RoadVitals

2005 Ford E350 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
55
Latest Nov 3, 2023
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
11
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2005 Ford E350, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine2128.4%
  • Electrical1723.0%
  • Brakes56.8%
  • Heating & air conditioning45.4%
  • Powertrain (other)34.1%
  • Transmission22.7%
  • Tires & wheels22.7%
  • Visibility11.4%
  • Other / unspecified11.4%
  • Suspension11.4%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVE ON HIGHWAY,VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER WHEN I ENCOUNTERED A HILL. IT BOGGED DOWN AND STRUGGLED TO MAKE IT TO TOP OF HILL AND LOST SPEED DOWN TO 30 MPH OR LESS AND THEN DIED. IT WOULD NOT START RIGHT AWAY, BUT AFTER LETTING IT SIT FOR 15 MINUTES, IT STARTED AND HAD REGAINED POWER AND I DROVE IT TILL I GOT TO THE NEST HILL AND DID THE SAME THING SEVERAL TIMES TILL I MADE IT HOME 3 HOURS LATER FOR A 10 MILE TRIP. I CHECKED ONLINE ON THE VEHICLE FOR FORD OWNERS FORUM AND SAW THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND DESCRIBED IT AS BOGGING DOWN AND LOSING POWER. SOME ONE SUGGESTED CHANGING THE EGR VALVE WHICH I HAD DONE, AND THE FUEL FILTERS AS WELL AS AIR FILTER. WHEN I REMOVED THE BOTTOM FUEL FILTER UNDER THE VAN, I CAPTURED THE FUEL IN THE FILTER AND LINE AND IT HAD WHAT LOOKED LIKE SILVER PAINT. I KEPT THE SAMPLE AND IT IS SOFT AND PLIABLE. I ASSUMED IT WAS A PROTECTIVE COATING LINING THE FUEL TANK. I DON'T BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE HAPPENING,BECAUSE IT COULD DO DAMAGE TO THE INJECTORS AND OTHER THINGS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10659991 · filed Nov 21, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD E-350. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

NHTSA ID 10617117 · filed Jul 29, 2014
All 21 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 10913614 · filed Oct 4, 2016

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. FORD MOTOR COMPANY NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING AN ENGINE COMPONENT THAT SHOULD LAST AS LONG AS YOU OWN THE VEHICLE. THERE IS A RECALL ON SOME VEHICLES WITH A 6.0L DIESEL ENGINE WITH PROBLEMS LIKE OURS, IT IS RECALL # 05S34. THE FORD DEALERSHIP SAID IT WOULD COST $3000.00 TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS. THIS SHOULD BE A FORD MOTOR COMPANY PROBLEM. THANKS FOR READING AND CONSIDERING MY COMPLAINT. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. MY NAME IS STEVE STANFIELD. I AM THE PASTOR. MY EMAIL IS [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10553482 · filed Nov 22, 2013
All 17 reports naming electrical

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11553413 · filed Nov 3, 2023

ONLY 87000 MILES AND THE FUEL TANK IS SHEDDING SILVER PAINT FLAKES, INTO THE FUEL SYSTEM.. HAVE NOW REPLACED ALL THE FILTERS TWICE, PUMP ONCE.. AND THE TANK PRE FILTER HAS TO BE CLOGGED AS NO FUEL WILL EVEN COME OUT.. HAD BEEN A VERY GOOD TRUCK, BUT THIS ENGINEERING CAUSES THE VAN TO JUST DIE!! ON THE ROAD. THIS IS APPARENTLY A COMMON PROBLEM AND ONE THAT FORD AND THEIR ENGINEERS ARE NOT BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR.. REALLY... PAINT INSIDE AT FUEL TANK? WTF ARE THEY THINKING...

NHTSA ID 11355011 · filed Sep 14, 2020
All 17 reports naming fuel system

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2005 FORD E-350. CONSUMER STATES WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VAN'S BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE CAUSING A COLLISION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VACUUM PUMP ATTACHED TO THE ENGINE FAILED. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE, WAS A MAJOR COMPONENT THAT FAILED AND THERE WAS NO WARNING OF A FAILURE. UPDATE 01/13/14

NHTSA ID 10368998 · filed Dec 6, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD E350. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITION. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE ROTORS WERE CRACKED AND THE BRAKE PADS WERE IN SATISFACTORY CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ID 10319890 · filed Mar 15, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2005 FORD E-350 HAD ALTERNATOR PROBLEMS, THE A/C COMPRESSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, THE ENGINE WAS REBUILT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *KB *NM

NHTSA ID 10165830 · filed Aug 15, 2006

2005 FORD E-350'S A/C COMPRESSOR FAILED AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *KB *NM

NHTSA ID 10165827 · filed Aug 15, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD E-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 243,000.

NHTSA ID 10706285 · filed Apr 17, 2015

DRIVING UPHILL ON I-70 EASTBOUND BY SILVERTHORNE, CO THE ENGINE SIMPLY QUIT. LIMPED TO SIDE OF HIGHWAY AND TRIED TO RESTART - NOTHING. BATTERIES ARE NEW, ETC JUST NO TURNING OVER OF THE ENGINE. THOUGHTS ARE A BAD FICM, WHICH THERE IS SUPPOSEDLY A RECALL BUT FORD DENIED THAT WHEN I CALLED THIS MORNING. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A SHOP IN ARVADA, CO FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIRS. SOUNDS LIKE THE EGR SYSTEM IS ABOUT TO GO, THE FICM IS SHOT AND WIRING HARNESS FOR COMPUTER IS GONE - ALL THINGS FORD IS AWARE OF BUT ADAMANTLY REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT. THIS LEAVES THE CONSUMER IN THE POSITION TO HAVE TO SPEND THOUSANDS OF $'S TO REPAIR THEIR DESIGN FLAWS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10546493 · filed Oct 2, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE A 2005 FORD FREESTAR. I WAS APPROX. 200 MILES FROM HOME DRIVING ON HWY 71 N IN AR,.STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, AND MY TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE NO WARNING LIGHTS HAD CAME ON, NO LOSS OF POWER, NOISES OF ANY KIND. I BOUGHT THIS FOR A FAMILY VEHICLE. I HAVE SINCE TALKED WITH SEVERAL PEOPLE THAT HAVE HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING WITH THE FORD FREESTARS.*TR

NHTSA ID 10295911 · filed Dec 15, 2009

6.0 POWER STROKE, MANY PROBLEMS SINCE NEW . PURCHASED IN AUG, 05 *JB

NHTSA ID 10189128 · filed Apr 27, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2005 FORD E350. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL NOTICE FOR VEHICLE TIRES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT B.F. GOODRICH COMMERCIAL T/A TIRES HE PURCHASED SOME TIME AGO. THE CONSUMER WENT TO A TIRE SERVICE CENTER, TO HAVE THE TIRES CHECKED. THE MANAGER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THAT ONE OF THE FOUR TIRES WERE IN THE RECALL GROUP. THE MANAGER STATED IN ORDER FOR THE RECALL TO BE HONORED, THE CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE AT LEAST TWO TIRES. IN ADDITION, HE COULD GET ANOTHER BRAND OF TIRES AND RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THE VALUE OF THE COMMERCIAL T/A TIRES AGAINST THE PURCHASE. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE DROPPED THE VAN OFF, HE ASKED THAT THE USED TIRES BE PLACED IN THE VEHICLE, SO HE COULD VERIFY IF THE TIRES FELL UNDER THE RECALL. THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIR CENTER'S IDEA OF HONORING THE RECALL, WAS TO CHARGE HIM FOR ONE TIRE AT THE NEW COMMERCIAL T/A PRICE. THE MANAGER STATED THE CONSUMER DID NOT GET THE CREDIT FOR THE ONE TIRE, BECAUSE HE WOULD HAVE TO BUY THE EXACT SAME TIRE.

NHTSA ID 10492681 · filed Jan 15, 2013

PURCHASED A FORD E-350 IN OCTOBER OF 2005 WITH 5 HANKOOK LT 245/75 R 16'S AFTER 28,000 MILES AND 70 % OF TREAD REMAINING THE CORD SEPARATED IN THE TIRE TREAD CARACAS RESULTING IN A FLAT SPOT CORRESPONDING TO A BUBBLE ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE. WHEN I SOUGHT HELP FROM HANKOOK NATIONAL AND MS. JUDY HERSHBERG 973-633-9000 AND THE LOCALK DISTRIBUTOR MIAMI TIRE DEALERS WAREHOUSE' JOSE PHONE 888-833-3953 I WAS NOT ASSISTED IN ANY WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM, ALL THEIR SUGGESTIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS FELL ON DEFT EARS. CONSIDERING THE MILEAGE, NOW 34,000 + AND THE YEARS, 3, I COULD NOT IN REALITY EXPECT AN ADJUSTMENT. I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT THE TIRES AND AS MUCH INFO AS I CAN GET FROM THEM TO YOU FOR A POSSIBLE RECALL FOR THE SAKE OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND THE WELFARE OF CITIZEN DRIVERS AND THEIR SAFETY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10247454 · filed Nov 2, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD E-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATER BOX FAILED TO CHANGE SETTINGS AFTER THE INITIAL SETTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEATER BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,900.

NHTSA ID 10763509 · filed Sep 14, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH ON 07/12/06. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO DETERMINED THAT THE ALTERNATOR WAS DAMAGED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. HOWEVER THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY BY THE DEALER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP FROM THE DEALER ON 07/21/06, A BAD SMELL BEGAN ESCAPING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT. THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THAT THE AIR COMPRESSOR SYSTEM SEIZED AND ALSO NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA ID 10163095 · filed Jul 21, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

6.0 POWER STROKE, MANY PROBLEMS SINCE NEW . PURCHASED IN AUG, 05 *JB

NHTSA ID 10189128 · filed Apr 27, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .