2016 Ford E-350 recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Ford E-350 and 8 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (2), structure (1), seats (1).
The 2016 ranks #8 of 14 E-350 model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with fewer complaints than the average year (9). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 4.9 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 Ford E-350. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Power train · clutch assembly
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Ford Econoline vehicles equipped with a 5R110W transmission, 5.4L engine, and a school bus or ambulance preparation package. A weld within the coast clutch may fail, causing an unexpected loss of drive power.
Risk: A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. Transferring occupants of a disabled school bus or ambulance to another vehicle increases their risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the single-engaging coast one-way clutch with a new dual-engaging one-way clutch, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S20.
Seats
Problem: Quality Van Sales, Inc. (Quality Van) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit and E-350 vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seat back cushions. The seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Quality Van will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began March 21, 2019. Owners may contact Quality Van customer service at 1-800-408-8550.
Electrical system · integrated trailer brake control
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 E-350 and E-450 vehicles manufactured November 3, 2014, to December 10, 2015 and equipped with a 6.8L engine and an optional trailer brake controller. The trailer braking system may fail, increasing the distance needed to stop the vehicle.
Risk: If the vehicle unexpectedly needs an extended braking distance, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S01. Note: This recall supersedes 15V-710. Any vehicle previously repaired under 15V-710 will need to be repaired again.
Electrical system · integrated trailer brake control
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 E-350 and E-450 vehicles manufactured November 3, 2014, to September 1, 2015, and equipped with a 6.8L engine and an optional trailer brake controller. In the affected vehicles, the trailer brake controller may not actuate the trailer brakes.
Risk: If the trailer brakes are not activated when the towing vehicle is slowing down, the distance needed to stop the vehicle may be lengthened, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S32.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The contact owns a 2016 Ford E-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to Ford Campaign Number:19B40 (Coast Clutch Cylinder and One-Way Clutch Replacement). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failur…
Rear tail lites take on water and become inop. *tr
Please see details outlined in attached jpg file. This impacts, tires, shock absorber's and rear axle weight capacities.*dt*jb
Safety ratings
NHTSA hasn't published 5-star crash ratings for the 2016 Ford E-350.
Fuel economy
The EPA doesn't publish fuel economy ratings for heavy-duty pickups like the Ford E-350.
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford E-350 have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Ford E-350, most recently for power train · clutch assembly (06/10/2019). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford E-350?
Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (2), structure (1), seats (1).
Is the 2016 Ford E-350 safe?
NHTSA hasn't published an overall 5-star rating for the 2016 Ford E-350.
Is the 2016 a good year for the Ford E-350?
The 2016 ranks #8 of 14 E-350 model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with fewer complaints than the average year (9). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 4.9 per model year.
Own a 2016 Ford E-350 in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: E-350, ECONOLINE.