2005 Ford E-350: problems, recalls and reliability
14 recalls and 55 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (22% of complaints); the 2007 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2011
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Only 87000 miles and the fuel tank is shedding silver paint flakes, into the fuel system.. Have now replaced all the filters twice, pump once.. And the tank pre filter has to be clogged as no fuel will even come out.. Had been a very good truck, but this engineering causes the van to just die!! On the road. This is apparently a common problem and one that ford and their engineers are not being responsible for.. Really... Paint inside at fuel tank? Wtf are they thinking...”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford e-350. While driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injection control module failed. The contact replaced the control module, but the failure continued. Upon inspection, the contact determined that the fuel injection control module wire harness failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05v270000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 90,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford e-350. The contact stated that the heater box failed to change settings after the initial setting. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the heater box needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 42,900.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Jun 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford e-350. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 243,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford e-350. While driving 40 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after repeated attempts. The failure occurred multiple times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2013
“Driving uphill on I-70 eastbound by silverthorne, co the engine simply quit. Limped to side of highway and tried to restart - nothing. Batteries are new, etc just no turning over of the engine. Thoughts are a bad ficm, which there is supposedly a recall but ford denied that when I called this morning. Had the vehicle towed to a shop in arvada, co for diagnosis and repairs. Sounds like the egr system is about to go, the ficm is shot and wiring harness for computer is gone - all things ford is aware of but adamantly refuses to do anything about. This leaves the consumer in the position to have to spend thousands of $'s to repair their design flaws. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford e-350. The contact stated that he noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic stated the fuel tank would have to be replaced because it was corroding and leaking fuel. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford e-350. The contact was driving 40 mph when the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where it was inspected by an authorized mechanic. The mechanic advised the contact that the filter at the bottom of the engine had become clogged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 158,000.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford e-350 sd. While driving uphill approximately 25 mph, there was a significant reduction in engine power. The failure was constant. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who advised that the fuel tank liner had deteriorated. The technician also informed the contact that the fuel tank, fuel pump and injectors would need to be replaced. In addition, the fuel filters would require replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 82,867.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford e350 super duty. The contact stated that he would have to wait hours for the engine to cool down before the vehicle could be started. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the engine oil cooler, injectors and the egr cooler would all need to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was repaired. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The failure and current mileage was 79,000. Updated 1/7/13 *cn the consumer stated the dealer rebuilt the engine, possibly due to deterioration of the fuel tank liner. Updated 01/09/13”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Aug 2012
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 14 campaigns
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL TANKS THAT COULD BE INSTALLED INTO MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2008 E-150, E-250, AND E-350 VANS AND WAGONS. THE AFFECTED FUEL TANKS HAVE AN EXTRA OBDII SENSOR HOLE ON THE TOP OF THE TANK THAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED AND MAY LEAK FUEL.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANKS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-800-232-5952.
VAN CONVERSIONS IS RECALLING 52 MY 2004-2007 FORD E-150, E-250 E-350 AND MY 2006 GM SAVANNA 3500 VANS BUILT ON FORD AND GM 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 WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.
Remedy: VAN CONVERSIONS 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 VAN CONVERSIONS AT 610-837-0707.
VAN CONVERSIONS IS RECALLING 74 MY 2004-2007 FORD E-150, E-250 E-350 AND MY 2006 GM SAVANNA 3500 VANS BUILT ON FORD AND GM CHASSIS AND 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 WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.
Remedy: VAN CONVERSIONS 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 VAN CONVERSIONS AT 610-837-0707.
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 ATTACHED.
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.
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH 6.0L DIESEL ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE STALLING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AND MAY OR MAY NOT RESTART.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPGRADE THE FUEL INJECTION CONTROL MODULE (FICM) WIRE HARNESS OR REPLACED, AND/OR HAVE A NEW INJECTION CONTROL PRESSURE (ICP)) SENSOR CONNECTOR INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
FREEWHEEL MOBILITY IS RECALLING 4 MY 2005 FORD E-350 AND MY 2006 FORD E-250 PASSENGER 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 ON MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.
Remedy: FREEWHEEL MOBILITY IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000.
FREEWHEEL MOBILITY IS RECALLING 4 MY 2005 FORD E-350 AND MY 2006 FORD E-250 PASSENGER VANS 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 WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.
Remedy: FREEWHEEL 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.
CUSTOMIZERS IS RECALLING 6 VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS ON MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.
Remedy: CUSTOMIZERS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFT FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000.
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 WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.
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.
LEADER INDUSTRIES IS RECALLING 14 MY 2005-2006 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 WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.
Remedy: LEADER INDUSTRIES 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 LEADER INDUSTRIES LEADER INDUSTRIES AT 626-575-0880.
LEADER INDUSTRIES IS RECALLING 14 MY 2005-2006 VANS BUILT ON FORD CHASSIS AND 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 ON MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.
Remedy: LEADER INDUSTRIES 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 LEADER INDUSTRIES AT 626-575-0880.
BRAUN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2011 PARATRANSIT VANS BUILT ON FORD E-350 CHASSIS FROM APRIL 27, 2005, THROUGH JULY 29, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH CARRIER GENV EM-1 EVAPORATOR UNITS (EM-1) MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 1, 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2010, CONTAINING A DELPHI PACK-CON III FUSE HOLDER IN AN ALLIED MOTION MOTOR ASSEMBLY; EM-1 UNIT PART NUMBERS 77-62112-XX AND 77-62512-XX, STARTING WITH SERIAL NUMBER KNT90890232 TO SERIAL NUMBER NNE91230058. DUE TO TIME, TEMPERATURE, AND/OR VIBRATION, THE FUSE MAY LOOSEN IN THE FUSE HOLDER RESULTING IN HIGH RESISTANCE AND ARCING.
Remedy: BRAUN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO CONTACT EITHER CARRIER OR A BRAUN DEALER TO OBTAIN THE FREE REMEDY. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 17, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CARRIER AT 1-800-793-4741 OR BRAUN AT 1-800-THE-LIFT (1-800-843-5438).
QUALITY VANS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2008 VANS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 2005 AND NOVEMBER 2007, 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 WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.
Remedy: QUALITY VANS 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 QUALITY VANS AT 1-480-464-7007.
QUALITY VANS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2006 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 ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.
Remedy: QUALITY VANS 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 QUALITY VANS AT 1-480-464-7007.
How other years compare
Check your exact E-350 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Ford E-350 reliable?
NHTSA has 55 owner complaints and 14 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Ford E-350. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Ford E-350 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 67,294 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Ford E-350 have open recalls?
14 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.