1998 Ford E-350
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › E-350 › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Ford E-350. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
8 recalls name the 1998 Ford E-350. Newest first.
Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply, Inc. (Cummings) is recalling various model year 1994-2011 Ford and Chevrolet vans equipped with Braun NCL-2, and NVL-2 wheel chair lifts manufactured November 20, 2006, through September 10, 2010. Over time, and with frequent use, the roll stop latches on the outer barrier of the lifts in these vans may become bent or…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A wheelchair occupant may defeat or ride over the insufficiently latched roll stop. If this occurs when the lift platform is in an elevated position, the wheelchair's occupant could fall and sustain injury.
Remedy
Braun Corporation notified all the vehicle owners, and Cummings Mobility replaced the recalled parts with new parts, free of charge. The recall was completed as of April 10, 2014. Owners may contact Cummings customer service at 1-800-639-5438.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Oneness mobility IS recalling 19 my 1998, and 2005-2006 E-350 vans built on ford chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. these lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift system accessible for motor vehicles." the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
Remedy
Oneness mobility IS working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or oneness mobility at 1-818-267-3000.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly IS out of alignment.
Risk and remedy
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 will handle the repairs for this campaign. owners should contact sure-lock at 1-908-231-1804 or mobilityworks at 1-800-769-8267.
Vehicle description: on certain vans with ambulance prep packages or other severe-duty applications involving operation at or near the gross vehicle weight with frequent twisting of the vehicle body, such as off-road, rough road or speed bump events, the 35 gallon mid-ship fuel tank could develop a crack where it contacts the frame cross member. if the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and, if cracked, will replace the tank. insulator pads will be installed on all vehicles to reduce the stress levels in the fuel tank. owner notification began april 19, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Vehicle description: bi-fuel CNG pickup trucks and bi-fuel CNG vans, modified by cfi control systems, inc., fail to conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 303, "fuel system integrity of compressed natural gas vehicles." the label affixed to the fuel filler door by the vehicle modifier contains the inspection date and expiration date of the CNG tank.…
Risk and remedy
Risk
These vehicles do not comply with the requirements.
Remedy
Owners will be provided a label with the required statement, along with instructions for affixing the label at the fuel filler door. owner notification began november 2, 2000. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Owner complaints
63 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
When braking hard, braking power declines after mid peddle range, resulting in crash. Had taken to dealer many years earlier for ABS recall fix.
- Engine
Spark plugs potentially eject from cylinder heads due to bad engineering design using aluminum heads with insufficient amount of threads to hold spark plugs when in motion. Newer vehicles were re-engineered to eliminate this happening. Request recall and repair.
- Tires › Sidewall
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford E-350 equipped with starfire sf-510 tires, size lt245-75-r16 (na). While the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for a state inspection, the sidewall of the rear driver's side tire was found with internal indentations. The mechanic stated that the tire needed to…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford E-350 equipped with starfire sf-510 tires, size lt245-75-r16 (na). While the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for a state inspection, the sidewall of the rear driver's side tire was found with internal indentations. The mechanic stated that the tire needed to be replaced. The tire was not replaced. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The dot number was unknown. The tire and vehicle failure mileage was 130,000.
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1998 for E-350. The contact stated that the van was idle when he noticed smoke coming from the instrument panel and vents. the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The fire department extinguished the flames. A fire report was not filed. The manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 200,000.
- Structure › Body › Door
I recently had a problem and still have with the passenger side rear door of not being able to open it. I got out of the my ford van and went around to the side door to open it up to get my dogs out of it. I could not open the side door, I thought the doors had somehow got locked and I was…
I recently had a problem and still have with the passenger side rear door of not being able to open it. I got out of the my ford van and went around to the side door to open it up to get my dogs out of it. I could not open the side door, I thought the doors had somehow got locked and I was panicing. It was very hot and I knew I had to get my dogs out fast. I was hunting for something to break the window out with but had no luck finding anything. After about 20 or so minutes I finally noticed that the front door locks were in the up position indicating that the doors were not locked. I was able to open the front door saving me from having too break out the glass and then I was able to get into the van and open the rear door. I love my dogs but what if this had been a child.and couldn't open the doors in time. Luckly I discovered that the front doors were not locked and that it was a malfunction of the back door making it impossible to open that door. The results could have been distrastrous and not to mention the cost of repairing the window had I been able to break it, things turned out well thank goodness but if it should happen to someone else the results could be very different. this IS sunday and I now have to get my van to a ford dealer to fix the rear door so I can open it up as I still can't open it up from the outside.. I think the IS a serious safety problem that should be addressed. *tr
- Fuel system, diesel
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford E-350. While driving the contact experienced a loss of power and the engine would began to malfunction. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who confirmed that the fuel system was delaminating. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 198,910 and the current mileage was 202,300.
- Engine and engine cooling
Powerstroke 7.3 diesel. The camshaft positioning sensor (cps) failure IS a serious problem that ford will have to deal with. I have had three instances of the unit failing on me since this first one on dec 13TH, 2007. In the first case, I was taking my son to school. The van was sputtering the…
Powerstroke 7.3 diesel. The camshaft positioning sensor (cps) failure IS a serious problem that ford will have to deal with. I have had three instances of the unit failing on me since this first one on dec 13TH, 2007. In the first case, I was taking my son to school. The van was sputtering the whole way and I eventually had to have it towed to a repair shop after a complete engine failure. Ford had just issued the recall on dec 6TH, 2007, and they honored the repair. The second cps incident happened on feb 23RD, 2010. The vehicle would not start; I had it towed to a repair shop after getting a parking ticket. I cannot find proof that ford honored the repair. The 3RD cps incident happened on sunday feb 27TH, 2011, one year after the 2ND incident. I was in flagstaff, az during a snowstorm, and the vehicle was failing on me on route 66. It stalled twice on the main highway as the snowplows whipped around me. I got back to where I was staying, and waited until monday morning when I had it towed to a repair shop and had the cps unit replaced. This engine IS unsafe and unreliable. The cps unit can fail at anytime, anywhere, and maybe at any speed, though my issues were at low speed or at startup. Ford will not honor this latest incident because they say after my first replacement in dec 2007 that my "case was closed in 2007".
- Electrical system
1998 ford e 350 powerstroke 7.3 diesel. The camshaft positioning sensor (cps) failure IS a serious problem that ford will have to deal with. I have had three instances of the unit failing on me since this first one on dec 13TH, 2007. In the first case, I was taking my son to school. The van was…
1998 ford e 350 powerstroke 7.3 diesel. The camshaft positioning sensor (cps) failure IS a serious problem that ford will have to deal with. I have had three instances of the unit failing on me since this first one on dec 13TH, 2007. In the first case, I was taking my son to school. The van was sputtering the whole way and I eventually had to have it towed to a repair shop after a complete engine failure. Ford had just issued the recall on dec 6TH, 2007, and they honored the repair. The second cps incident happened on feb 23RD, 2010. The vehicle would not start; I had it towed to a repair shop after getting a parking ticket. I cannot find proof that ford honored the repair. The 3RD cps incident happened on sunday feb 27TH, 2011, one year after the 2ND incident. I was in flagstaff, az during a snowstorm, and the vehicle was failing on me on route 66. It stalled twice on the main highway as the snowplows whipped around me. I got back to where I was staying, and waited until monday morning when I had it towed to a repair shop and had the cps unit replaced. This engine IS unsafe and unreliable. The cps unit can fail at anytime, anywhere, and maybe at any speed, though my issues were at low speed or at startup. Ford will not honor this latest incident because they say after my first replacement in dec 2007 that my 'case was closed'. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Brake line corrosion that let fluid drain and caused brake failure. *Tr
- Tires
I purchased a total of 7 michelin ltx m/s tires lt225/75r16 e for my MINI motorhome. they are dry-rotting right off the rims. this IS an established problem. when I was directed to a dealer (forrest tire of artesia, nm) I was offered a discount on buying more tires. I was extremely dismayed…
I purchased a total of 7 michelin ltx m/s tires lt225/75r16 e for my MINI motorhome. they are dry-rotting right off the rims. this IS an established problem. when I was directed to a dealer (forrest tire of artesia, nm) I was offered a discount on buying more tires. I was extremely dismayed that michelin was querying the tire dealer about the make, model, year and mileage of my motorhome! what has that got to do with defective/dangerous tires? I spoke with a man who had the same problem with ltx m/s tires that came on his new pickup and they were replaced for mounting and balancing only. I purchased two for the front, but simply can't buy all 7 on social security, then sue michelin. these are lot numbers B3JH fbxx 0905, 0205, and 4204. I can scrape dried rubber off the sidewall with my fingernail! this IS dangerous, and I am sitting here afraid to drive on the highway, waiting for something to happen. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Blown spark plug threads. Repaired by self using timesert repair kit manufactured specifically for this engine and problem. *Tr
- Fuel system, diesel
Fuel tank lining deteriorating. I have found flakes in my last four fuel filters. vehicle loss of power, then rough running. the flakes are in the filter I have added between tank and fuel pump. they are small pieces of grey or silver paint. I am going to have to replace fuel tank in order to…
Fuel tank lining deteriorating. I have found flakes in my last four fuel filters. vehicle loss of power, then rough running. the flakes are in the filter I have added between tank and fuel pump. they are small pieces of grey or silver paint. I am going to have to replace fuel tank in order to rectify the problem. I replaced the filter this morning, put approx. 90 miles on van and found several ounces in the filter this evening. *Tr
- Tires
Severe cracking of sidewalls of motorhome tires that are only 3 years old. cracking began in less than one year. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
E-350 with 68,000 miles #1 sparkplug blowout from cylinder head march 2002 same motor with 183,000 #7 sparkplug blowout from cylinder head same motor with 288,849 #3 sparkplug blowout from cylinder head. *tr
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
I believe the events leading to the failure in my motor home started with the first recall (sept. 2007)That said that a fuse-able link had to be installed in the brake system to prevent a possible fire hazard. I complied. Shortly there after my ABS light started blinking on and off irregularly.…
I believe the events leading to the failure in my motor home started with the first recall (sept. 2007)That said that a fuse-able link had to be installed in the brake system to prevent a possible fire hazard. I complied. Shortly there after my ABS light started blinking on and off irregularly. Then after a very few miles it stayed on all the time the engine was running. I called the dealer where the recall was performed and they said that the ABS had nothing to do with the recall issue . That my brakes would still work, that the ABS just effects the none skid prevention in slippery conditions. we took the motor home on a trip to birmingham, (about 100 miles) during the thanksgiving holiday. On 11-24-07 while leaving the campgrounds at about 20 mph the engine quit like you turned off the key. A minor inspection indicated the main power fuse to the computer had blown. . I had a wrecker tow the motor home to a dealership. The following monday morning I contacted the service center and told them what had happened, they checked it out and called me and said that a very expensive wiring harness had was shorted out by a O2 sensor and it would cost around $1750.00 to fix it. I said ok, fix it. after the repairs were done I brought it home and haven't used it sense. in february 2008 I got another recall notice that the part they put in my motor home in the previous recall was not compatible with my system and could cause a fire at any time and it was important that it be changed as soon as possible. I complied. my question and concern IS can I trust this 1998 ford F350 on the road. Also I am retired on a fixed income and I don't think I shouldn't be expected to bare the cost of an obvious automobile manufacture screw up. My motor home had around 25,000 miles on it when all this happened. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Original owner of 1998 ford E350 extended-length xlt. At the time of the incident, the car had about 98,000 miles. I was at a stop light, the light turned green and I proceeded through the intersection. I couldn't have been doing more than 15 mph. I heard a loud bang and then the van started to…
Original owner of 1998 ford E350 extended-length xlt. At the time of the incident, the car had about 98,000 miles. I was at a stop light, the light turned green and I proceeded through the intersection. I couldn't have been doing more than 15 mph. I heard a loud bang and then the van started to make a loud noise. I put the van in neutral and coasted through the intersection. I had the van towed to butterfield ford. They told me that the spark plug had blown out of the cylinder, plug coil broke in half, cracked the head. Ford would repair the van but would not offer me a warranty for the work done. So, I had the van towed to a local mechanic who repaired the van (refurbished engine) for $4,500 and they gave me a 100,000 mile warranty on the engine. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling
1998 ford xlt E350 spark plugs blew out on engine.*mr upon starting the car it made a horrible rocket. it blew the spark plug out of the hood. consumer sent a few internet articles concerning this problem. ford engine-spark plug defect. *bf
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
The vehicle had a cracked fuel tank. Currently, the manufacturer IS conducting a recall for this defect. However, based on the information provided by the consumer, the manufacturer did not include this vehicle in the recall although it has all the symptoms as those which are included. provide…
The vehicle had a cracked fuel tank. Currently, the manufacturer IS conducting a recall for this defect. However, based on the information provided by the consumer, the manufacturer did not include this vehicle in the recall although it has all the symptoms as those which are included. provide further details. *Jb recall campaign; nhtsa campaign ID number : 01v114000. the consumer stated that the failure was repaired at her expense. *tc
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Brake failure resulted in vehicle rear ending another vehicle.*mr while attempting to stop the vehicle's brakes failed and as a result the vehicle rear ended a stopped vehicle. the vehicle was rented from uhaul. a uhaul technician came and inspectd the vehicle. the vehicle was then towed in for repairs ( ohio traffic crash report). *nm
- Fuel system, diesel › Storage › Tank assembly
When the consumer filled the gas tank, he smelled a strong odor of gas, when the consumer looked under the vehicle, he noticed fuel dripping off the bottom of the fuel tank*ak . The consumer stated when the tank was full it leaked very bad and only when the vehicle was moving. as the fuel in…
When the consumer filled the gas tank, he smelled a strong odor of gas, when the consumer looked under the vehicle, he noticed fuel dripping off the bottom of the fuel tank*ak . The consumer stated when the tank was full it leaked very bad and only when the vehicle was moving. as the fuel in the tank became low the leak slowed down, the consumer learned of a recall, however the consumer was informed no recall had been issued for the vehicle. Ph *jb
- Structure
Hello, I've been reading about the safety issue with these 15 passenger vans. has any one considered the addition of dual real tires on these vehicles? it has been noted that the larger MINI buses are safer, and I noticed that they all have dual rear tires. and the E-350 van I know IS built on…
Hello, I've been reading about the safety issue with these 15 passenger vans. has any one considered the addition of dual real tires on these vehicles? it has been noted that the larger MINI buses are safer, and I noticed that they all have dual rear tires. and the E-350 van I know IS built on the super duty ford 250/350 chassis which can be ordered with dual rear tires? wouldn't these make the chance of rollovers less? thanks tom. *nlm
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
1998 ford E350 van 5.4L V8 blew a spark plug when starting engine. Spark plugs was changed by ford dealer at 90,000 miles plug blew with 122,000 miles. Ford dealer removed head, installed spark plug insert and charged me $1700.00 . I believe spark plugs should never blow out of cylinder head…
1998 ford E350 van 5.4L V8 blew a spark plug when starting engine. Spark plugs was changed by ford dealer at 90,000 miles plug blew with 122,000 miles. Ford dealer removed head, installed spark plug insert and charged me $1700.00 . I believe spark plugs should never blow out of cylinder head when installed by a ford trained mechanic. The spark plug ford uses has only 6 threads on it. That IS not enough threads for a aluminum head. This IS a engine design error.ts
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
While parked in driveway and I was loading my kids in the van, my 2 year old child jumped into front seat, and shifted the autmatic transmission into reverse or neutral (not sure), allowing van to start rolling forward (it was backed into driveway, so the front of the van was downhill) I was…
While parked in driveway and I was loading my kids in the van, my 2 year old child jumped into front seat, and shifted the autmatic transmission into reverse or neutral (not sure), allowing van to start rolling forward (it was backed into driveway, so the front of the van was downhill) I was standing in front of the van, and it was just starting to roll so it was going slowing so I and a couple of other guys who were standing there with me were able to jump in front of the fan and stop it, I then jumped in and applied the parking brake and shifted it back into park. there was no way the brake could have been pushed while the van was shifted, as the 2 year old could not reach the brake.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Always pulls to the left when braking. Left front locks up and skids whin braking for a sotp on wet pavement or on unpaved surfaces. Same occurs when loose material IS on paved surface. Brake components (shoes, calipers, etc ) have been replaced by the dealer at considerable expense with no…
Always pulls to the left when braking. Left front locks up and skids whin braking for a sotp on wet pavement or on unpaved surfaces. Same occurs when loose material IS on paved surface. Brake components (shoes, calipers, etc ) have been replaced by the dealer at considerable expense with no improvement. There was a blue ring on the left front rotor when work was done. When the left front skids there IS no braking. Fortunately it only happens under certain conditions (at low speeds) resulting in only 20-30 occurrences in 94,00 miles. The pull IS compensated for on dry conditions by increased steering effort and by the steering stabilizer. The dealer (gilmore ford) has been able to verify the condition but unable to correct. I have been unable to contact a foctory tech. Representative. I understand that there are others with this same problem but not many drive as much as I and may consider the individual occurrence unique. It IS also possible that low speed accidents have occurred and just been considered "over driving". I had to recently cancel use of this vehicle on a trip because mech of the travel was in the mountains on unpaved roads and would have been unsafe!*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
Tire tread separation. *Ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- HVAC Switch Failures
This investigation was opened based on one complaint and reports from four transportation fleets alleging 182 blower motor control switch failures.ODI was concerned that these melting and burning switches could lead to an open flame that could spread throughout the vehicle.After a comprehensive review of all data…
This investigation was opened based on one complaint and reports from four transportation fleets alleging 182 blower motor control switch failures.ODI was concerned that these melting and burning switches could lead to an open flame that could spread throughout the vehicle.After a comprehensive review of all data related to overheating blower motor control switches in the subject vehicles, ODI did not identify the existence of a safety defect trend.ODI reviewed 1,036 complaints, claims, and field reports of failed blower motor control switches and determined that only two fires were likely to have been caused by a failing subject blower motor control switch.This represents a failure rate of 0.2 R/100K on a population of 1,076,975 vehicles that have been in service for up to 14 years.ODI has found that when the subject switches do fail and begin to melt, they are constructed in a manner that typically prevents the failing switch from igniting and developing into an open flame.Ford Motor Company has agreed to take two actions to further reduce the likelihood an overheated blower motor switch in the subject vehicles.Ford informed ODI that it has implemented a series of design changes to the subject switch that will help prevent it from developing internal high resistance short circuits.Ford has also informed ODI that it would release a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB-11-11-21) instructing subject vehicle owners to replace the electrical connector at the same time a failed switch is replaced.In light of the low rate of failure resulting in open flame and fire spread on the subject vehicles, and Ford's actions to reduce the likelihood of a switch failure through switch design changes and a TSB, further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following (ODI) numbers: 10427875, 10114393, 10257890For additional information, see the attached closing report.
- HVAC Switch Failures
ODI has received 1 complaint and reports from 4 transportation fleets alleging 182 switch failures.Each fleet operates mini buses built on a Ford E350 or E450 cutaway chassis.The OEM HVAC blower switches have melted, smoked, burned or experienced open flame and become inoperable on vehicles in each fleet.Some drivers…
ODI has received 1 complaint and reports from 4 transportation fleets alleging 182 switch failures.Each fleet operates mini buses built on a Ford E350 or E450 cutaway chassis.The OEM HVAC blower switches have melted, smoked, burned or experienced open flame and become inoperable on vehicles in each fleet.Some drivers have reported a burning smell or smoke coming from the dash.One fleet reported a vehicle fire.No injuries were sustained.However, the bus was carrying special needs children when the driver noticed smoke coming from the dash.The driver was able to evacuate the children prior to the vehicle becoming engulfed in flames.This PE has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA) to determine if the blower motor switch failures create a situation where a vehicle fire is possible and presents a safety risk to the driver and other passengers.
- Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or…
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi IS not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi IS aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it IS possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect IS very low.in view of the foregoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition IS denied.
- Blow back during refueling
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10148820This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible increase in steering effort.
- 10022675Brake booster system may exhibit a brake pedal kickback and/or grabbing condition when applying the brakes.
- 10018941Vibration/harshness above 45 mph (72 km/h) after tire balance.
- 10013298Cracks in the left or right spring tower flange. Spring tower weld repair and replacement procedure.
- 10004072A bump steer steering feeling, noted when the vehicle's front wheels/tires contact road surface irregularities.
- 10003149Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with no hard fault.
- 6092006Subject regarding tire balance hint.
- 6091808Some vehicles may exhibit diagnostic trouble code p1298.
- 637519Some vehicles equipped with 4r70w transmission (driveshaft >70 inch) may exhibit a vibration / roughness on acceleration or under load at about 50-55 mph.
- 630683Concerns with bump steer steering feeling noted when front wheels / tires contact road surface irregularities.
- 630150Some vehicles without front brake dust shields may exhibit premature wear of the front wheel bearings.
- 624689Some vehicles may exhibit a fuel fill valve sealing condition.
- 622802Some vehicles equipped with 4r70w transmission (driveshaft >70 inch) may exhibit a driveline vibration / roughness on acceleration or under load at about 50 - 55 mph.
- 622744Some cut-away vehicles may exhibit anti-skid brake system diagnostic trouble code c1229, c1230 and c1237.
- 620986Subject regarding overview of bi-fuel CNG vehicle parameter identification data (pid), inputs and outputs as a diagnostic aid for bi-fuel vehicles.
- 619273Some bi-fuel vehicles may exhibit a no start condition.
- 618568This bulletin involves fuel door label application / replacement.
- 616508Special field action regarding revised waranty information.
- 615514Subject regarding engine diagnostic guide for warranty reimbursement.
- 615427This bulletin states that replacement under warranty of certain specified components on any 7.3L dit diesel vehicle, requires that the replaced component be returned with the appropriate year diesel engine diagnostic guide for warranty reimbursement.
- 615279Some vehicles may exhibit brake rotor checking or signs of excessive heat build-up.
- 615198Some vehicles may exhibit brake rotor checking or signs of excessive heat build-up.
- 612791Vehicles without front dust shields may exhibit premature wear of the front wheel bearings due to damaged inner wheel bearing seals. *Mjs
- 612290Without front brake dust shields may exhibit premature wear of the front wheel bearings due to damaged inner wheel bearing seals.
- 606839Addressing tire balance hints.
- 605259Service tips for identifying injector driver module (idm) failure with diagnostic trouble code p1298.
- 603506Excessive white smoke. Verify glow plug operation by performing glow plug system operation check on the hard start/no start diagnostic sheet.
Every Ford E-350 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.