2017 Ford E-350 Safety Report

The 2017 Ford E-350 presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to its commercial vehicle nature and the specific issues highlighted in NHTSA complaints and recalls. With 12 total complaints, including 1 crash and 1 fire, the vehicle has not accumulated a high volume of general consumer complaints. However, the nature of the complaints points to several critical safety concerns. A significant pattern involves 'death wobble' related to the steering and suspension systems, with multiple reports describing violent front-end shaking at highway speeds after hitting bumps, requiring drivers to slow down drastically to regain control. This issue is directly linked to the STEERING and SUSPENSION components, which together account for 4 of the 12 complaints (33%). Recall history further underscores specific safety vulnerabilities. Four recalls have been issued, addressing issues ranging from incorrect backup camera displays (affecting driver judgment, increasing crash risk) to faulty brake lights (confusing other drivers, increasing crash risk) and seat back cushions that may not adequately protect occupants in a crash. One recall specifically mentions 'EQUIPMENT: SVO Group Inc.' and 'EQUIPMENT: VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists' related to backup camera monitors, indicating potential issues with aftermarket or specialized upfitting. Another recall by 'Taylor Made Ambulances' for exterior lighting highlights issues with brake lights, which could lead to crashes. The 'SEATS: Quality Van Sales, Inc.' recall for seat back cushions points to a structural safety concern for occupants. NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for the 2017 Ford E-350, which is common for commercial-grade vehicles of this type, making it difficult to assess its performance in controlled crash scenarios. Despite the low overall complaint count, the severity of reported issues like loss of power, steering, and braking due to BCM failure, and the 'death wobble' phenomenon, suggests that when problems do occur, they can be significant safety hazards. The single reported crash involved unintended acceleration and loss of control, further emphasizing potential critical system failures.

Our recommendation: Prospective buyers should be aware of the documented 'death wobble' and recall history, and thoroughly inspect steering, suspension, and electrical systems, especially if the vehicle has been upfitted or modified.