Is the 1996 Ford E-350 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Ford E-350 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Ford E-350?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Ford E-350 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

1996 Ford E-350

● Typical for this model

1996 Ford E-350
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:05:42.655Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 50
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

1996: 50 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1983	1
1986	1
1988	1
1989	1
1991	19
1992	41
1993	43
1994	51
1995	69
1996	50
1997	79
1998	63
1999	72
2000	59
2001	52
2002	53
2003	46
2004	46
2005	55
2006	53
2007	18
2008	39
2009	9
2010	16
2011	18
2012	16
2013	13
2014	17
2015	7
2016	5
2017	13
2018	3
2019	3
2020	2
2021	22
2022	14
2023	3
2024	2
2025	1
2026	1
2027	0

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

40% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

FIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

ABS sporadically causes difficulty in pressing the break pedal while rhythmically pulling hard right. Highway or surface speeds. Google has many with the same problem and no fix. No codes are thrown. Dealers are no help.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-08-23

Tires

34% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt and valve.

Show complaint excerpts

Consumer's vehicle experienced 3 tread separations on firestone steel tex brand. Dealer and manufacturer had been contacted. Ts one other tire showed signs of tread separation which included the spare. All tires had to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-25

3 tires all seperated at different times within a 3 month. Both front tires and one rear tire. All 3 tires had the same DOT number. The other 3 tires did not seperate and had a different DOT number. I still have all of the tires.…

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-05

Engine and engine cooling

6% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

Suspension

6% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing leaf and shock absorber.

Power train

4% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2002-10-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-01-09 Alleged brake hose failures
R

2006-08-07Vehicle speed control06V286000 On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.

Remedy: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on August 7, 2006. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. (Note: also see recalls…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2008-02-18Vehicle speed control08V051000 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…

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-10-27Vehicle speed control09V399000 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…

Remedy: 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…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Ford E-350 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 20 reports on file for this year.
Tires: 17 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06V286000 · Vehicle speed control
Recall 08V051000 · Vehicle speed control
Recall 09V399000 · Vehicle speed control

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1996 Ford E-350 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Ford E-350 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Ford E-350?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Ford E-350 have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.