Summary
The Ford E350 has 25 recalls spanning the 1978 through 2021 model years, with the most pressing issue on the most recent production affecting 2021 models where engine cover insulation can be positioned incorrectly, leaving interior surfaces hot enough to burn anyone who touches them during normal operation.
The 2021 recall required a second repair after the initial dealer fix did not fully resolve the problem, so owners of that year should confirm which repair their vehicle received. Going back to 2011, a driver power seat track on certain examples was built with an incorrect worm gear, meaning the seat may not hold its position in a crash. The 2008 model year has two separate structural concerns: a cracked slip yoke in the driveshaft can break while driving and cause the driveshaft to drop from the vehicle, and certain school bus prep and cutaway configurations may be missing frame rail brackets intended to prevent the fuel tank from being crushed against the frame edge in a collision.
The 2005 model year, on vans equipped with Ricon platform wheelchair lifts, has two related issues where the lift can move or begin to stow without input from the operator, posing injury risk to anyone on the platform. The 2003 model year appears twice: an air filter paper element can smolder or ignite under certain driving conditions, and vans with Sure-Lok wheelchair securement systems have misaligned retractor sprocket teeth that can fail to hold a wheelchair in a crash. The 2000 model year shares that same wheelchair securement defect. The 1999 model year has rear lug nuts that can bottom out on the wheel studs without generating enough clamping force, potentially causing a rear wheel to detach while driving; that year also has a speedometer that can read up to 14% lower than actual speed.
Going further back, the 1996 model has a compliance issue where vehicle alterations blocked access to rear emergency exit doors. The 1990 model has two issues: a dual fuel tank selector valve that can overfill one tank and spill fuel past the filler cap, and a transmission park gear snap ring that can fracture and prevent the park pawl from engaging, allowing the vehicle to roll if the parking brake is not set. Earlier production from 1984 includes wheel welds susceptible to fatigue cracking that can cause gradual tire pressure loss or full wheel separation, as well as a driveshaft that can overheat and shorten during extended idling with certain body configurations, causing the slip yoke to disconnect. The 1983 model year has three issues: a fuel system that does not meet integrity standards, ambulance-specific fuel system overpressurization that can expel fuel from the filler pipe near an ignition source, and heater or bypass hoses that can deteriorate and discharge coolant onto hot exhaust manifold surfaces. The 1982 model has a transmission shift rod that can unseat from its retaining grommet, leaving the gear selector unable to change transmission functions. The 1979 model has incorrectly routed left front brake hoses that can chafe against the tire in a full left turn and leak brake fluid, reducing front braking. The 1978 model, on vehicles with the 300 cubic inch engine and Carter carburetor, has a fuel filter connection with non-standard threads that can leak gasoline and start an underhood fire.
