RoadVitals

2012 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.
16
Latest Aug 21, 2023
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.
12
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.
1

Overview

Our database contains 16 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Ford E350, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and other / unspecified categories. 12 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 25 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

  • Powertrain (other)421.1%
  • Engine315.8%
  • Other / unspecified315.8%
  • Steering210.5%
  • Fuel system210.5%
  • Brakes210.5%
  • Electrical15.3%
  • Driver assistance15.3%

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

12 campaigns cover this model year

View all 12

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 16
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 21, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Ford E-350. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, after a traffic stop, the transmission was slipping out of gear and would shift to a higher gear very rough. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to the residence and turned off and restarted and shifted into reverse(R) however, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was shifted into (D) and operated as needed. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 19S20 - Transmission Coast Clutch Cylinder and One-Way Clutch Replacement (Power Train). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID
11539911
Incident
Aug 21, 2023
Mileage
160,000 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 13, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HER BROTHER WHO OWNS A 2012 FORD E-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN FOR A ROUTINE CHECK AT (SAYVILLE FORD 5686 SUNRISE HWY, SAYVILLE, NY 11782 (855) 561-1191), IT WAS DISCOVERED AND THE VALVE COVER GASKET WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS HOWEVER NO LEAKS EVIDENT WHILE PERFORMING THE INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,940.

NHTSA ID
11308992
Incident
Feb 11, 2020
Mileage
113,940 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 9, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD E-350. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE HIGHWAY SHOULDER AND WAITED A FEW MINUTES TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V432000 (POWER TRAIN) WAS ISSUED FOR THE VEHICLE YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT CALLED GALPIN FORD (15505 ROSCOE BLVD, NORTH HILLS, CA 91343, 818-787-3800) AND WAS INFORMED TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.

NHTSA ID
11242788
Incident
Jul 15, 2019
Mileage
111,000 mi
Filed Sep 15, 2018
Fire reported

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, STARTED SMELLING GAS, SO I PULLED OVER THE CHECK WHY I SMELLED GAS AND AS SOON ASI OPENS THE HOOD, THE VAN BURST INTO FLAMES FROM UNDER THE HOOD. IT FULLY ENGULFED THE VAN IN ABOUT 3 TO 4 MINUTES AND IS A TOTAL LOSS. THIS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAD ONLY BEEN DRIVING FOR 15 MINUTES. UNKNOWN WHAT ACTUALLY CAUSED THE FIRE.

NHTSA ID
11129699
Incident
Sep 6, 2018
Mileage
285,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Sep 6, 2018

THREE OUT OF THE FOUR ORIGINAL TIRES HAVE SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 20,000 MILES. ALL TIRES HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED AND INFLATED ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER SPECS.

NHTSA ID
11127975
Incident
Jul 19, 2018
Mileage
15,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 20, 2017

THE PLANETARY GEARS IN OUR TRANSMISSION HAVE FAILED. I DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A FORD RECALL SPECIFICALLY FOR VANS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED IN OHIO PLANT DURING 2011 AND 2012 BECAUSE OF DEFECTS IN THE PLANETARY GEARS WHICH CAUSE HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS. OUR VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CASE, BUT IT CLEARLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN. WE ARE SEEKING HELP TO GET FORD TO EXTEND THE RECALL TO INCLUDE OUR VAN.

NHTSA ID
11024577
Incident
Sep 15, 2017
Mileage
102,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Feb 22, 2017

SUDDEN LOSS OF HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS ..FIRST OCCURRED WHILE MOVING ,,,HIGH BEAMS HAVE PERMANENTLY STOPPED WORKING SINCE THE INCIDENT.

NHTSA ID
10956287
Incident
Dec 15, 2016
Mileage
136,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Mar 23, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2012 FORD E-350 UHAL TRUCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 40 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE DURING HIGH WINDS WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,586.

NHTSA ID
10851279
Incident
Mar 22, 2016
Mileage
63,586 mi

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 53040

While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.

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.

SSM 48130

VISIBILITY; VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid can attack the glass and cause visual distortion and/or discoloration on the outer surface which cannot be removed by further cleaning. If this type of distortion is found, inspect the area of the glass that is covered by the cowl and/or molding. The portion of glass that is covered by the cowl or molding will not be affected by the acid. Hydrofluoric acid damage is not a defect in material or workmanship and is not a warrantable condition.

SSM 48123

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

For Ford and Lincoln vehicles that require positive or negative battery terminal replacement, it is not necessary to replace the complete battery cable harness (14300 and 14301) for this concern. Positive battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-AA and negative battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-BA are available for this type of repair. Do not cut or shorten the battery cable, instead carefully remove the affected battery cable clamp and clean the cable end as necessary to preserve wire length. Some rework may be necessary for some vehicle environments. Bend the new positive battery cable clamp as needed and crimp it to the existing battery cable. Make sure to use heat shrink tubing over the battery cable to battery cable clamp connection. Obtain the heat shrink tube locally.

SSM 47976

POWER TRAIN

On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter hub greatly increases the likelihood of the flexplate cracking in the future. Missing dowels may cause a misalignment issue also resulting in a premature failure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01.

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
2012Viewing1612047.2
20111920053.7
20101718047.2
20091027054.5
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.