1996 Ford E-350 Problems
- Complaints
- 50filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 38,934miles, 10 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns 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 1996 Ford E-350 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this 1996 model year most often describe tires whose tread or belts separate, often at highway speed, followed by ABS and brake hydraulic problems such as warning lights, pedal feel, and longer stopping distances. Cracked front brake rotors and engines that shut off or lose power while driving come next. Most complaints were filed between 1996 and 2003, and a few later reports from 2009 to 2017 describe similar symptoms.
- Tires
Tire tread and belt separation
- 14 complaints (28%)
- median 20,200 mi at 7.8 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2000–2003
Owners describe tread coming off or separating from the tire, sometimes with the belts pulling apart, often while driving at highway speeds of about 55 to 65 mph. Some report a blowout, a loud flapping sound, or tread that damaged the vehicle underside or a heater and air conditioning line. According to complaints, the dealer replaced the affected tires, and an owner was told the tire model had no problem. Where mileage is given, reports fall between 20,200 and 23,000 miles, and all were filed between 2000 and 2003.
What to check: Check the tread and sidewalls for bulges, splits, or separation, and ask for the tire age from the DOT date code. Ask whether any tire has been replaced after a tread separation or blowout.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“During the past 3 years we have had 5 tires fail on our 24 ft. Motorhome while traveling at 60 MPH on the open road. In all 5 cases the belts appeared to seprate from the tire and cause the tread to come off. Three times the tires blew out while going 60 MPH. I took the tires to firestone dealers in palm springs and lancaster, ca to be replaced, on each occasion I asked if this was a problem with these tires and was told it was not. In in april 2000 I replaced the 2 front tires with load rate e(all original tires had load d. …”
NHTSA complaint #732938, filed 2000-09“Consumer's vehicle experienced 3 tread separations on firestone steel tex brand. Dealer and manufacturer had been contacted. Ts one other tire showed signs of tread separation which included the spare. All tires had to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #8023267, filed 2002-11, 20,200 miles - Brakes
ABS warning and brake hydraulic faults
- 12 complaints (24%)
- median 345,000 mi at 20.9 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1996–2016
Owners describe the ABS warning light coming on, ABS failing or not operating properly, and wheels locking during braking. Some report the pedal going to the floor, longer stopping distances, or uneven braking between the front and rear wheels. According to complaints, the dealer repaired the system several times, a replacement hydraulic control unit failed more than once, and the problem persisted, and a later complaint says the owner disabled the ABS by pulling a fuse. Most were filed between 1996 and 2001, and the only recorded mileage in this group is 345,000 miles, from a report filed in 2016.
What to check: Start the vehicle and confirm the ABS light comes on briefly and goes out, then ask a mechanic to scan for stored ABS or brake codes. Test the brake pedal feel and check whether the vehicle pulls to either side during firm braking.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Abs sporadically causes difficulty in pressing the break pedal while rhythmically pulling hard right. Highway or surface speeds. Google has many with the same problem and no fix. No codes are thrown. Dealers are no help. Must disable the ABS by pulling the 60amp fuse.”
NHTSA complaint #10898062, filed 2016-08, 345,000 miles“Anti lock brake system experienced continued problems, possible design flaw of location in mounting of the unit, mounting is on the frame near exhaust heat factor, possible restriction to the system, not allowing the fluid to return from the calipers to the master cylinder (resulting in overheating and failure of multiple brake system component replacements). Mjs”
NHTSA complaint #527933, filed 1996-09 - Brakes
Cracked front brake rotors
Mentioned in 4 of 37 sampled complaints
Owners describe front brake rotors cracking, sometimes on both sides, and some report vibration while driving or dragging calipers found during an inspection. Complaints also link cracked rotors to longer stopping distances. A complaint says the manufacturer declined a repair outside the warranty period, and another says replacement rotors were on back order. The only recorded mileage in this group is 35,869 miles, and the complaints were filed between 1999 and 2009.
What to check: Look at the front rotors for cracks or scoring, and ask whether the rotors and calipers have been replaced. Check that the vehicle does not shake or pull when braking firmly.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Discovery of cracked front rotors on my 1996 E-350 motorhome. First cracked rotor found in may 2007 with 35,000 miles on vehicle. Second cracked rotor found in september 2009 with 41,000 miles on vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10279777, filed 2009-08, 35,869 miles“Vehicles taken to pa inspection station for yearly required inspection. Technician found cracks in both front disc brake rotors and sever dragging of the calipers. Vehicle would not pass inspection and repair facility recommended replacing rotors and calipers. All parts are ordered and expect replacement in several days. Contacted Ford motor company to find out about recalls; none listed. Ask about replacement or repair in out-of-warranty situation because of safety item; they said no because it was out of warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #723636, filed 2000-06 - Fuel system
Engine shutting off or losing power while driving
- 10 complaints (20%)
- median 77,320 mi at 11.7 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1999–2017
Owners describe the engine stopping or losing all power while driving, including on a hot afternoon at highway speed, and some say it started again only after sitting for a while. Complaints link the problem to a weak fuel pump, a fuel tank liner that came loose and clogged the fuel system, and an injector module that failed after water got into it. According to complaints, the manufacturer declined to cover repair costs outside the warranty, and the dealer could not determine the problem after a stall on a steep hill. Where mileage is given, these reports range from 33,500 to 109,000 miles, and the complaints were filed between 1999 and 2017.
What to check: Ask whether the fuel pump, fuel tank, or injector module has been replaced, and request service records. On a test drive, check that the engine keeps running steadily at highway speed and under load.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Approximately 6 times on a 800 mile road trip when it was 90 degrees or hotter in the afternoon my 1996 e350 motorhome would stop running at highway speed stranding us in a dangerous situation on i40. After sitting idle for 30-60 minutes it would start and run maybe 30 miles and stop. In the cool of the evening or morning it would run as long as needed. The problem is an inadequate fuel pump which is well documented on many internet blogs. In mid year 1996 Ford upgraded to a turbine fuel pump which I have now paid $450 to install. …”
NHTSA complaint #11022754, filed 2017-09, 33,500 miles“The injector module failed, which caused the power steering to stop working. This was the second fuel injector driver module that failed due to water in the module. The engine stopped with ovt warning. Scc”
NHTSA complaint #10009381, filed 2003-02, 77,320 miles
Buying note. Someone considering this model year may want to check the tire age and condition and ask for records of any ABS or brake repairs. A pre-purchase inspection that covers the brakes, rotors, and fuel system is a practical step, since these topics appear repeatedly in the sampled complaints.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 37 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 50 consumer complaints for the 1996 Ford E-350. 10 of the complaints include a mileage, and 60% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 38,934 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 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.
- Brakes19 38%
- Tires17 34%
- Fuel system4 8.0%
- Engine cooling3 6.0%
- Suspension3 6.0%
- Electrical system1 2.0%
- Engine1 2.0%
- Equipment1 2.0%
- Exterior lighting1 2.0%
Also reported: Other or unknown (1), Seat belts (1), Body and structure (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Upon installing performance friction brake pads on vehicle, I felt they were wrong. I called auto zone from whom I purchased after measuring and finding they were 0.773 thick. They assured me they were the right pads. I installed and thought nothing more of it. Upon driving vehicle around a month later, I had not gotten 5 miles when the friction caused my caliper seals to catch fire. We contacted performance friction the same day and talked to mike cochrane, who assured he would investigate and get back to me. After not hearing anything for over a week, we contacted again. …”
NHTSA complaint #755991, filed 2001-12Tires: “While driving at 45/55 MPH right front tire went out of round, and the left front tire started showing signs of fatigue. When this occurred front shocks failed, and the hydraulic fluid spilled onto the catalytic converter. This resulted in severe frontal vehicle damage. The manufacturer had been notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10042686, filed 2003-10, 19,700 milesFuel system: “This issue was on a 1996 Ford f350 ambulance on route to emergency call when engine shut down and lost all power like it was out of fuel 7.3 liter diesel and tank was full. Had unit towed to cross wood Ford in kernersville nc and $2700.00 later after new fuel tank fuel pump 6 injectors and turbo due to liner inside of tank came off and clogged the fuel system and engine Ford motor company was no help and said since the vehicle was out of warranty they would not do anything to resolve the cost issues.”
NHTSA complaint #10520493, filed 2013-06, 109,000 milesEngine cooling: “While driving up a steep hill and then downshifting back down the hill, engine quit at the bottom of the hill, and the braking system malfunctioned, which may have caused an accident. In order to stop the vehicle, needed to apply the emergency parking brake. Been to dealer numerous times. Dealer cannot determine problem.”
NHTSA complaint #835181, filed 1999-03Mileage when problems were reported
60% of the 10 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 23,000 and 77,320 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
- 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.
Recall details for the 1996 Ford E-350 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE02070Alleged brake hose failuresClosed · Oct 1, 2002
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 1996 Ford E-350?
Owners of this 1996 model year most often describe tires whose tread or belts separate, often at highway speed, followed by ABS and brake hydraulic problems such as warning lights, pedal feel, and longer stopping distances. The issues reported most often: Tire tread and belt separation; ABS warning and brake hydraulic faults; Cracked front brake rotors.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1996 Ford E-350 have?
NHTSA recorded 50 consumer complaints for the 1996 Ford E-350 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1996 Ford E-350 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 19 complaints (38% of the total), followed by tires with 17.
Has the 1996 Ford E-350 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 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 1996 Ford E-350 reported?
Among the 10 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 38,934 miles and the middle half falls between 23,000 and 77,320 miles; 60% 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.