1997 Ford E-350 Problems
- Complaints
- 79filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles, 23 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1997 Ford E-350 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report tire tread separation and blowouts, especially on dual rear wheels at highway speed and often in hot weather, along with brake complaints involving a low or soft pedal, vibration and rotors that warp or crack. A recurring engine theme is a spark plug blowing out of the cylinder head, sometimes with an engine fire; coolant and fuel line leaks and engine fires also appear in complaints. Mileage varies widely because many vans are fleet, ambulance or motorhome chassis with heavy loads.
- Tires
Tire tread separation and blowouts
- 23 complaints (29%)
- median 76,000 mi at 15.9 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2013
Complaints describe the tread peeling away from the carcass, sometimes as a complete ring, with sidewall bulges or blisters beforehand and no warning at the moment of failure. Many occurred at highway speed on rear duals, and in several cases the flailing tread damaged the body, fender or inner wall. Owners often replaced all tires on the axle or the whole set, and some reported repeat failures on other tires of the same brand and size. Reported across a wide mileage range, from tires with roughly 6,000 to 27,000 miles, often at highway speeds and in hot weather.
What to check: Inspect all tires, including duals and the spare, for date codes, sidewall bulges and uneven tread; ask what brand, size and load rating is fitted and when they were last replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving at 52 MPH (pulling a small u-haul trailer) the left rear tire on my van suffered complete tread separation. The tread subsequently wrapped around the axle and had to be pried loose. The tread was whole and intact (a complete circle), but the carcass of the tire shredded. The tire is (was( a uniroyal lt 245/75 r16 approximately 4 years old. I managed to pull to the side of the freeway on my rim. This occurred on saturday, august 25.”
NHTSA complaint #10472637, filed 2012-08, 84,488 miles“The tire's tread peeled off at 55mph very suddenly and violently causing damage to the body of the truck and the mud flap. This truck had a dual wheel rear axle and I replaced all four tires because I was scared of them( DOT number: ejakdxm tire size: lt225/75r1 )”
NHTSA complaint #730739, filed 2000-09 - Engine cooling
Coolant and fuel leaks, engine fires
- 10 complaints (13%)
- median 89,408 mi at 10.0 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2009
Complaints describe coolant getting into the cylinders and requiring engine replacement, deteriorated heater hoses to the rear heater, and fuel lines or hoses cracking and leaking onto hot exhaust or heat shields. Some report the vehicle catching fire in the engine compartment or while parked, with cause uncertain. Owners said the dealer had no information or recall for vehicles of this age. Reported from about 24,000 to 250,000 miles, with no single mileage pattern.
What to check: Look for coolant residue under the rear heater lines and along the frame, check the fuel lines and hoses above the tank and exhaust for cracking, and confirm no fuel smell is present after filling the tank.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“High pressure fuel return line failed as I was ready to depart for the day. I had stopped after driving about 300 feet; upon exiting I smelled a strong fuel odor and noticed a fuel track leading from my vehicle. Fuel was leaking badly onto the heat shield above the catalytic converter or muffler. Had the failure occured when the engine was hot, there would have been a fire bomb. It had to be towed to the nearest Ford dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10072421, filed 2004-05, 25,883 miles“I have a 97 Ford E-350 and the fuel line developed a leak due to the plastic outer coating rubbing against the line. I consider this a fire hazard as it is located directly above the exhaust.”
NHTSA complaint #10088846, filed 2004-08, 55,000 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal low or soft; vibration and rotor wear
- 14 complaints (18%)
- median 98,979 mi at 6.2 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 1997–2003
Complaints describe the pedal sinking toward the floor and requiring pumping, especially in reverse or after repeated stops, with reduced braking power once the brakes are hot from a long drive or towing. Owners also report vibration and steering wheel jerk while braking, and premature rotor wear, warping or cracking. Some describe ABS engaging when it should not, and several had the vehicle serviced repeatedly without a lasting fix. Most reports are tied to long drives, loads, or towing, with no mileage pattern in the sample.
What to check: Ask about brake service history and have the rotors, calipers and hydraulic system inspected; a service bulletin describes a brake pedal kickback or grabbing condition in the booster system.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“1997 Ford super club wagon xlt (e350) ABS system engages inappropriately causing total lack of braking power. The ABS control unit does not record an error code so my mechanic cannot find a cause. I have had to remove the ABS fuse in order to have trustworthy brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #10000736, filed 2003-01, 98,979 miles“After driving vehicle for a long period of time or pulling a load the brakes become warm and the braking power decreases. The vehicle also virbrates when applying the brakes. Vehicle serviced 8 or 9 times for brake problems. Problem still exists. Front brake rotor warp due to heat which lessons the contact of the pads causing poor braking and vibration.”
NHTSA complaint #812492, filed 1997-05 - Engine cooling
Spark plug blows out of the cylinder head
- 5 complaints (6%)
- median 85,908 mi at 11.9 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2010
Owners describe a loud popping or knocking sound followed by loss of power, a strong fuel smell and, in some cases, fire in the engine compartment. Repair shops reportedly told owners they had seen the same failure many times on these engines, with the plug threads no longer holding in the aluminum head and head removal or replacement needed. Some complaints were filed shortly after a spark plug service. Reported from roughly 37,000 to 203,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the plugs were recently serviced and whether any plug-hole thread repair was done; have a mechanic check for loose plugs and listen for a ticking or popping under load.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The #3 spark plug on my '97 Ford E-350 van blew out (about 1 year after the plugs were changed) while starting to drive slowly in a parking lot. I have been told by more than one mechanic that this is common on this engine (5.4 l 8-cylinder) and that it is a design defect. I have not had the money to get it fixed yet (estimated by mechanic to be $1500 to pull the head and repair). …”
NHTSA complaint #10252281, filed 2008-12, 203,000 miles“Spark plug was blown out of the aluminum head of an E-350 Ford v-8 vortex engine. Mechanics I have spoken to have reported familiarity with this exact problem when vehicle reaches 60,000 plus miles. Individual with same type and year (97) truck is having same trouble.”
NHTSA complaint #10002719, filed 2003-01, 63,000 miles - Suspension
Suspension vibration and rear-end shake
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe vibration and shaking at highway speed that persisted after tire balance, sometimes traced to tread separation, and in one case the wheel, tire and hub separating after a wheel bearing nut sheared. Owners also mention a loud rattle and rear-end diagnosis, and rear suspension and spring components seen as underbuilt for loaded use. Mostly reported above 45 mph or under load, with no clear mileage pattern in the sample.
What to check: Test drive at highway speed and note any shake that remains after balancing; have wheel bearings, hub hardware and rear springs checked, and a service bulletin covers vibration above 45 mph after tire balance.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Crash right front,wheel bearing nut sheered off, rotor broke, wheel, tire ,and hub assembly came off vehicle. Wheel and tire undamaged. . Updated 06/22/06”
NHTSA complaint #10159918, filed 2006-06, 74,500 miles“Van shakes rattles, while in operation. Loud sound while in operation. Rear end has been thus far diagnosed as problem. The ABS brakes are also mal functioning. Pedal goes down to floor and brakes are not engaging properly”
NHTSA complaint #736322, filed 2000-11
Buying note. Look closely at tire age, brand and condition plus the brake and cooling systems before buying, since those account for most of the reports here on high-mileage or heavily loaded vans; a pre-purchase inspection covering tires, brakes, hoses and spark plug condition is worthwhile.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 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 79 consumer complaints for the 1997 Ford E-350. 23 of the complaints include a mileage, and 30% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 70,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 9 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 3 technical service bulletins 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.
- Tires24 30%
- Brakes18 23%
- Engine cooling15 19%
- Suspension6 7.6%
- Fuel system5 6.3%
- Electrical system4 5.1%
- Vehicle speed control4 5.1%
- Air bags3 3.8%
- Body and structure3 3.8%
Also reported: Seat belts (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Equipment (1), Other or unknown (1), Steering (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Tires: “This is the third set of firestone tires I've had, all on new vehicles, and the third failure of this type (tread separation). I replaced the previous sets at my own expense. I replaced all four rear tires after this recent failure. Upon inspection, a second tire was found to have two bulges in the sidewall. I contacted a local servicing shop who said I could only get an adjustment against another firestone tire. Unacceptable. ( DOT number: unk tire size: 22570r16 )”
NHTSA complaint #726428, filed 2000-08Brakes: “Intermittent problem; when attempting to make a sudden, graudal or normal stop the steering wheel jerks out the consumer's hand, causing loss of vehicle control, resulting in the vehicle pulling to right hand side due to the rear brakes that are not releasing. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #826846, filed 1998-08Engine cooling: “The motor home engine operated fine while we were on an extended 1700 mile trip. The gauges registered normal. We checked the oil & antifreeze & they were at the normal levels. After we returned: at mileage 48526 we started the engine on may 6, 2004 the engine started with a large knocking noise & there was white smoke out the tailpipe. 2. Antifreeze had gotten into the oil so the rod bent & #1 cylinder was scored when the engine was started. 3. The head gaskets & head was normal - the whole engine had to be replaced!”
NHTSA complaint #10082416, filed 2004-07, 48,526 milesMileage when problems were reported
30% of the 23 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 48,526 and 98,979 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in 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…
- 07V336000Aug 3, 2007Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford E-350 1992–1993, 1997–2003, E-150 1992–1993, 1997–2003, E-250 1992–1993, 1997–2003 +18 more
On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
- 04V562000Nov 26, 2004Equipment adaptive/mobilityCovers: Ford E-350 1997–2000, 2004, E-150 1997–2000, 2004, E-250 1997–2000, 2004 +8 more
On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.
- 01V114000Apr 5, 2001Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: Ford E-350 1997–2001, E-150 1997–2001
Vehicle description: on certain vans with ambulance prep packages or other severe-duty applications involving operation at or near the gross vehicle weight with frequent twisting of the vehicle body, such as off-road, rough road or speed bump events, the 35…
Recall details for the 1997 Ford E-350 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE09055HVAC Switch FailuresClosed · Dec 7, 2009
- 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. 3 on record; the latest 3 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…
- 10022675Sep 19, 2007Brakes. Brake booster system may exhibit a brake pedal kickback and/or grabbing condition when applying the brakes.
- 10018941Jan 1, 2005Suspension. Vibration/harshness above 45 mph (72 km/h) after tire balance.
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 1997 Ford E-350?
Owners of this model year most often report tire tread separation and blowouts, especially on dual rear wheels at highway speed and often in hot weather, along with brake complaints involving a low or soft pedal, vibration and rotors that warp or crack. The issues reported most often: Tire tread separation and blowouts; Coolant and fuel leaks, engine fires; Brake pedal low or soft; vibration and rotor wear.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1997 Ford E-350 have?
NHTSA recorded 79 consumer complaints for the 1997 Ford E-350 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1997 Ford E-350 is reported most often?
Tires is named most often, in 24 complaints (30% of the total), followed by brakes with 18.
Has the 1997 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 1997 Ford E-350 reported?
Among the 23 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 70,000 miles and the middle half falls between 48,526 and 98,979 miles; 30% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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.