Is the 2021 Ford E-350 reliable?

The 2021 Ford E-350 has 30 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Ford E-350?

Top problems: ENGINE (9 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (9 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (7 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Ford E-350?

Yes, there are 6 recall(s): ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP, POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT, STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS, STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS, ENGINE. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Ford E-350?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Ford E-350 is approximately $1,687/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.

2021 Ford E-350

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Ford E-350 has 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.5x the segment average of 20. The most common issue is engine problems (30% of all complaints), specifically: the contact owns a 2021 ford e-350. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v795000 (engine) however, the dealer informed the contact that only one part of the remedy, mentioned on the manufacturer's website, was available and not the other. the contact received the reprogramm. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year.

1 crash report

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 6)

ENGINE

9 complaints

30%

• The contact owns a 2021 FORD E-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V795000 (ENGINE) however, the dealer informed the contact that only one part of the remedy, mentioned on the manufacturer's website, was available and not the other. The contact received the reprogramm
• See attached document for complaint,
• See attached document for complaint,

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

“The contact owns a 2021 FORD E-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V795000 (ENGINE) however, the dealer informed the contact that only one part of the remedy, mentioned on the manufacturer's website, was available and not the other. The contact received the reprogramm”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Ford E-350

Based on 14 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 14K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 18K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 14K mi · 5 reports

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 (6)

ENGINE17/12/2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. The underside of the engine cover may have mispositioned insulation, allowing the cover to get excessively hot.

Risk: Direct and continuous contact with certain areas of engine cover surface in the passenger compartment may increase the risk of injury or burns to the skin of the driver or front seat passenger.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine cover for gaps between the rubber seal and the insulation. If gaps are present, the dealer will install engine cover insulation patches in the right hand and left hand inner lower corners of the engine cover. The dealer will also update the powertrain calibration for heat management under elevated idle conditions should a vehicle be equipped with SEIC or BCP, free of charge. The recall began February 15, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S73.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 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

$1,687

Full coverage / month

$141

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

+1%

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 age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1687

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 2021 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

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 30 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: The contact owns a 2021 FORD E-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V795000 (ENGINE) however, the dealer informed the contact that only one part of the remedy, mentioned on the manufacturer's website, was available and not the other. The contact received the reprogramm
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-350. The contact's wife was driving into a parking lot at approximately 5 MPH when the power steering and the brakes failed. The contact's wife was able to safely stop the vehicle. The contact stated that his wife had not observed any warning lights being illuminated.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-350. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the contact started to smell a burning odor coming from the RV. The contact attempted to pull over the RV to the side of the roadway however, the RV became difficult to steer. The contact pulled over the RV and checked unde
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds in windy conditions, the “Service Advance-trac” warning message was displayed on the instrument panel. Soon after the initial message was displayed, the Traction Control, Pre-Collision Assist, Cruise Control, and
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)