2001 Ford E-350
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › E-350 › 2001
These records cover every 2001 Ford E-350. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2001 Ford E-350. Newest first.
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.
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.
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.
Owner complaints
52 complaints3 involved a fire15 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
Spark plug - I'm really shocked this hasn't been recalled! purchased this 2001 ford E-350 from the original owner who was a mechanic and kept all service records of this vehicle. It IS in excellent condition. Had the van serviced and looked over before taking it on a longer trip. At 2 am and only…
Spark plug - I'm really shocked this hasn't been recalled! purchased this 2001 ford E-350 from the original owner who was a mechanic and kept all service records of this vehicle. It IS in excellent condition. Had the van serviced and looked over before taking it on a longer trip. At 2 am and only after 5 hours of driving (all highway) we heard a loud bang followed by even louder rumbling and intense gas smell. This happened while driving and the van was in motion on the highway. We were able to exit the highway and wait until the morning. The next morning we took the engine apart and found the spark plug completely blown out of the engine. After buying the repair kit from the parts store and putting in a new spark plug we were able to limp our way home. Due to the force caused by the first spark plug being shot out, the engine now sounds like some other spark plugs are very loose and ready to go. Not sure the total damage until it can be repaired by a mechanic.
- Seat belts
The driver's side seat belt randomly comes unlatched. this has happened before this date and happens multiple times each time it IS driven. it does not matter if the vehicle IS in motion or not. it has happened sitting still in the driveway and at highway speeds. this IS a trw 33012760 part.
- Engine
My 2001 ford E350 super duty van blew out a spark plug while driving 40 mph and cost me $900 for dealership to repair....with only 117,000 miles on it. ford needs to do a recall on this. *tr
- Engine
Spark plug was ejected from engine. No advanced warning or unusual sounds of any kind. Engine had been running perfectly and reliably up until this event.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2001 ford E-350. the contact stated that while driving various speeds, the contact lost control of the steering wheel. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that there was excessive corrosion on the sub frame, under carriage and the tie…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 ford E-350. the contact stated that while driving various speeds, the contact lost control of the steering wheel. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that there was excessive corrosion on the sub frame, under carriage and the tie rods. The technician added that the vehicle was not able to be repair. the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. updated 10/31/14*lj updated 7/9/2015*js
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline
While driving vehicle started running rough/missing lost engine power. Had to have the vehicle towed home replaced the fuel filter and pump. Still had problems. Towed to the dealer who finally advised fuel tank laminate was flaking. Found 4 other complaints on this site for the same problem. Online found that this IS happening in multiple years/diesel types from ford. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Spark plug blow out of 5.4L engine causing gas fumes in passenger area. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Tires
I parked my f 350 diesel in front of my house for the night. Next morning ,before 6 a.m., I woke to the noises outside:cracking, popping, and explosions. The front of my truck was on fire. It was coming around all sides of the hood and around the front wheel area,also through the dash and…
I parked my f 350 diesel in front of my house for the night. Next morning ,before 6 a.m., I woke to the noises outside:cracking, popping, and explosions. The front of my truck was on fire. It was coming around all sides of the hood and around the front wheel area,also through the dash and steering area. I called the fire dept. And started putting the fire out using the garden hose. Four more explosions happened,and two front tires exploded as well. I fought the flames until fire trucks set up and took over. They put it out just in time to save $ 4,000 cash and ammo inside the cab. *Tr
- Fuel system, diesel · Fuel system, other › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
2001 ford E-250. Consumer states leak in fill hose *tgw the consumer stated the fill hose had to be replaced twice, because it leaked when re-fueling. *Jb
- Fuel system, diesel · Fuel system, diesel › Storage › Tank assembly
2001 ford F350. Consumer writes in regards to engine problems *tgw the consumer stated as he was driving, the engine began to lose power. he managed to get to the emergency lane and had the truck towed to the dealer. Upon inspection, the dealer found the fuel filter over the diesel tank was clogged due to rust from the bottom of the tank.
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford E-350. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, there was a loud popping noise from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over and noticed that a spark plug and coil pack had come out of place. The vehicle was repaired by the contact. The failure occurred…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford E-350. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, there was a loud popping noise from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over and noticed that a spark plug and coil pack had come out of place. The vehicle was repaired by the contact. The failure occurred again two weeks later. The vehicle was towed to his garage. The contact called the dealer who stated that they would file a report and repaired the vehicle with a temporary fix. The failure mileage was 167,350 and the current mileage was 167,422.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Spark plug blow out on ford engine for the third time different plug each time and also has happened over the interval of 80,000 miles. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owned a 2001 ford E350. the vehicle was parked outside of the contact's residence when he heard an loud explosion. The vehicle had caught fire. The fire department was called. Once the fire was extinguished, the contact discovered that a hole had been burned in the hood of the…
TL* the contact owned a 2001 ford E350. the vehicle was parked outside of the contact's residence when he heard an loud explosion. The vehicle had caught fire. The fire department was called. Once the fire was extinguished, the contact discovered that a hole had been burned in the hood of the vehicle, right above the master cylinder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle remained outside of the contact's home and was not drivable. the failure and current mileage was 150,411.
- Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
Ford E350 15 passenger van suffered passenger cabin fire...may be related to cruise control recall. The fire occurred in my 2001 van in my driveway with no key in the ignition. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
We have a 2001 ford E-350 van with less than 80,000 miles. A spark plug has ejected from the engine, stripping the block. of course, gasoline spews from the open cylinder, and the spark plug IS still sending out a spark. A very dangerous defect, one that I read IS commonplace, from the website : http://www.fordproblems.com/spark-plug-ejected-from-engine.shtml. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Spark plug blew out of triton V10 engine almost causing a fire. Truck only has 14,000 miles on it. Very costly repair and could have caused a fire or injuries. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Normal use .ford E-350 5.4 2001.sudden failure of right NO.2 cylinder .sparkplug ejected. Coil-over damaged.;repair by coil insert. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
ABS module shorting out because of brake fluid in the module. I heard a loud popping noise just outside my home where my van IS parked, less than 2 ft. From the house, and went out to investigate. smoke was billowing from the drivers side engine compartment, so I raised the hood and disconnected…
ABS module shorting out because of brake fluid in the module. I heard a loud popping noise just outside my home where my van IS parked, less than 2 ft. From the house, and went out to investigate. smoke was billowing from the drivers side engine compartment, so I raised the hood and disconnected the battery. the smoke was coming from the area of the ABS module, so I removed it and the cover had blown off, and the circuit board inside was fried. this IS a potential fire hazard, and yet I was unable to locate a recall about this issue. my van IS a 2001 ford E-350. the vehicle was idle, and had not been driven for almost 2 days (it was the weekend), the engine was not running, the keys were not in the ignition, and the van was locked at the time of this incident. *Tr
- Fuel system, diesel
I have a 2001 ford E-350 van with a 7.3 litre diesel engine. We have been experiencing engine problems and upon returning the vehicle to the dealership where we purchased it, we were informed that the fuel tank interior lining has degraded and IS clogging the fuel system. Estimates for the repair…
I have a 2001 ford E-350 van with a 7.3 litre diesel engine. We have been experiencing engine problems and upon returning the vehicle to the dealership where we purchased it, we were informed that the fuel tank interior lining has degraded and IS clogging the fuel system. Estimates for the repair are in the range of $1500-1600. Upon investigation on the internet and during a conversation with the service manager, we have learned that this IS an on-going problem with ford diesel equiped vehicles. We feel this IS a product defect and should be the responsibility of the manufacturer to correct it at their expense. *Tr
- Exterior lighting
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford E350. the contact stated that the brake lights illuminated intermittently. the brake lights in the rearview mirror illuminate; however, the rear brake lights do not work at all. the failure has been occurring for a week. the vehicle has not been repaired. the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford E350. the contact stated that the brake lights illuminated intermittently. the brake lights in the rearview mirror illuminate; however, the rear brake lights do not work at all. the failure has been occurring for a week. the vehicle has not been repaired. the contact stated that a crash could occur due to the lights not illuminating. the vin was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 80,000.
- Fuel system, diesel
Steel diesel fuel tank delamination on 3 E350 ford ambulances and 1 F350 ford firetruck.*tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford E-350. while driving approximately 30 mph, the contact heard loud sounds coming from the engine. he pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and discovered that the third spark plug blew out of the cylinder head. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic and they…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford E-350. while driving approximately 30 mph, the contact heard loud sounds coming from the engine. he pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and discovered that the third spark plug blew out of the cylinder head. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic and they re-threaded the cylinder head. the current mileage was 134,701 and failure mileage was 133,345. updated 09/25/08 *bf updated 09/25/08
- Electrical system
Plugs changed in vehicle at 137,000 for first time. Six months later plug #3 ejected. One month after that another plug ejected. Both times could smell gas in the passenger compartment and fumes. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Twice within the past two years I have been driving down the road, at reasonably low speeds, and a spark plug has blown completely out of my engine ,with no advance warning . Twice I have had to bring it back to the dealer . He now tells me ,and the extended warranty company confirmed it ,that the…
Twice within the past two years I have been driving down the road, at reasonably low speeds, and a spark plug has blown completely out of my engine ,with no advance warning . Twice I have had to bring it back to the dealer . He now tells me ,and the extended warranty company confirmed it ,that the heads for the 5.4 litre engine were not milled properly (only 4 threads for each spark plug, causing the plug to strip and come out of the engine) and that this IS an enormous problem with this engine . The last repair cost over $4,000 but since the problem has been occurring outside of the 36,000 mile warranty that ford provides, ford has done nothing about it and in fact, it has generated much business for the dealerships. Both the dealer and the warranty company confirmed this. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford E350. the contact stated that ford has not properly managed recall number 05s28. there had been no failure to date. the current mileage was 11,000.
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.
- Rapid tire deflation
This investigation was opened on certain ford pickup trucks and vans to evaluate the effects of a valve stem ejection (with rapid air loss) and a slow leaking valve stem on vehicle handing.during the investigation, odi evaluated over 1,100 complaints and warranty claims, conducted vehicle dynamic testing on a subject…
This investigation was opened on certain ford pickup trucks and vans to evaluate the effects of a valve stem ejection (with rapid air loss) and a slow leaking valve stem on vehicle handing.during the investigation, odi evaluated over 1,100 complaints and warranty claims, conducted vehicle dynamic testing on a subject vehicle with the failure mode replicated, interviewed owners, and examined complaint vehicles in the field.the results of the test program indicates the effect of a valve stem ejection on these vehicles IS easily controlled. Further, with a population of almost 900,000 vehicles, having two to four years of exposure, odi IS aware of only 3 minor crashes and IS unaware of any injuries.the small number of crashes relative to the large population of vehicles IS consistent with the testing which was performed. Therefore, this investigation IS closed.see the attached report for full technical details.
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.
- 10022232Headlight adjustment needed.
- 10018941Vibration/harshness above 45 mph (72 km/h) after tire balance.
- 10017865Headlight adjustment - chassis cab incomplete vehicles.
- 10013298Cracks in the left or right spring tower flange. Spring tower weld repair and replacement procedure.
- 10010743Intermittent clunk on 3-2 downshift during coastdown/tip-in. Oasis. To include 2005 F-150, e-series and expedition.
- 10007350Clunk from front suspension.
- 10004072A bump steer steering feeling, noted when the vehicle's front wheels/tires contact road surface irregularities.
- 10002783Rough idle and/or hesitation when acclerating on certain super duty vehicles equipped with a 5.4L or 6.8L engine.
- 637767Subject regarding early wear of the inner brake pad on the rear disc brakes.
- 637519Some vehicles equipped with 4r70w transmission (driveshaft >70 inch) may exhibit a vibration / roughness on acceleration or under load at about 50-55 mph.
- 636252Some vehicles equipped with a 5.4L engine / 4r100 transmission federal emissions powertrain may exhibit a rough idle and / or hesitation when accelerating.
- 630683Concerns with bump steer steering feeling noted when front wheels / tires contact road surface irregularities.
- 630674Concerns with intermittent rough idle on initial start up.
- 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.
- 624113Information regarding vehicles built at lorain assembly plant with 11500 gvwr, the door post certification labels. *Slc
- 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.
- 621054Vehicles equipped with a 5.4L engine may exhibit a rough idle or miss on initial startup that will last for a couple of minutes.
- 620986Subject regarding overview of bi-fuel CNG vehicle parameter identification data (pid), inputs and outputs as a diagnostic aid for bi-fuel vehicles.
- 620226Some vehicles built before feburary 15, 2001 may exhibit a constant squealing sound from the front wheels while driving. This may be caused by excessive side to side travel of the anti-rattle clip on the front brake caliper adaptor face.
- 620187Information regarding dana 60 full float axle change to dana 60 semi-float axle.
- 619476Some cutaways equipped with single rear wheels (only) may exhibit early rear brake wear when operated in muddy or slushy conditions even after following ssm 14576 (install rear brake dust shield assemblies).
- 619465Information on lube for life / greasable ball joints.
- 617963Some vehicles may exhibit early wear of the inner brake pad on the rear disc brakes, if used in mud, slush, dirt, or other severe conditions.
Every Ford E-350 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.