Model year record

1999 Ford E-350 recalls & problems

The 1999 Ford E-350 has 9 safety recalls and 72 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is tires (24 complaints).

Recalls9safety recalls

Complaints72filed by owners

Crashes · fires5 · 3reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths22 · 2reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Vehicle speed controlOct 13, 2009

Vehicle speed control

Recall 09V3990004,500,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Fix: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Vehicle speed controlFeb 4, 2008

Cruise control

Recall 08V051000225,000 vehicles

Problem: FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.
Risk: AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Vehicle speed controlAug 3, 2007

Vehicle speed control

Recall 07V3360003,600,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityNov 26, 2004

Equipment adaptive/mobility

Recall 04V5620001,660 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT SYSTEMS, THE SPROCKET TEETH OF THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WHEELCHAIR MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY SECURED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES TO A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT RETRACTORS AS NECESSARY. SURE-LOK WILL HANDLE THE REPAIRS FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SURE-LOCK AT 1-908-231-1804 OR MOBILITYWORKS AT 1-800-769-8267.

Fuel system, gasolineApr 5, 2001

Storage › Tank assembly

Recall 01V114000151,000 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN VANS WITH AMBULANCE PREP PACKAGES OR OTHER SEVERE-DUTY APPLICATIONS INVOLVING OPERATION AT OR NEAR THE GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT WITH FREQUENT TWISTING OF THE VEHICLE BODY, SUCH AS OFF-ROAD, ROUGH ROAD OR SPEED BUMP EVENTS, THE 35 GALLON MID-SHIP FUEL TANK COULD DEVELOP A CRACK WHERE IT CONTACTS THE FRAME CROSS MEMBER. IF THE FUEL TANK CRACKS, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK AND, IF CRACKED, WILL REPLACE THE TANK. INSULATOR PADS WILL BE INSTALLED ON ALL VEHICLES TO REDUCE THE STRESS LEVELS IN THE FUEL TANK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

EquipmentSep 21, 2000

Other › Labels

Recall 00V2840004,500 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL CNG PICKUP TRUCKS AND BI-FUEL CNG VANS, MODIFIED BY CFI CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC., FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 303, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY OF COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS VEHICLES." THE LABEL AFFIXED TO THE FUEL FILLER DOOR BY THE VEHICLE MODIFIER CONTAINS THE INSPECTION DATE AND EXPIRATION DATE OF THE CNG TANK. HOWEVER, IT DOES NOT CONTAIN THE STATEMENT "SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE FUEL CONTAINER FOR INSPECTION AND SERVICE LIFE."
Risk: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS.
Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED A LABEL WITH THE REQUIRED STATEMENT, ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THE LABEL AT THE FUEL FILLER DOOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 2, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

WheelsApr 19, 2000

Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Recall 00V1150003,300 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CUTAWAYS AND STRIPPED CHASSIS WITH SINGLE REAR WHEELS. THE LUG NUTS CAN POTENTIALLY BOTTOM OUT ON A SHOULDER ON THE STUDS.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THERE CAN BE AN INADEQUATE CLAMP LOAD TO ATTACH THE WHEEL TO THE AXLE, RESULTING IN NOISE, DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL AND HUB, OR IN EXTREME CASES, LOSS OF A REAR WHEEL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL ATTACHING STUDS.

Latches/locks/linkagesMar 15, 1999

Doors › Latch

Recall 99V0460002,893 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: UTILITY VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE "60/40" HINGED SIDE CARGO DOORS. THE STRIKERS FOR THE 60/40 DOOR SINGLE LATCH SYSTEM WERE FOUND TO CONTAIN STRESS CRACKS AT THE STRIKER WIRE LOWER STAKE JOINT. STRIKERS WITH STRESS CRACKS MAY NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS."
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DOOR STRIKERS MAY NOT HOLD THE DOOR, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR STRIKER.

Power trainOct 14, 1998

Manual transmission

Recall 98V257000350 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS BUILT WITH SINGLE REAR WHEELS AND EQUIPPED WITH 3.55:1 AND 3.73:1 AXLE RATIO. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH INCORRECT SPEEDOMETER DRIVEN GEARS, RESULTING IN A LOWER SPEEDOMETER READING THAN THE ACTUAL VEHICLE SPEED BEING DRIVEN.
Risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING DRIVEN AT AN UNSAFE OR ILLEGAL SPEED SHOULD THE DRIVER NOT REALIZE THAT HIS VEHICLE ROAD SPEED IS GREATER THAN THE SPEEDOMETER INDICATION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE CORRECT SPEEDOMETER GEAR.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
TiresTread/belt; Valve	24	1	0	4	72,500 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline	13	0	2	0	100,000 mi
SteeringGear box (other than rack and pinion); Hydraulic power assist system	6	2	0	16	—
Electrical systemWiring › Interior/under dash; Ignition	5	0	1	0	72,000 mi
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly; Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap	4	0	1	0	—
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	4	0	0	0	—
SuspensionFront	3	0	0	0	—
Air bagsFrontal	3	2	0	2	—
Fuel/propulsion system	3	0	0	0	150,000 mi
StructureBody › Door; Body › Door › Hinge and attachments	2	0	0	0	—
Vehicle speed controlCruise control	2	0	1	0	—
Wheels	2	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Tires › Tread/belt
The contact owns a 1999 Ford E-350 Jamboree equipped with Sailun Tires, Tire Line: Terramax H/T, Tire Size: 225/75/R16, DOT Number: (535PLE50). The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, there were pieces of the driver's side inside dual tire striking the underside of the vehicle and hitting the highway. The contact managed to drive the vehicle back to his residence. The contact stated that the tread had separated leaving only the steel belt and the side wall. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 80,000 and the tire failure mileage was 5,000.
Aug 31, 2022 · 80,000 miles
Steering
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED 24' 1999 WINNEBAGO ITASCA SPIRIT WITH VERY LOW MILEAGE AND AT THAT TIME I NOTICED A SHAKING OR VIBRATION PROBLEM POSSIBLY COMING FROM THE TIRES. I OWNED A MOTOR HOME IN THE PAST AND HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE. THIS MOTOR HOME SAT FOR SEVERAL YEARS SO I ATTRIBUTED THE SHAKING TO THE MEMORY IN THE RUBBER OF FLAT SPOTS ON THE BOTTOM FROM SITTING FOR A LONG TIME THAT USUALLY SMOOTH OUT WHEN DRIVEN ESPECIALLY AFTER 30 OR 40 MILES ON A WARM DAY, BUT AFTER A 400 MILE TRIP IT DIDN'T SMOOTH OUT, IN FACT IT SEEMS TO HAVE WORSENED. BEFORE PURCHASING IT FROM A PRIVATE PARTY I RAN AN INSTAVIN AND CARFAX REPORT AND ONLY DISCOVERED AN UNCOMPLETED NHTSA RECALL #05S28 ON THE SPEED…
Oct 7, 2019 · 27,500 miles
Air bagsCrash
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK I HAVE DAMAGE TO FRONT END AND REAR END
Apr 15, 2017 · 125,000 miles
Tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD E-350 EQUIPPED WITH NEXEN TIRES, TIRE LINE: ROADIAN HT, TIRE SIZE: LT225/ 75R16 (N/A), AND DOT NUMBER: BEAKBAMR3312. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED VIOLENTLY SHAKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE STEEL BELT WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,012 AND THE APPROXIMATE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,913.
Oct 12, 2015 · 91,012 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
THE VEHICLE STALLS ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS DUE TO LACK OF FUEL. INVESTIGATION PROVED THAT THE INTERIOR PAINT OF THE GAS TANK PEALS BLOCKING THE FUEL PUMP. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT DELAMINATION OF THE GAS TANK IS FREQUENT IN THIS MODEL CAUSING A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION AS THE VAN CAN STOP AT ANYTIME AS IT LOOSES POWER AND PROPULSION DUE TO THE PAINT FLAKES BLOCKING THE FUEL. *TR
Jan 24, 2014 · 87,000 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD F350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS DANGLING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK SUPPORT STRAPS WERE RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Jun 15, 2013 · 150,000 miles
Tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD E-350 EQUIPPED WITH UNICORN CREATION LT TIRES, LINE SIZE 225/75/R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR OUTER TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TIRE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE SHOP AND THEY STATED THAT THE STEEL BELT SEPARATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,498.
Aug 24, 2012 · 73,498 miles
Tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1999 FORD E-350 EQUIPPED WITH RUNWAY ENDURO HT TIRES, LINE SIZES LT225/75/R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE DRIVER SIDE REAR OUTER TIRE SHE NOTICED THAT IT HAD BECOME DEFLATED. THE TIRE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE SHOP WHO STATED THAT CRACKS HAD DEVELOPED IN THE TIRE WALLS AND THE STEEL BELT SEPARATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
Aug 23, 2012 · 73,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

HVAC Switch FailuresClosed
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…
EA10003 · opened Apr 13, 2010 · closed Mar 5, 2012
HVAC Switch FailuresClosed
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 · opened Dec 7, 2009 · closed Apr 21, 2010
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEADClosed
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE.AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS WHERE THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, A CRASH, AN INJURY, OR A FATALITY IN ANY OF THE 10,319,810 SUBJECT VEHICLES.IN ADDITION, ODI IS AWARE OF ONLY TWO INCIDENTS WHERE THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT RESTART.INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE ODI CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND OBTAINED FROM 72 TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS WITH COMPLAINANTS SHOWED THE FOLLOWING:(1) 99% OF THE COMPLAINTS WERE ON MY…
DP05005 · opened Sep 22, 2005 · closed Jan 4, 2006
RAPID TIRE DEFLATIONClosed
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON CERTAIN FORD PICKUP TRUCKS AND VANS TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTS OF A VALVE STEM EJECTION (WITH RAPID AIR LOSS) AND A SLOW LEAKING VALVE STEM ON VEHICLE HANDING.DURING THE INVESTIGATION, ODI EVALUATED OVER 1,100 COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS, CONDUCTED VEHICLE DYNAMIC TESTING ON A SUBJECT VEHICLE WITH THE FAILURE MODE REPLICATED, INTERVIEWED OWNERS, AND EXAMINED COMPLAINT VEHICLES IN THE FIELD.THE RESULTS OF THE TEST PROGRAM INDICATES THE EFFECT OF A VALVE STEM EJECTION ON THESE VEHICLES IS EASILY CONTROLLED. FURTHER, WITH A POPULATION OF ALMOST 900,000 VEHICLES, HAVING TWO TO FOUR YEARS OF EXPOSURE, ODI IS AWARE OF ONLY 3 MINOR CRASHES AND IS UNAWARE OF ANY INJURIES.THE SMALL NUMBER OF CRASHES RELATIVE TO THE LARGE POPULATION OF VEHICLES IS CONSISTENT WITH THE TESTING WHICH WAS PERFORMED. THEREFORE, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT FOR…
EA02018 · opened Aug 19, 2002 · closed Aug 22, 2003
BLOW BACK DURING REFUELINGClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE99047 · opened Jul 12, 1999 · closed Sep 23, 1999