Ford E-350 Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
The Ford E-350 years to avoid are 2010, 2011, 2021, and 2022, each with complaint index scores of 80 or higher and heavy recall counts. The 2016 model year stands out as the best, with only 5 complaints and a complaint index of 7.
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 157
- Recall campaigns
- 39
- Crashes reported
- 9
- Fires reported
- 4
- Top problem area
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
E-350 Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Ford E-350 problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Avoid | 80 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 16 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | — | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 87 | 19 | 3 | 0 | 18 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 12.5 | — |
| 2012 | Caution | 60 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 12 | Engine | 12.5 | — |
| 2013 | Caution | 53 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 9 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 12.5 | — |
| 2014 | Caution | 73 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 11 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 12.5 | — |
| 2015 | Good | 27 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Fuel System | — | — |
| 2016 | Best | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Structure & Body | — | — |
| 2017 | Caution | 67 | 13 | 1 | 1 | 4 | Steering | — | — |
| 2018 | No verdict | 47 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 4 | Transmission & Powertrain | — | — |
| 2019 | No verdict | 40 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Brakes | — | — |
| 2020 | No verdict | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2021 | Avoid | 100 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 6 | Engine | — | — |
| 2022 | Avoid | 93 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Steering | — | — |
| 2023 | No verdict | 13 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Engine | — | — |
| 2024 | No verdict | 20 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | — | — |
| 2025 | No verdict | 33 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | — | — |
E-350 years to avoid: what went wrong
2021 Ford E-350 Index 100 · 22 complaints · 6 recalls
The 2021 E-350 is the worst-ranked year, with a complaint index of 100 and 6 recall campaigns. Engine issues dominate, making up 50% of complaints, alongside brake problems (36% of complaints, median 13,667 miles) and steering problems (32%, also median 13,667 miles). Recalls covered an overheating engine cover from an incomplete software update and an inadequate power steering-to-brake hydroboost connection on dual rear wheel vans. Owners reported power steering fluid leaks causing difficulty steering and brake failures leading to a rear-end collision.
2022 Ford E-350 Index 93 · 14 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2022 E-350 ranks 2nd worst, with a complaint index of 93 and 3 recall campaigns. Steering problems make up half of all complaints, with a median failure mileage of 11,000, and brake problems follow at 29% with a median of 9,330.5 miles. Recalls addressed the same power steering-to-hydroboost connection issue as 2021, plus a fuel tank weld seam corrosion recall. Owners reported sudden loss of power steering while driving uphill and brakes failing to stop the vehicle in a reasonable time.
2011 Ford E-350 Index 87 · 19 complaints · 18 recalls
The 2011 E-350 has a complaint index of 87 and 18 recall campaigns, ranking 3rd worst overall. Suspension, Wheels & Tires problems account for 26% of complaints, with failures reported at a median of 100,000 miles. Brakes issues followed at a median of 101,091 miles, and transmission problems at 50,209 miles. Owners described steering wheels losing control and transmission jerking or slipping into gear at low speed. As with 2010, wheelchair lift recalls affected converted vans. Three crashes were reported for this model year.
2010 Ford E-350 Index 80 · 17 complaints · 16 recalls
The 2010 E-350 carries a complaint index of 80 and 16 recall campaigns. Suspension, Wheels & Tires issues make up 35% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 71,000. Owners also reported electrical problems, including stalling and misfires, at a median of 18,000 miles, and steering complaints. Several recalls targeted wheelchair lift link arms on modified E-250/E-350 vans. One airbag-related crash was reported at 69,800 miles. This year ranks 4th worst among all E-350 model years covered.
Most common Ford E-350 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires39 (25%)
- Steering33 (21%)
- Engine29 (18%)
- Brakes28 (18%)
- Transmission & Powertrain21 (13%)
- Other15 (10%)
- Electrical System14 (9%)
- Fuel System12 (8%)
- Structure & Body8 (5%)
- Airbags3 (2%)
Frequently asked questions
- What Ford E-350 years should I avoid?
- NHTSA data flags 2010, 2011, 2021, and 2022 as the years to avoid, with complaint index scores ranging from 80 to 100, the highest among all covered E-350 model years.
- What is the best Ford E-350 year?
- The 2016 E-350 is rated Best, with only 5 complaints, 3 recall campaigns, and a complaint index of 7, the lowest of any year in the dataset.
- Why is the 2021 Ford E-350 rated worst?
- The 2021 E-350 has the highest complaint index at 100, driven by engine issues (50% of complaints), plus brake and steering problems tied to a recall for an inadequate power steering-to-hydroboost brake connection.
- Are there recalls on the 2022 Ford E-350 steering or brakes?
- Yes. NHTSA recall campaign 24V097000 and 22V089000 both address an inadequate connection between the power steering pressure line and the brake hydroboost unit on 2021-2022 E-350 and E-450 dual rear wheel vehicles.
- How many total complaints and recalls does the Ford E-350 have?
- Across model years 2010-2025, NHTSA lists 157 total complaints and 39 recall campaigns for the Ford E-350.