Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 7% | — |
| 2018 | 1 | 33% | — |
| 2017 | 1 | 8% | — |
| 2014 | 3 | 18% | 114,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 8% | 98,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 6% | 3,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 6% | 166,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 19% | 18,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 5% | 78,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2006 | 7 | 13% | 86,000 miles |
| 2005 | 17 | 31% | 23,000 miles |
| 2004 | 5 | 11% | 93,000 miles |
| 2003 | 9 | 20% | 102,000 miles |
| 2002 | 6 | 11% | 96,000 miles |
| 2001 | 3 | 6% | 105,000 miles |
| 2000 | 4 | 7% | 94,000 miles |
| 1999 | 5 | 7% | 72,000 miles |
| 1998 | 5 | 8% | 122,000 miles |
| 1997 | 4 | 5% | 90,000 miles |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 1995 | 2 | 3% | 224,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Ford E-350. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 92,801. The contact later discovered that upon contacting the local DMV that the mileage was 114,252.
Carvana is attempting to sell this vehicle in Lehi, Utah. After speaking with the Ford dealership that worked on it for an "internal transmission repair" they told me the the vehicle's engine is bad (full long block replacement is recommended and the dealership told me it's dangerous) and needs a new engine. The previous owner was told this and then turned around and sold it to Carvana. I told Carvana this and they did nothing about it and it is still for sale. Please protect anyone looking to purchase this vehicle as it is not safe.
On the 2003 and up Ford e-series vans used for ambulance conversions. The cable leading from the rear battery under the vehicle to the Ford factory jump stud. The cable is corroding and breaking off, causing arcing. Also the factory jump stud, is where qvm recommends that ambulance manufacturers attatch the cable feeding the ambulance conversion. When the Ford cable breaks, it causes the ambulance conversion to loose all electrical power typically including all warning devices ie sirens, lights, etc. Dome attendant lighting, inverters, two-way radios, suction, electrical oxygen solenoids, etc. This potentially negatively impact a patient being transported when this happens. Also the arcs from the corrosion directly prior to the cable separating, has caused the insulator around the Ford jump stud to melt, as seen by deformity, and also charring, this is a potential fire hazard. …
Vehicle has a misfire problem and stalling problem when driving and or at idle. This problem has been addressed by the manufacture on several occasions but has not been resolved. This defect occurs whenever it wants to and it has shut off on three occasions and almost caused an accident with one of the occurrences. The misfire was so abrupt that it almost caused an accident with my wife and I in the vehicle.
Started the van to pull ahead about 5ft forward in my driveway. As I dropped it into drive the van took off like a bat out of [redacted]. Smashing into my classic corvette pushing it threw the back wall of the garage and almost taking out two of my 2- year old grand children who where playing in the garage at the time. I pulled the van to the right of the garage crashing and burying the van about 8ft deep into the garage wall. Only by the grace of god did the corvette not hit the two grand kids as it sailed through the garage 26 ft and out the back wall. Thousands of dollars of damage to both vehicles and my garage, but thank god my grand kids were not hurt. Ford is putting profit before people by not fixing this problem immediately.
Apparently the advanced track system (stabilizes the van to prevent rollover) automatically performs tests. The problem is that it does it randomly and while I'm driving. When it is in test mode, I temporarily loose control of my brakes and steering!!!!! It seems more frequent in that it has done it twice in the past month, today being one of the times. I actually rear ended someone today because my brakes did not work!!!!!! I think the system is a good idea but the self testing causing loss of control is dangerous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I have a ticket, a record, 2 vehicles to repair and probably an increase in insurance! Great van but this part sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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.
Related recalls (4)
Electrical system › Integrated trailer brake control
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 E-350 and E-450 vehicles manufactured November 3, 2014, to December 10, 2015 and equipped with a 6.8L engine and an optional trailer brake controller. The trailer braking system may fail, increasing the distance needed to stop the vehicle.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Electrical system › Integrated trailer brake control
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 E-350 and E-450 vehicles manufactured November 3, 2014, to September 1, 2015, and equipped with a 6.8L engine and an optional trailer brake controller. In the affected vehicles, the trailer brake controller may not actuate the trailer brakes.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
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.
Electrical system › Wiring
On certain vans, a diode in the anti-lock braking system (ABS) module May experience an electrical short.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new fuse in the ABS circuit and install a heat shield over the ABS module. The recall began on October 15, 2004. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
NHTSA investigations
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…
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford E-350 years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (17), 2003 (9), 2006 (7), 2002 (6) and 1998 (5) model years. Electrical complaints make up 31% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Ford E-350 electrical problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 16V-046 (integrated trailer brake control, Jan 28, 2016); 15V-710 (integrated trailer brake control, Oct 27, 2015); 05V-270 (wiring, Jun 10, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford E-350 electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles; 36% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the wiring (9 mentions), followed by the ignition (5).
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.