1990 Ford E350 problems & reliability

Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.

Most reported problems

Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.

Common symptoms owners describe

Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.

Complaints by incident year

What owners report

• “Fuel from rear tank overflowed to front tank which leaked out excess fuel. Occurred once before repairs. Did a search for the issue and found that there was a secret open warranty covering the issue, called ford and got 'permission' to have it repaired. The first replacement was worse according to the service manager…”

  Fuel System, Gasoline · filed Feb 25, 2009

• “The front disc brake calipers do not retract after applying the brakes, friction from the brake pads causes the brake fluid to boil effectively resulting in no brake operation, this happens everytime the vehicle is left sitting for about a month, rust develops on the slider bars which prevents the calipers from…”

  Service Brakes, Hydraulic · filed Jul 9, 2001

• “Two of the firestone steeltex radial r4s lt 215/85r16 ms tires experienced tread separation, first time tire wrapped and damaged adjoining tire on left rear dual, second tire unwrapped and broke out bottom of the holding tank, consumer installed armor plat to protect new tank. *mjs”

  Tires · filed Dec 19, 2000

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

Federal defect investigations

• FRONT BRAKE FADE

  Investigation SQ99005 · opened Feb 10, 1999 · closed Sep 21, 2001

• ALTERNATOR BELT FAILURE

  Engineering Analysis EA93014 · opened Jun 4, 1993 · closed Jul 29, 1994

• LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES

  Engineering Analysis EA91044 · opened Oct 30, 1991 · closed Oct 30, 1992 · led to recall 92V026000

• FUEL EXPULSION

  Engineering Analysis EA91031 · opened Jun 26, 1991 · closed Nov 1, 1991 · led to recall 91V146000

• LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES

  Preliminary Evaluation PE91077 · opened May 23, 1991 · closed Oct 31, 1991

• TRANSMISSION FLUID FIRES

  Preliminary Evaluation PE91064 · opened Apr 9, 1991 · closed Jul 5, 1991

• TRNSMSSION PARK GEAR FAIL

  Preliminary Evaluation PE90056 · opened Mar 12, 1990 · closed Jun 12, 1990 · led to recall 90V101000

Technical service bulletins

7 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1990 Ford E350.

• Front caliper piston boots damaged. *yc

  985A38 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 18, 1998

• Some vehicles may exhibit excessive brake pedal travel, irregular front lining wear, and brake pull. *yc

  985A29 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 18, 1998

• Recommended guidelines for towing behind recreational vehicles. *tt

  985A12 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 18, 1998

• Diagnostic guides for out-of-warranty vehicles to be used as a master copy - diagnostic guides no longer available from adistra. *tw

  97215 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 20, 1997

• Delayed forward engagement and/or heat stained forward clutch plates after installing center support service. *tw

  951113 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 1, 1995

• UNKNOWN

  BC2893950401 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 1995

• There may be a concern of poor performance, coolant in the oil and engine knocking and/or hydraulic lock on some vehicles. *tw

  95524 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 1, 1995

TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.

Safety recalls

No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1990 Ford E350 in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.