VehicleVerdict

1994 Ford E-350 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 60 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.0 times the median E-350 year — the 1994 model ranks #10 of 53 E-350 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 17 reports (28% of the total).

60

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1994 compare to other E-350 years?

See all E-350 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1994 Ford E-350 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1728%
Engine1017%
Transmission712%
Tires & Wheels610%
Fuel System58%
Lighting58%
Suspension47%
Speed Control23%
Electrical System23%
Steering12%
Visibility & Wipers12%

Does the 1994 Ford E-350 have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V197000OtherApril 16, 2014 · 66 units

Defect

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 frequent use, the roll stop latches on the outer barrier of the lifts in these vans may become bent or misaligned.

Consequence

A wheelchair occupant may defeat or ride over the insufficiently latched roll stop. If this occurs when the lift platform is in an elevated position, the wheelchair's occupant could fall and sustain injury.

Remedy

Braun Corporation notified all the vehicle owners, and Cummings Mobility replaced the recalled parts with new parts, free of charge. The recall was completed as of April 10, 2014. Owners may contact Cummings customer service at 1-800-639-5438.

09V399000Speed ControlOctober 13, 2009 · 4,500,000 units

Defect

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 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence

A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

08V051000Speed ControlFebruary 4, 2008 · 225,000 units

Defect

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 VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.

Consequence

AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

06V286000Speed ControlAugust 1, 2006 · 1,200,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.

Consequence

OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURN AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 05V388)

93V194000BrakesNovember 23, 1993 · 106 units

Defect

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 WIRE HARNESS MAY INCREASE THE NEEDED PEDAL FORCE TO GREATER THAN 125 POUNDS TO SET THE PARKING BRAKE TO HOLD THE VEHICLE ON THE 30% GRADE.

Consequence

THE INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE FOOT PEDAL AND THE WIREHARNESS MAY NOT ALLOW THE PARKING BRAKE TO FULLY SET. IF THIS OCCURS WHEN THEVEHICLE IS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, IT MAY ROLL, CAUSING A CRASH.

Remedy

FINAL STAGE MANUFACTURERS WILL BE INFORMED OF THIS CONDITION AND PROVIDED WITH PARTS AND INSTRUCTIONS NECESSARY TO CORRECT THIS SITUATION.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

ABS LOCKED UP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. VEHICLE HIT TRAFFIC LIGHT POLE WHILE GOING 30MPH. VEHICLE HAD NO AIR BAGS. HAD THE BRAKES CHECKED BY MECHANIC & NOTHING WAS FOUND. POLICE REPORT #RPC412/OFCR PAULESKI #2[PHONE]040/3041. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 18, 1999 · crash

1994 E350 CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS A MECHANIC TOLD THE CONSUMER THE TRUCK HAD A BAD WATER PUMP AND THAT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. *JB

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 21, 2006 · fire

3 TRANSMISSION FAILURES, TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN #95-11-11 SHOWS FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION DUE TO DEFECTIVE DRIVESHAFT. DRIVESHAFT MUST BE REPLACED WITH A SPECIAL REDESIGNED DRIVESHAFT ONLY AVAILABLE FROM FORD. THIS NEW DRIVESHAFT HAS BEEN REPLACED AND IT SEEMS TO HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM. IMPROPER…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 5, 1999

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. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 5, 2001 · fire

1994 Ford E-350 — common questions

Is the 1994 Ford E-350 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 60 complaints put the 1994 model at #10 of 53 E-350 years. It is one of the E-350 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1994 E-350 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (17 complaints), engine (10 complaints), transmission (7 complaints).

Does the 1994 Ford E-350 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1994 Ford E-350. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1994 Ford E-350 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford E-350 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E-350 years to avoid are 1997, 1995, 2005, 1999, 2006, 1998, 2004, 2000, 2002, 1994, 1996, 2003, 2001, 2008, 1993, 1992, 1989, 2013, 2021. The cleanest record among E-350 years belongs to 2027.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.