Ford E-350 Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems
Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Ford E-350 across 15 model years. The 1995 model year has the most (35). The words owners use most often: “rotors cracked” (8% of reports).
- 116service brakes, hydraulic complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- 27%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.
- Rotors cracked: mentioned in 9 of 116 complaints (8%)
- Front brake: mentioned in 9 of 116 complaints (8%)
- Stopping distance: mentioned in 8 of 116 complaints (7%)
- ABS brakes: mentioned in 7 of 116 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems happen?
Based on 35 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 116 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury.
Ford E-350 service brakes, hydraulic complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 E-350 | 2 | 14% | 9,331 |
| 2021 E-350 | 5 | 23% | 17,834 |
| 2012 E-350 | 1 | 6% | 6,070 |
| 2008 E-350 | 2 | 5% | 51,518 |
| 2006 E-350 | 5 | 9% | 30,159 |
| 2005 E-350 | 5 | 9% | 83,000 |
| 2003 E-350 | 6 | 13% | 39,576 |
| 2002 E-350 | 4 | 8% | 5,539 |
| 2001 E-350 | 5 | 10% | 58,000 |
| 2000 E-350 | 3 | 5% | 81,000 |
| 1999 E-350 | 4 | 6% | 41,939 |
| 1998 E-350 | 8 | 13% | 56,505 |
| 1997 E-350 | 14 | 18% | 23,150 |
| 1996 E-350 | 17 | 34% | 35,869 |
| 1995 E-350 | 35 | 51% | 76,500 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings; steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Model years: 2021, 2022
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 E-350 and E-450 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels. An inadequate connection between the power steering pressure line and the brake hydroboost unit may result in a sudden loss of power steering fluid.
Risk: A sudden loss of power steering fluid can result in a loss of power steering and power brake assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the power steering pressure line and the hydroboost jumper line, free of charge. Vehicles in this recall were previously recalled under 22V-089 and owners will need to have the new remedy completed even if their vehicle was remedied under the prior recall. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 21, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S07.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings; steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Model years: 2021, 2022
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 E-350 and E-450 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels. An inadequate connection between the power steering pressure line and the brake Hydroboost unit may result in a sudden loss of power steering fluid.
Risk: A sudden loss of power steering fluid can result in a loss of power steering and power brake assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the connection between the power steering lines and the Hydroboost unit, and replace the power steering lines, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S08.
Electronic stability control (esc); electrical system:wiring; service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Model years: 2021
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. A wire harness in the rear of the vehicle may contact the vehicle frame, resulting in damage to the circuits that support the fuel pump and the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Risk: Damage to the fuel pump circuit in the wiring harness could result in an unexpected engine stall. Damage to the ABS wiring can lead to reduction of ABS functionality and a loss of roll stability control (RSC) functionality. These scenarios increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wire harness for damage. If no damage is found, dealers will apply anti-abrasion tape over the area and ensure clearance to surrounding components. If damage is found, dealers will splice in new wire and apply anti-abrasion tape over the area and ensure clearance to surrounding components. All services will be performed free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S13.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings; suspension:rear
Model years: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Problem: Frontline is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 electronic news gathering (eng) vehicles built on a ford e-350 chassis with an aftermarket rear anti-sway bar and manufactured from october 31, 2006, through july 12, 2011. These vehicles may be susceptible to rear hydraulic brake line damage. The rear anti-sway bar frame mounting bolt threads may come in contact with the steel hydraulic brake line. If metal-to-metal abrasion occurs, the brake line may eventually rupture and cause a loss of hydraulic service brake pressure.
Risk: If a loss of service brake pressure occurs, the driver may not be able to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix: Frontline will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. Repairs will be performed by local ford dealers and frontline authorized service facilities. The manufacturer began contacting owners by telephone on july 12, 2011. Owners may contact frontline communications at 1-727-573-0400.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-350. The stated while driving into the driveway, the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound. The vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the brake pedal became spongy. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a trail of fluid in the driveway. The contact…
The contact owns a 2022 Ford E-350. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact desperately depressed on the brake pedal and the vehicle eventually came to a complete stop. The…
The contact owns a 2022 Ford E-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff and the vehicle would pull in either direction. Additionally, there was an abnormal odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact then noticed that the brake pedal had…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-350. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the power steering and brakes became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with loosened brake line fittings and an…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Ford E-350s have service brakes, hydraulic problems?
No. NHTSA has 116 owner complaints about service brakes, hydraulic 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 service brakes, hydraulic?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list service brakes, hydraulic. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Ford E-350?
The most frequent phrase is “rotors cracked”, in 9 of 116 complaints, followed by “front brake” (9).
Other Ford E-350 problems
- Tires problems (150)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (130)
See all Ford E-350 problems.