Is the 2012 Ford E-350 reliable?

The 2012 Ford E-350 has 22 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.1x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: OTHER problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Ford E-350?

Top problems: OTHER (4 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (4 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (3 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Ford E-350?

Yes, there are 11 recall(s): EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, EQUIPMENT, FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2012 Ford E-350?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Ford E-350 is approximately $1,478/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2012 Ford E-350

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2012 Ford E-350 has 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.1x the segment average of 20. The most common issue is other problems (18% of all complaints), specifically: 2012 ford e-350 passenger van. consumer writes in regards adaptive equipment not being installed correctly or in a timely fashion. *tgw. There are 11 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

OTHER

4 complaints

18%

• 2012 FORD E-350 PASSENGER VAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT NOT BEING INSTALLED CORRECTLY OR IN A TIMELY FASHION. *TGW
• 2012 FORD E-350 PASSENGER VAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT NOT BEING INSTALLED CORRECTLY OR IN A TIMELY FASHION. *TGW
• RENTED BUDGET TRUCK IN ALABAMA ON 8/30. DROVE FROM ALABAMA TO IOWA. RENTED AN AUTO TRANSPORT IN ADDITION TO THE FORD E-350 (2012). THE E-350 WAS THE ONLY ONE AVAILABLE AND I NEEDED TO TAKE IT BECAUSE I HAD NO OTHER OPTION BUT TO MOVE ON THAT DATE. THE E-350 HAD THE FOLLOWING DANGEROUS ISSUES: 1) NE

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“2012 FORD E-350 PASSENGER VAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT NOT BEING INSTALLED CORRECTLY OR IN A TIMELY FASHION. *TGW”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2012 Ford E-350

Based on 20 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 67K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (11)

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY24/05/2016

New England Wheels (New England) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-250, E-350, and 2015 Ford Transit vans equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts by Ricon. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack. Additionally, the lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.

Risk: If the platform side plates crack or the platform mounting fails from out-of-position bearings, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the vehicle's doors are opened, the platform may fall onto the lift operator, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: New England will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on June 29, 2016. Owners may contact New England customer service at 1-800-886-9247. New England's number for this recall is 16E-020.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Ford E-350

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,478

Full coverage / month

$123

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-12%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1478

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford E-350 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2012 E-350, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 22 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
OTHER: 2012 FORD E-350 PASSENGER VAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT NOT BEING INSTALLED CORRECTLY OR IN A TIMELY FASHION. *TGW
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: 2012 E350 FORD WITH 69 K MILES AND BEFORE I REACHED 70 K MILES THE TRANSMISSION FROZE UP. THE FORWARD PLANETARY ASSEMBLY BEARING FAILED. THIS IS COVERED UNDER FORD?S CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 12N04. I BEING THE 3RD OWNER, I DID NOT KNOW OF THIS FORD PROGRAM WHEN THE TRANS FAILED. THE TRANS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD E-350. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL WAS BAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD E-350 (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIFT TO THE RIGHT INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED MORE WEIGHT. THE DEALER ADDED BINS TO THE VEHICLE BUT THAT DID NOT REMEDY THE D
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 11 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)