The 2021 Ford E-350 exhibits notable reliability concerns highlighted by multiple recalls, particularly affecting the engine and braking systems. Given the significant involvement of crucial components, prospective buyers should be vigilant about these issues.
Key Factor:Multiple safety-related recalls
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (6) than the average FORD vehicle (2.6). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
6 recalls for this vehicle2.6 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
πWhy This Matters
The presence of six recalls for the 2021 Ford E-350 indicates critical issues with significant components such as the engine and braking system. Defects in these areas can lead to severe operational failures, posing risks not only to vehicle performance but also to driver and passenger safety. The mispositioned insulation under the engine cover could lead to overheating, while potential electrical failures within the braking system could compromise stopping powerβan essential factor for any commercial vehicle tasked with transporting goods or passengers.
A clean reputation for engineering is paramount in the commercial van segment, traditionally characterized by a focus on durability and reliability. In a market where competitors like GM and Mercedes-Benz also pivot towards robust offerings, vulnerabilities in core systems undermining Ford's reputation can have lasting implications for their brand legacy, particularly among fleet operators who rely heavily on dependability.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Leak
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (2.6)
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Summary: Historically, Ford's offerings have faced scrutiny during specific production years due to quality control lapses; nonetheless, trends indicate variability based on model lines. The number of safety-related recalls observed for the E-350 is alarming when juxtaposed against competitors who wield lighter recall burdens during similar periods, suggesting that Ford may need to recalibrate its quality assurance protocols.
Safety & Reliability Score
41/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-48
Complaint Impact-0.95
Investigation Impact-10
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 FORD E-350
Model Year2021
MakeFORD
ModelE-350
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more β
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jun21
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Sep24
RECALLRecall Issued
Consumer Complaint Analysis
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Most Reported Issue
4 complaints (21% of total)
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Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 19 consumer complaints by severity level.
π High
2(11%)
π‘Medium
3(16%)
π’Low
14(74%)
Mileage Failure Analysis
βοΈEngineering Insight
The peak failure range of 0-20k miles highlights a pressing concern for early-stage E-350 owners. This suggests that many issues may surface shortly after purchase or during initial usageβperiods typically expected to be devoid of serious mechanical problems. Such revelations should alert current owners to maintain vigilance regarding reported symptoms as they approach this mileage threshold.
π Mileage data extracted from 6 of 19 complaints (32% coverage)
0-20k
4 reports (67%)
20k-40k
1 reports (17%)
40k-60k
1 reports (17%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
π οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Have wiring harness inspected immediately to ensure no contact with vehicle frame.
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Verify service history specifically addressing brake system recalls before buying.
Campaign:21V596
π‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your FORD dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (6)
Campaign: 20V795000
ENGINE
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Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. The underside of the engine cover may have mispositioned insulation, allowing the cover to get excessively hot.
Consequence
Direct and continuous contact with certain areas of engine cover surface in the passenger compartment may increase the risk of injury or burns to the skin of the driver or front seat passenger.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine cover for gaps between the rubber seal and the insulation. If gaps are present, the dealer will install engine cover insulation patches in the right hand and left hand inner lower corners of the engine cover. The dealer will also update the powertrain calibration for heat management under elevated idle conditions should a vehicle be equipped with SEIC or BCP, free of charge. The recall began February 15, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S73.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 20V175000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. A wire harness in the rear of the vehicle may contact the vehicle frame, resulting in damage to the circuits that support the fuel pump and the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Consequence
Damage to the fuel pump circuit in the wiring harness could result in an unexpected engine stall. Damage to the ABS wiring can lead to reduction of ABS functionality and a loss of roll stability control (RSC) functionality. These scenarios increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wire harness for damage. If no damage is found, dealers will apply anti-abrasion tape over the area and ensure clearance to surrounding components. If damage is found, dealers will splice in new wire and apply anti-abrasion tape over the area and ensure clearance to surrounding components. All services will be performed free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S13.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 20V099000
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
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Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-550 and 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. The rear axle differential fluid may be below the minimum level, possibly resulting in a failure of the rear axle assembly and driveshaft separation.
Consequence
If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of drive, increasing the risk of crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur and increase the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle differential fluid level and adjust it, or replace the rear axle as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S09.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 22V089000
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
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Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 E-350 and E-450 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels. An inadequate connection between the power steering pressure line and the brake Hydroboost unit may result in a sudden loss of power steering fluid.
Consequence
A sudden loss of power steering fluid can result in a loss of power steering and power brake assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the connection between the power steering lines and the Hydroboost unit, and replace the power steering lines, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S08.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 24V097000
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
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Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 E-350 and E-450 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels. An inadequate connection between the power steering pressure line and the brake hydroboost unit may result in a sudden loss of power steering fluid.
Consequence
A sudden loss of power steering fluid can result in a loss of power steering and power brake assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the power steering pressure line and the hydroboost jumper line, free of charge. Vehicles in this recall were previously recalled under 22V-089 and owners will need to have the new remedy completed even if their vehicle was remedied under the prior recall. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 21, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S07.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 25V793000
ENGINE
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Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles that received an incomplete software update under recall 20V795. The engine cover may become excessively hot.
Consequence
Direct contact with certain areas of engine cover surface in the passenger compartment may increase the risk of injury or burns to the skin of the driver or front seat passenger.
Remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain calibration for heat management under elevated idle conditions, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 22, 2025.
NHTSA Investigations
2 investigations
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 E-350.
INV-2021-1000π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding E-350 performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 14,356
INV-2021-1001π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding E-350 performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 16,985
Consumer Complaints
19 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 E-350.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Leak21%
Warning16%
Burn11%
Stall11%
Smell11%
Odor5%
Display5%
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
ENGINE
Engine failure at 78,172, excess wear to the camshaft lobes and valve tappet surface. We have had 22 failures. There was a recall -24B27 for 2021 and 2022 models year for idle oil pressure. Most vans had 70 to 80k on them by the time we received a letter. Some engine have been changed twice. Ford has a serious problem and is not acknowledging it. Please help! Montachusett Regional Transit Authority , Fitchburg MA 01420
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #20V795000Recall #25V793000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
ENGINE
This is one of 4 of my 2021 ford econoline fleet vehicles purchased in 2021 that have had engine failure. I am one of many contractors in my area and others around the country who have had this issue with the same F59 engine. Ford has failed to issue a recall.
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #20V795000Recall #25V793000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
ENGINE
This is one of 4 of my 2021 ford econoline fleet vehicles purchased in 2021 that have had engine failure. I am one of many contractors in my area and others around the country who have had this issue with the same F59 engine. Ford has failed to issue a recall.
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #20V795000Recall #25V793000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
ENGINE
This is one of 4 of my 2021 ford econoline fleet vehicles purchased in 2021 that have had engine failure. I am one of many contractors in my area and others around the country who have had this issue with the same F59 engine. Ford has failed to issue a recall.
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #20V795000Recall #25V793000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Brakesπ΅ Low
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
See attached document for complaint.
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #20V175000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Brakesπ΅ Low
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES
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.
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #20V175000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Otherπ΅ Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Safety recall
BrakesπΆ Medium
SERVICE BRAKES
On 6/2/23, brakes failed to work when applying heavy pressure, causing a rear end collision.
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #20V175000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
ENGINE
See attached document for complaint,
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #20V795000Recall #25V793000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
ENGINE
See attached document for complaint,
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #20V795000Recall #25V793000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common issues with the 2021 Ford E-350?
'Common challenges include concerns over engine overheating due to mispositioned insulation and potential failures within the hydraulic brake system caused by damaged wire harnesses. These issues can affect vehicle reliability and safety considerably.'
'How reliable is the 2021 Ford E-350 compared to its competitors?'
'While traditional rivals have maintained lower recall rates during similar production years, the six recalls affecting core operational systems in the E-350 raise questions about its reliability compared to peers in its class.'
πYear-over-Year Context
πElevated Activity
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows declining reliability trends, largely due to new engine components introduced in this generation. Recall frequency increased 100% versus the 2020 version.
π§What This Means for You
This information is especially relevant for drivers who rely on stop-and-go traffic or frequently use auto start-stop systems.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified FORD service centerβrepairs are performed at no cost to you.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in FORD's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Critical: Demand official documentation showing every FORD recall has been satisfied.
Investigate whether later E-350 iterations (2022+) rectified these persistent issues.
A pre-purchase inspection by a FORD specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.