Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 7 | 50% | 11,000 miles |
| 2021 | 7 | 32% | 14,000 miles |
| 2017 | 4 | 31% | 32,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 14% | 99,000 miles |
| 2014 | 4 | 24% | 38,000 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 15% | 8,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 13% | 98,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 11% | 85,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 19% | — |
| 2009 | 1 | 11% | 2,000 miles |
| 2008 | 12 | 31% | 24,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 17% | 75,000 miles |
| 2006 | 9 | 17% | 17,000 miles |
| 2004 | 2 | 4% | 1,000 miles |
| 2003 | 5 | 11% | 40,000 miles |
| 2002 | 2 | 4% | 80,000 miles |
| 2001 | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2000 | 2 | 3% | 70,000 miles |
| 1999 | 6 | 8% | 28,000 miles |
| 1998 | 3 | 5% | — |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% | 47,000 miles |
| 1995 | 2 | 3% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
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.
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 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. …
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
While driving on interstate at the speed of 75 MPH went over a small bump on road that had been repaired and my truck went into a severe front end shake and wobble that I just about went into the ditch. (scared to death) slowed down to 10 MPH and it stopped so I slowly regained speed only to find that the next little bump I went over it done it again. I am hear to say that if I had been pulling my living quarters horse trailer I am sure the outcome would have been different. So I see others have had this same issue so what is taking the Ford motor company so long in doing a recall to fix this death trap that we are driving on public highways? I am hear to say that if something would of happened to me or my husband you would be hearing from my lawyer. Lets get the problem fixed before someone is killed if they haven't been already. …
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. …
I am a representative from an auto repair facility in charge of the repairs and maintenance of a fleet of emergency vehicles. This is an ambulance conversion and at 38,323 miles, it was found to have excessive vertical play in all four tie rod ends up to 1/4" and in the steering gear output shaft. There is no lateral play as in normal wear over a longer period of time. It is believed this is a defect in manufacturing and is a safety hazard.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford E-350 years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (12), 2006 (9), 2021 (7), 2022 (7) and 1999 (6) model years. Steering complaints make up 31% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Ford E-350 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any Ford E-350 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford E-350 steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 34,000 miles; 76% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the gear box (other than rack and pinion) (5 mentions), followed by the hydraulic power assist system (4).
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.