The contact owned a 2005 Ford E-350. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH he smelled a burning odor and saw that the vehicle was trailing a large white cloud. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and as soon as he exited the vehicle it had become engulfed in flames. The contact stated that the flames came from under the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle burned, the contact stated the fire department was not able to locate his vehicle and later the police had called him and left a voice message advising him that the vehicle had been towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 11E047000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
The worst 2005 Ford E-350 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine21
- Electrical17
- Fuel system17
- Brakes5
- Transmission5
- Tires2
- Suspension1
- Visibility1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Ford E-350
Stalling 12Check engine light 9Engine failure 8Loss of power 7Fuel pump 6Won't start 5
Recalls 14
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner
- What is wrong
- Braun is recalling certain model year 2005 through 2011 paratransit vans built on ford e-350 chassis from april 27, 2005, through july 29, 2010, equipped with carrier genv em-1 evaporator units (em-1) manufactured from january 1, 2006 through december 2010, containing a delphi pack-con iii fuse holder in an allied motion motor assembly; em-1 unit part numbers 77-62112-xx and 77-62512-xx, starting with serial number knt90890232 to serial number nne91230058. Due to time, temperature, and/or vibration, the fuse may loosen in the fuse holder resulting in high resistance and arcing.
- Risk
- If sufficient arcing occurs, the fuse holder may melt, and may be accompanied by flame, smoke and potential fire.
- Remedy
- Braun will notify owners and instruct them to contact either carrier or a braun dealer to obtain the free remedy. The safety recall began on march 17, 2011. Owners may contact carrier at 1‑800‑793‑4741 or braun at 1-800-the-lift (1‑800‑843‑5438).
Recall number 11V131000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- Quality vans is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2008 vans manufactured between august 2005 and november 2007, 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.
- Risk
- The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
- Remedy
- Quality vans 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 quality vans at 1‑480‑464‑7007.
Recall number 09V325000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- Quality vans is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2006 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 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.
- Risk
- The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
- Remedy
- Quality vans 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 quality vans at 1‑480‑464‑7007.
Recall number 09V326000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- Customizers is recalling 6 vans equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations on 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.
- Risk
- The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
- Remedy
- Customizers is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lift free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000.
Recall number 09V306000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- Freewheel mobility is recalling 4 my 2005 ford e-350 and my 2006 ford e-250 passenger vans 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.
- Risk
- A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
- Remedy
- Freewheel mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000.
Recall number 09V275000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- Freewheel mobility is recalling 4 my 2005 ford e-350 and my 2006 ford e-250 passenger 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 on 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.
- Risk
- The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
- Remedy
- Freewheel mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000.
Recall number 09V271000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 09V100000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 09V102000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- Leader industries is recalling 14 my 2005-2006 vans built on ford 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.
- Risk
- A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
- Remedy
- Leader industries 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 leader industries leader industries at 626‑575‑0880.
Recall number 09V016000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- Leader industries is recalling 14 my 2005-2006 vans built on ford 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 on 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.
- Risk
- The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
- Remedy
- Leader industries 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 leader industries at 626‑575‑0880.
Recall number 09V015000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- Oneness mobility is recalling 19 my 1998, and 2005-2006 e-350 vans built on ford 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.
- Risk
- A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
- Remedy
- Oneness mobility 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 oneness mobility at 1‑818‑267‑3000.
Recall number 09V014000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 08V518000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 08V519000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Should the engine stall, a vehicle crash could occur.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 05V270000 · Recall details
See all 14 recalls for the 2005 Ford E-350
Defect investigations
HVAC Switch Failures
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 0.2 R/100K on a population of 1,076,975 vehicles that have been in service for up to 14 years.ODI has found that when the subject switches do fail and begin to melt, they are constructed in a manner that typically prevents the failing switch from igniting and developing into an open flame.Ford Motor Company has agreed to take two actions to further reduce the likelihood an overheated blower motor switch in the subject vehicles.Ford informed ODI that it has implemented a series of design changes to the subject switch that will help prevent it from developing internal high resistance short circuits.Ford has also informed ODI that it would release a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB-11-11-21) instructing subject vehicle owners to replace the electrical connector at the same time a failed switch is replaced.In light of the low rate of failure resulting in open flame and fire spread on the subject vehicles, and Ford's actions to reduce the likelihood of a switch failure through switch design changes and a TSB, further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following (ODI) numbers: 10427875, 10114393, 10257890For additional information, see the attached closing report.
EA10003
HVAC Switch Failures
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 determine if the blower motor switch failures create a situation where a vehicle fire is possible and presents a safety risk to the driver and other passengers.
PE09055
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Ford E-350 75
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- When performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV has replaced all...
- These SKUs are Trailer Brake Control Modules
- Ford: when shifting between park, reverse and/or during 2-3 shift, an intermittent clunk occurs with a...
- Ford: on some trucks, there is a no crank situation and if voltage on transmission range sensor at pin 21,...
- Ford: there may be a lack of RPM, hesitation, or rough running concerns when the vehicle is in idle
- Ford: runs rough, lacks power, hard start, no start
- Ford: some vehicles with diesel engines may experience no starts, hard starts or rough running when cold...
- Ford/mercury/lincoln: vehicles may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms: drive away hesitation,...
- Ford: some vehicles equipped with 6.0L diesel engine may exhibit any one or combination of the following...
- Ford trucks: misfire, lack of power, buck/jerk, excessive smoke, crank/no start-diagnostics for fuel system
What 2005 Ford E-350 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Only 87000 miles and the fuel tank is shedding silver paint flakes, into the fuel system.. Have now replaced all the filters twice, pump once.. And the tank pre filter has to be clogged as no fuel will even come out.. Had been a very good truck, but this engineering causes the van to just die!! On the road. This is apparently a common problem and one that ford and their engineers are not being responsible for.. Really... Paint inside at fuel tank? Wtf are they thinking...
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford e-350. While driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injection control module failed. The contact replaced the control module, but the failure continued. Upon inspection, the contact determined that the fuel injection control module wire harness failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 05v270000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford e-350. The contact stated that the heater box failed to change settings after the initial setting. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the heater box needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 42,900.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford e-350. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 243,000.
While drive on highway,vehicle began to lose power when I encountered a hill. It bogged down and struggled to make it to top of hill and lost speed down to 30 MPH or less and then died. It would not start right away, but after letting it sit for 15 minutes, it started and had regained power and I drove it till I got to the nest hill and did the same thing several times till I made it home 3 hours later for a 10 mile trip. I checked online on the vehicle for ford owners forum and saw that several people encountered this problem before and described it as bogging down and losing power. Some one suggested changing the egr valve which I had done, and the fuel filters as well as air filter. When I removed the bottom fuel filter under the van, I captured the fuel in the filter and line and it had what looked like silver paint. I kept the sample and it is soft and pliable. I assumed it was a protective coating lining the fuel tank. I don't believe this should be happening,because it could do damage to the injectors and other things.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford e-350. While driving 40 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after repeated attempts. The failure occurred multiple times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
This bus is owned by first baptist church of grant, al. About one year ago we started having times when the bus would crank but not start. Our mechanic has checked it four different tlimes, however, every time except this time (5th time) it started when he went to check it. This time we were taking our seniors on a trip, but when we went to crank it, it cranked but would not start. We had it towed to woody anderson ford in huntsville, al. I spoke with the truck service manager today and he told me the engine wiring harness was bad. This bus only has 30,000 miles on it. It has been at woody anderson ford 4 days. I know recalls are based on the VIN number primarily. This is a like new bus and already had to replace the fuel injectors, turbo charger, and a couple of different sensors. Anyone with any common sense knows that it is not normal for an engine wiring harness to go bad. Ford motor company needs to be held accountable and responsible for replacing an engine component that should last as long as you own the vehicle. There is a recall on some vehicles with a 6.0l diesel engine with problems like ours, it is recall # 05s34. The ford dealership said it would cost $3000.00 to replace the wiring harness. This should be a ford motor company problem. Thanks for reading and considering my complaint. Any help would be greatly appreciated. My name is steve stanfield. I am the pastor. My email is [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Driving uphill on I-70 eastbound by silverthorne, co the engine simply quit. Limped to side of highway and tried to restart - nothing. Batteries are new, etc just no turning over of the engine. Thoughts are a bad ficm, which there is supposedly a recall but ford denied that when I called this morning. Had the vehicle towed to a shop in arvada, co for diagnosis and repairs. Sounds like the egr system is about to go, the ficm is shot and wiring harness for computer is gone - all things ford is aware of but adamantly refuses to do anything about. This leaves the consumer in the position to have to spend thousands of $'s to repair their design flaws.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford e-350. The contact stated that he noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic stated the fuel tank would have to be replaced because it was corroding and leaking fuel. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
Compare the 2005 Ford E-350
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Questions about the 2005 Ford E-350
Is the 2005 Ford E-350 reliable?
Owners have filed 55 complaints about the 2005 Ford E-350, 3.2 times a typical E-350 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2005 Ford E-350 year score?
The 2005 Ford E-350 scores 27 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford E-350: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Ford E-350?
Engine and cooling, with 21 complaints, typically around 29,000 miles. Next is electrical (17).
How many recalls does the 2005 Ford E-350 have?
14 recalls, covering equipment, equipment adaptive/mobility and electrical system.
What year does the Ford E-350 have bad engine?
The Ford E-350 model years with the most engine complaints are 2005 (21 complaints), 2002 (20 complaints) and 2001 (17 complaints).
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