IllustrationENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
1983 Ford E350
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all E350 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 0 of 4 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports2 fire reports0 injury reports
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
1 reportsOfficial recalls
889V140000 · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core
Aug 15, 1989
HEATER HOSE MAY BE INCORRECTLY ROUTED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: HOSE COULD WEAR THROUGH AND LEAK WHICH COULD RESULT INAN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: REROUTE AND REPAIR HOSE AS NECESSARY.
88V133000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings
Aug 9, 1988
EXTREME OPERATING CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE PREMATURE DETERIORATION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HEATER HOSES OR ENGINE BYPASS HOSES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: ENGINE COOLANT COULD DISCHARGE ONTO THE ENGINE AND ITSEXHAUST MANIFOLD CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE DUE TO THE HIGH ENGINEEXHAUST MANIFOLD TEMPERATURES.
Remedy: REPLACE HOSES AND RADIATOR CAPS; INSTALL HIGH HEAT RESISTANCE ALUMINIZED STAINLESS STEEL MUFFLERS.
87V144000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control
Sep 9, 1987
VEHICLES ARE SUBJECT TO EXCESSIVE UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES AND FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURES IN SEVERE DUTY APPLICATIONS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CREATES POTENTIAL FOR FUEL EXPULSION FROM THE FUELFILLER PIPE WHICH IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN AFIRE.
Remedy: INSTALL MODIFICATION KITS TO MINIMIZE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL EXPULSION AND TO SHIELD UNDERBODY COMPONENTS FROM EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT.
87V113000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control
Jul 21, 1987
EXPULSION OF FUEL DUE TO OVERPRESSURIZATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL OR FUEL VAPORS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITIONSOURCE CAN CAUSE A FIRE.
Remedy: MODIFICATION OF THE BASE FUEL VENTING AND EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM TO REDUCE OPERATING TEMPERATURES AND FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURES.
85V061000 · Fuel System, Diesel
May 14, 1985
WHEN FRONTALLY IMPACTED INTO A FIXED BARRIER AT 30 MPH, AS SPECIFIED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 301, THE LEFT FRAME RAILS OF SUCH VEHICLES MAY DISPLACE INBOARD, PINCHING THE FUEL/WATER SEPARATOR CANISTER BETWEEN THE FRAME RAIL AND ENGINE SUFFICIENTLY TO DISPLACE THE FUEL/WATER SEPARATOR DRAIN ROD, ALLOWING THE CONTENTS OF THE CANISTER TO DRAIN. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: FUEL LEAK DURING OR AFTER A CRASH INCREASES THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: INSTALL A CANISTER SHIELD, A REVISED DESIGN DRAIN ROD SHIELD, AND MODIFY FUEL/WATER SEPARATOR MOUNTING BRACKET.
84V034000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting
Mar 23, 1984
ATTACHING BOLTS ON FUEL TANK SUPPORTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED; ALSO, THE SUPPORTS ARE TOO THIN. HIGH LEVELS OF STRESS, WHICH COULD OCCUR UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS, COULD CAUSE CRACKS TO DEVELOP IN THE SUPPORT STRAPS. IF THE FUEL TANK SUPPORTS FRACTURE, THE FUEL TANK WILL SLIP FROM THE NORMAL POSITION, AND FUEL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: FUEL TANK SUPPORTS AND FASTENERS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
82V124000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Dec 13, 1982
SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE A DIODE IN THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP CIRCUIT THAT MAY SHORT DURING ENGINE STARTING DUE TO INADEQUATE CAPACITY TO WITHSTAND CURRENT DRAW. A SHORT CIRCUIT WOULD RESULT IN NORMAL ENGINE STARTING, BUT THE PUMP WILL NOT CONTINUE TO SUPPLY THE ENGINE WITH FUEL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE DEFECTIVE ELEMENT IN THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP CIRCUIT WITH A NEW RELAY FEED WIRING ASSEMBLY WHICH CONTAINS A LARGER CAPACITY DIODE, FREE OF CHARGE.
82V104000 · Power Train:axle Assembly
Oct 26, 1982
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE LOCK WEDGES USED TO SECURE THE AXLE BEARING NUTS TO THE AXLE HOUSING MAY FALL OUT OF POSITION, ALLOWING THE NUT TO LOOSEN. THE NUT ON THE LEFT SIDE MAY FALL OFF, ALLOWING MOVEMENT OF THE AXLE SHAFT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE DEFECTIVE LOCK WEDGES WITH AN IMPROVED VERSION. WHEEL BEARINGS WILL BE INSPECTED AND ADJUSTED OR REPLACED, IF NECESSARY.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
54PE89102 · Heater Hose Routing
Opened Mar 15, 1989 · Closed Aug 1, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89044 · Heater Hose Misrouting
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Apr 19, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
SUMMARY:CHAMPION HAS FURNISHED HEATER HOSE ROUTING DIAGRAMS WHICHCLEARLY SHOW THAT THE ONLY HEATER HOSE ROUTING EVER USED BY CHAMPIONROUTES THE HOSES FROM THE HEATER, ACROSS THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT NEAR THERADIATOR, AND DOWN TO THE DRIVERS SIDE FRAME RAIL THE SIDE MOST REMOTEFROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, AND REARWARD ALONG THIS FRAME RAIL TO THE REAROF THE VEHICLE.THIS ROUTING IS THE ROUTING PREFERRED AND MOST HIGHLYRECOMMENDED BY FORD.===
PE89045 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Aug 29, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89046 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89047 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Mar 15, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89048 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jul 21, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89049 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jun 15, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
SUMMARY:AMERICAN MODULAR BODY WENT BANKRUPT AND THE ASSETS WERELIQUIDATED AT AUCTION.ACCORDING TO INDUSTRY SOURCES, NO ONE BOUGHTTHE BUSINESS, OR ASSUMED ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR WARRANTY ON THE UNITSTHEY SOLD.===
PE89050 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jul 19, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89051 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Mar 15, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89052 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jul 19, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89053 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Mar 15, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89054 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89055 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Mar 15, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89056 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89057 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jun 15, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
SUMMARY:LEADER INDUSTRIES HAS REPORTED THAT THEY DO NOT NOW, OR HAVETHEY EVER ATTACHED ANYTHING TO THE TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK TUBE.===
PE89058 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89059 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89060 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jul 19, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89061 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jul 5, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
SUMMARY:MEDTEC HAS NOT ATTACHED ANY HOSES OR WIRING TO TRANSMISSIONFILL TUBES.===
PE89062 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89063 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89064 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jul 5, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
SUMMARY:RINGDAHL HAS NOT ATTACHED HOSES OR WIRES TO THE DIPSTICKFILLER TUBE.===
PE89066 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89067 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Aug 3, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89068 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89069 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jul 19, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89070 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Aug 29, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89071 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Aug 29, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer
===
PE89072 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Mar 15, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89073 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Sep 27, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
Additional source detail variants (2)
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89074 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jul 3, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
SUMMARY:TRI STAR WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND STATED THAT THEY DO NOTSELL ANY UNITS IN THE U.S.THEY ALSO REPORTED THAT THEY DO NOT ATTACHANYTHING TO THE TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK TUBE.===
PE89075 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89076 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89077 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89078 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Sep 27, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89079 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Sep 28, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89080 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89081 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89082 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89083 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89084 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89085 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89086 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed May 5, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89087 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Mar 15, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89088 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jul 19, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89089 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Aug 1, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89043 · Heater Hose Misrouting
Opened Feb 15, 1989 · Closed Aug 2, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
PE89038 · Underhood Fires
Opened Feb 9, 1989 · Closed Aug 29, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
===
DP88016 · FIRES-COOLANT Hose Failure
Opened May 12, 1988 · Closed Nov 16, 1988
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline
FIRES-COOLANT HOSE FAILURE
DP87024 · Ford E-350 Ems Vehicle Fires
Opened Jul 17, 1987 · Closed Aug 7, 1987
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline
FORD E-350 EMS VEHICLE FIRES
DP87025 · Ford E350 Ems Veh. Fires
Opened Jul 17, 1987 · Closed Aug 18, 1987
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline
FORD E350 EMS VEH. FIRES
C87003 · Filler Neck Spurt
Opened Apr 29, 1987 · Closed Sep 1, 1987
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
EA87002 · Filler Neck Spurt
Opened Nov 4, 1986 · Closed Apr 29, 1987
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:FORD HAS SUPPLIED INFORMATION REQUESTED CONCERNING VEHICLE POPULATIONAND THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS.ANALYSIS:THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE ONE OF EXCESSIVE HEAT COLLECTING UNDER THEVEHICLES, USUALLY WHILE STATIONARY WITH THE ENGINE IDLING.THIS HEATCAUSES THE FUEL TO VAPORIZE IN THE FUEL TANK AND DEVELOP PRESSURES INEXCESS OF WHAT THE VENT SYSTEM CAN HANDLE.STATUS:IR TO FORD SENT ON 2/20/87. MEETING WITH FORD AND FINAL STAGE MANUFACTUR-ERS HELD ON MARCH 11 & 12, 1987. ADDITIONAL MEETING HELD ON MARCH 7, 1987.ALSO ON APRIL I, 1987.FORD ANNOUNCED SERVICE CAMPAIGN, NO SAFETY RECALL.RECALL REQUEST LETTER SENT ON 4/7/87. FORD DID NOT AGREE TO A SAFETYRECALL, CONSEQUENTLY A PANEL MEETING WAS HELD ON 4/29/87 AND INVESTIGATIVECASE C87-003 WAS OPENED.THIS EA WAS CLOSED AS A RESULT OF THE CASE OPEN-ING ON 4/27/87.===
C85010 · Dual Rear Wheel Retention
Opened Sep 30, 1985 · Closed Aug 2, 1988
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available