1996 Ford E-350
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 38 |
| 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 | 20 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 0 |
| 2027 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
18% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 9 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE BRAKES FAIL ON WET ROADS AND QUICK STOPS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000519
ANTILOCK BRAKES ARE OVER BOOSTED, ALLOWING 60 TO 70 PERCENT OF BRAKING POWER NOT TO BE EQUALLY DISTRIBUTED , CAUSING BRAKE PEDAL TO GO TO FLOOR IF BRAKES ARE APPLIED/RELEASED AND REAPPLIED.(2ND VEHICLE ON 508695)
NHTSA ODI report, 19961029
16% of complaints: tires — 8 distinct reports on file.
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. *TT *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20021125
16% of complaints: tires — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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. DT
NHTSA ODI report, 20021105
6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ALLEGED BRAKE HOSE FAILURES
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 05
Campaign 06V286000 — check if this car was fixed
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 MERCUR
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.
Campaign 08V051000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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 CO
Campaign 09V399000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Ford E-350 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06V286000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V051000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V399000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Ford E-350 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.