Owners have filed 32 complaints
about the 2021 Ford E-350 with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 20 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 — 33
Against the median year of the Ford E-350. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 16
3.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
79% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
321.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
857.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
321.4%
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 2021peak 3Sep 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2021 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.
RQ24003Opened 27 Feb 2024Closed 11 May 2026SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
Loss of Power Brake/Steering Assist Post Recall 22V089 Inspection.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query (RQ) 24003 on February 27, 2024, to evaluate the scope and remedy effectiveness of NHTSA recall 24V097. On February 16, 2022, Ford Motor Company (Ford) issued a safety recall, NHTSA recall 22V089, for certain 2021-2022 Ford E-350 and E-450 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels. According to the filing, specific hydraulic lines could leak resulting in a sudden loss of power steering and power brake assist, increasing the risk of a crash. The remedy involved a dealer inspection of the lines and their replacement as necessary. Only v...
Recalls on the 2021 Ford E-350
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
25V793000
ENGINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles that received an incomplete software update under recall 20V795. The engine cover may become excessively hot.
Risk: Direct contact with certain areas of engine cover surface in the passenger compartment may increase the risk of injury or burns to the skin of the driver or front seat passenger.
24V097000
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 E-350 and E-450 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels. An inadequate connection between the power steering pressure line and the brake hydroboost unit may result in a sudden loss of power steering fluid.
Risk: A sudden loss of power steering fluid can result in a loss of power steering and power brake assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
22V089000
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 E-350 and E-450 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels. An inadequate connection between the power steering pressure line and the brake Hydroboost unit may result in a sudden loss of power steering fluid.
Risk: A sudden loss of power steering fluid can result in a loss of power steering and power brake assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
20V795000
ENGINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. The underside of the engine cover may have mispositioned insulation, allowing the cover to get excessively hot.
Risk: Direct and continuous contact with certain areas of engine cover surface in the passenger compartment may increase the risk of injury or burns to the skin of the driver or front seat passenger.
20V175000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. A wire harness in the rear of the vehicle may contact the vehicle frame, resulting in damage to the circuits that support the fuel pump and the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Risk: Damage to the fuel pump circuit in the wiring harness could result in an unexpected engine stall. Damage to the ABS wiring can lead to reduction of ABS functionality and a loss of roll stability control (RSC) functionality. These scenarios increase the risk of a crash.
20V099000
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-550 and 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. The rear axle differential fluid may be below the minimum level, possibly resulting in a failure of the rear axle assembly and driveshaft separation.
Risk: If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of drive, increasing the risk of crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur and increase the risk of injury or crash.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Hillsboro, ORCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
On 6/2/23, brakes failed to work when applying heavy pressure, causing a rear end collision.
NHTSA complaint #11596399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Charlotte, NC
ENGINE
Engine failure on a 2021 Ford E-350 cutaway, 7.3L V8, used for parcel delivery. The vehicle was taken out of service and has not run since. Two diagnoses, both in writing. ACME Mobile Service, July 27, 2026, at 152,760 miles: "Found the #5 cylinder is completely disabled and dropped out. Truck will need a new motor." Ford of Spartanburg (Ford dealership), Repair Order 595835, August 25, 2026: "FOUND ENGINE IS KNOCKING, WILL NEED TO REPLACE MOTOR." Ford quoted $16,000.82 for a long-block replacement. The engine is available for inspection. This is the second engine failure on this VIN. In March 2023 at 83,575 miles the engine was rebuilt with new Ford parts (camshaft, sixteen lifters, rocker arms, cylinder heads) after a camshaft and lifter failure. On the day the rebuild was completed the shop recorded "03/31/2023- NEW ENGINE FAILED. ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING AND HAD NOISE COMING FROM TOP END." and Ford replaced the complete engine under warranty in April 2023 (Ford claim CAS-42271539-G0F3ZF). That Ford replacement engine is the one that has now failed, after 69,185 miles. Ford's own repair order of August 25, 2026 lists Safety Recalls 20S73 and 24S07 for this VIN at $0.00, i.e. not performed, while the vehicle sat at the Ford dealership. Ford Customer Experience declined assistance on August 25, August 28 and September 9, 2026 and closed the case. The same 7.3L engine has failed on nine vehicles in this fleet; NHTSA already holds VOQ 11582566, 11582592, 11582598, 11582601, 11582604 and ODI 11714692, 11714694 on those, and NHTSA ODI (Mr. J. Williams) has the complete vehicle-by-vehicle record as of September 6, 2026. North Carolina DOJ Consumer Protection File No. 2026-180591 is open on the same matter.
NHTSA complaint #11763932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
ENGINE
Engine misfire on a 2021 Ford E-350 cutaway, 7.3L V8, used for parcel delivery. The vehicle was delivered to Ford of Spartanburg (Ford dealership) for diagnosis. The vehicle is still out of service. Ford's diagnosis, Repair Order 593079, June 26, 2026: "WILL NEED TO REPLACE ALL SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES, WILL ALSO NEED TO REPLACED ALL COILS DUE TO MISFIRES ON ALMOST EVERY CYLINDER." The Ford service advisor wrote the same day: "The engine also has a misfire that is unrelated to the transmission concern." Ford quoted $4,376.35 for the ignition components and wrote: "AFTER REPAIRING TRANSMISSION WILL NEED TO DIAGNOSE ALL OTHER CONCERNS WITH VEHICLE, CANNOT DIAG ANYTHING AT MOMENT DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE." Ford has not completed the engine diagnosis; on July 27, 2026 it advised against a compression test and offered one at $920.00. This is the second engine failure on this VIN. In January 2024 at 103,177 miles, the same Ford dealership diagnosed "Found a misfire and low compression on cylinder 3, ordered engine and replaced the engine with new intake gaskets, exhaust manifold gaskets, torque converter nuts, found the reinforcement cracked and replaced it" and installed a Ford service engine, part LC3Z-6006-B (Invoice 551352C; I paid $10,000.00). That Ford replacement engine is the one now misfiring, after at least 63,580 miles. Note on mileage: Ford's RO 593079 records 103,778 miles; Ford's own January 2024 invoice recorded 103,177 and independent records show 166,757 on January 12, 2026 and 169,140 on February 4, 2026. The Ford RO figure is not an actual reading. The same 7.3L engine has failed on nine vehicles in this fleet; NHTSA holds VOQ 11582566, 11582592, 11582598, 11582601, 11582604 and ODI 11714692, 11714694, and NHTSA ODI (Mr. J. Williams) has the complete record as of September 6, 2026. North Carolina DOJ Consumer Protection File No. 2026-180591 is open on the same matter.
NHTSA complaint #11763935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
ENGINE
fatal Camshaft and lifter failure requiring an engine replacement
NHTSA complaint #11714692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fitchburg, MA
ENGINE
Engine failure at 78,172, excess wear to the camshaft lobes and valve tappet surface. We have had 22 failures. There was a recall -24B27 for 2021 and 2022 models year for idle oil pressure. Most vans had 70 to 80k on them by the time we received a letter. Some engine have been changed twice. Ford has a serious problem and is not acknowledging it. Please help! Montachusett Regional Transit Authority , Fitchburg MA 01420
NHTSA complaint #11701901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bluffton, IN
ENGINE
This is one of 4 of my 2021 ford econoline fleet vehicles purchased in 2021 that have had engine failure. I am one of many contractors in my area and others around the country who have had this issue with the same F59 engine. Ford has failed to issue a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11643142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bluffton, IN
ENGINE
This is one of 4 of my 2021 ford econoline fleet vehicles purchased in 2021 that have had engine failure. I am one of many contractors in my area and others around the country who have had this issue with the same F59 engine. Ford has failed to issue a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11643144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bluffton, IN
ENGINE
This is one of 4 of my 2021 ford econoline fleet vehicles purchased in 2021 that have had engine failure. I am one of many contractors in my area and others around the country who have had this issue with the same F59 engine. Ford has failed to issue a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11643148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allentown, PA
STEERING
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11623611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allentown, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11623611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tillamook, OR
STEERING
After hitting a very rough patch of interstate, our steering became very difficult. The driver thought that maybe we had a low tire, so looked for a place to pull over. We crested a hill, and there was an exit with a truck stop. As we attempted to slow for the exit, the driver discovered we had no brakes or power steering. Driver used the brakes on the trailer we were towing to slow us and bring us to a stop. Checked the brake fluid reservoir. It was empty. Bought more, but as soon as the pedal was pushed, it was gone. We were towed to a repair shop, and they discovered the high pressure line on the Hydroboost brake system had separated. The repair shop was able to find a replacement from Ford Motor Co., and repaired our motorhome. We had this exact component inspected 2 years ago when Ford issued an inspection report. We passed. This incident happened 2500 miles from home. When we arrived home, there was a letter from Ford (24N03) stating they were extending the "warranty" period on the high pressure line.
NHTSA complaint #11609275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tillamook, OR
SERVICE BRAKES
After hitting a very rough patch of interstate, our steering became very difficult. The driver thought that maybe we had a low tire, so looked for a place to pull over. We crested a hill, and there was an exit with a truck stop. As we attempted to slow for the exit, the driver discovered we had no brakes or power steering. Driver used the brakes on the trailer we were towing to slow us and bring us to a stop. Checked the brake fluid reservoir. It was empty. Bought more, but as soon as the pedal was pushed, it was gone. We were towed to a repair shop, and they discovered the high pressure line on the Hydroboost brake system had separated. The repair shop was able to find a replacement from Ford Motor Co., and repaired our motorhome. We had this exact component inspected 2 years ago when Ford issued an inspection report. We passed. This incident happened 2500 miles from home. When we arrived home, there was a letter from Ford (24N03) stating they were extending the "warranty" period on the high pressure line.
NHTSA complaint #11609275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monroe, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Safety recall
NHTSA complaint #11605939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hillsboro, ORCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
On 6/2/23, brakes failed to work when applying heavy pressure, causing a rear end collision.
NHTSA complaint #11596399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
ENGINE
See attached document for complaint,
NHTSA complaint #11582566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
ENGINE
See attached document for complaint,
NHTSA complaint #11582598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
ENGINE
See attached document for complaint,
NHTSA complaint #11582604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesDaytona Beach, FL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-350. The stated while driving into the driveway, the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound. The vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the brake pedal became spongy. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a trail of fluid in the driveway. The contact stated that upon opening the hood, he noticed that the brake line had fractured, and brake fluid was leaking inside the engine compartment. There was no further information provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to a dealer; however, the dealer could not accommodate the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle at the contact's residence. The dealer determined that unknown hoses needed to be replaced and the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V089000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer and the manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be covered under the recall as the recall was previously marked as complete. The contact stated that the dealer had not completed the recall repair on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11530672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesDaytona Beach, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-350. The stated while driving into the driveway, the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound. The vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the brake pedal became spongy. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a trail of fluid in the driveway. The contact stated that upon opening the hood, he noticed that the brake line had fractured, and brake fluid was leaking inside the engine compartment. There was no further information provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to a dealer; however, the dealer could not accommodate the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle at the contact's residence. The dealer determined that unknown hoses needed to be replaced and the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V089000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer and the manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be covered under the recall as the recall was previously marked as complete. The contact stated that the dealer had not completed the recall repair on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11530672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesDaytona Beach, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-350. The stated while driving into the driveway, the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound. The vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the brake pedal became spongy. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a trail of fluid in the driveway. The contact stated that upon opening the hood, he noticed that the brake line had fractured, and brake fluid was leaking inside the engine compartment. There was no further information provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to a dealer; however, the dealer could not accommodate the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle at the contact's residence. The dealer determined that unknown hoses needed to be replaced and the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V089000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer and the manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be covered under the recall as the recall was previously marked as complete. The contact stated that the dealer had not completed the recall repair on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11530672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,667 milesTampa, FL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-350. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the power steering and brakes became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with loosened brake line fittings and an unknown fluid leak. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V013000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 13,667.
NHTSA complaint #11472024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,667 milesTampa, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-350. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the power steering and brakes became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with loosened brake line fittings and an unknown fluid leak. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V013000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 13,667.
NHTSA complaint #11472024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,667 milesTampa, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-350. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the power steering and brakes became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with loosened brake line fittings and an unknown fluid leak. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V013000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 13,667.
NHTSA complaint #11472024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,800 milesMonroe, OH
STEERING
The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-350. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V089000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the vehicle was inspected. During the inspection, there were no leaks found. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH after the inspection, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact coasted the vehicle off the highway. The contact stated that while driving afterward and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as designed. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the dealer where the recall repair was completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,800.
NHTSA complaint #11471820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,800 milesMonroe, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-350. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V089000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the vehicle was inspected. During the inspection, there were no leaks found. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH after the inspection, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact coasted the vehicle off the highway. The contact stated that while driving afterward and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as designed. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the dealer where the recall repair was completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,800.
NHTSA complaint #11471820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,800 milesMonroe, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-350. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V089000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the vehicle was inspected. During the inspection, there were no leaks found. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH after the inspection, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact coasted the vehicle off the highway. The contact stated that while driving afterward and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as designed. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the dealer where the recall repair was completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,800.
NHTSA complaint #11471820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.