Summary
The Ford E-350 has 34 recalls spanning 1994 through the current model year, with the most serious recent issue being a transmission park pawl defect on 2024-2025 models where the pawl may not fully engage, allowing the vehicle to roll away when parked. On 2021-2022 models with dual rear wheels, a loose connection between the power steering pressure line and the brake booster can cause sudden loss of both power steering and brake assist simultaneously. The 2021 model year has a separate issue where an incomplete prior software update can cause the engine cover inside the passenger compartment to become hot enough to burn skin on contact.
A large portion of the E-350's recall history involves aftermarket wheelchair lift equipment installed by various conversion companies on models spanning 1994 through 2014. These lift-related recalls cluster into a few shared failure patterns: anti-stow interlocks that may not detect a wheelchair user and allow the lift to fold with an occupant on it (affecting 2005-2010 conversions from multiple builders), restraint belts on public-use lifts that allow the platform to move before the belt is properly buckled (2007-2009 conversions), platforms that overrun the vehicle floor level and tilt 15-20 degrees so a wheelchair can tip or a standing passenger can fall (2007-2009 conversions), roll stop latches on outer barriers that bend or misalign with frequent use so a wheelchair can ride over them (1994-2010 conversions from multiple builders), and platform side plates that can crack and allow the lift platform itself to separate and fall against the door (2006-2014 conversions). A separate wheelchair lift recall on 2006-2012 models involves an armored pendant cable that can contact an exposed power lug and short-circuit, potentially causing a fire.
On the chassis side, 2008 models built with a 138-inch wheelbase have a driveshaft slip yoke that can crack and eventually fracture while driving, allowing the driveshaft to separate from the vehicle. The 2008-2009 school bus prep package cutaways have a fuel tank protection bracket issue where a severe crash can damage the tank and create a fuel leak and fire risk. The 2011 model year has a driver power seat track worm gear that can fracture in a crash and allow the seat to lurch forward or backward. The 2004 model year with the 6.0L diesel can stall without warning while driving due to a wiring issue. Going further back, 2005-2011 paratransit vans built on this chassis and fitted with a specific evaporator unit have a fuse holder that can arc, melt, and potentially catch fire. The 2009-2011 models converted by Roush to run propane autogas have fuel injector retention clips that may not seat properly, creating a propane leak risk near ignition sources.
