERVICE CONDITIONS. THIS HEAT CAUSES THE FUEL TO VAPORIZE IN THE FUELTANK AND DEVELOP PRESSURES IN EXCESS OF WHAT THE FUEL TANK VENT SYSTEMCAN HANDLE.STATUS: BY LETTER DATED 9/9/87, FORD NOTIFIED NHTSA OF RECALL OF 188,000E-250 & E-350 VEHICLES TO INSTALL PARTIAL VERSION OF M-53A AMBULANCE RECALLKIT(87V-144)===

C87003 · Filler Neck Spurt

Opened Apr 29, 1987 · Closed Sep 1, 1987

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

There is no summary currently available

PE87017 · Fuel Leaks/fires

Opened Jan 28, 1987 · Closed May 26, 1987

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:INSTANCES WERE FOUND WHERESPRING LOCK COUPLINGS FAILED CAUSING GASOLINE TO BE RELEASED THROUGHOUTTHE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUSING FIRES.LEAKS FROM FUEL LINES MAY ALSO BE ACONTRIBUTING CAUSE TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES.---------------------------------------------------------------------------ANALYSIS:DATA INDICATES THAT THE ALLEGED PROBLEM MAY BE CAUSED BY THESPRING LOCK QUICK CONNECT COUPLINGS WHICH CONNECT THE FUEL SUPPLY ANDRETURN LINES TO THE ENGINE AS WELL AS FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE FUEL LINES.---------------------------------------------------------------------------PROPOSED ACTION: UPGRADE THIS PE TO AN EA.(EA87-020)===

EA87002 · Filler Neck Spurt

Opened Nov 4, 1986 · Closed Apr 29, 1987

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:FORD HAS SUPPLIED INFORMATION REQUESTED CONCERNING VEHICLE POPULATIONAND THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS.ANALYSIS:THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE ONE OF EXCESSIVE HEAT COLLECTING UNDER THEVEHICLES, USUALLY WHILE STATIONARY WITH THE ENGINE IDLING.THIS HEATCAUSES THE FUEL TO VAPORIZE IN THE FUEL TANK AND DEVELOP PRESSURES INEXCESS OF WHAT THE VENT SYSTEM CAN HANDLE.STATUS:IR TO FORD SENT ON 2/20/87. MEETING WITH FORD AND FINAL STAGE MANUFACTUR-ERS HELD ON MARCH 11 & 12, 1987. ADDITIONAL MEETING HELD ON MARCH 7, 1987.ALSO ON APRIL I, 1987.FORD ANNOUNCED SERVICE CAMPAIGN, NO SAFETY RECALL.RECALL REQUEST LETTER SENT ON 4/7/87. FORD DID NOT AGREE TO A SAFETYRECALL, CONSEQUENTLY A PANEL MEETING WAS HELD ON 4/29/87 AND INVESTIGATIVECASE C87-003 WAS OPENED.THIS EA WAS CLOSED AS A RESULT OF THE CASE OPEN-ING ON 4/27/87.===

PE86058 · Fuel Spurting/fires

Opened Jun 16, 1986 · Closed Nov 4, 1986

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

ANALYSIS:EACH OF THE COMPLAINANTS STATED THET THEY HAVE BEEN AWARE OFFIRES IN THESE AMBULANCE VEHICLES BUT ONLY RECENTLY HAVE DISCERNED AREPETITIVE PATTERN.THEY ARE ASSEMBLING DATA FROM EACH OF THE INDEPENDENTRESCUE SQUADS AND HAVE AGREED TO PROMPTLY FORWARD THE INFORMATION TO THISAGENCY.THE NATURE OF THE PROBLEM, USAGE OF THE VEHICLES AND THE SEVERITYOF THE CONSEQUENCES INDICATE A NEED FOR PROMPT ACTION BY THIS AGENCY.STATUS:PREPARING AN IR.PROPOSED ACTION:OPEN A PE AND SEND FORD AN IR.