Most common 2005 Ford E-350 problems
Share of the 55 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford E-350 complaints by model year
Best E-350 years: 2018, 2016, 2015. Years to avoid: 1997, 1995, 1999. Compare all years →
2005 Ford E-350 recalls (12)
Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Braun is recalling certain model year 2005 through 2011 paratransit vans built on Ford e-350 chassis from April 27, 2005, through July 29, 2010, equipped with carrier genv em-1 evaporator units (em-1) manufactured from January 1, 2006 through December 2010, containing a delphi pack-con III fuse holder in an allied motion motor…
Remedy: Braun will notify owners and instruct them to contact either carrier or a braun dealer to obtain the free remedy. The safety recall began on March 17, 2011.
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Quality vans is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2006 vans equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: Quality vans is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners May contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or quality vans at 1-480-464-7007.
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Quality vans is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2008 vans manufactured between August 2005 and November 2007, equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: Quality vans is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners May contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or quality vans at 1-480-464-7007.
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Customizers is recalling 6 vans equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations on motor vehicles." the threshold warning system May not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in…
Remedy: Customizers is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lift free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners May contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000.
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Freewheel mobility is recalling 4 my 2005 Ford e-350 and my 2006 Ford e-250 passenger vans and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: Freewheel mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners May contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000.
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Freewheel mobility is recalling 4 my 2005 Ford e-350 and my 2006 Ford e-250 passenger vans equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: Freewheel mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners May contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000.
Show 6 more recalls
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Van conversions is recalling 52 my 2004-2007 Ford e-150, e-250 e-350 and my 2006 GM savanna 3500 vans built on Ford and GM chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: Van conversions is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners May contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or van conversions at 610-837-0707.
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Van conversions is recalling 74 my 2004-2007 Ford e-150, e-250 e-350 and my 2006 GM savanna 3500 vans built on Ford and GM chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: Van conversions is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners May contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or van conversions at 610-837-0707.
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Leader industries is recalling 14 my 2005-2006 vans built on Ford chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: Leader industries is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners May contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or leader industries leader industries at 626-575-0880.
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Leader industries is recalling 14 my 2005-2006 vans built on Ford chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: Leader industries is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners May contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or leader industries at 626-575-0880.
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Oneness mobility is recalling 19 my 1998, and 2005-2006 e-350 vans built on Ford chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: Oneness mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners May contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or oneness mobility at 1-818-267-3000.
Electrical system › Wiring
Certain pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles and vans equipped with 6.0l diesel engines May experience stalling without warning while driving and May or May not restart.
Remedy: Dealers will upgrade the fuel injection control module (ficm) wire harness or replaced, and/or have a new injection control pressure (icp)) sensor connector installed free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2005.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2005 Ford E-350:
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…
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…
What 2005 Ford E-350 owners say
Engine & cooling all 21 →
The agency for community transit provides services for madison county mass transit district who is responsible for public transportation services in the madison county, illinois and metropolitan st. Louis, mo. Area. We have approximately 48 Ford e450 van cutaway chassis equipped with turtle top bus bodies, all equipped with 6.0l diesel engines. Buses are 2004 & 2005 model years. Coking (un-combustion) deposits form on the EGR valve causing drivability issues such as lack of power, surges, and stalling. This condition is especially dangerous when the bus develops this condition when crossing intersections, railroad tracks etc and is transporting passengers both mobile and handicapped. Drivers have voiced their concern over this condition as they believe it is unsafe for them and their passengers. Ford motor company has replaced EGR valves (approx. …
This bus is owned by first baptist church of grant, al. About one year ago we started having times when the bus would crank but not start. Our mechanic has checked it four different tlimes, however, every time except this time (5th time) it started when he went to check it. This time we were taking our seniors on a trip, but when we went to crank it, it cranked but would not start. We had it towed to woody anderson Ford in huntsville, al. I spoke with the truck service manager today and he told me the engine wiring harness was bad. This bus only has 30,000 miles on it. It has been at woody anderson Ford 4 days. I know recalls are based on the VIN number primarily. This is a like new bus and already had to replace the fuel injectors, turbo charger, and a couple of different sensors. Anyone with any common sense knows that it is not normal for an engine wiring harness to go bad. …
Electrical system
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford e-350. While driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injection control module failed. The contact replaced the control module, but the failure continued. Upon inspection, the contact determined that the fuel injection control module wire harness failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05V270000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 90,000.
Ford 2005 e350 diesel both new still under warranty breakdown over a dozen times wouldn't start sometimes after 20 min. Trying it starts roadside assistance. Tow it 5 times to difference Ford certified technician they change parts but same problem it stall once my dad hit a parked truck damage hood and fender I can contacted Ford many times I got two letters from (we are not doing anything for you ) I paid $35 k w/extended warranty and still making payments I am vary upset.
Fuel & propulsion system
The contact owned a 2005 Ford E-350. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH he smelled a burning odor and saw that the vehicle was trailing a large white cloud. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and as soon as he exited the vehicle it had become engulfed in flames. The contact stated that the flames came from under the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle burned, the contact stated the fire department was not able to locate his vehicle and later the police had called him and left a voice message advising him that the vehicle had been towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11E047000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford e-350. While driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injection control module failed. The contact replaced the control module, but the failure continued. Upon inspection, the contact determined that the fuel injection control module wire harness failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05V270000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 90,000.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Ford E-350 a good car?
Based on 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 E-350 rates average: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the E-350 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Ford E-350?
The engine & cooling — 21 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › diesel. Next are the electrical system (17) and fuel & propulsion system (17).
How many recalls does the 2005 Ford E-350 have?
There are 12 recalls for the 2005 Ford E-350, the most recent from February 24, 2011 (air conditioner). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford E-350?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2016 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997, 1995 and 1999. See the full Ford E-350 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Ford E-350 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 67,000 miles; 47% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.