RoadVitals

2009 Ford E350

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
10
Latest Jun 8, 2017
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
27
Latest May 24, 2016
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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.
2

Overview

Our database contains 10 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Ford E350, most frequently naming the engine, driver assistance and exterior lighting categories. 27 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 27 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine218.2%
  • Driver assistance218.2%
  • Exterior lighting218.2%
  • Steering19.1%
  • Brakes19.1%
  • Suspension19.1%
  • Fuel system19.1%
  • Seat belts19.1%

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

Safety recalls

27 campaigns cover this model year

View all 27

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
16V350000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

May 24, 2016
2 units potentially affected
The defect: New England Wheels (New England) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-250, E-350, and 2015 Ford Transit vans equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts by Ricon. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack. Additionally, the lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.
The risk: If the platform side plates crack or the platform mounting fails from out-of-position bearings, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the vehicle's doors are opened, the platform may fall onto the lift operator, increasing their risk of injury.
The remedy: New England will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on June 29, 2016. Owners may contact New England customer service at 1-800-886-9247. New England's number for this recall is 16E-020.
New England WheelsManufacturer number 16E-020View on NHTSA.gov
15V779000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Nov 20, 2015
278 units potentially affected
The defect: New England Wheels is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-250, and E-350 cargo vans modified to be equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts built by the Ricon Corporation. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.
The risk: If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.
The remedy: New England Wheels will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on January 5, 2016. Owners may contact New England Wheels customer service at 1-800-866-9247, or Ricon Customer Service at 1-800-322-2884. New England Wheels' number for this recall is 15E-068. Note: These vans and wheelchair lifts were subject to a similar recall in 2014. All vehicles that received that recall remedy are still affected by this recall as well.
New England WheelsManufacturer number 15E-068View on NHTSA.gov
15V763000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Nov 17, 2015
285 units potentially affected
The defect: Mobility Specialists, Inc. (Mobility Specialists) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-250, and E-350 vehicles modified to be equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack. Additionally, the affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.
The risk: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator. Additionally, if the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.
The remedy: Mobility Specialists will notify owners to take their vehicles to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on November 13, 2015. Owners may contact Mobility Specialists customer service at 1-877-777-5438, or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884.
Mobility Specialists, Inc.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 10
Filed Jun 8, 2017

THIS CAR BASSED FOR LAST 2 SMOG CHECKS AND STILL THE LIGHT FOR CHECK ENGINE ON ? AND I HAVE VIDEO FOR THAT. / PLUS THE LAST INSPECTION 03/02/2017 IN CARFAX I SEE SOMETHING WRONG ( I SEE THAT IT WAS A RENTAL VEHICLE SO 81,963 MILES IN A LITTLE OVER TWO YEARS IS NOT UNCOMMON. WE ARE ALSO SHOWING THAT ON 7/13/2012 THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AND AT THAT TIME THE ODOMETER READING WAS RECORDED AS 153,548 MILES. CA DMV REPORTED THAT THIS VEHICLE HAD 155,061 MILES ON 8/6/2012. BOTH THESE ODOMETER READINGS ARE HIGHER THAN 98,384 MILES AND THEY BOTH COME FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES. THEREFORE IT APPEARS THAT THE 3/2/2017 ODOMETER READING OF 98,384 MILES IS IN ERROR

NHTSA ID
10994065
Incident
Mar 2, 2017
Suspension
Filed Jan 24, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD E-350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND DID NOT RESTART. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FLY WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE MOTTO. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000.

NHTSA ID
10947392
Incident
Jan 24, 2017
Mileage
159,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Dec 17, 2014
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE EXTINGUISHED INDEPENDENTLY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

NHTSA ID
10664888
Incident
Dec 15, 2014
Mileage
35,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Jul 30, 2014

THIS IS A 2009 15 PASSENGER CHURCH VAN WITH 17000 MILES. THE VAN IS METICULOUSLY CARED FOR AND MAINTAINED INSIDE AND OUT. THE VEHICLE IS LIGHTLY USED. IT WAS DISCOVERED DURING A PRE-TRIP INSPECTION THAT THE RIGHT SIDE, 3RD ROW PASSENGER SEATBELT THAT SHOULD BE ATTACHED TO THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE (ABOVE THE PASSENGER'S SHOULDER) WAS DISCONNECTED. FURTHER INSPECTION SHOWED THAT THE THREADING OF THE BOLT AND THE THREADING TO THE CORRESPONDING NUT WELDED TO THE FRAME WAS STRIPPED SMOOTH. THERE WAS NO OTHER EVIDENCE OF DAMAGE TO THE AREA SURROUNDING THE STRIPPED PARTS (I.E. DAMAGE TO INTERIOR MOLDING, FABRIC OR THE SEAT BELT WEBBING AND HARDWARE.) THE DAMAGE SEEN ON THE BOLT IS CONSISTENT WITH A BOLT THAT HAS BEEN OVER TORQUED OR CROSS THREADED. THIS IS CLEARLY SOMETHING THAT HAS OCCURRED IN MANUFACTURING. A FORD DEALERSHIP IN HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND HAS INSPECTED THIS AND CONCURS THAT THE BOLT WAS OVER TORQUED OR CROSS THREADED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10617498
Incident
Jul 16, 2014
Mileage
17,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Dec 11, 2012

FORD E-SERIES VANS. 2009-2012 E150, AND E350 BOTH AS VANS, AND AS PASSENGER SHUTTLES I AM A COMMERCIAL DRIVER, I'VE SPENT MY LIFE WITH FORD VANS (HAVE NOT DRIVEN 04-08) 09+ NEWER VANS OCCASIONALLY DO NOT STOP BELOW 15MPH ABS OVER SENSITIVE AND EASILY CONFUSED BY SLIGHT DOWNGRADES, POTHOLES, SAND, RR TRACKS, LIGHT SNOW OVER COMPACT SNOW, WET BRICK, OR SLIGHT ICE TOO OFTEN I MUST RELY UPON DOWNSHIFTING TO STOP BEFORE THE INTERSECTION NUMEROUS VANS, VARIOUS TIRE CONDITIONS (GREAT TO POOR), ALL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE CAN TAKE 13-20 SECONDS TO GO FROM 15MPH TO 0MPH RELYING ON ABS ALONE, WHICH OUR OTHER VEHICLES ARE JUST FINE ON THE SAME STRETCH OF ROAD (STOP IN ABOUT 3-5SECS) THE ABS IS AMAZINGLY GOOD ON LEVEL GROUND, BUT SLIGHT DOWNGRADES + A PREVIOUS LISTED ELEMENT CONFUSES THE SYSTEM AND WILL DENY THE DRIVER BRAKE PRESSURE THE ABS IS DANGEROUS IN WINTER (OCCASIONALLY) I WAS DRIVING THESE FANS OVER 40 HOURS A WEEK, EVERY WEEK SINCE WE GOT THEM IN 09'. I LEARNED TO DRIVE ON A 94, OUR WORK HAD A 95 AND AN 03, WHICH WERE FINE IN WINTER (BUT BROKE DOWN AFTER MY FIRST YEAR OF EMPLOYMENT THERE). THE 09'S AND NEWER WERE THE PROBLEM. THE TRACTION CONTROL SET A NEW LEVEL OF DANGER IN FLUFFY SNOW. SOMETIMES THESE RWD VANS WOULD UNDERSTEER, BUT THE TC WAS OVER ZEALOUS AND YOU COULD NOT CORRECT UNDER STEER. THE TC COULD NOT BE COMPLETELY TURNED OFF EITHER. SO THEY WOULD BE STUCK ON THE ICE, AND UNSTEERABLE IN THE FLUFFY STUFF I'VE BEEN DRIVING FOR 15 YEARS, NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT, I STUDY RALLY RACING TECHNIQUES, AND I AM SHOCKED THESE NEW FORD VANS MADE SAFETY REGULATIONS "AMERICA'S DRIVERS SHOULD FEEL CONFIDENT THAT ANYTIME THEY GET BEHIND THE WHEEL THEY CAN EASILY MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THEIR VEHICLES -- ESPECIALLY IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY"-RAY LAHOOD. THESE SYSTEMS SHOULD NOT OVERRIDE DRIVER INPUTS, PROFESSIONAL, EXPERIENCED DRIVERS INPUTS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10487935
Incident
Dec 1, 2009
Mileage
20,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Jun 12, 2011

ON 03/15/11 SPARK PLUG #6 BLEW OUT OF THE HEAD OF ENGINE CAUSING A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE. ON 06/01/11 SPARK PLUG #3 BLEW OUT SAME ODORS RESULTED. DEALER RETHREADED HOLE(S). METAL SHAVINGS COULD NOW BE IN THE HEAD OF THE ENGINE CAUSING MORE DAMAGE. DEALER SAYS THIS IS NOT A PERMANENT REPAIR AND MAY HAPPEN AGAIN. THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD. GASOLINE COULD IGNITE CAUSING A FIRE AND/OR IMPAIRED VISION. [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10406006
Incident
Mar 15, 2011
Mileage
60,744 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Feb 25, 2010

SUBJECT:ESC IS NOT REALLY STANDARD ON THE FORD E350 COMMENTS: I DRIVE A 2009 E350 COMMUTER VAN THAT DOES NOT HAVE ESC. BUT YOUR WEB SITE SAFECAR.GOV INDICATES THAT ESC HAS BEEN STANDARD ON THIS VAN SINCE 2006. IN FACT, FORD SELLS CONVERSION VANS WITHOUT ESC AND THE NC DOT SPECIFIES THEM FOR PURCHASE. PERHAPS AS MANY AS 48 OTHER STATES DO THE SAME. SEE THIS STORY: HTTP://ABCLOCAL.GO.COM/WTVD/STORY?SECTION=NEWS/ABC11_INVESTIGATES&ID=7293228 I THINK THE NHTSA NEED TO CLEAN UP THEIR ACT AND START GETTING THE WORD OUT ON THIS. NC QUICKLY CHANGED THEIR POLICIES WHEN THEY LEARNED THE FACTS. PERHAPS THE OTHER STATES AND OTHER FLEET/COMMERCIAL BUYERS WOULD DO THE SAME IF YOU COULD RAISE AWARENESS ON THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10314080
Incident
Sep 1, 2009
Exterior lighting
Filed Jan 23, 2010

FORD FULL SIZE VAN WHEN YOU OPEN REAR DOORS TO LOAD OR UNLOAD , THE DOORS BLOCK ALL LIGHTS, TURN SIG , TAIL LIGHTS,4-WAY FLASHERS AND BREAK LIGHTS . THE ONLY LIGHT YOU HAVE IS DOME. SOMEBODY WILL GET HURT OR KILLED.*TR

NHTSA ID
10301984
Incident
Jan 1, 2010

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM 54601

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

SSM 52476

EQUIPMENT

All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.

DOR-B8H4Z-11

STEERING

This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible increase in steering effort.

SSM 47201

EQUIPMENT

Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. Only approved Genuine Ford accessories or originally installed systems are supported and certified to function correctly with other vehicle systems. If you suspect a system has been modified, the following resources can be used to verify original equipment: Monroney Label (Window Sticker), Professional Technician Society (PTS) OASIS tab  select SYNC or HVBOM. For Genuine Ford accessories use: PTS Workshop Tab  select Dealer Installed Accessory or Accessory Installation.

SSM 47009

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.

SSM 46900

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Some vehicles may exhibit a no start condition with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and a DTC P161A after PCM replacement. This may be due to the parameter reset procedure not being properly completed. To clear this DTC, use the Ford Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) service tool or Ford J2534 Diagnostic Software, select - Toolbox - Body - Security - PATS Functions - Parameter Reset. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the procedure. This procedure will transfer the existing Key ID information between the modules without the need of having 2 programmed PATS keys present. There is no need to program keys when the PCM is going to be replaced. Additional information can be found in the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-01. Missing or lost keys are not warrantable.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford E350 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027010—
2026010—
2025110—
2024210—
2023220—
2022143155.3
2021206155.5
2020200—
2019300—
2018340—
2017134057.6
2016530—
2015721—
20141711052.9
2013139048.3
20121612047.2
20111920053.7
20101718047.2
2009Viewing1027054.5
20083932259.3
20071835259.8
20065339261.5
20055516256.3
20044611358.2
2003468361.7
2002535355.4
2001524457.0
2000598461.9
1999729563.5
1998638457.4
1997795463.4
1996503150.3
1995693052.9
1994515158.7
1993433158.2
1992413359.5
1991191654.3
1990232754.9
1989263659.2
1988111461.7
19871485369.3
198611115774.6
198521056—
198441256—
19835854—
1982032—
1981022—
1980012—
1979032—
1978052—
1977011—
1976011—
1975041—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.