2016 Ford E-350 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2016 Ford E-350 ranks 19th of 21 model years with a complaint index of 10 and earns a Best verdict. NHTSA lists 5 complaints and 3 recalls, all tied to electrical trailer brake controller reprogramming and seat/structure issues.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 10/100
- #19 of 21 E-350 years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 5
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Structure & Body
Top 2016 Ford E-350 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body2 (40%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (40%)
- Brakes1 (20%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Transmission shifter control cable rubs against the parking brake pedal assembly and chafes with repeated use.
- Parking brake cable routes through the left front wheel area where it contacts the tire during steering and suspension movement, wearing through the cable.
- Foldaway seat pedestal pin can fall out, letting the seat drop suddenly to its lowest position without warning.
- Some upfitted cargo vans showed elevated carbon monoxide readings near the tailpipe during shop testing.
- A transmission check engine light came on and was linked to a coast clutch cylinder and one-way clutch issue covered by a separate recall campaign.
2016 Ford E-350 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V205000Mar 18, 2019Structure & Body471 vehicles
Seats
Quality Van Sales, Inc. (Quality Van) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit and E-350 vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seat back cushions. The seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Quality Van will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began March 21, 2019. Owners may contact Quality Van customer service at 1-800-408-8550.
- NHTSA 16V046000Jan 28, 2016Electrical System75 vehicles
Electrical system: integrated trailer brake control
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 E-350 and E-450 vehicles manufactured November 3, 2014, to December 10, 2015 and equipped with a 6.8L engine and an optional trailer brake controller. The trailer braking system may fail, increasing the distance needed to stop the vehicle.
Risk: If the vehicle unexpectedly needs an extended braking distance, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S01. Note: This recall supersedes 15V-710. Any vehicle previously repaired under 15V-710 will need to be repaired again.
- NHTSA 15V710000Oct 27, 2015Electrical System65 vehicles
Electrical system: integrated trailer brake control
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 E-350 and E-450 vehicles manufactured November 3, 2014, to September 1, 2015, and equipped with a 6.8L engine and an optional trailer brake controller. In the affected vehicles, the trailer brake controller may not actuate the trailer brakes.
Risk: If the trailer brakes are not activated when the towing vehicle is slowing down, the distance needed to stop the vehicle may be lengthened, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S32.
2016 compared with other E-350 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Ford E-350 reliable?
- NHTSA data supports this. It has a complaint index of 10, the second-lowest of the 21 model years tracked, and carries a Best verdict relative to other E-350 years.
- What problems does the 2016 Ford E-350 have?
- Owners reported a parking brake cable that chafes against the shifter control cable and the front tire, a seat pedestal pin that can fail and drop the seat, and one report of elevated carbon monoxide during shop testing.
- Does the 2016 Ford E-350 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls: two involve reprogramming the powertrain control module for the trailer brake controller on the 6.8L engine, and one covers a foldaway seat back cushion that may not lock in place.
- How does the 2016 E-350 compare to other years?
- It ranks 19th worst out of 21 years, well below higher-risk years like 2006 (complaint index 100) and 2021 (complaint index 90), making 2016 one of the better years for this model.