VehicleVerdict

2021 Ford E-350 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 30 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.5 times the median E-350 year — the 2021 model ranks #19 of 53 E-350 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (30% of the total).

30

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other E-350 years?

E-350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E-350 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Ford E-350 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine930%
Brakes930%
Steering723%
Other27%
Electrical System13%
Fuel System13%
Driver Assistance13%

Does the 2021 Ford E-350 have recalls?

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

25V793000EngineNovember 17, 2025 · 7,046 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles that received an incomplete software update under recall 20V795. The engine cover may become excessively hot.

Consequence

Direct contact with certain areas of engine cover surface in the passenger compartment may increase the risk of injury or burns to the skin of the driver or front seat passenger.

Remedy

Dealers will update the powertrain calibration for heat management under elevated idle conditions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 22, 2025.

24V097000BrakesFebruary 9, 2024 · 16,543 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 E-350 and E-450 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels. An inadequate connection between the power steering pressure line and the brake hydroboost unit may result in a sudden loss of power steering fluid.

Consequence

A sudden loss of power steering fluid can result in a loss of power steering and power brake assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the power steering pressure line and the hydroboost jumper line, free of charge. Vehicles in this recall were previously recalled under 22V-089 and owners will need to have the new remedy completed even if their vehicle was remedied under the prior recall. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 21, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S07.

22V089000BrakesFebruary 16, 2022 · 44,219 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 E-350 and E-450 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels. An inadequate connection between the power steering pressure line and the brake Hydroboost unit may result in a sudden loss of power steering fluid.

Consequence

A sudden loss of power steering fluid can result in a loss of power steering and power brake assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the connection between the power steering lines and the Hydroboost unit, and replace the power steering lines, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S08.

20V795000EngineDecember 17, 2020 · 29,344 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. The underside of the engine cover may have mispositioned insulation, allowing the cover to get excessively hot.

Consequence

Direct and continuous contact with certain areas of engine cover surface in the passenger compartment may increase the risk of injury or burns to the skin of the driver or front seat passenger.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine cover for gaps between the rubber seal and the insulation. If gaps are present, the dealer will install engine cover insulation patches in the right hand and left hand inner lower corners of the engine cover. The dealer will also update the powertrain calibration for heat management under elevated idle conditions should a vehicle be equipped with SEIC or BCP, free of charge. The recall began February 15, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S73.

20V175000Electrical SystemMarch 23, 2020 · 2,871 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. A wire harness in the rear of the vehicle may contact the vehicle frame, resulting in damage to the circuits that support the fuel pump and the anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Consequence

Damage to the fuel pump circuit in the wiring harness could result in an unexpected engine stall. Damage to the ABS wiring can lead to reduction of ABS functionality and a loss of roll stability control (RSC) functionality. These scenarios increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wire harness for damage. If no damage is found, dealers will apply anti-abrasion tape over the area and ensure clearance to surrounding components. If damage is found, dealers will splice in new wire and apply anti-abrasion tape over the area and ensure clearance to surrounding components. All services will be performed free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S13.

20V099000TransmissionFebruary 21, 2020 · 319 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-550 and 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. The rear axle differential fluid may be below the minimum level, possibly resulting in a failure of the rear axle assembly and driveshaft separation.

Consequence

If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of drive, increasing the risk of crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur and increase the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle differential fluid level and adjust it, or replace the rear axle as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S09.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-350. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the power steering and brakes became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with loosened brake line fittings and an…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 20, 2022

“Engine failure at 78,172, excess wear to the camshaft lobes and valve tappet surface. We have had 22 failures. There was a recall -24B27 for 2021 and 2022 models year for idle oil pressure. Most vans had 70 to 80k on them by the time we received a letter. Some engine have been changed twice. Ford…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 4, 2025

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-350. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the power steering and brakes became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with loosened brake line fittings and an…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 20, 2022

“The vehicle was very difficult to keep on the road. It wanted to go all over the road. It was a struggle to keep it in the lane. We took the RV back to the dealer we bought it from & they told us they didn't work on that & to find a Ford dealer that would work on it. After many phone calls I found…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 29, 2021

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds in windy conditions, the “Service Advance-trac” warning message was displayed on the instrument panel. Soon after the initial message was displayed, the Traction Control, Pre-Collision Assist, Cruise Control,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · June 8, 2021

2021 Ford E-350 — common questions

Is the 2021 Ford E-350 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 30 complaints put the 2021 model at #19 of 53 E-350 years. It is one of the E-350 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 E-350 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (9 complaints), brakes (9 complaints), steering (7 complaints).

Does the 2021 Ford E-350 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 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 2021 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.