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2021 Ford E-350 problems

The most common problem on the 2021 Ford E-350 is engine and cooling. It has 1.5 times the complaints of a typical E-350 model year.

Typical year1.5x the typical complaints
Year score
57/100
Owner complaints
25
Recalls
6
Service bulletins
45
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2021 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.

  • Engine
    14
  • Brakes
    7
  • Steering
    7
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Fuel system
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Ford E-350

Engine failure 9

Recalls 6

EngineReported November 17, 2025 · 7,046 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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 beginning December 22, 2025.

Recall number 25V793000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported February 9, 2024 · 16,543 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 24V097000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported February 16, 2022 · 44,219 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 22V089000 · Recall details

EngineReported December 17, 2020 · 29,344 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 20V795000 · Recall details

Electronic stability control (ESC)Reported March 23, 2020 · 2,871 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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).
Risk
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.

Recall number 20V175000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: differential unitReported February 21, 2020 · 319 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 20V099000 · Recall details

See all 6 recalls for the 2021 Ford E-350

Defect investigations

Camshaft and Lifter Failure in Ford 7.3L Gasoline EnginesOpened October 23, 2026, still open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on June 13, 2026, requesting an investigation into camshaft and lifter failures in Ford 7.3L gasoline engines used in 2021-2022 Ford E-350 and 2021 Ford F59 and F-750 vehicles. The Petitioner alleges that insufficient oil lubrication at low idle (~6 psi) causes severe wear on lifter rollers and camshaft lobes, leading to catastrophic engine failure and sudden loss of motive power while driving at highway speeds with little to no warning. The petition further alleges that Ford Motor Company was aware of the root cause and released a software calibration patch raising idle speed to ~1,000 RPM, but failed to initiate a public safety recall or notify vehicle owners. The petition itself can be reviewed at under ODI number 11764421. This defect petition has been opened to evaluate the issue and determine whether to grant or deny the petition.

DP26011

Loss of Power Brake/Steering Assist Post Recall 22V089 Inspection.Opened February 27, 2024, closed May 11, 2026

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query (RQ) 24003 on February 27, 2024, to evaluate the scope and remedy effectiveness of the federal safety agency recall 24V097. On February 16, 2022, Ford Motor Company (Ford) issued a safety recall, the federal safety agency recall 22V089, for certain 2021-2022 Ford E-350 and E-450 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels. According to the filing, specific hydraulic lines could leak resulting in a sudden loss of power steering and power brake assist, increasing the risk of a crash. The remedy involved a dealer inspection of the lines and their replacement as necessary. Only vehicles that failed the inspection received updated parts. On February 9, 2024, Ford issued a new recall, the federal safety agency recall 24V097, to replace the specific hydraulic lines on any vehicle that had not yet been inspected and on any vehicle which had passed inspection within the previous twelve months. However, vehicles which had passed the inspection more than twelve months ago would not be included within the scope of the new recall, as Ford deemed them to have a low likelihood of failure. ODI opened this RQ to better understand Ford's scoping of recall 24V097, specifically concerning the inspected-only vehicles not included in the new recall filing. ODI sent Ford an information request letter on April 18, 2024. Ford responded, in full, on May 31, 2024. ODI reviewed Ford's data which showed that the vehicles not included in the new recall had a predicted failure rate of less than 0.25% within 10 years from the date of inspection. By comparison, the vehicles included in the new filing have had a failure rate of approximately 2% prior to being recalled again. ODI analysis of complaint and warranty data further supports Ford's assessment that vehicles that passed inspection more than twelve months prior to recall 24V097 are unlikely to experience the defect condition. ODI is closing this RQ without a manufacturer action. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

RQ24003

Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Ford E-350 45

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 45 bulletins for the 2021 Ford E-350

What 2021 Ford E-350 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Engine · AR

Camshaft failure, Engine Replaced at McLarty Ford In Arkansas. Invoice #233829 Only 55,929 Miles on this engine, replaced under warranty

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Engine · AR

Engine Failure. Replaced at McLarty Ford, invoice #219143

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Engine · AR

Unsure of cause, needed new engine. New engine installed at Bob Utter Ford in [XXX]. Invoice #XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 13, 2026 · Engine · NC

Engine misfire on a 2021 Ford E-350 cutaway, 7.3L V8, used for parcel delivery. The vehicle was delivered to Ford of Spartanburg (Ford dealership) for diagnosis. The vehicle is still out of service. Ford's diagnosis, Repair Order 593079, June 26, 2026: "WILL NEED TO REPLACE ALL SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES, WILL ALSO NEED TO REPLACED ALL COILS DUE TO MISFIRES ON ALMOST EVERY CYLINDER." The Ford service advisor wrote the same day: "The engine also has a misfire that is unrelated to the transmission concern." Ford quoted $4,376.35 for the ignition components and wrote: "AFTER REPAIRING TRANSMISSION WILL NEED TO DIAGNOSE ALL OTHER CONCERNS WITH VEHICLE, CANNOT DIAG ANYTHING AT MOMENT DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE." Ford has not completed the engine diagnosis; on July 27, 2026 it advised against a compression test and offered one at $920.00. This is the second engine failure on this VIN. In January 2024 at 103,177 miles, the same Ford dealership diagnosed "Found a misfire and low compression on cylinder 3, ordered engine and replaced the engine with new intake gaskets, exhaust manifold gaskets, torque converter nuts, found the reinforcement cracked and replaced it" and installed a Ford service engine, part LC3Z-6006-B (Invoice 551352C; I paid $10,000.00). That Ford replacement engine is the one now misfiring, after at least 63,580 miles. Note on mileage: Ford's RO 593079 records 103,778 miles; Ford's own January 2024 invoice recorded 103,177 and independent records show 166,757 on January 12, 2026 and 169,140 on February 4, 2026. The Ford RO figure is not an actual reading. The same 7.3L engine has failed on nine vehicles in this fleet; the federal safety agency holds VOQ 11582566, 11582592, 11582598, 11582601, 11582604 and ODI 11714692, 11714694, and the federal safety agency ODI (Mr. J. Williams) has the complete record as of September 6, 2026. North Carolina DOJ Consumer Protection File No. 2026-180591 is open on the same matter.

Filed Sep 13, 2026 · Engine · NC

Engine failure on a 2021 Ford E-350 cutaway, 7.3L V8, used for parcel delivery. The vehicle was taken out of service and has not run since. Two diagnoses, both in writing. ACME Mobile Service, July 27, 2026, at 152,760 miles: "Found the #5 cylinder is completely disabled and dropped out. Truck will need a new motor." Ford of Spartanburg (Ford dealership), Repair Order 595835, August 25, 2026: "FOUND ENGINE IS KNOCKING, WILL NEED TO REPLACE MOTOR." Ford quoted $16,000.82 for a long-block replacement. The engine is available for inspection. This is the second engine failure on this VIN. In March 2023 at 83,575 miles the engine was rebuilt with new Ford parts (camshaft, sixteen lifters, rocker arms, cylinder heads) after a camshaft and lifter failure. On the day the rebuild was completed the shop recorded "03/31/2023- NEW ENGINE FAILED. ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING AND HAD NOISE COMING FROM TOP END." and Ford replaced the complete engine under warranty in April 2023 (Ford claim CAS-42271539-G0F3ZF). That Ford replacement engine is the one that has now failed, after 69,185 miles. Ford's own repair order of August 25, 2026 lists Safety Recalls 20S73 and 24S07 for this VIN at $0.00, i.e. not performed, while the vehicle sat at the Ford dealership. Ford Customer Experience declined assistance on August 25, August 28 and September 9, 2026 and closed the case. The same 7.3L engine has failed on nine vehicles in this fleet; the federal safety agency already holds VOQ 11582566, 11582592, 11582598, 11582601, 11582604 and ODI 11714692, 11714694 on those, and the federal safety agency ODI (Mr. J. Williams) has the complete vehicle-by-vehicle record as of September 6, 2026. North Carolina DOJ Consumer Protection File No. 2026-180591 is open on the same matter.

Filed Jan 31, 2026 · Engine · NC

fatal Camshaft and lifter failure requiring an engine replacement

Filed Nov 28, 2025 · Engine · MA

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 has a serious problem and is not acknowledging it. Please help! Montachusett Regional Transit Authority , Fitchburg MA 01420

Filed Feb 17, 2025 · Engine · IN

This is one of 4 of my 2021 ford econoline fleet vehicles purchased in 2021 that have had engine failure. I am one of many contractors in my area and others around the country who have had this issue with the same F59 engine. Ford has failed to issue a recall.

Filed Feb 17, 2025 · Engine · IN

This is one of 4 of my 2021 ford econoline fleet vehicles purchased in 2021 that have had engine failure. I am one of many contractors in my area and others around the country who have had this issue with the same F59 engine. Ford has failed to issue a recall.

Filed Feb 17, 2025 · Engine · IN

This is one of 4 of my 2021 ford econoline fleet vehicles purchased in 2021 that have had engine failure. I am one of many contractors in my area and others around the country who have had this issue with the same F59 engine. Ford has failed to issue a recall.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2021 Ford E-350 before you buy

Compare the 2021 Ford E-350

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Questions about the 2021 Ford E-350

Is the 2021 Ford E-350 reliable?

Owners have filed 25 complaints about the 2021 Ford E-350, 1.5 times a typical E-350 model year.

What is the 2021 Ford E-350 year score?

The 2021 Ford E-350 scores 57 out of 100 (below average). 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 2021 Ford E-350?

Engine and cooling, with 14 complaints. Next is brakes (7).

How many recalls does the 2021 Ford E-350 have?

6 recalls, covering engine, service brakes, hydraulic and electronic stability control (esc).

Was there a recall on the 2021 Ford E-350 engine?

Yes, 2 recalls: 25V793000, 20V795000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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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