Owners filed 53 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It has been recalled 5 times.
When it fails
08000080,000 milesMedian miles at failure
41 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Engine and Engine Cooling
8
0
0
0
Tires › Tread/Belt
5
1
0
10
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
5
0
0
0
Fuel System, Diesel
4
0
0
0
Engine
4
0
0
0
Electrical System
3
0
1
0
Vehicle Speed Control
2
0
0
0
Tires
2
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
2
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2
0
0
0
5 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Vehicle Speed Control09V399000
Filed Oct 13, 20094,500,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk. A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Remedy. FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control08V051000
Filed Feb 4, 2008225,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.
Risk. AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Vehicle Speed Control07V336000
Filed Aug 3, 20073,600,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility04V589000
Filed Dec 15, 2004501 vehiclesAccubuilt, Inc.
Defect. ON CERTAIN VANS BUILT ON FORD E250/E350 CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT SYSTEMS, THE SPROCKET TEETH OF THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT.
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WHEELCHAIR MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY SECURED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES TO A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT RETRACTORS AS NECESSARY. SURE-LOK IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SURE-LOCK AT 1-908-231-1804 OR ACCUBUILT AT 419-222-1501.
Equipment › Other › Labels04V232000
Filed May 13, 200428,456 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. CERTAIN VANS AND WAGONS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION." FOR CERTAIN 2003 E250 VANS BUILT WITH LT225/75R16E TIRES, THE REAR AXLE RATING IS INCORRECTLY LISTED ON THE LABEL. IN ADDITION, THE TIRE PRESSURE IS INCORRECTLY LISTED ON THE LABEL FOR THE REAR TIRES ON CERTAIN 2002 E350 WAGONS AND FOR THE FRONT TIRES ON CERTAIN 2002 E250 VANS BUILT WITH THESE TIRES.
Risk. FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION RECOMMENDATION CAN RESULT IN TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH SUPPLEMENTARY TIRE LABELS CONTAINING CORRECT INFORMATION AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 8, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Engine
Filed Sep 6, 2018114,000 milesIN
HEAD ON VEHICLE STRIPPED BECAUSE OF THE WAY IT IS MADE. THERE WAS A RECALL ON REGULAR E350 BUT MINE IS AN RV. IT WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE SPARK PLUG POPPED OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ON I-65 IN BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA.
Engine
Filed Sep 26, 2017NY
THIS 350 ECONOLINE, 8CYL., EXTENDED BODY VAN WAS PURCHASED NEW, AND I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 120K MILES ON IT SINCE 2002. BEGINNING SEVERAL YEARS AGO, MY MECHANIC COMPLAINED OF SEVERE FRAME EROSION, HAVING HAD TO REINFORCE AND RE-WELD SEVERAL PARTS BACK ONTO THE FRAME, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE BRACKETS WHICH SUPPORT THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS. (TWO OCURRANCES-- LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES). LAST WEEK, MY EMPLOYEE COMPLAINED OF SOME REAR END SWAYING AT MODERATE SPEED CORNERING. WE DISCOVERED A CROSS-TIE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE SIDE RAILS AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE'S FRAME HAD ROTTED AWAY, THUS CAUSING SOME UNWANTED FRAME MOVEMENT. IF IT WEREN'T FOR A HEAVY-DUTY TOWING PACKAGE I HAD PURCHASED WITH THE VEHICLE IN 2002, I BELIEVE THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES OF THE VEHICLE'S UNDER-FRAMING WOULD HAVE TWISTED AND SEPARATED FROM THE BODY YEARS AGO ! ALSO BEGINNING A FEW YEARS AGO, WAS THE DECAY OF THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE BLOCK, AS THREE SEPARATELY TIMED SPARK PLUGS HAD LITERATELY 'BLOWN' OUT OF THE THREADED WELLS OF THE ENGINE BLOCK. MY MECHANIC HAD TO ADAPT HELI-COIL KITS INTO RE-BORED HOLES IN THE VEHICLE'S SPARK PLUG WELLS. IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THESE KITS COME LOOSE, AND BLOW -OUT AGAIN. I'M ALREADY EXPERIENCING A PAINFULLY OMINOUS COMPRESSION LOSS IN ONE (OR MORE) OF THE CYLINDERS. COULD FORD HAVE PURCHASED SOME INFERIOR METALS, THUS PRODUCING A LINE OF JUNK VEHICLES?
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 27, 2017120,000 milesIA
BLOWING OUT SPARK PLUGES.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 31, 2015240,000 milesVA
WHILE TRAVELING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, THE VAN STARTED SHOWING SYMPTOMS OF FUEL STARVATION AND WITH THE FAMILY AND A SEMI ON MY BUMPER THINGS GOT QUITE HAIRY AND STARTED AND ARGUMENT WITH MY WIFE! I EXITED THE HIGHWAY AND PUT CLEAN DIESEL FUEL AND FUEL ADDITIVE TO GET ME BACK HOME; THIS DID NOT WORK AS THE VAN ACTED UP AGAIN SEVERAL MILES DOWN THE ROAD. AFTER STOPPING AND STARTING NUMEROUS TIMES ON A SIDE STREET, I GOT TO A PLACE WHERE I COULD CHANGE THE FUEL FILTER; I NOTICED THAT IT WAS FULL OF RUST AND ALUMINUM FLAKES. THE VAN WOULD NOT MOVE ANY FURTHER, I HAD TO TRAILER IT HOME, THE NEXT DAY. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I DISCOVERED THAT THE ALUMINUM COATING THE FUEL TAKE HAD COME OFF AND WAS PLUGGING UP THE FUEL PICKUP, EMERGENCY VALVE AND THE FILTER. YOU CAN DO AN INTERNET SEARCH AND FIND WERE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORDS. IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN ABOUT IT I WOULD HAVE PERFORMED PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE ON THE FUEL TANK AND FILTERS. VERY DANGEROUS AND EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR WHEN IT IS TO LATE.....
Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Jul 15, 2015108,362 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD E-350 EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN LT24575R16 TIRES, SIZE: 245/756/16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT FELT VIBRATIONS FROM THE FRONT TIRES. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TREAD FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE TIRE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13T012000 (TIRES). THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,362 AND THE APPROXIMATE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Engine
Filed Feb 23, 201560,000 milesNY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD E-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Engine
Filed Jan 16, 2014110,000 milesNJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD E-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES OVER A PERIOD OF FOUR YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Switch
Filed Jan 16, 2013150,000 milesCO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD E-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Suspension
Filed Sep 20, 201280,000 milesGA
TRUCK WOBBLING TO THE POINT OF ALMOST WRECKING...WAS TOLD IT WAS WHEELBEARING,ROTORS,TIEROD ECT. I NOW REALIZE FORD HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRUCKS REGARDING UNCONTROLLABLE SHAKING , IT IS VERY SCARY WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I ALSO OWNED A 2003 AND 2004 HAD TO SELL THEM BECAUSE THE TURBO KEPT BLOWING OFF AND FUEL INJECTORS WERE CLOGGED. I AM SO DISAPPOINTED. I HOPE IF THERE IS A PROBLEM YOU WILL DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Dec 29, 201165,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD E350 SUPER DUTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE FRAME FRACTURED INTO TWO PIECES, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A BARRIER ON THE INTERSTATE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE A FRAME WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Sep 13, 2011PA
2002 FORD E-350. S10 DIRECT REPLY-REQUEST FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE RELATED TO THE REPAIRS OF HIS TRUCK DUE TO THE FEDERAL GRANT MANDATED CHEMICAL ADDITIVES TO DIESEL FUEL, CHEMICAL ADDITIVES HAVE CAUSED THE DE-LAMINATION OF THE FUEL TANK *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE LOOSE LAMINATE MATERIAL DAMAGED THE FUEL PUMP, FUEL FILTER AND FUEL LINES AND PREVENTED THE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPLACEMENT OF HIS FUEL TANK, PUMP, FILTER AND LINES WOULD COST $4,000.00 . THE CONSUMER IS SEEKING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE SITUATION STEMMED FROM A GOVERNMENT MANDATE. *JB UPDATED 10/18/11. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE STOPPED, WITH NO WARNING, ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. UPDATED 11/10/11. *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 7, 2011137,152 milesKS
STARTED MY 2001 FORD E-350. AFTER 10-15 SECONDS, LARGE POP AND ENGINE DIED. OPENED HOOD AND FOUND RIGHT REAR SPARK PLUG HAD BLOWN OUT OF ENGINE. I'M AN ENGINEER AND I'VE BEEN WORKING ON ENGINES OF ALL DESCRIPTIONS FOR 35 YEARS. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS ENGINEERING DEFECT. FORD SHOULD REPLACE THE PARTS. WE HAVE A FLEET OF FORDS. I NOW WISH IT WAS A FLEET OF CHEVY'S. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Nov 25, 2010102,000 milesSC
2002 FORD ECONOLINE 350 EQUIPPED WITH V8 TRITAN ENGINE. SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT. HAVE TAPPED WITH HELI-COIL REPAIR KIT, BUT HIS REPAIR HAS FAILED. NOW FACED WITH CYLINDER HAD BEEN REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Nov 10, 2010NY
SPARK PLUG EJECTED 2002 FORD VAN. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Nov 10, 2010143,000 milesIN
I HAVE HAD 3 SPARK PLUG THIS YEAR COME SHOOTING OUT OF EY 2002 FORD E350 V10. *TR
Fuel System, Diesel
Filed May 10, 201053,000 milesOH
DELAMINATION OF FORD FUEL TANKS CAUSING DECREASE SPEED. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 10, 2009106,114 milesCA
DRIVING DOWN A STREET AT APPROX. 40MPH I HEARD A BANG AND THEN A BUNCH OF AIR ESCAPING. SOUNDED LIKE AN EXHAUST LEAK. SPARK PLUG WAS BLOWN OUT OF NUMBER 2 CYLINDER. HAD REPAIRED AT LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, PUT IN A NEW HELI COIL. SINCE 7-6-09 HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME NUMBER 8 CYLINDER. THESE FORD ENGINES DON'T HAVE ENOUGH THREAD ON THE ENGINE HEADS TO HOLD THE SPARK PLUGS IN. IT'S PROBABLY GOING TO KEEP HAPPENING UNTIL ALL OF THE THREADS ARE REPLACED. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 24, 2009151,000 milesGA
MY 2002 FORD E-350 HAS BEEN FOUND TO HAVE A SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT. THIS HAPENED WITHOUT NOTICE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED A TUNE-UP. I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT FORD TRUCK ENGINES EJECTING SPARK PLUGS. I'M CONCERNED THAT IF ALL THE PLUGS ARE REPLACED, THAT THE PROBLEM MAY NOT FULLER BE SOLVED WITHOUT SOME VERY EXPENSIVE WORK. *TR
Fuel System, Diesel
Filed May 14, 200965,000 milesNY
2002 FORD E350 DIESEL VAN. WE BOUGHT THE VAN WITH 32K MILES ON IT. WE REPLACED THE FIRST GAS TANK WITH 65K MILES IN PA AFTER IT BROKE DOWN ON I-81. WE REPLACED THE SECOND GAS TANK AT 80K MILES AT OTIS FORD IN QUOGUE, NY. WE ARE NOW GOING TO REPLACE THE TANK AGAIN, TANK #3, BECAUSE THE SAME ISSUE IS HAPPENING AGAIN. THE INSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK HAS BEEN DELAMINATING AND CAUSING THE FUEL FILTER TO BECOME CLOGGED. THE VAN WILL LOSE POWER AND CHUG ALONG SPEWING OUT BLACK SMOKE. IT HAS BEEN A KNOWN PROBLEM BY FORD YET THEY CLAIM IT IS NOT THEIR FAULT. THIS HAS BECOME A VERY EXPENSIVE PROBLEM AND UNDER THE RIGHT CONDITIONS WITH THE LACK OF POWER HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 13, 200960,000 milesPA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD E350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO A STOP SIGN AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON A SEPARATE OCCASION FOR AN IDENTICAL FAILURE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Oct 13, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.