FORD E 350 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used FORD E 350 options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the FORD E 350 has 63 owner complaints and 22 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is STEERING.
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- E 350
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 63
- Safety recall campaigns
- 22
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Fire-related complaints
- 2
- Top reported issue area
- STEERING
- Reliability signal
- Average
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
AverageThe FORD E 350 has 63 NHTSA complaints and 22 recalls on record. 4 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 63 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 22 federal recall campaigns
- 4 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
22 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:PARK PAWL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:PARK PAWL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
ENGINE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
ENGINE
SEATS
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
SEATS
EQUIPMENT
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 63 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
63 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The component that failed was the transmission system, specifically the CDF clutch cylinder, the torque converter, and the front support structure. The transmission was found to contain metal debris, burned clutch components, and damage to internal bushings and supports. 1. These parts were replaced under warranty by Central Ford in South Gate, CA. I do not have possession of the damaged components, and I cannot confirm whether they remain available for inspection. 2. The failure resulted in loss of power while driving — particularly during gear shifts into 10th gear at highway speeds. The truck also began to shudder violently, and a “Powertrain Malfunction / Power Reduced” message appeared on the dash. This put me and others at risk, especially in high-speed traffic where sudden deceleration or power loss can lead to collisions, particularly for heavy-duty trucks like mine that are often used for towing or hauling. 3. Yes, The issue was diagnosed, reproduced, and confirmed by Central Ford. A full teardown of the transmission confirmed internal damage including: A shifted and burned CDF clutch cylinder Torque converter damage Front support wear and metal transfer Metal debris inside the transmission All affected components were replaced, and the transmission was reassembled and reinstalled. The vehicle was inspected by a Ford-certified dealership (Central Ford). There was no involvement by police or insurance representatives, as the failure did not lead to a crash or claim. Yes. The vehicle displayed a “Powertrain Malfunction / Power Reduced” warning. This occurred in conjunction with loss of acceleration, shuddering, and hesitation when shifting into higher gears (particularly 10th). These symptoms appeared shortly before I brought the truck in for service on [XXX]. This failure happened at relatively low mileage for a heavy-duty truck that is used primarily for regular driving and light commercial use. I am concerned that this is part of a bro INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2022 Ford E-350. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the failure to be a misfire on cylinder #3 and the spark plugs were faulty. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2,486. The VIN was invalid.
This complaint is about a national company(Cruise America) that has a dismal maintenance program(if any) for their fleet of rental RV's. Me wife and I rented an RV to see this amazing country while traveling from [XXX] to my Navy reunion in [XXX]. We soon realized it wasn't going to be as fun as we imagined. The ride was the bumpiest we ever experienced and was to remain that way for 4445 miles. From day 1 I was calling the customer relations dept. to find out the protocol to get it fixed. I told them it must be the shock absorbers. The rep responded that he will find a mechanic in the next location we were passing. He didn't. He liked the idea I had since we would be in IL for 4 days, maybe he could get someone there. He agreed, but never found anyone. The RV was all over the road, especially in windy areas and when big rigs would pass. All we wanted was a safe trip, instead I was worried someone would get hurt. It was a draining experience both physically and mentally. I am concerned that if a renter is not a great driver the consequences could be dire. I have logged over 2.5 million miles during my career and consider myself an excellent driver with zero accidents. I have read many of Cruise America's 1,2 & 3 star reviews and have come to the conclusion that they don't maintain there RV's very well if at all. My reason for this complaint is in hope that this letter will land on the appropriate desk on someone who can investigate this company's maintenance program and have the ability to enforce customer safety laws where they find poor maintenance and keep the vehicles in need of repair off the nations highways until they pass safety laws. Thank you for reading this, I hope you can help. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
56k miles - engine failure. Cylinder 1. Knocking - engine replacement.
On two separate occasions, the vehicle's left rear wheel studs have broken off clean with the hub and both rear dual wheels departed the vehicle while in motion. This issue was reported to the local FORD dealer and they reported that they do not know why this is happening. This has happened to five (5) of our other vehicles as well. I am a fleet manager for an EMS service and we have a total of ten (10) of these Ford chassis. The wheels coming off present a hazard to oncoming traffic not to mention the safety of our team members and patients being transported on our ambulances. We sent the vehicle to Kilgore Ford in Kilgore, Texas and they advised they are not sure how this keeps happening. There were no warning lamps that gave the driver a warning that something was wrong until the truck started vibrating and the wheels came off. All of our vehicles, including these FORD Chassis', undergo Preventative Maintenance every 5,000 miles and we check torque on these FORD chassis' because of these continued failures. Our torque wrenches are checked annually for calibration and we utilize the FORD Diagnostic Software and FORD Torque Specification which are followed on every preventative service.
Van does not always engage in reverse. Slips into neutral instead and rolls. Takes several attempts, sometimes over the course of 10+ minutes to get the transmission to engage into reverse. Problem has been intermittent over the past 30 days. May be related to NSTSA Recall 23V625 although not as described in notice 23S54
Read 14 more owner reports
The contact owns a 2025 Ford E-350 equipped with Hankook Tires, Tire Line: Dyna Pro HT, Tire Size: 245/75/R16, DOT Number: 00TL5CHHA 1224, and DOT Number: 1BCl5CHHB 2725. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the sidewall started to detach. The vehicle was not load rated, and there was a blowout. The tires were replaced with underrated tires. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had driven over an unknown object on the roadway. The tires were replaced. The vehicle manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
I was driving on 14-W from Vancouver, WA toward I-5S. 60 mph. 60 degrees, light rain. My front moonroof unexpectedly exploded for no reason. I was not driving under an overpass, so I was not hit my a fallen object. The truck is under 4 months old, with no previous damage or incidents.
Engine failure on a 2021 Ford E-350 cutaway, 7.3L V8, used for parcel delivery. The vehicle was taken out of service and has not run since. Two diagnoses, both in writing. ACME Mobile Service, July 27, 2026, at 152,760 miles: "Found the #5 cylinder is completely disabled and dropped out. Truck will need a new motor." Ford of Spartanburg (Ford dealership), Repair Order 595835, August 25, 2026: "FOUND ENGINE IS KNOCKING, WILL NEED TO REPLACE MOTOR." Ford quoted 16,000.82 for a long-block replacement. The engine is available for inspection. This is the second engine failure on this VIN. In March 2023 at 83,575 miles the engine was rebuilt with new Ford parts (camshaft, sixteen lifters, rocker arms, cylinder heads) after a camshaft and lifter failure. On the day the rebuild was completed the shop recorded "03/31/2023- NEW ENGINE FAILED. ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING AND HAD NOISE COMING FROM TOP END." and Ford replaced the complete engine under warranty in April 2023 (Ford claim CAS-42271539-G0F3ZF). That Ford replacement engine is the one that has now failed, after 69,185 miles. Ford's own repair order of August 25, 2026 lists Safety Recalls 20S73 and 24S07 for this VIN at 0.00, i.e. not performed, while the vehicle sat at the Ford dealership. Ford Customer Experience declined assistance on August 25, August 28 and September 9, 2026 and closed the case. The same 7.3L engine has failed on nine vehicles in this fleet; NHTSA already holds VOQ 11582566, 11582592, 11582598, 11582601, 11582604 and ODI 11714692, 11714694 on those, and NHTSA ODI (Mr. J. Williams) has the complete vehicle-by-vehicle record as of September 6, 2026. North Carolina DOJ Consumer Protection File No. 2026-180591 is open on the same matter.
Engine misfire on a 2021 Ford E-350 cutaway, 7.3L V8, used for parcel delivery. The vehicle was delivered to Ford of Spartanburg (Ford dealership) for diagnosis. The vehicle is still out of service. Ford's diagnosis, Repair Order 593079, June 26, 2026: "WILL NEED TO REPLACE ALL SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES, WILL ALSO NEED TO REPLACED ALL COILS DUE TO MISFIRES ON ALMOST EVERY CYLINDER." The Ford service advisor wrote the same day: "The engine also has a misfire that is unrelated to the transmission concern." Ford quoted 4,376.35 for the ignition components and wrote: "AFTER REPAIRING TRANSMISSION WILL NEED TO DIAGNOSE ALL OTHER CONCERNS WITH VEHICLE, CANNOT DIAG ANYTHING AT MOMENT DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE." Ford has not completed the engine diagnosis; on July 27, 2026 it advised against a compression test and offered one at 920.00. This is the second engine failure on this VIN. In January 2024 at 103,177 miles, the same Ford dealership diagnosed "Found a misfire and low compression on cylinder 3, ordered engine and replaced the engine with new intake gaskets, exhaust manifold gaskets, torque converter nuts, found the reinforcement cracked and replaced it" and installed a Ford service engine, part LC3Z-6006-B (Invoice 551352C; I paid 10,000.00). That Ford replacement engine is the one now misfiring, after at least 63,580 miles. Note on mileage: Ford's RO 593079 records 103,778 miles; Ford's own January 2024 invoice recorded 103,177 and independent records show 166,757 on January 12, 2026 and 169,140 on February 4, 2026. The Ford RO figure is not an actual reading. The same 7.3L engine has failed on nine vehicles in this fleet; NHTSA holds VOQ 11582566, 11582592, 11582598, 11582601, 11582604 and ODI 11714692, 11714694, and NHTSA ODI (Mr. J. Williams) has the complete record as of September 6, 2026. North Carolina DOJ Consumer Protection File No. 2026-180591 is open on the same matter.
fatal Camshaft and lifter failure requiring an engine replacement
Engine failure at 78,172, excess wear to the camshaft lobes and valve tappet surface. We have had 22 failures. There was a recall -24B27 for 2021 and 2022 models year for idle oil pressure. Most vans had 70 to 80k on them by the time we received a letter. Some engine have been changed twice. Ford has a serious problem and is not acknowledging it. Please help! Montachusett Regional Transit Authority , Fitchburg MA 01420
This is one of 4 of my 2021 ford econoline fleet vehicles purchased in 2021 that have had engine failure. I am one of many contractors in my area and others around the country who have had this issue with the same F59 engine. Ford has failed to issue a recall.
This is one of 4 of my 2021 ford econoline fleet vehicles purchased in 2021 that have had engine failure. I am one of many contractors in my area and others around the country who have had this issue with the same F59 engine. Ford has failed to issue a recall.
This is one of 4 of my 2021 ford econoline fleet vehicles purchased in 2021 that have had engine failure. I am one of many contractors in my area and others around the country who have had this issue with the same F59 engine. Ford has failed to issue a recall.
See attached document for complaint.
After hitting a very rough patch of interstate, our steering became very difficult. The driver thought that maybe we had a low tire, so looked for a place to pull over. We crested a hill, and there was an exit with a truck stop. As we attempted to slow for the exit, the driver discovered we had no brakes or power steering. Driver used the brakes on the trailer we were towing to slow us and bring us to a stop. Checked the brake fluid reservoir. It was empty. Bought more, but as soon as the pedal was pushed, it was gone. We were towed to a repair shop, and they discovered the high pressure line on the Hydroboost brake system had separated. The repair shop was able to find a replacement from Ford Motor Co., and repaired our motorhome. We had this exact component inspected 2 years ago when Ford issued an inspection report. We passed. This incident happened 2500 miles from home. When we arrived home, there was a letter from Ford (24N03) stating they were extending the "warranty" period on the high pressure line.
Safety recall
On 6/2/23, brakes failed to work when applying heavy pressure, causing a rear end collision.
See attached document for complaint,
Showing 20 of 63 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact FORD E 350
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used FORD E 350, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The FORD E 350 has 63 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The FORD E 350 has 22 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 4 of the FORD E 350's 63 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all FORD E 350 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two FORD E 350 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The FORD E 350 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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FORD E 350 reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the FORD E 350 reliable?
Average. The FORD E 350 has 63 NHTSA owner complaints and 22 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is STEERING. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which FORD E 350 years to avoid?
Check individual year pages for complaint breakdowns.
What are the most common FORD E 350 problems?
Top reported issues: STEERING (19 complaints); ENGINE (15 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (14 complaints).
Does the FORD E 350 have recalls?
Yes — 22 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the FORD E 350. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.