FaultScore

Ford E-350 steering problems

89 of the 1,361 complaints filed about the Ford E-350 are about the steering — 7% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2008.

89

Complaints

7%

Share of all complaints

7

Crashes

0

Fires

Steering complaints by model year

1991 E-350 1 1.1%
1993 E-350 2 2.2%

Median failure at 85,000 miles

1994 E-350 1 1.1%
1995 E-350 2 2.2%
1997 E-350 1 1.1%

Median failure at 47,333 miles

1998 E-350 3 3.4%
1999 E-350 6 6.7%

Median failure at 27,500 miles

2000 E-350 2 2.2%

Median failure at 70,000 miles

2001 E-350 2 2.2%
2002 E-350 2 2.2%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

2003 E-350 5 5.6%

Median failure at 34,947 miles

2004 E-350 2 2.2%

Median failure at 350 miles

2006 E-350 10 11.2%

Median failure at 17,000 miles

2007 E-350 3 3.4%

Median failure at 75,000 miles

2008 E-350 12 13.5%

Median failure at 20,500 miles

2009 E-350 1 1.1%

Median failure at 1,700 miles

2010 E-350 3 3.4%
2011 E-350 2 2.2%

Median failure at 54,000 miles

2012 E-350 2 2.2%

Median failure at 50,250 miles

2013 E-350 2 2.2%

Median failure at 4,540 miles

2014 E-350 4 4.5%

Median failure at 34,237 miles

2015 E-350 1 1.1%

Median failure at 99,000 miles

2017 E-350 4 4.5%

Median failure at 32,000 miles

2019 E-350 1 1.1%

Median failure at 1,300 miles

2021 E-350 7 7.9%

Median failure at 13,667 miles

2022 E-350 8 9.0%

Median failure at 11,000 miles

What owners said

2017 Ford E-350 Little Rock, AR

STEERING

Driving during heavy rain in Texas, vehicle lost power intermittently, causing engine failure, loss of steering, loss of braking, loss of control. This event was apparently due to BCM failure due to moisture getting to the BCM. Upon inspection by a certified Mechanic , BCM and wiring was wet. BCM also had apparent corrosion.11

NHTSA complaint #11624618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford E-350 Allentown, PA

STEERING

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11623611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford E-350 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.

2015 Ford E-350 at 99,000 miles Maysville, KY

STEERING

The contact owns a 2015 Ford E-350. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the front end of the vehicle started to wobble and sway erratically, after which the steering wheel began to vibrate, making it difficult for the contact to maintain control of the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 99,000.

NHTSA complaint #11605464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford E-350 Sterling Heights, MI, MI

STEERING

Received a notice on a "Customer Satisfaction Program 24N03" Instead of issuing a recall for the Hydroboost power steering pressure and jumper lines they instead extended the warranty. People have had their braking and power steering go out while driving and this is simply unsafe and unacceptable. They need to replace their faulty "quick connector" to a hard connector before people are injured. My dealership refuses to do this as it is not a recall. Thank you for your consideration

NHTSA complaint #11604757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford E-350 at 40,000 miles Daytona 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.

2022 Ford E-350 at 12,361 miles Saint George, UT

STEERING

The contact owns a 2022 Ford E-350. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact desperately depressed on the brake pedal and the vehicle eventually came to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the power steering pump needed to be replaced, and that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V089000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 12,361.

NHTSA complaint #11521237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford E-350 Edgewater, MD

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID

2022 FORD E-350. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO POWER STEERING SAFETY RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #11493799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford E-350 Visalia, CA

STEERING

During early morning hours (approx. 2 am) of 10/09/22, while traveling westbound on I-70 through Utah at posted speed (80 mph) I hit a series of road repairs (patches) while in the right-hand lane, with the driver-side (left) front wheel. The front end of the vehicle shook violently, leaving limited control of steering which resulted in the vehicle drifting quickly into the passing (left hand) lane. Fortunately, no one was in the passing lane and control was regained, but only after rapid deceleration through hard braking. The incident was freighting to say the very least, and has resulted in driver distress when traveling over bridges with expansion joints, experiencing changes to road surfaces, and/or anticipating poor road surfaces. Driver anxiety is a direct result of this incident. The vehicle is a new Ford F-350 diesel 4WD with fewer than 2000 total miles at the time the incident took place. An internet search suggests a probable cause associated with a “death wobble”? But on a brand new vehicle? Makes no sense and is very concerning as apparently Ford has been aware of this problem for years? Ford customer service department was contacted (10/10/22) via phone, and a case number [XXX] provided. The Ford dealership through which the vehicle was purchased (Keller Ford in Hanford, CA) was contacted per the recommendation of the Ford customer service representative and the vehicle is scheduled to be left with the Keller Ford service department on 10/12/22. Why isn’t Ford required to notify owners of this phenomenon so that at a minimum operators are aware of the potential problem and are at least prepared for its occurrence? I have owned many Ford vehicles in the 45+ years I have driven, starting with a 1956 Ford F-100 I purchased in 1978. I general, I am happy with Ford products. But in this instance (my first purchase of a new vehicle) I am not. This problem needs to be fixed immediately! INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11488723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford E-350 at 6,300 miles Max Meadows, VA

STEERING

The contact owns a 2022 Ford E-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff and the vehicle would pull in either direction. Additionally, there was an abnormal odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact then noticed that the brake pedal had to be pressed very hard in order to stop the vehicle. After stopping to inspect under the hood, the contact discovered a power steering fluid leak in the engine compartment. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the power steering pressure line had detached. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V089000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was 6,300.

NHTSA complaint #11483429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford E-350 at 13,667 miles Tampa, 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.

2021 Ford E-350 at 10,800 miles Monroe, 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.

2022 Ford E-350 at 11,000 miles Blanchard, ID

STEERING

The contact owns a 2022 Ford E-350. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH uphill, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact downshifted manually to slow the vehicle however while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop in a reasonable time. The contact stopped the vehicle while using the parking brake. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power steering unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 11,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA complaint #11469453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Ford E-350 Knoxville, MD

STEERING

Death wobble on highway.

NHTSA complaint #11468864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford E-350 at 22,000 miles Las Vegas, NV

STEERING

The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-350. The contact's wife was driving into a parking lot at approximately 5 MPH when the power steering and the brakes failed. The contact's wife was able to safely stop the vehicle. The contact stated that his wife had not observed any warning lights being illuminated. The contact's wife examined the vehicle and noticed that there was red fluid puddling on the ground and a hissing sound coming from the driver’s side under the engine. The vehicle had not been towed to a dealer and had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V089000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000. Consumer purchased the unit in Las Vegas on March 13th with 21,477 miles on the odometer and it failed on April 1st, with 22,018 miles on the odometer.

NHTSA complaint #11459276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford E-350 Buffalo, NY

STEERING

Without warning my brakes and steering failed on a Freedom Elite RV on a Ford Motor chassis. The vehicle only had 2396 miles on it at the time of occurrence. It turned out to be a pressure hose that broke. Luckily I was in a residential neighborhood with no traffic and driving very slowly when it happened. I shudder to think what would have happened on a hill or in traffic.

NHTSA complaint #11445045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford E-350 Buffalo, NY

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

Without warning my brakes and steering failed on a Freedom Elite RV on a Ford Motor chassis. The vehicle only had 2396 miles on it at the time of occurrence. It turned out to be a pressure hose that broke. Luckily I was in a residential neighborhood with no traffic and driving very slowly when it happened. I shudder to think what would have happened on a hill or in traffic.

NHTSA complaint #11445045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Ford E-350 Kinsman, OH

STEERING

Truck starts violently shaking and hard to control after hitting bumps and have to come to almost a complete stop to make it stop

NHTSA complaint #11439352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Ford E-350 Kansas City, MO

STEERING

“Death wobble” with the steering after hitting bumps

NHTSA complaint #11427496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford E-350 at 5,000 miles Wasilla, AK

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID

The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-350. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the contact started to smell a burning odor coming from the RV. The contact attempted to pull over the RV to the side of the roadway however, the RV became difficult to steer. The contact pulled over the RV and checked underneath the RV and the front hood and noticed that power steering fluid had leaked all over the engine. The contact continued driving to his destination and then had the RV towed to an RV lot. The RV was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximate 5,000.

NHTSA complaint #11424629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Ford E-350 problems