Owners have filed 77 complaints
about the 1999 Ford E-350 with NHTSA between 1999 and 2022.
The largest single group is the tires.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 26 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 79
Against the median year of the Ford E-350. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
24.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 34
20% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
25.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
617.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
925.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
411.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1028.6%
150,000+ miles
411.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 1999peak 3Sep 2022
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 Ford E-350
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA10003Opened 13 Apr 2010Closed 5 Mar 2012ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
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 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...
PE09055Opened 7 Dec 2009Closed 21 Apr 2010ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
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 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 th...
DP05005Opened 22 Sep 2005Closed 4 Jan 2006ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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 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 A...
EA02018Opened 19 Aug 2002Closed 22 Aug 2003TIRES
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 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, H...
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09V399000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
08V051000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.
Risk: AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.
07V336000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
01V114000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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 FUEL TANK CRACKS, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
00V284000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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. HOWEVER, IT DOES NOT CONTAIN THE STATEMENT "SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE FUEL CONTAINER FOR INSPECTION AND SERVICE LIFE."
Risk: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS.
00V115000
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CUTAWAYS AND STRIPPED CHASSIS WITH SINGLE REAR WHEELS. THE LUG NUTS CAN POTENTIALLY BOTTOM OUT ON A SHOULDER ON THE STUDS.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THERE CAN BE AN INADEQUATE CLAMP LOAD TO ATTACH THE WHEEL TO THE AXLE, RESULTING IN NOISE, DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL AND HUB, OR IN EXTREME CASES, LOSS OF A REAR WHEEL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN.
99V046000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: UTILITY VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE "60/40" HINGED SIDE CARGO DOORS. THE STRIKERS FOR THE 60/40 DOOR SINGLE LATCH SYSTEM WERE FOUND TO CONTAIN STRESS CRACKS AT THE STRIKER WIRE LOWER STAKE JOINT. STRIKERS WITH STRESS CRACKS MAY NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS."
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DOOR STRIKERS MAY NOT HOLD THE DOOR, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
98V257000
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS BUILT WITH SINGLE REAR WHEELS AND EQUIPPED WITH 3.55:1 AND 3.73:1 AXLE RATIO. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH INCORRECT SPEEDOMETER DRIVEN GEARS, RESULTING IN A LOWER SPEEDOMETER READING THAN THE ACTUAL VEHICLE SPEED BEING DRIVEN.
Risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING DRIVEN AT AN UNSAFE OR ILLEGAL SPEED SHOULD THE DRIVER NOT REALIZE THAT HIS VEHICLE ROAD SPEED IS GREATER THAN THE SPEEDOMETER INDICATION.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 125,000 milesArgyle, NYCrash1 killed
AIR BAGS
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK I HAVE DAMAGE TO FRONT END AND REAR END
NHTSA complaint #10979428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,500 milesPort Richey, FLFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1999 FORD E350 CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED TO A TOTAL LOSS WHILE SITTING COLD IN MY DRIVEWAY. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED ON NOV 8, 2010. DEC 12, 2010 I DROVE ABOUT 3 MILES TO THE GROCERY AROUND 20:30; I RETURNED HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE IN MY DRIVEWAY ABOUT 20:45. ABOUT 22:15 A PASSING CAR OBSERVED FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND FLARING TO CONTACT MY HOUSE. THE WITNESS ALERTED ME AT MY DOOR. I IMMEDIATELY GRABBED THE GARDEN HOSE AND ATTEMPTED TO SPRAY WATER INTO THE FRONT GRILL, LEFT SIDE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. I COULD NOT SEE WHERE THE ACTUAL FIRE WAS AS THE HOOD WAS CLOSED, I SPRAYED WHERE THE FLAMES EXITED THE GRILL. THE WIND WAS BLOWING ABOUT 20 MPH AND I COULD NOT EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS FACING NORTH, THE WIND BLOWING FROM WEST TO EAST. THE FLAMES BEGAN TO SHOOT OUT FROM THE PASSENGER WHEEL WELL IN A HORIZONTAL STREAK AS THE WIND STOKED THE FIRE. NEIGHBORS CALLED 911 WHILE I DIVERTED THE WATER SPRAY FROM THE VEHICLE TO THE HOUSE AND GARAGE SINCE THE VAN WAS PARKED WITHIN 2 FEET OF THE GARAGE DOOR AND THE WIND NOW HAD FLAMES SHOOTING 8-12' HIGH AND BRUSHING THE WOOD GARAGE DOOR. THE FIREMEN ARRIVED, KNOCKED THE VEHICLE HOOD OFF WITH A TOOL AND SPRAYED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. DUE TO THE WIND, THE VAN WAS COMPLETELY FIRE GUTTED AND A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE INSPECTOR ADVISED ME OF THE FORD CRUISE CONTROL RECALL AND SAID HE COULD FIND NO OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSE FOR THE FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AS THERE WERE NO LEAKS OF ANY KIND AND NO RECENT REPAIRS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. LOCAL FORD DEALERS HAVE DECLINED TO TELL ME IF MY VIN HAD WARRANTY WORK TO REPAIR THE SWITCH.
NHTSA complaint #10371883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,500 milesPort Richey, FLFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
1999 FORD E350 CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED TO A TOTAL LOSS WHILE SITTING COLD IN MY DRIVEWAY. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED ON NOV 8, 2010. DEC 12, 2010 I DROVE ABOUT 3 MILES TO THE GROCERY AROUND 20:30; I RETURNED HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE IN MY DRIVEWAY ABOUT 20:45. ABOUT 22:15 A PASSING CAR OBSERVED FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND FLARING TO CONTACT MY HOUSE. THE WITNESS ALERTED ME AT MY DOOR. I IMMEDIATELY GRABBED THE GARDEN HOSE AND ATTEMPTED TO SPRAY WATER INTO THE FRONT GRILL, LEFT SIDE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. I COULD NOT SEE WHERE THE ACTUAL FIRE WAS AS THE HOOD WAS CLOSED, I SPRAYED WHERE THE FLAMES EXITED THE GRILL. THE WIND WAS BLOWING ABOUT 20 MPH AND I COULD NOT EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS FACING NORTH, THE WIND BLOWING FROM WEST TO EAST. THE FLAMES BEGAN TO SHOOT OUT FROM THE PASSENGER WHEEL WELL IN A HORIZONTAL STREAK AS THE WIND STOKED THE FIRE. NEIGHBORS CALLED 911 WHILE I DIVERTED THE WATER SPRAY FROM THE VEHICLE TO THE HOUSE AND GARAGE SINCE THE VAN WAS PARKED WITHIN 2 FEET OF THE GARAGE DOOR AND THE WIND NOW HAD FLAMES SHOOTING 8-12' HIGH AND BRUSHING THE WOOD GARAGE DOOR. THE FIREMEN ARRIVED, KNOCKED THE VEHICLE HOOD OFF WITH A TOOL AND SPRAYED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. DUE TO THE WIND, THE VAN WAS COMPLETELY FIRE GUTTED AND A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE INSPECTOR ADVISED ME OF THE FORD CRUISE CONTROL RECALL AND SAID HE COULD FIND NO OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSE FOR THE FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AS THERE WERE NO LEAKS OF ANY KIND AND NO RECENT REPAIRS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. LOCAL FORD DEALERS HAVE DECLINED TO TELL ME IF MY VIN HAD WARRANTY WORK TO REPAIR THE SWITCH.
NHTSA complaint #10371883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,500 milesPort Richey, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1999 FORD E350 CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED TO A TOTAL LOSS WHILE SITTING COLD IN MY DRIVEWAY. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED ON NOV 8, 2010. DEC 12, 2010 I DROVE ABOUT 3 MILES TO THE GROCERY AROUND 20:30; I RETURNED HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE IN MY DRIVEWAY ABOUT 20:45. ABOUT 22:15 A PASSING CAR OBSERVED FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND FLARING TO CONTACT MY HOUSE. THE WITNESS ALERTED ME AT MY DOOR. I IMMEDIATELY GRABBED THE GARDEN HOSE AND ATTEMPTED TO SPRAY WATER INTO THE FRONT GRILL, LEFT SIDE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. I COULD NOT SEE WHERE THE ACTUAL FIRE WAS AS THE HOOD WAS CLOSED, I SPRAYED WHERE THE FLAMES EXITED THE GRILL. THE WIND WAS BLOWING ABOUT 20 MPH AND I COULD NOT EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS FACING NORTH, THE WIND BLOWING FROM WEST TO EAST. THE FLAMES BEGAN TO SHOOT OUT FROM THE PASSENGER WHEEL WELL IN A HORIZONTAL STREAK AS THE WIND STOKED THE FIRE. NEIGHBORS CALLED 911 WHILE I DIVERTED THE WATER SPRAY FROM THE VEHICLE TO THE HOUSE AND GARAGE SINCE THE VAN WAS PARKED WITHIN 2 FEET OF THE GARAGE DOOR AND THE WIND NOW HAD FLAMES SHOOTING 8-12' HIGH AND BRUSHING THE WOOD GARAGE DOOR. THE FIREMEN ARRIVED, KNOCKED THE VEHICLE HOOD OFF WITH A TOOL AND SPRAYED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. DUE TO THE WIND, THE VAN WAS COMPLETELY FIRE GUTTED AND A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE INSPECTOR ADVISED ME OF THE FORD CRUISE CONTROL RECALL AND SAID HE COULD FIND NO OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSE FOR THE FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AS THERE WERE NO LEAKS OF ANY KIND AND NO RECENT REPAIRS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. LOCAL FORD DEALERS HAVE DECLINED TO TELL ME IF MY VIN HAD WARRANTY WORK TO REPAIR THE SWITCH.
NHTSA complaint #10371883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toledo, OHFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1999 FORD E350. CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING HE NOTICED SMOKE IN THE CAB AND THE ENGINE STARTED TO DIE. CONSUMER PULLED OVER THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED WITH FLAMES. *MC THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)
NHTSA complaint #10190061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wylie, TXCrash
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
CONSUMER TREAD ON LEFT REAR TIRE SEPARATED. *TS THE VEHICLE WAS TOWING A TRAVEL TRAILER AT THE TIME OF THE TREAD SEPARATION. THE TRAILER/VAN FISHTAILED VIOLENTLY AND WENT DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. THE TRAILER ENDED UP ROLLING OVER AND CAUSED THE VAN TO ALSO ROLL ONTO IT'S SIDE. THIS WAS THE SECOND GOODYEAR WRANGLER TIRE ON THE VEHICLE TO SEPARATE. THE FIRST TREAD SEPARATION OCCURRED SEPT 2004
NHTSA complaint #10146418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 80,000 milesEugene, OR
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
The contact owns a 1999 Ford E-350 Jamboree equipped with Sailun Tires, Tire Line: Terramax H/T, Tire Size: 225/75/R16, DOT Number: (535PLE50). The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, there were pieces of the driver's side inside dual tire striking the underside of the vehicle and hitting the highway. The contact managed to drive the vehicle back to his residence. The contact stated that the tread had separated leaving only the steel belt and the side wall. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 80,000 and the tire failure mileage was 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #11483072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,500 milesLake Forest, CA
WHEELS
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED 24' 1999 WINNEBAGO ITASCA SPIRIT WITH VERY LOW MILEAGE AND AT THAT TIME I NOTICED A SHAKING OR VIBRATION PROBLEM POSSIBLY COMING FROM THE TIRES. I OWNED A MOTOR HOME IN THE PAST AND HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE. THIS MOTOR HOME SAT FOR SEVERAL YEARS SO I ATTRIBUTED THE SHAKING TO THE MEMORY IN THE RUBBER OF FLAT SPOTS ON THE BOTTOM FROM SITTING FOR A LONG TIME THAT USUALLY SMOOTH OUT WHEN DRIVEN ESPECIALLY AFTER 30 OR 40 MILES ON A WARM DAY, BUT AFTER A 400 MILE TRIP IT DIDN'T SMOOTH OUT, IN FACT IT SEEMS TO HAVE WORSENED. BEFORE PURCHASING IT FROM A PRIVATE PARTY I RAN AN INSTAVIN AND CARFAX REPORT AND ONLY DISCOVERED AN UNCOMPLETED NHTSA RECALL #05S28 ON THE SPEED CONTROL ONLY. I THEN SEARCHED SEVERAL FORUMS AND DISCOVERED MANY, MANY REPORTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SHAKING AND LEARNED IT IS DUE TO FAULTY WHEELS AND FORD IS NOT MAKING GOOD THE PROBLEM BUT OFFERED AN EXPENSIVE FIX THAT I UNDERSTAND IS ALSO IFFY. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT MY FAMILY'S SAFETY DRIVING ON THESE DEFECTIVE WHEELS AND FIRST LOOKED INTO REPLACING THE TIRES WHICH I LEARNED ISN'T THE PROBLEM BUT THE FAULTY WHEELS THAT WERE AN OEM FORD PART, SO I WANT TO ADD MY COMPLAINT TO THE MANY YOU ALREADY HAVE AND MAYBE FORD WILL FIX THIS POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11280548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,500 milesLake Forest, CA
STEERING
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED 24' 1999 WINNEBAGO ITASCA SPIRIT WITH VERY LOW MILEAGE AND AT THAT TIME I NOTICED A SHAKING OR VIBRATION PROBLEM POSSIBLY COMING FROM THE TIRES. I OWNED A MOTOR HOME IN THE PAST AND HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE. THIS MOTOR HOME SAT FOR SEVERAL YEARS SO I ATTRIBUTED THE SHAKING TO THE MEMORY IN THE RUBBER OF FLAT SPOTS ON THE BOTTOM FROM SITTING FOR A LONG TIME THAT USUALLY SMOOTH OUT WHEN DRIVEN ESPECIALLY AFTER 30 OR 40 MILES ON A WARM DAY, BUT AFTER A 400 MILE TRIP IT DIDN'T SMOOTH OUT, IN FACT IT SEEMS TO HAVE WORSENED. BEFORE PURCHASING IT FROM A PRIVATE PARTY I RAN AN INSTAVIN AND CARFAX REPORT AND ONLY DISCOVERED AN UNCOMPLETED NHTSA RECALL #05S28 ON THE SPEED CONTROL ONLY. I THEN SEARCHED SEVERAL FORUMS AND DISCOVERED MANY, MANY REPORTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SHAKING AND LEARNED IT IS DUE TO FAULTY WHEELS AND FORD IS NOT MAKING GOOD THE PROBLEM BUT OFFERED AN EXPENSIVE FIX THAT I UNDERSTAND IS ALSO IFFY. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT MY FAMILY'S SAFETY DRIVING ON THESE DEFECTIVE WHEELS AND FIRST LOOKED INTO REPLACING THE TIRES WHICH I LEARNED ISN'T THE PROBLEM BUT THE FAULTY WHEELS THAT WERE AN OEM FORD PART, SO I WANT TO ADD MY COMPLAINT TO THE MANY YOU ALREADY HAVE AND MAYBE FORD WILL FIX THIS POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11280548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesArgyle, NYCrash1 killed
AIR BAGS
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK I HAVE DAMAGE TO FRONT END AND REAR END
NHTSA complaint #10979428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,012 milesBellmead, TX
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD E-350 EQUIPPED WITH NEXEN TIRES, TIRE LINE: ROADIAN HT, TIRE SIZE: LT225/ 75R16 (N/A), AND DOT NUMBER: BEAKBAMR3312. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED VIOLENTLY SHAKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE STEEL BELT WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,012 AND THE APPROXIMATE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,913.
NHTSA complaint #10807189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesMaplewood, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE VEHICLE STALLS ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS DUE TO LACK OF FUEL. INVESTIGATION PROVED THAT THE INTERIOR PAINT OF THE GAS TANK PEALS BLOCKING THE FUEL PUMP. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT DELAMINATION OF THE GAS TANK IS FREQUENT IN THIS MODEL CAUSING A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION AS THE VAN CAN STOP AT ANYTIME AS IT LOOSES POWER AND PROPULSION DUE TO THE PAINT FLAKES BLOCKING THE FUEL.
NHTSA complaint #10705496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesGirard, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD F350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS DANGLING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK SUPPORT STRAPS WERE RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10546674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesFranklin, WI
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1999 FORD E-350 EQUIPPED WITH RUNWAY ENDURO HT TIRES, LINE SIZES LT225/75/R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE DRIVER SIDE REAR OUTER TIRE SHE NOTICED THAT IT HAD BECOME DEFLATED. THE TIRE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE SHOP WHO STATED THAT CRACKS HAD DEVELOPED IN THE TIRE WALLS AND THE STEEL BELT SEPARATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
NHTSA complaint #10474110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,498 milesFranklin, WI
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD E-350 EQUIPPED WITH UNICORN CREATION LT TIRES, LINE SIZE 225/75/R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR OUTER TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TIRE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE SHOP AND THEY STATED THAT THE STEEL BELT SEPARATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,498.
NHTSA complaint #10474112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 285,000 milesWinston, OR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD E350 VAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DIESEL FUEL TANK DEVELOPED CORROSION. THE CORROSION HAD FILTERED INTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE CORROSION. THE CONTACT HAD THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL INJECTORS CLEANED PREVIOUSLY BUT THE CLEANING DID NOT REMEDY THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 285,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10462456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 372,000 milesEmeryville, CA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD E350. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL POP. IMMEDIATELY, FUEL FLOODED INTO THE VEHICLE CABIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE SPARK PLUG. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 372,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 372,500 UPDATED 07/06/12 *BF THE CYLINDER HEADS WERE REPLACED AS WELL. UPDATED 07/12/12
NHTSA complaint #10460555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesBensalem, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
FORD E-350 AND E-250 VANS, BOTH ARE YEAR,1999 THE ANTILOCK AND BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY AT A 105K MILES ON EACH. THERE SHOULD BE NO REASON FOR THIS AND I ALSO NOTICED MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUES. IT WILL IMPOSE A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I SEEN A WEB SITE MENTIONING HOW TO DISCONNECT DASH LIGHTS FOR BOTH. PLEASE TAKE THIS INTO CONSIDERATION BEFORE AUTO OWNERS START DISCONNECTING WIRE HARNESS. [XXX] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10384324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesRandolph Center, VT
WHEELS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD E-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOW. THE CONTACT STOPPED AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BUT COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. WHEN SHE REACHED HER RESIDENCE, SHE SAW THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE LUG NUTS HAD RIPPED OF THE WHEEL AND FRACTURED THE RIM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 141,000.
NHTSA complaint #10379984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,500 milesPort Richey, FLFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1999 FORD E350 CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED TO A TOTAL LOSS WHILE SITTING COLD IN MY DRIVEWAY. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED ON NOV 8, 2010. DEC 12, 2010 I DROVE ABOUT 3 MILES TO THE GROCERY AROUND 20:30; I RETURNED HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE IN MY DRIVEWAY ABOUT 20:45. ABOUT 22:15 A PASSING CAR OBSERVED FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND FLARING TO CONTACT MY HOUSE. THE WITNESS ALERTED ME AT MY DOOR. I IMMEDIATELY GRABBED THE GARDEN HOSE AND ATTEMPTED TO SPRAY WATER INTO THE FRONT GRILL, LEFT SIDE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. I COULD NOT SEE WHERE THE ACTUAL FIRE WAS AS THE HOOD WAS CLOSED, I SPRAYED WHERE THE FLAMES EXITED THE GRILL. THE WIND WAS BLOWING ABOUT 20 MPH AND I COULD NOT EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS FACING NORTH, THE WIND BLOWING FROM WEST TO EAST. THE FLAMES BEGAN TO SHOOT OUT FROM THE PASSENGER WHEEL WELL IN A HORIZONTAL STREAK AS THE WIND STOKED THE FIRE. NEIGHBORS CALLED 911 WHILE I DIVERTED THE WATER SPRAY FROM THE VEHICLE TO THE HOUSE AND GARAGE SINCE THE VAN WAS PARKED WITHIN 2 FEET OF THE GARAGE DOOR AND THE WIND NOW HAD FLAMES SHOOTING 8-12' HIGH AND BRUSHING THE WOOD GARAGE DOOR. THE FIREMEN ARRIVED, KNOCKED THE VEHICLE HOOD OFF WITH A TOOL AND SPRAYED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. DUE TO THE WIND, THE VAN WAS COMPLETELY FIRE GUTTED AND A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE INSPECTOR ADVISED ME OF THE FORD CRUISE CONTROL RECALL AND SAID HE COULD FIND NO OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSE FOR THE FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AS THERE WERE NO LEAKS OF ANY KIND AND NO RECENT REPAIRS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. LOCAL FORD DEALERS HAVE DECLINED TO TELL ME IF MY VIN HAD WARRANTY WORK TO REPAIR THE SWITCH.
NHTSA complaint #10371883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,500 milesPort Richey, FLFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
1999 FORD E350 CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED TO A TOTAL LOSS WHILE SITTING COLD IN MY DRIVEWAY. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED ON NOV 8, 2010. DEC 12, 2010 I DROVE ABOUT 3 MILES TO THE GROCERY AROUND 20:30; I RETURNED HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE IN MY DRIVEWAY ABOUT 20:45. ABOUT 22:15 A PASSING CAR OBSERVED FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND FLARING TO CONTACT MY HOUSE. THE WITNESS ALERTED ME AT MY DOOR. I IMMEDIATELY GRABBED THE GARDEN HOSE AND ATTEMPTED TO SPRAY WATER INTO THE FRONT GRILL, LEFT SIDE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. I COULD NOT SEE WHERE THE ACTUAL FIRE WAS AS THE HOOD WAS CLOSED, I SPRAYED WHERE THE FLAMES EXITED THE GRILL. THE WIND WAS BLOWING ABOUT 20 MPH AND I COULD NOT EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS FACING NORTH, THE WIND BLOWING FROM WEST TO EAST. THE FLAMES BEGAN TO SHOOT OUT FROM THE PASSENGER WHEEL WELL IN A HORIZONTAL STREAK AS THE WIND STOKED THE FIRE. NEIGHBORS CALLED 911 WHILE I DIVERTED THE WATER SPRAY FROM THE VEHICLE TO THE HOUSE AND GARAGE SINCE THE VAN WAS PARKED WITHIN 2 FEET OF THE GARAGE DOOR AND THE WIND NOW HAD FLAMES SHOOTING 8-12' HIGH AND BRUSHING THE WOOD GARAGE DOOR. THE FIREMEN ARRIVED, KNOCKED THE VEHICLE HOOD OFF WITH A TOOL AND SPRAYED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. DUE TO THE WIND, THE VAN WAS COMPLETELY FIRE GUTTED AND A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE INSPECTOR ADVISED ME OF THE FORD CRUISE CONTROL RECALL AND SAID HE COULD FIND NO OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSE FOR THE FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AS THERE WERE NO LEAKS OF ANY KIND AND NO RECENT REPAIRS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. LOCAL FORD DEALERS HAVE DECLINED TO TELL ME IF MY VIN HAD WARRANTY WORK TO REPAIR THE SWITCH.
NHTSA complaint #10371883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,500 milesPort Richey, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1999 FORD E350 CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED TO A TOTAL LOSS WHILE SITTING COLD IN MY DRIVEWAY. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED ON NOV 8, 2010. DEC 12, 2010 I DROVE ABOUT 3 MILES TO THE GROCERY AROUND 20:30; I RETURNED HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE IN MY DRIVEWAY ABOUT 20:45. ABOUT 22:15 A PASSING CAR OBSERVED FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND FLARING TO CONTACT MY HOUSE. THE WITNESS ALERTED ME AT MY DOOR. I IMMEDIATELY GRABBED THE GARDEN HOSE AND ATTEMPTED TO SPRAY WATER INTO THE FRONT GRILL, LEFT SIDE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. I COULD NOT SEE WHERE THE ACTUAL FIRE WAS AS THE HOOD WAS CLOSED, I SPRAYED WHERE THE FLAMES EXITED THE GRILL. THE WIND WAS BLOWING ABOUT 20 MPH AND I COULD NOT EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS FACING NORTH, THE WIND BLOWING FROM WEST TO EAST. THE FLAMES BEGAN TO SHOOT OUT FROM THE PASSENGER WHEEL WELL IN A HORIZONTAL STREAK AS THE WIND STOKED THE FIRE. NEIGHBORS CALLED 911 WHILE I DIVERTED THE WATER SPRAY FROM THE VEHICLE TO THE HOUSE AND GARAGE SINCE THE VAN WAS PARKED WITHIN 2 FEET OF THE GARAGE DOOR AND THE WIND NOW HAD FLAMES SHOOTING 8-12' HIGH AND BRUSHING THE WOOD GARAGE DOOR. THE FIREMEN ARRIVED, KNOCKED THE VEHICLE HOOD OFF WITH A TOOL AND SPRAYED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. DUE TO THE WIND, THE VAN WAS COMPLETELY FIRE GUTTED AND A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE INSPECTOR ADVISED ME OF THE FORD CRUISE CONTROL RECALL AND SAID HE COULD FIND NO OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSE FOR THE FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AS THERE WERE NO LEAKS OF ANY KIND AND NO RECENT REPAIRS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. LOCAL FORD DEALERS HAVE DECLINED TO TELL ME IF MY VIN HAD WARRANTY WORK TO REPAIR THE SWITCH.
NHTSA complaint #10371883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesScranton, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
I WAS DOING SOME CITY DRIVING IN MY FORD VAN AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT STARTED TO SOUND ROUGH AND LIKE MY MUFFLER FELL OFF. I STOPPED HAD IT TOWED AND THEY TOLD ME THE SPARK PLUG HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE ENGINE. WHEN LOOKING INTO IT SEEMS THAT IT IS A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT IF I HAD NOT TURNED THE ENGINE OFF QUICKLY I COULD HAVE HAD A FIRE IN THERE AS THERE STILL IS GAS AND COMBUSTION GOING ON(THE OTHER 9 PLUGS) NOW I DON'T KNOW IF OR WHEN THE OTHER PLUGS WILL GO ON ME ANDS AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR MORE THAN A TAXI CAB RIDE HOME.
NHTSA complaint #10335796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,178 milesParamus, NJ
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
RECALL 01V114000: POSSIBLE FUEL TANK CRACK. I TOOK MY VAN IN FOR BRAKE WORK. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THERE IS A FUEL TANK CRACK. I RECEIVED A RECALL REPORT FROM MY MECHANIC FROM ALLDATE ONLINE STATING THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT HAPPENS TO MY TYPE OF VEHICLE. IT IS A VAN THAT I USE FOR WORK.
NHTSA complaint #10302543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLaytonville, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
I HAVE A 1999 CHINOOK CLASS C WITH A FORD E-350 CHASSIS POWERED BY A TRITON V-10. SHORTLY AFTER BUYING IT USED WE HAD A SPARK PLUG POP OUT. IT WAS AN ORIGINAL PLUG. WE HAD THEM CHANGED AND TOOK A CROSS COUNTRY TRIP. AS WE WERE COMING UP ON MEMPHIS TN. ANOTHER PLUG BLEW OUT. WE WERE ON AN INTERCHANGE IN A VERY DANGEROUS PLACE. WE COULD NOT GET OUT AS THERE WAS A FREEWAY ON BOTH SIDES. IT TOOK 3 1/2 HOURS TO GET US OUT OF HARMS WAY. JUST LAST WEEKEND IT HAPPENED AGAIN THOUGH I DROVE OFF THE FREEWAY. I HAVE SINCE READ THAT THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE AS THE GAS IS GETTING PUSHED OUT THE PLUG HOLE AND THE PLUG IS OUT AND FIRING. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FORD SAYS THE PLUGS WERE NOT TORQUED TO SPEC WHICH CAUSED IT TO HAPPEN. WE HAD OUR ORIGINAL PLUGS WHEN IT 1ST HAPPENED. I ALSO READ ONLINE WHERE A DEALER HAD A VERY LOW MILEAGE V-10 WITH ORIGINAL PLUGS AND IT HAPPENED TO HIM. I THINK THESE HEADS ARE DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE REPLACED. I CANNOT FIND AFTERMARKET HEADS SO I WOULD FEEL SAFER. IT HAS ALWAYS HAPPENED GOING DOWN THE FREEWAY. THE MECHANIC AT THE SHOP WHERE IT IS SAYS HE HAS A FORD KIT TO REPAIR THE HEADS. HE SAYS IT IS THE ONLY KIT FOR THIS HE HAS EVER SEEN YET FORD DENIES THERE IS A REAL PROBLEM. I JUST FEEL LUCKY I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD EACH TIME. THESE ENGINES ARE IN MANY RV'S AND LARGER TRUCKS WHICH ARE HARDER TO MANEUVER I.E. MORE DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #10302185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLaytonville, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I HAVE A 1999 CHINOOK CLASS C WITH A FORD E-350 CHASSIS POWERED BY A TRITON V-10. SHORTLY AFTER BUYING IT USED WE HAD A SPARK PLUG POP OUT. IT WAS AN ORIGINAL PLUG. WE HAD THEM CHANGED AND TOOK A CROSS COUNTRY TRIP. AS WE WERE COMING UP ON MEMPHIS TN. ANOTHER PLUG BLEW OUT. WE WERE ON AN INTERCHANGE IN A VERY DANGEROUS PLACE. WE COULD NOT GET OUT AS THERE WAS A FREEWAY ON BOTH SIDES. IT TOOK 3 1/2 HOURS TO GET US OUT OF HARMS WAY. JUST LAST WEEKEND IT HAPPENED AGAIN THOUGH I DROVE OFF THE FREEWAY. I HAVE SINCE READ THAT THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE AS THE GAS IS GETTING PUSHED OUT THE PLUG HOLE AND THE PLUG IS OUT AND FIRING. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FORD SAYS THE PLUGS WERE NOT TORQUED TO SPEC WHICH CAUSED IT TO HAPPEN. WE HAD OUR ORIGINAL PLUGS WHEN IT 1ST HAPPENED. I ALSO READ ONLINE WHERE A DEALER HAD A VERY LOW MILEAGE V-10 WITH ORIGINAL PLUGS AND IT HAPPENED TO HIM. I THINK THESE HEADS ARE DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE REPLACED. I CANNOT FIND AFTERMARKET HEADS SO I WOULD FEEL SAFER. IT HAS ALWAYS HAPPENED GOING DOWN THE FREEWAY. THE MECHANIC AT THE SHOP WHERE IT IS SAYS HE HAS A FORD KIT TO REPAIR THE HEADS. HE SAYS IT IS THE ONLY KIT FOR THIS HE HAS EVER SEEN YET FORD DENIES THERE IS A REAL PROBLEM. I JUST FEEL LUCKY I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD EACH TIME. THESE ENGINES ARE IN MANY RV'S AND LARGER TRUCKS WHICH ARE HARDER TO MANEUVER I.E. MORE DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #10302185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesCharleston, SC
TIRES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD E350. THE VEHICLE HAS KUMHO ROAD VENTURE TIRES, SIZE LT/225/75/R16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT AND THE TREAD SEPARATED. THE DOOR OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL TIRE REPAIR SHOP AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TIRE WAS DRY ROTTED. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
NHTSA complaint #10276246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manchester, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD E-350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN AUGUST OF 2007 FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL. SHE CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY EXPLAINED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER, BUT THEY WOULD DISCONNECT THE CRUISE CONTROL UNTIL THE PARTS ARRIVED. AS OF MAY 16, 2008, THE PARTS ARE STILL UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT NEARLY A YEAR IS COMPLETELY UNREASONABLE TO NOT HAVE RECEIVED THE PARTS BY NOW. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE; HOWEVER, SHE WANTS HER CRUISE CONTROL RECONNECTED. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10227987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesFranklin, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
1999 FORD E350 WITH ONLY 48,000 MILES HAS THE BRAKE LINES SO BADLY RUSTED THAT THEY ARE LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE VEHICLE CAN'T BE DRIVEN UNTIL ALL THE BRAKE LINES ARE REPLACED. REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FROM FORD. I MUST FABRICATE REPLACEMENTS FROM GENERIC PARTS. IT SHOULD BE A REQUIREMENT THAT BRAKE LINES BE MADE FROM STAINLESS STEEL SO THEY CAN'T RUST OUT. THIS IS A CLEAR DANGEROUS CONDITION THAT COULD BE ELIMINATED IF MANUFACTURER WERE REQUIRED TO USE STAINLESS STEEL WHICH WILL NOT RUST. I ALMOST DROVE THROUGH MY GARAGE DOOR WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WHEN THE RUSTED BRAKE LINE BURST. I HAD TO JAM ON THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING ONE DAY THE BRAKES WORK THE NEXT DAY THEY DON'T. MAKE BRAKE LINES FROM STAINLESS STEEL SO THEY WON'T RUST!!
NHTSA complaint #10213306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesAuburn, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD E-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARK PLUG HAS BLOWN OUT OF THE HEAD DUE TO THE LACK OF THREADING NEEDING TO KEEP IT IN PLACE. THE MECHANIC INFORMED HIM THAT THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED THREE TIMES WITHIN THE LAST FIVE WEEKS. THERE ARE NO RECALLS AVAILABLE FOR THIS FAILURE. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THIS COULD BE DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10198629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toledo, OHFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1999 FORD E350. CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING HE NOTICED SMOKE IN THE CAB AND THE ENGINE STARTED TO DIE. CONSUMER PULLED OVER THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED WITH FLAMES. *MC THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)
NHTSA complaint #10190061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.