2003 Ford E-350
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › E-350 › 2003
These records cover every 2003 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 2003 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.
Around town IS recalling 6 my 2003 ford E-350 and my 2006 E-250 wheelchair conversion vans equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
Remedy
Around town IS working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or around town at 1-678-364-8594.
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.
Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from january 16 through june 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. due to incorrect design, the quick connectors may not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection may believe that the quick connector IS fully…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Remedy
Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. the recall began on august 4, 2006. owners may contact ufi filters USA at 800-230-5876.
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 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 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.
On certain vans, a diode in the anti-lock braking system (ABS) module may experience an electrical short.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The electrical short may cause an ABS malfunction that would illuminate the ABS warning light, or the module may overheat resulting in a burning odor, smoke, and/or fire. this condition may occur while the vehicle IS being driven or unattended.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new fuse in the ABS circuit and install a heat shield over the ABS module. the recall began on october 15, 2004. owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. also ford IS extending the limited warranty (for a one time replacement) of the ABS module for a total of 10 years or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date, whichever occurs first. if your vehicle has already accumulated more than 150,000 miles, this coverage will last until september 30, 2005.
On certain vans, the air filter element material process resulted in an air filter paper element that can smolder or burn. this change in filter paper composition combined with the configuration of the air induction system, may allow hot carbon particles to contact the air filter element during certain driving conditions that create hot particles.
Risk and remedy
Risk
These hot particles may ignite the air filter element with the potential for air induction system damage or underhood fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the air filter element. the recall began september 27, 2004. owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. also ford IS extending the limited warranty (for a one time replacement) of the ABS module for a total of 10 years or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date, whichever occurs first. if your vehicle has already accumulated more than 150,000 miles, this coverage will last until september 30, 2005.
Owner complaints
46 complaints4 involved a crash4 involved a fire4 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
To whom it may concern, i recently purchased a 2003 ford econoline e150 vin# [XXX] . from a private party in the state of michigan, im am being refused insurance because the van is coming up as incomplete , the van was sent and finished by Elk automotive Inc , on [XXX] MPV [XXX] they company…
To whom it may concern, i recently purchased a 2003 ford econoline e150 vin# [XXX] . from a private party in the state of michigan, im am being refused insurance because the van is coming up as incomplete , the van was sent and finished by Elk automotive Inc , on [XXX] MPV [XXX] they company that manufactured it ,gave it the same vin # [XXX] with completion date as [XXX] the identification sticker from Elk automotive is on the door jam and has been dot approved, i have the michigan title in my name , it says nothing about incomplete on title, but NHTSA website keeps popping up incomplete and my insurance provider wont insure it please contact me or help please. my name is [XXX] , [XXX] or by phone is [XXX] or, my email is : [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford E-350 pulling a 24-footer auto trailer. While driving 30 mph and attempting to reduce speed, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard. The contact used the trailer brakes to stop the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford E-350 pulling a 24-footer auto trailer. While driving 30 mph and attempting to reduce speed, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard. The contact used the trailer brakes to stop the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was repaired per an unknown recall for the brakes in 2004. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the air booster, master cylinder, and pressure pump needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired, but the contact stated that the brake pedal was still soft and still almost traveled to the floorboard. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 173,000.
- Vehicle speed control
I was stopped at a stoplight on a highway ramp in town behind another vehicle waiting for the light to turn green. As I sat waiting, the van suddenly accelerated into the vehicle ahead of me while the brakes were still fully applied! I did not have my foot on the gas pedal, just on the brake. The…
I was stopped at a stoplight on a highway ramp in town behind another vehicle waiting for the light to turn green. As I sat waiting, the van suddenly accelerated into the vehicle ahead of me while the brakes were still fully applied! I did not have my foot on the gas pedal, just on the brake. The acceleration was so sudden and fast that my front tires left skid marks because the brakes were fully applied. I had been using the cruise control earlier on the highway, but had disengaged it before getting into town, well before the ramp to the stoplight. This IS the first time this has happend with this van; however, I also own a 2001 ford E350 van, and before I stopped using it, I had problems with the cruise control engaging while I was driving, and refusing to disengage. I have reported these incidents with both of my vans to the local ford dealership, but they said nothing was wrong with the vehicle.
- Electrical system · Engine
Spark plug blown out of head. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine
Spark plug blown out of head. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine
Spark plugblownout of head. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine
Spark plug blown out of head. *tr
- Air bags
A patient, 21 year old ambulance driver, has been treated here at the university of missouri from 10/27/14 for injuries from an auto accident, sustained when a vehicle pulled out in front of the ambulance she was driving. her air bag deployed, protecting her appropriately. however, there IS a…
A patient, 21 year old ambulance driver, has been treated here at the university of missouri from 10/27/14 for injuries from an auto accident, sustained when a vehicle pulled out in front of the ambulance she was driving. her air bag deployed, protecting her appropriately. however, there IS a metal disc beneath the airbag on the steering column, which was quite hot, and as she was trapped in the vehicle, she sustained burns to her chest and to her clothing. the burns were third degree burns requiring surgery, small area, but were significant burns. I am uncertain whether the hot disc at the base of the airbag IS the result of a defect, or if it IS part of the design. I am notifying you so you will be aware of this potential hazard, and to track the frequency of this type of injury. although there was a death and another injury in this accident, they were not related in any way to the hot disc on the airbag mechanism. the ambulance IS a 2003 ford E-350. this was the driver's side airbag. *tr
- Fuel system, diesel
The ford E-350 van began to loose power then stalled on md route 43. there was no possibility to pull of the road way. the vehicle started after waiting 15 minutes then drove another 2 miles until it stalled again. aaa towed the vehicle and the fuel tank was removed. the fuel tank was found to…
The ford E-350 van began to loose power then stalled on md route 43. there was no possibility to pull of the road way. the vehicle started after waiting 15 minutes then drove another 2 miles until it stalled again. aaa towed the vehicle and the fuel tank was removed. the fuel tank was found to be delaminating and clogging the fuel lines with silver strands of coating from inside the tank. a new tank IS being ordered and installed along with cleaning the fuel system. very dangerous as there IS no warning. this 15 passenger vehicle IS used to transport children. ford should be required to recall this problem to prevent a disaster. Many of these vehicles are used as school transportation which would multiply the tragedy in the event of an accident. *tr
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford E-350 equipped with bf goodrich all terrain ko tires, size lt285-75r16, dot pfyuuj11. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph, the driver rear tire blew out. The vehicle was repaired. The tire failure mileage was 23,000 and the vehicle failure mileage was 53, 8000.
- Fuel system, diesel
Lost power. Filter heavily plugged particulate. Dropped tank. Bottom of tank has 1/2" silvery flakes. Fuel pick-up screen plugged. Boiled and reinstalled tank. Fuel pump failure about 2 months later. New pump. At 149000 mile, new tank and may need new pump. Tank was delaminating. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford e 350. The contact stated that the vehicle would lose power and prevent him from accelerating. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who informed the contact that the fuel tank was delaminating and causing the fuel pump to fail. As a result, the fuel tank and…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford e 350. The contact stated that the vehicle would lose power and prevent him from accelerating. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who informed the contact that the fuel tank was delaminating and causing the fuel pump to fail. As a result, the fuel tank and transfer pump would need to be replaced. No repairs were performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The current mileage was 190,000 and the failure mileage was 189,500. The vin was unavailable.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
2003 ford cutaway van while driving vehicle driver noticed smelled a burning smell and saw smoke coming from under the center of dash. Pulled vehicle over and got out of vehicle. Smoke continued and flames began to consume vehicle until entire vehicle was on fire. We have experienced many hvac…
2003 ford cutaway van while driving vehicle driver noticed smelled a burning smell and saw smoke coming from under the center of dash. Pulled vehicle over and got out of vehicle. Smoke continued and flames began to consume vehicle until entire vehicle was on fire. We have experienced many hvac switch failures(melting of switch and or harness connector) and notice very hot wires to the switch at times. Fleet contains 85 ford E350 vehicles and this switch has been a common failure. *tt
- Engine and engine cooling · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford E-350. while driving highway speeds, the contact stated a bolt separated from the engine block. this defect also caused the serpentine belt to fail, which caused the steering wheel and power steering to fail. The dealer and manufacturer denied any assistance with repair to the failure. The vehicle was repaired. the failure mileage was 39,895 and the current mileage was 40,395.
- Fuel system, diesel
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford E-350. The contact stated the fuel tank was deteriorating which clogged up the fuel pump and fuel filter. The failure caused the vehicle to malfunction while driving up hill. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who inspected the vehicle and observed that the fuel…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford E-350. The contact stated the fuel tank was deteriorating which clogged up the fuel pump and fuel filter. The failure caused the vehicle to malfunction while driving up hill. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who inspected the vehicle and observed that the fuel pump and filter were clogged up. the mechanic will replace the fuel tank for over $1000 at the contacts expense. The dealer was notified and informed him to contact nhtsa since there were no recalls or warranty. The manufacturer was contacted and also informed him there were no recalls or warranty. The failure mileage was 100,000. Low sulfur diesel causes fuel tank lining to break down. Particles from this lining clogs up everything down stream. Fuel pump filter causing engine failure and a threat on road ways. Updated 11/01/2011 *ln *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Failure of fuel vapor valve assembly part #f65z*9b593*da. Gas vapors build up in tank and are released under pressure when gas cap removed for refueling. Vehicle operates normally with no warning light for at least 30 days or more before check engine light comes on. I think it IS fair to say under…
Failure of fuel vapor valve assembly part #f65z*9b593*da. Gas vapors build up in tank and are released under pressure when gas cap removed for refueling. Vehicle operates normally with no warning light for at least 30 days or more before check engine light comes on. I think it IS fair to say under the correct conditions these vapors could ignite at gas pump when refueling. I have complete records of letters, phone calls and visits to ford dealership, also defective valve was sent to ford motor company and returned to me with a letter saying in part "returning part as we do not have facilities for inspecting or evaluation" I was also informed my request with service manager at gator ford to meet with myself and rep. From ford IS not possible. I am original owner and vehicle has low mileage and well maintained. Parts letters and any other information you may need to investigate this matter will be provided from me at your request. Cordially yours, daniel trzaska
- Engine and engine cooling
Have a 2003 ford E-350 van CNG gas conversion. at 97,000 miles a spark plug blew completely out of the cylinder head and broke off the ignition coil that was bolted to the head. the CNG gas could have possibly ignited and caused a fire since the fuel was still being sent to that particular…
Have a 2003 ford E-350 van CNG gas conversion. at 97,000 miles a spark plug blew completely out of the cylinder head and broke off the ignition coil that was bolted to the head. the CNG gas could have possibly ignited and caused a fire since the fuel was still being sent to that particular cylinder and the spark was still sparking eventhough it was blown out of the hole. I have never heard of this happening before until I researched it after it occurred. this seems to be very common in ford engines that are 5.4 liter. the repair IS around $2500. To pull the engine and repair the head. This could have been very dangerous if we had continue driving the van. This occurred 9/27/2010. *Tr
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford E-350. the vehicle was included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number 07v069000, seat belts:front:anchorage. the manufacturer was notified and he was informed the parts needed were on back order. This process has been ongoing for approximately 9…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford E-350. the vehicle was included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number 07v069000, seat belts:front:anchorage. the manufacturer was notified and he was informed the parts needed were on back order. This process has been ongoing for approximately 9 months with no resolution. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 78,000 and the current mileage was 80,079.
- Fuel system, diesel › Storage › Tank assembly
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford E350. The contact stated that the fuel tank lining came off causing the fuel tank to rust, clogging the fuel filter and fuel injectors. The fuel entering the injectors was minimal which made the truck very hard to accelerate while driving. The vehicle was taken to…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford E350. The contact stated that the fuel tank lining came off causing the fuel tank to rust, clogging the fuel filter and fuel injectors. The fuel entering the injectors was minimal which made the truck very hard to accelerate while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that it was a clogged injector that needed to be replaced. One fuel injector was replaced for $970 which cause the identical failure to recur. the ford manufacturer was contacted and stated that they could not help him since there were no recalls. The failure mileage was 98,000 and the current mileage was 105,000.
- Fuel system, diesel
Sudden fuel leak from the fuel filter mounting housing on the engine. resulting in significant down time and expense. *Tr
- Fuel system, diesel
Fuel leaks in 7.3L and 6.0L diesel engines in ford E-350 ambulances. we have had 4 failures of the fuel filter mounting which have cracked and resulted in fuel leaks. repairs have been made at our expense with significant down time. repairs have been averaging about $900.00 for each ambulance. there are no tsb or recalls according to our local ford dealer. but parts are on a national back order. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
I have a vehicle that I feel should have been included in ford's recall 03s06 and was not. I have inspected my vehicle for the equipment and found it IS not there. without it, there IS a danger of fuel tank rupture in the event of a collision. I've spoken with ford and their position IS the…
I have a vehicle that I feel should have been included in ford's recall 03s06 and was not. I have inspected my vehicle for the equipment and found it IS not there. without it, there IS a danger of fuel tank rupture in the event of a collision. I've spoken with ford and their position IS the equipment IS not required unless the vehicle has the "school bus option". ford wouldn't have been allowed to only retrofit police department crown victorias. they had to recall all affected crown victorias (just as an example). why isn't my safety important, as well? I don't have the "school bus option", but my vehicle IS prone to the same danger. thank you for your time. *Tr
- Electrical system
F-350 diesel running erratically. than will not shift radio stopped working no power all electronics stopped working. smelt insulation burning on wires. vehicle was totally disabled. Towed to dealer. dealer found fuse box melted. asked dealer to also check out alternator, [maybe putting out to…
F-350 diesel running erratically. than will not shift radio stopped working no power all electronics stopped working. smelt insulation burning on wires. vehicle was totally disabled. Towed to dealer. dealer found fuse box melted. asked dealer to also check out alternator, [maybe putting out to much voltage] got the vehicle back the same thing happened. it was the alternator. IS can cause vehicle fires. dealer claims he gets a few a month, different models. *Tr
- Fuel system, diesel
When driving my truck last week it started slowing down and violently shaking. It would not drive faster than 30mph on 95. We found that the fuel system was clogged. We then removed the fuel tank and found what looked to be silver paint chips in the bottom of the tank. It appears as though the…
When driving my truck last week it started slowing down and violently shaking. It would not drive faster than 30mph on 95. We found that the fuel system was clogged. We then removed the fuel tank and found what looked to be silver paint chips in the bottom of the tank. It appears as though the lining of the tank IS delaminating. This has clogged the entire fuel system. I am in the process of replacing the tank but I don't know if the new tank will have the same problem. I have read many other accounts of this problem online and the repairs to this point will cost me about 1000 dollars. *Tr
- Fuel system, diesel
I was in traffic and crossing an intersection when my vehicle lost all power and stalled. After a few minutes of sitting the vehicle ran fine. Later in traffic it did it again and an accident almost occurred. I had the vehicle checked by pro automotive services and found the inside of the fuel tank…
I was in traffic and crossing an intersection when my vehicle lost all power and stalled. After a few minutes of sitting the vehicle ran fine. Later in traffic it did it again and an accident almost occurred. I had the vehicle checked by pro automotive services and found the inside of the fuel tank lining IS flaking off blocking the fuel lines and stalling the vehicle out. This IS a very dangerous and unheard of problem. The vehicle IS 5 years old and the fuel tank inside IS flaking badly. You never know when the vehicle IS going to stall or fail in traffic. There where no failure codes displayed or check engine light coming on. *Tr
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.
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.
- 10056196Ford: when shifting between park, reverse and/or during 2-3 shift, an intermittent clunk occurs with a torqshift transmission. Model 2003-2014 f-super duty, e series, excursion, F-53 motorhome chassis, low cab forward.
- 10034571Ford: runs rough, lacks power, hard start, no start. Some vehicles and trucks equipped with 6.0L engine may exhibit a runs rough, lacks power, hard to start, no start concern with or without diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0611 code or various injector circuit codes.
- 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.
- 10012941Diagnostic trouble code b1876, b1880, b1915 and/or b1920 in the ecs module - vehicles equipped with aftermarket high current devices.
- 10011181Low power and/or diagnostic trouble code p0299 or p2263 - turbocharger diagnostic service tip.
- 10010743Intermittent clunk on 3-2 downshift during coastdown/tip-in. Oasis. To include 2005 F-150, e-series and expedition.
- 10010545Customer satisfaction program 04n03. Additional warranty coverage for anti-lock brake system module.
- 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.
- 10002673Brake drag or failure to fully release.
- 10002645Vehicles with vacuum boost brakes may exhibit a condition of brake drag, however due to equal brake drag there IS no brake pull condition.
- 637767Subject regarding early wear of the inner brake pad on the rear disc brakes.
Every Ford E-350 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.