1987 Ford E350 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
8 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Visibility (wipers / glass)
What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. HEATER HOSE MAY BE INCORRECTLY ROUTED.
What could happen: HOSE COULD WEAR THROUGH AND LEAK WHICH COULD RESULT INAN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: REROUTE AND SPLICE HOSE AS NECESSARY.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1987 E350.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V075000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
Summary: HEATER HOSE MAY BE INCORRECTLY ROUTED.
Consequence: HOSE COULD WEAR THROUGH AND LEAK WHICH COULD RESULT INAN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: REROUTE AND SPLICE HOSE AS NECESSARY.
Notes: SYSTEM: HEATER HOSE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BUSES BUILT ON FORD E350 CHASSIS.
2. Visibility (wipers / glass)
What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. HEATER HOSE MAY BE INCORRECTLY ROUTED.
What could happen: HOSE COULD WEAR THROUGH AND LEAK WHICH COULD RESULT INAN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: REROUTE HOSE AS NECESSARY.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1987 E350.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V150000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
Summary: HEATER HOSE MAY BE INCORRECTLY ROUTED.
Consequence: HOSE COULD WEAR THROUGH AND LEAK WHICH COULD RESULT INAN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: REROUTE HOSE AS NECESSARY.
Notes: SYSTEM: HEATER HOSE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: AMBULANCES BUILT ON FORD E350 CHASSIS.
3. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. EXTREME OPERATING CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE PREMATURE DETERIORATION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HEATER HOSES OR ENGINE BYPASS HOSES.
What could happen: ENGINE COOLANT COULD DISCHARGE ONTO THE ENGINE AND ITSEXHAUST MANIFOLD CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE DUE TO THE HIGH ENGINEEXHAUST MANIFOLD TEMPERATURES.
The fix: REPLACE HOSES AND RADIATOR CAPS; INSTALL HIGH HEAT RESISTANCE ALUMINIZED STAINLESS STEEL MUFFLERS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1987 E350.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 88V133000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
Summary: EXTREME OPERATING CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE PREMATURE DETERIORATION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HEATER HOSES OR ENGINE BYPASS HOSES.
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.
Notes: SYSTEM: ENGINE HOSES.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: AMBULANCE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FORD CUTAWAY CHASSISAND VANS.
4. Visibility (wipers / glass)
What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. HEATER HOSE MAY BE INCORRECTLY ROUTED.
What could happen: HOSE COULD WEAR THROUGH AND LEAK WHICH COULD RESULT INAN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: REROUTE AND REPAIR HOSE, AS NECESSARY.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1987 E350.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V139000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
Summary: HEATER HOSE MAY BE INCORRECTLY ROUTED.
Consequence: HOSE COULD WEAR THROUGH AND LEAK WHICH COULD RESULT INAN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: REROUTE AND REPAIR HOSE, AS NECESSARY.
Notes: SYSTEM: HEATER HOSE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: GAS CHASSIS - CUTAWAY AND VAN AMBULANCES.
5. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. FUEL LEAK AT THE TOP OF THE FRONT FUEL TANK IN THE AREA OF THE VAPOR VALVE GROMMET. GROMMET MAY SPLIT DUE TO COMPRESSIVE LOAD WHEN INSTALLED IN THE FUEL TANK.
What could happen: FUEL MAY LEAK FROM VAPOR VALVE AND BECOME THE SOURCE OFFUEL FOR A FIRE.
The fix: INSTALLATION OF A NEWLY DESIGNED VAPOR VALVE GROMMET.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1987 E350.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 87V111000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
Summary: FUEL LEAK AT THE TOP OF THE FRONT FUEL TANK IN THE AREA OF THE VAPOR VALVE GROMMET. GROMMET MAY SPLIT DUE TO COMPRESSIVE LOAD WHEN INSTALLED IN THE FUEL TANK.
Consequence: FUEL MAY LEAK FROM VAPOR VALVE AND BECOME THE SOURCE OFFUEL FOR A FIRE.
Remedy: INSTALLATION OF A NEWLY DESIGNED VAPOR VALVE GROMMET.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL/TANK VAPOR VALVE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: AMBULANCE, ECONOLINE E350 VANS AND CUTAWAY CHASSIS WITH7.5 LITER ENGINES.
6. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. VEHICLES ARE SUBJECT TO EXCESSIVE UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES AND FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURES IN SEVERE DUTY APPLICATIONS.
What could happen: THIS CREATES POTENTIAL FOR FUEL EXPULSION FROM THE FUELFILLER PIPE WHICH IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN AFIRE.
The fix: INSTALL MODIFICATION KITS TO MINIMIZE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL EXPULSION AND TO SHIELD UNDERBODY COMPONENTS FROM EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1987 E350.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 87V144000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Summary: VEHICLES ARE SUBJECT TO EXCESSIVE UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES AND FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURES IN SEVERE DUTY APPLICATIONS.
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.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUELVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1983 THROUGH 1987 E250, E350, CLUB WAGONS AND ECONOLINEVANS AND CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH 7.5 AND 1985 THROUGH 1987 E250, E350, CLUB WAGONSAND ECONOLINE VANS EQUIPPED WITH 5.8 LITER ENGINES.
7. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. NYLON TIES THAT SUPPORT THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS TO THE CHASSIS COULD WEAR AND BREAK DUE TO EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. THUS, WIRING HARNESS COULD FALL ON ENGINE COMPONENTS AND SHORT CIRCUIT.
What could happen: THIS COULD CAUSE LOSS OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WHICH COULDRESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: INSTALL RETROFIT RIT OF PLASTIC-COATED METAL CLAMPS, LOOM FOR POSITIVE BATTERY CABLES AND RE-ROUTE WIRING.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1987 E350.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V062000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Summary: NYLON TIES THAT SUPPORT THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS TO THE CHASSIS COULD WEAR AND BREAK DUE TO EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. THUS, WIRING HARNESS COULD FALL ON ENGINE COMPONENTS AND SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE LOSS OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WHICH COULDRESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: INSTALL RETROFIT RIT OF PLASTIC-COATED METAL CLAMPS, LOOM FOR POSITIVE BATTERY CABLES AND RE-ROUTE WIRING.
Notes: SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL WIRING/HARNESS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TYPE II AND III AMBULANCES BUILT ON FORD CHASSIS.
8. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. EXPULSION OF FUEL DUE TO OVERPRESSURIZATION.
What could happen: FUEL OR FUEL VAPORS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITIONSOURCE CAN CAUSE A FIRE.
The fix: MODIFICATION OF THE BASE FUEL VENTING AND EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM TO REDUCE OPERATING TEMPERATURES AND FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURES.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1987 E350.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 87V113000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Summary: EXPULSION OF FUEL DUE TO OVERPRESSURIZATION.
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.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: AMBULANCE, FORD ECONOLINE E350 CUTAWAY CHASSIS AND VANS,EQUIPPED WITH 7.5 LITER ENGINES.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 1987 Ford E350 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Body / structure (4), Engine (3), Brakes (3), Hydraulic (3), Fuel system (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
07/27/2005 · Engine
LEAK FROM ON TOP OF FRONT FUEL TANK IN THE AREA OF THE VAPOR VALVE GROMMET. SOUNDS LIKE THE SAME PROBLEM AS REPORTED IN NHTSA 87V111000. IN RELATION TO NHTSA #87V144000 188,000 VEHICLES WERE AFFECTED. WERE ALL 1987 E350, CLUB WAGONS, WITH 7.5 LITER ENGINES INVOLVED IN THIS RECALL? FORD DEALERSHIP STATES MY VAN HAS NOT BEEN UNDER ANY RECALLS PAST OR…
12/07/2000 · Wheels / tires
WHILE DRIVING, A TIRE (NO MAKE/MODEL PROVIDED) EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE LEFT REAR FENDER. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *SLC
03/30/1999 · Brakes
BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
06/17/1998 · Engine · fire
ENGINE FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT).
05/14/1996 · Electrical system · fire
THE TRUCK WAS PARKED AND TRIED TO START ITSELF WITHOUT THE KEY AND THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE IGNITON SWITCH. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
05/06/1996 · Electrical system · fire
IGNITION SWITCH FIRE. *SD
04/01/1996 · Body / structure
HAND RAIL FAILED ON BUS NUMBER 125. (SECOND VEHICLE ON 503019) *DSH
04/01/1996 · Body / structure
HAND RAIL FAILED ON BUS NUMBER 126. (THIRD VEHICLE ON 503019) *DSH