1994 Ford E-350 Problems
- Complaints
- 51filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 137,000miles, 6 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1994 Ford E-350 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report ABS warning lights and brake or ABS failures, followed by tire tread separations, some at highway speed. Drive belt or cooling system faults that cut power steering and brakes, and fires or smoke from wiring or fuel parts, also appear in complaints. Where mileage is listed, values range from about 29,000 to 285,000 miles, and most complaints leave mileage blank.
- Brakes
ABS light on, brake lockup or ABS failure
- 11 complaints (22%)
- typically at 5.1 yrs old
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1996–2010
Owners describe the ABS warning light coming on intermittently or staying lit, sometimes at highway speed. Some complaints describe the ABS locking the brakes or the brakes losing power during a hard stop, and a complaint describes hitting a traffic light pole after the brakes locked. A complaint reports ABS hydraulic fluid leaking from the right and rear wheel areas. According to complaints, the dealer replaced ABS parts but the warning returned, and in another case the dealer said the fault came from the ABS not being used. None of these complaints lists mileage, and some describe the warning appearing at highway speed or while braking.
What to check: On a test drive, confirm the ABS warning light goes out after startup and stays off during braking. Ask the seller for records of any ABS repairs, and have a technician check for fluid leaks at the wheels.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The vehicle ABS braking system malfunctioned, causing the light to stay on and the ABS system to be inoperative ,which will not assist the occupant in event of an accident. Dealer replaced a major component in the ABS system, and stated that the reason for the malfunction was because ABS system was not used. Please provide details.”
NHTSA complaint #826962, filed 1998-08“When traveling 60 to 65 MPH the ABS light is illuminated on the dash. Consumer has no problem with stopping the vehicle. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced all parts within the ABS brakes, problem still occurs. .”
NHTSA complaint #823810, filed 1998-06 - Brakes
Brake hose, shoe or rotor failure
Mentioned in 4 of 31 sampled complaints
Owners describe a brake hose that failed suddenly after rust formed under its protective sleeve, where the corrosion was not visible during a routine inspection. Other complaints describe an upper brake shoe anchor breaking free of the backing plate, letting the shoes rub the drum, and a fleet owner reporting frequent failures of this part. A complaint describes the brake pedal dropping to the floor at about 30 to 40 mph, with a longer stopping distance. Another complaint describes brake vibration from cracked rotors and pads that returned after repair. Mileage is not listed for these complaints, so the sample does not show a mileage pattern for this group.
What to check: Inspect the brake hoses and their crimped fittings for rust, leaks or damage, and check the drum shoes and rotors for wear or cracks. Ask the seller whether brake hoses, shoes, pads or rotors were replaced and whether that work was documented.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Owner has a fleet of 22 1994-1995 vehicles that are starting to show a high rate of failures of the upper brake shoe anchor is breaking out of the backing plate, this causes the brake shoes to contact the outboard face of the brake drum, which can also cause damage to the wheel cylinder and cause brake failure.”
NHTSA complaint #557301, filed 2000-11“Sudden brake hose failure. 1994 Ford diesel e350 w/4-wheel ABS. Brake hose failure due to rusted portion of the hose assembly . The area that rusted away is the crimped connection which joins the rubber hose to the steel fitting at the caliper end of the hose assembly. This rust is not visible while doing a routine inspection of the brake system because it is covered by a rubber sleeve. …”
NHTSA complaint #10371271, filed 2010-12 - Tires
Tire tread separation at highway speed
- 5 complaints (10%)
- median 285,359 mi at 15.4 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 2000–2009
Owners describe tread separating from the tire, sometimes at highway speed, with a loud vibration or a strip peeling away. Some complaints describe the damage spreading to the wheel well, fender, floor, fuel fill tube or holding tank. Some describe the tire coming apart from the inside out with a noticeable weave, while the vehicle could still be driven. According to complaints, the owners replaced all the tires after the failure, and some describe further tire failures within a short distance. The only mileage listed for this group is about 285,000 miles, and most complaints leave mileage blank.
What to check: Check the date codes, tread depth and sidewalls of every tire, including the spare, for bulges, cuts or uneven wear. Ask the seller whether all tires were replaced and whether the work was documented.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“During a trip in august of 2000 I had the right rear tire tread separated in doing so it took out the floor/cabinet/wiring/ exhaust/ fender, and flares, etc.then again on 6/08/01 within 150 miles, I lost 3 more tires due to tread separation. This time it could have been serious,when tread separated it took out the holding tank along with the fuel tank fill tube and vent tube. …”
NHTSA complaint #748972, filed 2001-07“Was driving down highway when suddenly there was a loud and noticeable vibration in van. Took van to sears service center in las cruces. Mechanic advised that one of the tires was coming apart from inside out. Tire had a very noticeable weave pattern. Was able to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10258042, filed 2009-02, 285,359 miles - Engine cooling
Drive belt or cooling system failure
- 7 complaints (14%)
- median 230,000 mi at 15.9 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1996–2009
Owners describe a drive belt coming off or breaking, leading to a sudden loss of power steering and brakes while driving. A complaint says a recall for the same belt problem had been repaired, but the problem happened again and the vehicle was waiting for repairs at the dealer. Other complaints describe a fire that a mechanic linked to a failed water pump, and metal coolant lines that rusted and dripped antifreeze onto a tire. A complaint says the problem persisted after the serpentine belt, tensioner and idler were replaced. The only mileage listed for this group is about 230,000 miles, and the other complaints leave mileage blank.
What to check: Inspect the drive belts, tensioner and idler, and look for coolant leaks or rust on the metal lines near the rear tires. Ask whether the belt and cooling work has been documented, including any recall repair records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When I am driving my 1994 e350 diesel truck, there will be a sudden loss of power steering and brakes resulting in a loss of ability to stop the truck. Fortunately, I was traveling at a slow speed with plenty of clearance ahead of me and was able to pull the truck off the road and have it towed in to a mechanic shop. So far the serpentine belt has been replaced, a new tensioner installed, and a new idler put in. Unfortunately, the problem persists and is very dangerous. …”
NHTSA complaint #10280328, filed 2009-08, 230,000 miles“When traveling fan belt fell off pulley, causing complete loss of power steering and brakes. Also, two years ago recall omp96b82 was issued concerning the same problem, recall repair work was done. However, problem has occurred again. Vehicle currently at dealer awating repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #854890, filed 2000-01 - Electrical system
Fire or smoke from wiring, fuel or pump
- 5 complaints (10%)
- typically at 5.6 yrs old
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1997–2006
Owners describe fires or smoke that start where a wire rubs against a part, a switch shorts, or fuel leaks onto hot engine parts. A complaint describes an alternator feed wire rubbing into the radiator support, shorting out and igniting battery gases, with the driver suffering smoke inhalation. In a complaint about a diesel fuel leak, the fuel pump is described as mounted above the engine near the turbocharger, with spilled fuel reaching hot parts. In a separate complaint, the owner disconnected the battery to stop smoke from the steering column and then replaced the switch. None of these complaints lists mileage, and the reports do not say how far into ownership the fires or smoke began.
What to check: Look for chafed or rubbed wiring near the alternator and radiator support, and for fuel or diesel residue around the engine and turbocharger. Ask whether the charging wiring and steering column switch have been inspected or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Consumer states when he returned to vehicle, he noticed that headlights were on, when he opened the door the light switch was on is off position, and at that time, that is when he noticed smoke coming from the steering column, consumer disconnected the battery which stopped the smoke, consumer removed the malfunctioned switch that shorted out, and has since replaced the switch.”
NHTSA complaint #785444, filed 2001-08“A poor diesign with power stroke engines, the fuel pump is located on top of engine and the turbo charger is directly behind the fuel pump, a fuel leak occurs causing diesel fumes, it overfills and a spillage is all over the engine and by the turbo charger which, in turn, causes a fire.”
NHTSA complaint #810713, filed 1997-04
Buying note. The complaints center on brake and ABS faults, tire tread separation and drive belt or cooling failures. Before buying, ask for records of brake, tire and belt work, and have a technician check the ABS warning light, brake hoses, tires and wiring.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 31 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 51 consumer complaints for the 1994 Ford E-350. 6 of the complaints include a mileage, and 50% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 137,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 5 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes17 33%
- Engine cooling8 16%
- Tires6 12%
- Fuel system5 9.8%
- Suspension4 7.8%
- Electrical system2 3.9%
- Exterior lighting2 3.9%
- Vehicle speed control2 3.9%
- Interior lighting1 2.0%
Also reported: Steering (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Abs warning light intermittently illuminates, also, when appyling the brakes vehicle vibrates and extended stopping distance occurs. Please give any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #837647, filed 1999-05Engine cooling: “There are metal lines positioned over the left rear tire. The debris and water from the road caused these metal lines to rust and leak, causing antifreeze to drop onto the tire. The consumer is concerned that the antifreeze could cause the tires to lose traction while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10057944, filed 2004-02Tires: “The tire started tread delamination. An 8 inch strip peeled away from the tire. I stopped, changed to the spare, and the next day replaced all the running tires with michelin tires. The spare is still from the original set of firestone. (DOT number: vnii8ia tiresize: lt245/75r1)”
NHTSA complaint #733395, filed 2000-10Fuel system: “Fuel pressure regulator is not working properly. Regulator was supposed to read at a very low number, but when vehicle stopped working, it was reading at 90 lbs. Contacted dealer. Consumer states the regulator is supposed to regulate pressure to 35 PSI. Vehicle was still drive able, but was running very rich due to regulator malfunction.”
NHTSA complaint #8009564, filed 2002-05Mileage when problems were reported
50% of the 6 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 28,945 and 236,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V197000Apr 16, 2014Equipment adaptive/mobilityCovers: Ford E-350 1994, 1998, 2007–2011, Chevrolet C5500 2008, G3500 2008
Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply, Inc. (Cummings) is recalling various model year 1994-2011 Ford and Chevrolet vans equipped with Braun NCL-2, and NVL-2 wheel chair lifts manufactured November 20, 2006, through September 10, 2010. Over time, and with…
- 09V399000Oct 13, 2009Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford E-350 1992–2003, E-150 1992–2003, E-250 1992–2003 +12 more
Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and…
- 08V051000Feb 4, 2008Vehicle speed control › Cruise controlCovers: Ford E-350 1992–2003, E-150 1992–2003, Econoline 1992–2003 +10 more
Ford is recalling 225,000 my 1992-2003 econoline, my 1993-1995 taurus sho, my 1992-1998 crown victoria, my 1993 bronco, f-series, my 1995-1997 f-series super duty stripped chassis, my 1992-1998 mercury grand marquis, and my 1992-1995 lincoln town car…
- 06V286000Aug 1, 2006Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford E-350 1994–1996, F-250 1994–2002, F-350 1994–2002 +10 more
On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
- 93V194000Nov 23, 1993Parking brake › ConventionalCovers: Ford E-350 1994, Econoline 1994, School BUS 1994
These vehicles do not comply with fmvss 105, "hydraulic brake systems." the parking brake application force for a foot operated control system should not exceed 125 pounds to hold the vehicle on a 30% grade. Interference between the parking brake pedal and a…
Recall details for the 1994 Ford E-350 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10148820Apr 6, 2018Steering. 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…
Other model years of the Ford E-350
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 14 | 11,000 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 22 | 12,234 | 6 | — | — | — | Rising |
| 2017 | 13 | 20,556 | 4 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 5 | 4,000 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 7 | 20,978 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 17 | 16,500 | 11 | — | 13 | — | Rising |
| 2013 | 13 | 6,000 | 9 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 2012 | 16 | 69,750 | 12 | — | 13 | — | Stable |
| 2011 | 19 | 76,000 | 18 | — | 13 | — | Falling |
| 2010 | 17 | 69,900 | 16 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2009 | 10 | 20,000 | 25 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 39 | 51,000 | 30 | — | — | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Rising |
| 2007 | 18 | 51,051 | 35 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2006 | 53 | 73,000 | 38 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2005 | 55 | 67,294 | 16 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 46 | 50,000 | 10 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 46 | 85,509 | 7 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2002 | 53 | 80,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 52 | 89,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 59 | 99,783 | 8 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 72 | 87,000 | 9 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 63 | 113,614 | 8 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 79 | 70,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 50 | 38,934 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 69 | 80,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 51 | 137,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 43 | 85,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 41 | 45,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 19 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 23 | 89,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 26 | 64,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 11 | 72,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 14 | — | 8 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 11 | 60,000 | 11 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1983 | 5 | 73,000 | 8 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford E-350 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Ford E-350?
Owners of this model year most often report ABS warning lights and brake or ABS failures, followed by tire tread separations, some at highway speed. The issues reported most often: ABS light on, brake lockup or ABS failure; Brake hose, shoe or rotor failure; Tire tread separation at highway speed.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1994 Ford E-350 have?
NHTSA recorded 51 consumer complaints for the 1994 Ford E-350 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1994 Ford E-350 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 17 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 8.
Has the 1994 Ford E-350 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1994 Ford E-350 reported?
Among the 6 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 137,000 miles and the middle half falls between 28,945 and 236,000 miles; 50% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.