Ford E-350 Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 130 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the Ford E-350 across 16 model years. The 2002 model year has the most (16). The words owners use most often: “spark plug” (32% of reports).
- 130engine and engine cooling complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- $4,600typical repair cost reported by owners
- 38%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Spark plug: mentioned in 42 of 130 complaints (32%)
- Engine compartment: mentioned in 8 of 130 complaints (6%)
- Wiring harness: mentioned in 7 of 130 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine and engine cooling repair on the Ford E-350 at $4,600, and half of them between $2,800 and $6,550.
Based on 8 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2005–2010), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 91 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 130 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 13 a fire, 2 an injury.
Ford E-350 engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 E-350 | 1 | 8% | — |
| 2009 E-350 | 2 | 20% | 36,004 |
| 2008 E-350 | 1 | 3% | 100,000 |
| 2007 E-350 | 3 | 17% | 156,000 |
| 2006 E-350 | 13 | 25% | 39,900 |
| 2005 E-350 | 16 | 29% | 27,760 |
| 2004 E-350 | 10 | 22% | 34,000 |
| 2003 E-350 | 6 | 13% | 74,100 |
| 2002 E-350 | 16 | 30% | 95,000 |
| 2001 E-350 | 14 | 27% | 138,173 |
| 2000 E-350 | 6 | 10% | 174,138 |
| 1999 E-350 | 12 | 17% | 100,000 |
| 1998 E-350 | 8 | 13% | 116,460 |
| 1997 E-350 | 15 | 19% | 108,817 |
| 1996 E-350 | 3 | 6% | — |
| 1995 E-350 | 4 | 6% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2003, 2004
Problem: On certain vans, the air filter element material process resulted in an air filter paper element that can smolder or burn. This change in filter paper composition combined with the configuration of the air induction system, may allow hot carbon particles to contact the air filter element during certain driving conditions that create hot particles.
Risk: These hot particles may ignite the air filter element with the potential for air induction system damage or underhood fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the air filter element. The recall began september 27, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. Also ford is extending the limited warranty (for a one time replacement) of the abs module for a total of 10 years or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date, whichever occurs first. If your vehicle has already accumulated more than 150,000 miles, this coverage will last until september 30, 2005.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
2013 ford e350 super duty motorhome. Consumer writes in regards to melted exhaust flange and concern about potential for fire caused by excessive exhaust heat build up. *ea *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford e350 super duty. The contact stated that he would have to wait hours for the engine to cool down before the vehicle could be started. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the engine oil cooler, injectors and the egr…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford f-350. The contact stated that the egr valves malfunctioned and as a result, radiator fluid leaked into the motor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the egr valve and oil cooler needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the…
While driving vehicle started running rough/missing lost engine power. Had to have the vehicle towed home replaced the fuel filter and pump. Still had problems. Towed to the dealer who finally advised fuel tank laminate was flaking. Found 4 other complaints on this site for the same problem. Online…
Private ambulance based in chicago has diesel fumes coming into the cabin and in the back of the ambulance. It has been a recurring issue over and over again. The rigs are 116, 120 and 112. I have notify the issue to the owner and it has not been resolved. *tr
Frequently asked questions
Do all Ford E-350s have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 130 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the Ford E-350. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Ford E-350 engine and engine cooling?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix engine and engine cooling problems on the Ford E-350?
Owners report a typical cost of $4,600 (half paid between $2,800 and $6,550), from 8 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the Ford E-350?
The most frequent phrase is “spark plug”, in 42 of 130 complaints, followed by “engine compartment” (8).
Other Ford E-350 problems
- Tires problems (150)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (116)
See all Ford E-350 problems.