2021 Ford E-350 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2021 Ford E-350 ranks 3rd worst among 21 model years with a complaint index of 90 and an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 22 complaints, 6 recall campaigns, and 1 crash, with Engine and Brakes as the top problem areas.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 90/100
- #3 of 21 E-350 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 22
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2021 Ford E-350 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine11 (50%)
- Brakes8 (36%)
- Steering7 (32%)
- Other2 (9%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (5%)
- Fuel System1 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of power steering combined with a spongy or failing brake pedal, often linked to a fractured or leaking brake/power steering line.
- Some describe the loss of steering and braking occurring at highway speeds, forcing the vehicle to coast to a stop.
- One owner reported the engine cover area produced a burning odor and leaking fluid, matching the recall for excessive engine cover heat.
- Several owners noted dashboard warnings for Advance-trac, Traction Control, and Pre-Collision Assist appearing together in windy driving conditions.
- One fleet owner reported repeated engine failures across multiple 2021 E-350 vehicles equipped with the F59 engine.
- A brake failure under heavy pressure was reported to have caused a rear-end collision.
2021 Ford E-350 recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V793000Nov 17, 2025Engine7,046 vehicles
Engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles that received an incomplete software update under recall 20V795. The engine cover may become excessively hot.
Risk: Direct contact with certain areas of engine cover surface in the passenger compartment may increase the risk of injury or burns to the skin of the driver or front seat passenger.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain calibration for heat management under elevated idle conditions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 22, 2025.
- NHTSA 24V097000Feb 9, 2024Brakes16,543 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 22V089000Feb 16, 2022Brakes44,219 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
Remedy: 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.
2021 compared with other E-350 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Ford E-350 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2021 E-350 has a complaint index of 90, the third worst of 21 model years tracked, earning it an Avoid verdict relative to other E-350 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford E-350?
- NHTSA data shows Engine complaints make up 50% of reports and Brakes make up 36%, with Steering close behind at 32%. Many brake and steering complaints describe simultaneous power steering and brake loss.
- Does the 2021 Ford E-350 have recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2021 E-350, covering engine cover heat, power steering/brake hydroboost connections, wire harness damage, and rear axle differential fluid levels.
- What year Ford E-350 should I avoid?
- Among Ford E-350 years, 2006 has the highest complaint index at 100, while 2021 ranks third worst at 90. Years 2015 and 2016 have the lowest complaint indexes, at 20 and 10.
- At what mileage do 2021 Ford E-350 problems typically appear?
- Across all complaints, the median mileage at failure is 12,233.5 miles, though Brakes, Steering, and Fuel System complaints show a median of 13,667 miles.