VehicleVerdict

2016 Ford E-350 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2016 Ford E-350 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other E-350 years?

E-350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted96 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 5 complaints1984: 6 complaints1985: 3 complaints1986: 14 complaints1987: 15 complaints1988: 17 complaints1989: 38 complaints1990: 28 complaints1991: 22 complaints1992: 51 complaints1993: 53 complaints1994: 60 complaints1995: 93 complaints1996: 59 complaints1997: 96 complaints1998: 70 complaints1999: 77 complaints2000: 63 complaints2001: 59 complaints2002: 61 complaints2003: 59 complaints2004: 70 complaints2005: 80 complaints2006: 76 complaints2007: 23 complaints2008: 55 complaints2009: 12 complaints2010: 22 complaints2011: 20 complaints2012: 22 complaints2013: 32 complaints2014: 23 complaints2015: 10 complaints2016: 5 complaints2017: 15 complaints2018: 5 complaints2019: 4 complaints2020: 2 complaints2021: 30 complaints2022: 20 complaints2023: 2 complaints2024: 1 complaints2025: 1 complaints2026: 0 complaints2027: 0 complaints
E-350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E-350 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Ford E-350 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission240%
Brakes120%
Seats120%
Body & Structure120%

Does the 2016 Ford E-350 have recalls?

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

19V205000SeatsMarch 18, 2019 · 471 units

Defect

Quality Van Sales, Inc. (Quality Van) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit and E-350 vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seat back cushions. The seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."

Consequence

In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

Quality Van will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began March 21, 2019. Owners may contact Quality Van customer service at 1-800-408-8550.

16V046000Electrical SystemJanuary 28, 2016 · 75 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 E-350 and E-450 vehicles manufactured November 3, 2014, to December 10, 2015 and equipped with a 6.8L engine and an optional trailer brake controller. The trailer braking system may fail, increasing the distance needed to stop the vehicle.

Consequence

If the vehicle unexpectedly needs an extended braking distance, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S01. Note: This recall supersedes 15V-710. Any vehicle previously repaired under 15V-710 will need to be repaired again.

15V710000Electrical SystemOctober 27, 2015 · 65 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 E-350 and E-450 vehicles manufactured November 3, 2014, to September 1, 2015, and equipped with a 6.8L engine and an optional trailer brake controller. In the affected vehicles, the trailer brake controller may not actuate the trailer brakes.

Consequence

If the trailer brakes are not activated when the towing vehicle is slowing down, the distance needed to stop the vehicle may be lengthened, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S32.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ The contact owns a 2016 Ford E-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to Ford Campaign Number:19B40 (Coast Clutch Cylinder and One-Way Clutch…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 15, 2023

“VEHICLE IS UPFIITTED BY MORGAN OLSON WITH SEATS BY FREEDMAN SEATING. THE PIN THAT HOLDS THE SEAT PEDESTAL TO THE SEAT BASE FALLS OUT AND THE SEAT FALLS TO ITS LOWEST POSITION WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL OF OUR FLEET TRUCKS. THE DETENT BALL SPRING IS TO WEAK. WE HAVE MODIFIED 2 OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · June 12, 2016

“THE ECONOLINE VAN FOR THE EXHAUST ODOR, WHEN WE FIRST TESTED THE VEHICLE IN THE SHOP WITH THE VEHICLE RUNNING (NO EXHAUST HOSE ON THE TAILPIPE) THE CO DETECTOR READ 49 PPM AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES. WHEN WE TESTED THE SECOND TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE SAME SPOT BUT A EXHAUST HOSE RUN FROM THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 23, 2018

“THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE IS ROUTED THROUGH THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL AREA IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE TIRE CONTACTS IT DURING NORMAL STEERING/SUSPENSION MOVEMENTS AND IS CHAFFING THE CABLE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 1, 2016

2016 Ford E-350 — common questions

Is the 2016 Ford E-350 reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Ford E-350 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Ford E-350. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.