KnownCarProblems2004 Ford E-350 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 46 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Ford E-350, most often about the fuel system (39% of complaints, typically around 52,000 miles). It is 7th of 26 E-350 model years by number of complaints and has 9 recalls.
Most common 2004 Ford E-350 problems
Fuel system
18 complaints · 39%Half of these problems showed up before 52,000 miles. Parts named most often: storage, fuel injection system, delivery.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford E-350. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled and was towed to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the fuel injector, fuel tank, fuel pump, and the engine needed to be replaced. The technician also stated that the silver coating in the fuel tank was from one of the damaged parts.…
The contact owns a 2004 Ford E-350. The contact stated that the vehicle would lose power when accelerating and then stall. The contact would have to wait thirty minutes before the vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact stated the failure would occur without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several…
Engine
13 complaints · 28%Half of these problems showed up before 51,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system, engine.
I have 3 vehicles with 5.4 liter exhaust manifold leak, several bolts are craked I have 50,000 mi just short of warr.my mechanic won't touch it.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford E-350. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled and was towed to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the fuel injector, fuel tank, fuel pump, and the engine needed to be replaced. The technician also stated that the silver coating in the fuel tank was from one of the damaged parts.…
Transmission
5 complaints · 11%Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline.
I have a Ford E-350 super duty van that has had drivable problems since it was new. After many trips to dealerships I was told that there was no fix at this time and Ford should come out with a fix in the future. The engine dies when hot at times causing hard braking and loss of steering. At 100699 miles, just 699…
5 speed automatic transmission occasionally jumps out of drive during normal operation of vehicle, engine revs for a second or two, then transmission slams back into drive.
Electrical
5 complaints · 11%Parts named most often: wiring.
Ford e-450 6.0l engine loses power, stalls, will not restart. Bayshore Ford service (wilmington de) results in identified problems of defective exhaust back pressure sensors, throttle bodies and underhood wiring harness. This is a safety issue as vehicle stalls in traffic with passengers on board. These defects should…
: the contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the engine stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted after 20 minutes, and was taken to a service dealer where the problem was unable to be determined. There was a NHTSA recall # 05v270000, which pertains to the wiring. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to…
Wheels and tires
4 complaints · 9%Sidewall separated completely on one tire and the tread is separating from the body if another tire. Both tires are the same make and model. Dean mud terrain sxt m+s lt245/75-r16 dot on tire with sidewall separation up11-dnw-0108 dot on tire with tread lug separation up11-dnw-0108 failures occurred at the same time on…
Equipment
4 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: appliance.
Vehicle was purchased on or around september 2003. On may of 2005 we began to have multiple problems concerning this vehicle. The most significant of these problems is air conditioning compressors locking up and breaking the drive belt. This vehicle is an ambulance so a failure could contribute to the death of a…
2004 E-350 Ford diesel van ..in 06 fuel tank delamination Ford replaced tank..08 fuel tank delamination again @ 14000 mi. Cost to me 2200.00. Dealer said Ford will not admit to a tank problem and could not assure me the delamination problem has been corrected to date..I can't afford 2,200.00 every 14000 mi. I use only…
Seat belts
3 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: rear/other, front.
- the contact stated that the passenger side seat belt latch on the 2004 Ford e350 will not stay latched. The failure mileage was 60000. The seat belt latch would pop out of the buckle without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealership, and they informed him he should replace the seat belt latch assembly.…
Body and structure
3 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: body.
I am the original owner of a 2004 Ford e 350 diesel,it has been in the shop many of times for the same problem truck stops running in middle of intersections, highways etc does not start and needs to be towed.Ford dealership has no idea what is wrong with truck, I get truck back same thing happens. Repeatedly. Now…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2004 Ford E-350 recalls
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Risk: A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
Fix: Van conversions is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or van conversions at 610-837-0707.
Full defect summary
Van conversions is recalling 52 my 2004-2007 ford e-150, e-250 e-350 and my 2006 gm savanna 3500 vans built on ford and gm chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift system accessible for motor vehicles," the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. The pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. The lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
Fix: Van conversions is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or van conversions at 610-837-0707.
Full defect summary
Van conversions is recalling 74 my 2004-2007 ford e-150, e-250 e-350 and my 2006 gm savanna 3500 vans built on ford and gm chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Risk: A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
Fix: Mobilityworks is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or mobilityworks at 1-800-769-8267.
Full defect summary
Mobilityworks is recalling 133 my 2005-2006 ford e250, my 2000, 2004-2006 e350, my 2000, 2005 e450, my 2005-2006 gmc 2500, gmc 3500, and my 2006 dodge 2500 vans equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift systems for motor vehicles." the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. The pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. The lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
Fix: Mobilityworks is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or mobility works at 1-800-769-8267.
Full defect summary
Mobilityworks is recalling 224 my 2007-2008 ford e150, my 2006-2008 e250, my 2004-2007 e350, my 2006 e450, my 2005-2007 chevrolet 2500, my 2007 chevrolet 1500, and my 2006 dodge 2500 vans equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.
Electrical: wiring
Risk: Should the engine stall, a vehicle crash could occur.
Fix: Dealers will upgrade the fuel injection control module (ficm) wire harness or replaced, and/or have a new injection control pressure (icp)) sensor connector installed free of charge. The recall began on july 22, 2005. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Full defect summary
Certain pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles and vans equipped with 6.0l diesel engines may experience stalling without warning while driving and may or may not restart.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the wheelchair securement retractors as necessary. Sure-lok is conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign. Owners should contact sure-lock at 1-908-231-1804 or accubuilt at 419-222-1501.
Full defect summary
On certain vans built on ford e250/e350 chassis and equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the wheelchair securement retractors as necessary. Sure-lok will handle the repairs for this campaign. Owners should contact sure-lock at 1-908-231-1804 or mobilityworks at 1-800-769-8267.
Full defect summary
On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.
Electrical: wiring
Risk: The electrical short may cause an ABS malfunction that would illuminate the ABS warning light, or the module may overheat resulting in a burning odor, smoke, and/or fire. This condition may occur while the vehicle is being driven or unattended.
Fix: Dealers will install a new fuse in the ABS circuit and install a heat shield over the ABS module. The recall began on october 15, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. Also ford is extending the limited warranty (for a one time replacement) of the ABS module for a total of 10 years or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date, whichever occurs first. If your vehicle has already accumulated more than 150,000 miles, this coverage will last until september 30, 2005.
Full defect summary
On certain vans, a diode in the anti-lock braking system (ABS) module may experience an electrical short.
Engine: engine and engine cooling
Risk: These hot particles may ignite the air filter element with the potential for air induction system damage or underhood fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the air filter element. The recall began september 27, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. Also ford is extending the limited warranty (for a one time replacement) of the ABS module for a total of 10 years or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date, whichever occurs first. If your vehicle has already accumulated more than 150,000 miles, this coverage will last until september 30, 2005.
Full defect summary
On certain vans, the air filter element material process resulted in an air filter paper element that can smolder or burn. This change in filter paper composition combined with the configuration of the air induction system, may allow hot carbon particles to contact the air filter element during certain driving conditions that create hot particles.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Hvac switch failures
Summary
This investigation was opened based on one complaint and reports from four transportation fleets alleging 182 blower motor control switch failures.odi was concerned that these melting and burning switches could lead to an open flame that could spread throughout the vehicle.after a comprehensive review of all data related to overheating blower motor control switches in the subject vehicles, odi did not identify the existence of a safety defect trend.odi reviewed 1,036 complaints, claims, and field reports of failed blower motor control switches and determined that only two fires were likely to have been caused by a failing subject blower motor control switch.this represents a failure rate of
Hvac switch failures
Summary
Odi has received 1 complaint and reports from 4 transportation fleets alleging 182 switch failures.each fleet operates mini buses built on a ford e350 or e450 cutaway chassis.the OEM HVAC blower switches have melted, smoked, burned or experienced open flame and become inoperable on vehicles in each fleet.some drivers have reported a burning smell or smoke coming from the dash.one fleet reported a vehicle fire.no injuries were sustained.however, the bus was carrying special needs children when the driver noticed smoke coming from the dash.the driver was able to evacuate the children prior to the vehicle becoming engulfed in flames.this pe has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea) to d
Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
Summary
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton v-8 and v-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi is not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi is aware of only two incidents where the vehi
Questions about the 2004 Ford E-350
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford E-350?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: fuel system (18 complaints, typically around 52,000 miles); engine (13 complaints, typically around 51,000 miles); transmission (5 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2004 Ford E-350 have?
- 9 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 27, 2009 (equipment Adaptive/Mobility). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2004 a bad year for the Ford E-350?
- It is 7th of 26 E-350 model years by number of complaints, with 46 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.