2000 Ford E-250 Econoline

The 2000 Ford E-250 Econoline is a workhorse van known for its reliability and versatility. This model year offered several engine options, including the 4.2L Essex V6 (200 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque), the 4.6L Windsor V8 (220 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque), and the 5.4L Triton V8 (235 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque). A 4-speed automatic transmission was standard across all engine choices. Owners generally appreciate the E-250’s robust build and cargo capacity. However, common complaints often revolve around fuel economy, ride comfort, and certain age-related mechanical issues.

Engine

4.2L Essex V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idle, coolant leaks, and potential overheating. Often accompanied by a sweet coolant smell.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• PCV Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, poor fuel economy, and potential oil leaks due to increased crankcase pressure.
  • Solution: Replace the PCV valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found

4.6L Windsor V8

• Spark Plug Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idle, poor acceleration, and check engine light. This engine, especially with high mileage, can have issues with plugs becoming seized or breaking during removal.
  • Solution: Replace spark plugs, potentially requiring specialized tools or techniques if seized.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the difficulty of removal)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Rear Main Seal)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets or rear main seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve Cover Gaskets: $150 - $400, Rear Main Seal: $400 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.4L Triton V8

• Spark Plug Thread Stripping
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idle, loss of power, and spark plugs ejecting from the cylinder head. This is a common issue on earlier 5.4L Triton engines with only 4 threads for the spark plugs.
  • Solution: Install spark plug thread repair inserts or replace the cylinder head.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ (depending on the severity and repair method)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Vacuum Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, poor fuel economy, hissing sound from the engine bay.
  • Solution: Replace or repair damaged vacuum lines and intake manifold gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4R70W 4-Speed Automatic (All Engines)

• Slipping/Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips between gears, delayed engagement, harsh or unpredictable shifting. This often occurs due to worn friction plates and valve body issues.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement. Consider replacing the valve body at the same time.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, especially under load, and stalling.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Ball Joints and Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front end, wandering steering, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace worn ball joints, control arm bushings, and sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sagging Leaf Springs (Rear)
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced ride height, poor load-carrying capacity, and harsh ride.
  • Solution: Replace leaf springs or add-a-leaf kits.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery light on the dashboard, and eventual stalling.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Corroded Wiring Harnesses
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as lights not working, sensors malfunctioning, and difficulty starting.
  • Solution: Repair or replace damaged sections of the wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the extent of the damage)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust (Rocker Panels, Wheel Wells, Frame)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust on the body panels, undercarriage, and frame.
  • Solution: Rust repair, panel replacement, or frame reinforcement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ (depending on the severity)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Hinge Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging doors, difficulty opening and closing, and clicking noises.
  • Solution: Replace door hinges or bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400 per door
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Headliner fabric detaching from the roof.
  • Solution: Replace or re-glue the headliner fabric.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No air blowing from the vents, or intermittent blower operation.
  • Solution: Replace the blower motor or blower motor resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2000 Ford E-250 Econoline, while generally reliable, can suffer from age-related issues. Engine problems, especially spark plug issues in the 4.6L and 5.4L engines and intake manifold gaskets on the 4.2L, are common. Transmission problems such as slipping are also prevalent. Suspension wear and rust are also major concerns. The cost to repair these issues can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand for major overhauls. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for these issues before purchasing.