Is the 2016 Ford E-350 reliable?

The 2016 Ford E-350 has 5 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Ford E-350?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (2 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (1 complaints, avg repair $500); SEATS/RESTRAINTS (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Ford E-350?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): SEATS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Ford E-350?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 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.

2016 Ford E-350

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2016 Ford E-350 has 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.3x the segment average of 20. The most common issue is transmission problems (40% of all complaints), specifically: the automatic transmission shifter control cable contacts the parking brake pedal assembly, therefore when applying/releasing the parking brake the cable is getting chaffed.. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 4 of 4)

TRANSMISSION

2 complaints

40%

• THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CONTROL CABLE CONTACTS THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY, THEREFORE WHEN APPLYING/RELEASING THE PARKING BRAKE THE CABLE IS GETTING CHAFFED.
• 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

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CONTROL CABLE CONTACTS THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY, THEREFORE WHEN APPLYING/RELEASING THE PARKING BRAKE THE CABLE IS GETTING CHAFFED.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (3)

SEATS18/03/2019

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.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 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 2016 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

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 5 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CONTROL CABLE CONTACTS THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY, THEREFORE WHEN APPLYING/RELEASING THE PARKING BRAKE THE CABLE IS GETTING CHAFFED.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE IS ROUTED THROUGH THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL AREA IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE TIRE CONTACTS IT DURING NORMAL STEERING/SUSPENSION MOVEMENTS AND IS CHAFFING THE CABLE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SEATS/RESTRAINTS: VEHICLE IS UPFIITTED BY MORGAN OLSON WITH SEATS BY FREEDMAN SEATING. THE PIN THAT HOLDS THE SEAT PEDESTAL TO THE SEAT BASE FALLS OUT AND THE SEAT FALLS TO ITS LOWEST POSITION WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL OF OUR FLEET TRUCKS. THE DETENT BALL SPRING IS TO WEAK. WE HAVE MODIFIED 2 OF O
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: THE ECONOLINE VAN FOR THE EXHAUST ODOR, WHEN WE FIRST TESTED THE VEHICLE IN THE SHOP WITH THE VEHICLE RUNNING (NO EXHAUST HOSE ON THE TAILPIPE) THE CO DETECTOR READ 49 PPM AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES. WHEN WE TESTED THE SECOND TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE SAME SPOT BUT A EXHAUST HOSE RUN FROM THE TAILPIP
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)