2018 Ford E-350 Safety Report

The 2018 Ford E-350 has a limited safety data set from NHTSA, with only 3 total complaints, 1 reported crash, and 1 injury, but no fatalities or fires. This low complaint volume makes it challenging to draw broad conclusions about common issues from owner reports alone. The most frequently cited components in complaints are POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES, SUSPENSION, and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, each with one complaint. One complaint specifically details the vehicle accelerating forward instead of stopping when the brake pedal was depressed, leading to a crash, and another describes the vehicle jumping forward when reverse was selected, also resulting in a crash. Despite the low complaint volume, the vehicle has been subject to 4 safety recalls, indicating specific areas of concern identified by manufacturers or NHTSA. Two recalls, from Taylor Made Ambulances and Excellance, Inc., address issues with exterior brake lights incorrectly illuminating, which could confuse other drivers and increase crash risk. Another recall by SVO Group Inc. concerns faulty backup camera monitors that could cause drivers to turn the wrong direction, increasing crash risk. The fourth recall, by Quality Van Sales, Inc., involves potentially defective Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seat back cushions that could increase injury risk in a crash. NHTSA has not provided overall, frontal, side, or rollover crash test ratings for the 2018 Ford E-350, which is common for commercial-oriented vehicles like the E-350 chassis. This lack of crash test data means that direct performance comparisons to passenger vehicles are not possible. The recalls, particularly those related to braking, lighting, and unintended acceleration/direction, suggest that while owner complaints are few, there have been identified safety deficiencies requiring manufacturer intervention.

Our recommendation: Given the low complaint volume but multiple safety recalls, potential buyers should ensure all recall repairs have been completed and be aware of the reported issues concerning unintended acceleration and braking.