81 of the
1,361 complaints filed about the Ford E-350
are about the suspension —
6% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2008.
This complaint is about a national company(Cruise America) that has a dismal maintenance program(if any) for their fleet of rental RV's. Me wife and I rented an RV to see this amazing country while traveling from [XXX] to my Navy reunion in [XXX]. We soon realized it wasn't going to be as fun as we imagined. The ride was the bumpiest we ever experienced and was to remain that way for 4445 miles. From day 1 I was calling the customer relations dept. to find out the protocol to get it fixed. I told them it must be the shock absorbers. The rep responded that he will find a mechanic in the next location we were passing. He didn't. He liked the idea I had since we would be in IL for 4 days, maybe he could get someone there. He agreed, but never found anyone. The RV was all over the road, especially in windy areas and when big rigs would pass. All we wanted was a safe trip, instead I was worried someone would get hurt. It was a draining experience both physically and mentally. I am concerned that if a renter is not a great driver the consequences could be dire. I have logged over 2.5 million miles during my career and consider myself an excellent driver with zero accidents. I have read many of Cruise America's 1,2 & 3 star reviews and have come to the conclusion that they don't maintain there RV's very well if at all. My reason for this complaint is in hope that this letter will land on the appropriate desk on someone who can investigate this company's maintenance program and have the ability to enforce customer safety laws where they find poor maintenance and keep the vehicles in need of repair off the nations highways until they pass safety laws. Thank you for reading this, I hope you can help. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11753145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
I purchased this lift kit based on multiple reviews including personal friends. After install, I have had to undergo four alignments with no resolution. Multiple mechanics have confirmed that the kit is defective. I have been in contact with the manufacturer but they have stopped responding to me. They freely admitted to my alignment shop and myself that they do not use any jigs or templates to build these kits. They are modifying stock I-beams which clearly and obviously dictate in forged letters to not modify. I have asked for a fix or resolution and WeldTech is no longer responding. I have initiated a chargeback on my card. This kit poses a significant safety risk in that it causes the vehicle to not track straight or true requiring constant correction. Even a momentary lapse in attention could result in crossing lanes or into shoulders or ditches putting the driver and occupants and other vehicles on the road at risk.
NHTSA complaint #11479610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEVERE OVERSTEER, SWAYING AND STABILITY AT 55MPH. THIS IS A CLASS C RV ON A FORD E350 CHASSIS. IN SHORT, THE RV IS ABSOLUTELY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE WITHOUT A SUSPENSION UPGRADE.
NHTSA complaint #11197160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXPERIENCED THE INFAMOUS FORD "DEATH WOBBLE" AFTER HITTING A ROAD DIP AT 65MPH WHILE TRAVELLING TO FL. I WAS PULLING OUR 5TH WHEEL CAMPER. I RE-EXPERIENCED IT AGAIN 15 TIMES DURING THE SAME TRIP!!! FRONT END SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY UNTIL YOU SLOW DOWN BELOW 40, WHICH IS A HAZARD ON A FREEWAY! OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES AROUND 45-50 MPH, TOO. PLEASE HAVE FORD ISSUE A RECALL!!! I AM NOT THE ONLY OWNER EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM AND IT IS A HAZARD TO DRIVE AND HAVE IT OCCUR.
NHTSA complaint #11191424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THIS VEHICLE HAS A 12,500 GVWR. WE RECENTLY HAD THIS AT A FORD DEALER FOR A BROKEN LEFT REAR SUSPENSION. THE DEALER WEIGHED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THE TARE WEIGHT TO BE 11,200 LBS. THIS IS A CLASS-C MOTORHOME AND IT WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY OF ANY AND ALL CARGO, NO LIQUIDS, WHICH IS CAPABLE OF CARRYING 40 GALLONS OF WATER AT 8.3 GALLONS PER POUND. THERE WAS LESS THAN 1/4 OF A TANK OF FUEL, OF A 55 GALLON TANK AND THE MANUFACTURER STATES THAT THIS IS A 4 PASSENGER VEHICLE. WITH THE MATH WE HAVE DONE, OF 40 GALLONS OF WATER AT 333.60 LBS AND 55 GALLONS OF GAS EQUATES TO 346.50 LBS. MY 4 MEMBERS OF MY FAMILY COMBINED WEIGH IN AT 800 LBS AND WITH ALL THE TOTALS ADDED TOGETHER I COME UP WITH 12, 680 GVWR. THIS VEHICLE HAS A RATED BY THE MANUFACTURER TOW CAPACITY OF 8,000 LBS. THE VEHICLE HAS MANY LARGE STORAGE BINS INCORPORATED INTO THE UNIT. BASED ON THE WEIGHTS DISPLAYED, I'VE ALREADY EXCEEDED THE GVWR. WITH THAT SAID, I CAN NOT LEGALLY DRIVE THIS VEHICLE WITH THE 4 MEMBERS OF MY FAMILY. MY STORAGE COMPARTMENTS ARE COMPLETELY EMPTY AND I HAVE NO CAMPING SUPPLIES ONBOARD, THAT INCLUDING POTS, PANS, CUPS, TOITLETRIES, CHAIRS, ETC.THE REASON FOR THIS NOTICE IS BECAUSE THE LEFT REAR SUSPENSION HAS FAILED IN ONLY 7,000 MILES TRAVELED. I'M FEARFUL THAT IF I DRIVE THIS AND HAVE ANY SITUATION ON THE ROAD, THAT MY INSURANCE COMPANY WILL INVALIDATE MY POLICY.
NHTSA complaint #11185577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AT HIWAY SPEED OF 60 MPH, I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE STARTED VIBERATING VIOLENTLY IN THE FRONT END. THE STEERING WAS NEARLY UN-CONTROLLABLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY DEALERSHIP WHERE THE ORDERED A PART THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THERE SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL OF VEHICLE SINCE OTHER TRUCK OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN, AND SHOULD BE PLACED ON A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11182619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THIS 350 ECONOLINE, 8CYL., EXTENDED BODY VAN WAS PURCHASED NEW, AND I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 120K MILES ON IT SINCE 2002. BEGINNING SEVERAL YEARS AGO, MY MECHANIC COMPLAINED OF SEVERE FRAME EROSION, HAVING HAD TO REINFORCE AND RE-WELD SEVERAL PARTS BACK ONTO THE FRAME, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE BRACKETS WHICH SUPPORT THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS. (TWO OCURRANCES-- LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES). LAST WEEK, MY EMPLOYEE COMPLAINED OF SOME REAR END SWAYING AT MODERATE SPEED CORNERING. WE DISCOVERED A CROSS-TIE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE SIDE RAILS AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE'S FRAME HAD ROTTED AWAY, THUS CAUSING SOME UNWANTED FRAME MOVEMENT. IF IT WEREN'T FOR A HEAVY-DUTY TOWING PACKAGE I HAD PURCHASED WITH THE VEHICLE IN 2002, I BELIEVE THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES OF THE VEHICLE'S UNDER-FRAMING WOULD HAVE TWISTED AND SEPARATED FROM THE BODY YEARS AGO ! ALSO BEGINNING A FEW YEARS AGO, WAS THE DECAY OF THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE BLOCK, AS THREE SEPARATELY TIMED SPARK PLUGS HAD LITERATELY 'BLOWN' OUT OF THE THREADED WELLS OF THE ENGINE BLOCK. MY MECHANIC HAD TO ADAPT HELI-COIL KITS INTO RE-BORED HOLES IN THE VEHICLE'S SPARK PLUG WELLS. IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THESE KITS COME LOOSE, AND BLOW -OUT AGAIN. I'M ALREADY EXPERIENCING A PAINFULLY OMINOUS COMPRESSION LOSS IN ONE (OR MORE) OF THE CYLINDERS. COULD FORD HAVE PURCHASED SOME INFERIOR METALS, THUS PRODUCING A LINE OF JUNK VEHICLES?
NHTSA complaint #11029878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WE ORDERED A 2017 WITH AN ADVERTISED GVW OF 14,500 AND GCVW OF 22,000 (E450) BUT THE MANUFACTURER SUBSTITUTED A 2018 PRODUCT WITH A GCVW OF 18,500 (E350) AND GVW OF ONLY 12,500 WHICH IN MY OPINION IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN CONSIDERING THAT MOST VEHICLES SOLD WILL LIKELY BE OVERWEIGHT WHEN IN USE AND IT CLEARLY WILL NOT MEET THE NEEDS OF WHAT WE EXPECTED TO RECEIVE. THOR IGNORES OUR CONCERNS AND HAS OFFERED NO SOLUTION AS TO HOW WE CAN SAFELY USE THIS MOTORHOME CONSIDERING IT IS BORDERLINE OVERWEIGHT WITH MINIMAL LOADING AND PASSENGERS.
NHTSA complaint #11021294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD E-350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND DID NOT RESTART. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FLY WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE MOTTO. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000.
NHTSA complaint #10947392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD E-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MODIFICATIONS DESIGN OF THE MOTOR HOME WAS OVERWEIGHT ON THE REAR AXLE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SWAYED SIDE TO SIDE INDEPENDENTLY AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS OVERWEIGHT AND NEEDED AIR SHOCKS AND THE WHEEL FLAPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE FUEL CAP AND CHECK ENGINE SOON WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL NOZZLE HOLDER WAS FRACTURED AND THE FUEL FILLER PIPE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57.
NHTSA complaint #10790650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I RECENTLY RENTED AN RV FROM CRUISE AMERICA. I DO NOT HAVE THE VIN BUT FOR ID IT WAS THEIR UNIT 254869. IT WAS BUILT FOR CRUISE AMERICA BY FOUR WINDS ON A FORD E350 CHASSIS. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY I FOUND I COULD NOT DRIVE IT AT POSTED SPEED LIMITS. I FELT UNSAFE AT ANY SPEED OVER 60 MPH AND LESS DEPENDING ON WEATHER AND PAVEMENT CONDITIONS. THE POSTED LIMITS WERE 65-80 IN CO, WY, MT, AND SD. THE VEHICLE WAS LIGHT IN THE FRONT END AND NOTHING WE LOADED CAUSED THAT. EVERY GUST OF WIND, EVERY BUMP IN THE PAVEMENT, AND EVERY TRUCK BLAST PUSHED IT OFF LINE. ON ONE OCCASION, A TRUCK BLAST PUSHED ME ONTO THE SHOULDER AND BEFORE I COULD CORRECT IT, A SNOW POLE BROKE THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR. I REPORTED THIS TO CRUISE AMERICA WHEN WE RETURNED THE VEHICLE, AND AGAIN BY EMAIL. THEY DON'T SEEM TO BE CONCERNED THAT THIS VEHICLE AND OTHERS IN THEIR FLEET LIKE IT MAY BE UNSAFE TO OPERATE AT POSTED SPEED LIMITS. I AM ATTACHING TWO .JPGS. ONE IS OF THAT SPECIFIC VEHICLE AND CLEARLY SHOWS THAT IT RIDES HIGHER ON THE FRONT WHEELS. THE OTHER IS OF THE APPROXIMATE LOCATION ON US-191 BETWEEN ROCK SPRINGS AND JACKSON WY WHERE THE TRUCK BLAST PUSHED ME ONTO THE NARROW SHOULDER. I CONSIDER THAT VEHICLE, AND POSSIBLY OTHERS BUILT TO THE SAME SPECIFICATIONS, TO BE UNSAFE TO OPERATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. CAN YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS? IF THIS IS NOT WITHIN YOUR JURISDICTION, WOULD YOU PLEASE ADVISE ME OF THE PROPER AGENCY TO SUBMIT THIS TO OR PASS IT ON? THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10780678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD E-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SEVERELY SHOOK AND VIBRATED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VIBRATION APPEARED TO COME FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 363.
NHTSA complaint #10714812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BOTH FRONT STEER TIRES SHOWING SEVERE POSITIVE CAMBER, CAUSING A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE TO STEER THE PASSENGER VEHICLE (SHUTTLE BUS) AND EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR FOR A LOW NUMBER OF MILES. FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED WITH SHIMS INSTALLED TO CORRECT THE SEVERE POSITIVE CAMBER CONDITION. FORD ABSOLVED ITSELF TO PAY FOR THE WORK UNDER THEIR WARRANTY PROGRAM, POINTING THE FINGER AT THEIR PARTNER/VENDOR STARCRAFT WHO INSTALLS THE SHUTTLE BUS CHASSIS IN TERMS OF THE ENGINEERING DESIGN OF THIS PROBLEM. COMPLAINED TO THE PRESIDENT'S EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF FORD FOR RESOLUTION AFTER A POOR SATISFACTORY RESPONSE TO THE ISSUE FROM THEIR COMMERCIAL VEHICLE CUSTOMER SERVICE UNIT. FROM THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF FORD, "WE STAND BEHIND THE DECISION OF OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE COMMERCIAL UNIT AND DEALER DIEHL FORD OF BELLINGHAM, WA." VERY UNSAFE SITUATION, AND VERY CLEARLY A FORD ENGINEERING ISSUE. FORD ENGINEERING PROVIDES THE SPECS FOR CHASSIS USAGE TO THEIR VENDOR STARCRAFT. FORD SELLS THE SHUTTLE BUS VEHICLES DIRECTLY TO THE CONSUMER, ASSUMING ALL LIABILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10640647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD E-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE TILTED SIDEWAYS AND SHOOK. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50.
NHTSA complaint #10618940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THERE IS A LOUD "POPPING" NOISE WHEN THE BRAKING OF THE VAN COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP. SOMETIMES I AM AFRAID THE VAN IS NOT GOING TO STOP ALL THE WAY. FROM WHAT I AM READING ONLINE, IT MAY BE UNDER PREVIOUS RECALL FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO GO ABOUT GETTING RECALL INFORMATION, ETC. TO HAVE A FORD DEALERSHIP FIX THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10609091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I AM OWNER OF JWD DELIVERY, A FEDEX HOME DELIVERY CONTRACTOR, I HAVE 4 OF THE SAME TRUCKS 2012/2013 AND THERE ARE MANY OTHERS IN OUR TERMINAL. THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE, EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR OF FRONT TIRES. THE TIRES FAIL INSPECTION AFTER 5-7K MILES. OVER $8K IN TIRES ON FOUR TRUCKS IN LESS THAN A YEAR AND A HALF. TRUCKS HAVE BETWEEN 25K AND 50K MILES ON THEM.HAD A FORD ENGINEER LOOK AT THEM AND THE BODY COMPANY DID NOT FACTOR IN THE WEIGHT AND DISTRIBUTION WHEN THEY BUT THIS BODY ON THIS CHASIS. THE ENGINEER STATED THESE TRUCKS ARE DANGEROUS AND CAN FLIP OVER OR FAIL TO STOP DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. THE BODY COMPANY WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM OR TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. THESE NEED TO BE FIXED, REPLACED, OR TAKEN OF THE ROAD AS DANGEROUS. I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THIS MYSELF FOR OVER A YEAR TO GET FIX AND FIND THE PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE DOES GET INJURED OR KILLED. I WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT GETTING THEM RECALLED, THAT IS THE ONLY WAY THE BODY COMPANY WILL TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM. UTILIMASTERS SOLUTION IS TO CONTINUE TO REPLACE THE TIRES AND DO FRONT END ALIGNMENTS EACH TIME WHICH I HAD INITIALLY TRIED AND THE TIRE WEAR IS NO BETTER. BASICALLY THE WEIGHT OF THE PACKAGES IS ON THE SHELVES ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE BODY AND THE TRUCKS ARE DRIVING ON THE TIRE EDGES NOT FLUSH TO THE ROAD. I CAN DOCUMENT EVERYTHING.
NHTSA complaint #10607105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I AM OWNER OF JWD DELIVERY, A FEDEX HOME DELIVERY CONTRACTOR, I HAVE 4 OF THE SAME TRUCKS 2012/2013 AND THERE ARE MANY OTHERS IN OUR TERMINAL. THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE, EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR OF FRONT TIRES. THE TIRES FAIL INSPECTION AFTER 5-7K MILES. OVER $8K IN TIRES ON FOUR TRUCKS IN LESS THAN A YEAR AND A HALF. TRUCKS HAVE BETWEEN 25K AND 50K MILES ON THEM.HAD A FORD ENGINEER LOOK AT THEM AND THE BODY COMPANY DID NOT FACTOR IN THE WEIGHT AND DISTRIBUTION WHEN THEY BUT THIS BODY ON THIS CHASIS. THE ENGINEER STATED THESE TRUCKS ARE DANGEROUS AND CAN FLIP OVER OR FAIL TO STOP DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. THE BODY COMPANY WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM OR TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. THESE NEED TO BE FIXED, REPLACED, OR TAKEN OF THE ROAD AS DANGEROUS. I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THIS MYSELF FOR OVER A YEAR TO GET FIX AND FIND THE PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE DOES GET INJURED OR KILLED. I WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT GETTING THEM RECALLED, THAT IS THE ONLY WAY THE BODY COMPANY WILL TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM. UTILIMASTERS SOLUTION IS TO CONTINUE TO REPLACE THE TIRES AND DO FRONT END ALIGNMENTS EACH TIME WHICH I HAD INITIALLY TRIED AND THE TIRE WEAR IS NO BETTER. BASICALLY THE WEIGHT OF THE PACKAGES IS ON THE SHELVES ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE BODY AND THE TRUCKS ARE DRIVING ON THE TIRE EDGES NOT FLUSH TO THE ROAD. I CAN DOCUMENT EVERYTHING.
NHTSA complaint #10607108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.