1FDEE3FL3GDC132432016 FORD E-350
2016 FORD E-350 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 5 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
Executive Summary
2016 FORD E-350
2016 FORD E-350 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 5 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
- 3 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- Brakes is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
5 owner complaints filed — top areas: Engine/Powertrain (40%), Body/Structure (20%), Exterior/Other (20%).
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- E-350
- Year
- 2016
- Trim / Series
- Econoline
- Body Style
- Incomplete - Cutaway
- Vehicle Type
- INCOMPLETE VEHICLE
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 8-cyl 5.4L 255 hp
- Manufacturer
- FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Assembly
- AVON LAKE, OHIO, UNITED STATES (USA)
- GVWR
- Class 3: 10,001 - 14,000 lb (4,536 - 6,350 kg)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: AVON LAKE, OHIO
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Brake system recall
- ⚠2 recalls on same component: Electrical
- ⚠2 recalls on same component: Brakes
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Deferred Failure Risk
Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
One failed component has created stress on connected systems. Repair costs compound quickly — a $500 fix can become $3,000+ if cascade damage is ignored.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
3 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 3 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 3 recalls is ~66%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
FORD completes recalls at a good rate (89%), averaging about 18 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~18 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
SEATS
SummaryQuality Van Sales, Inc. (Quality Van) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit and E-350 vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seat back cushions. The seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."Read full details...
~37% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 E-350 and E-450 vehicles manufactured November 3, 2014, to September 1, 2015, and equipped with a 6.8L engine and an optional trailer brake controller. In the affected vehicles, the trailer brake controller may not actuate the trailer brakes.Read full details...
~32% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 E-350 and E-450 vehicles manufactured November 3, 2014, to December 10, 2015 and equipped with a 6.8L engine and an optional trailer brake controller. The trailer braking system may fail, increasing the distance needed to stop the vehicle.Read full details...
~32% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
Complaint Intelligence
5 complaints analyzed across 4 system categories
Owner Complaints
5 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
The contact owns a 2016 Ford E-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to Ford Campaign Number:19B40 (Coast Clutch Cylinder and One-Way Clutch Replacement). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
THE ECONOLINE VAN FOR THE EXHAUST ODOR, WHEN WE FIRST TESTED THE VEHICLE IN THE SHOP WITH THE VEHICLE RUNNING (NO EXHAUST HOSE ON THE TAILPIPE) THE CO DETECTOR READ 49 PPM AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES. WHEN WE TESTED THE SECOND TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE SAME SPOT BUT A EXHAUST HOSE RUN FROM THE TAILPIPE TO OUTSIDE THE SHOP AND THE CO DETECTOR READ 9 PPM AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES. THE THIRD TEST, THE VEHICLE WAS OUTSIDE AND AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES THE CO DETECTOR READ 0 PPM AND WE ALSO TESTED IN THE UTILITY BODY WHICH READ 0 PPM. WE KNOW THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT LEAKING EXHAUST, ANY "EXHAUST ODOR" OR CO MEASURED IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE IS MOST LIKELY FROM THE EXHAUST SURROUNDING THE VEHICLE AND ENTERING THROUGH THE POROUS UTILITY BODY. *DT*JB
VEHICLE IS UPFIITTED BY MORGAN OLSON WITH SEATS BY FREEDMAN SEATING. THE PIN THAT HOLDS THE SEAT PEDESTAL TO THE SEAT BASE FALLS OUT AND THE SEAT FALLS TO ITS LOWEST POSITION WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL OF OUR FLEET TRUCKS. THE DETENT BALL SPRING IS TO WEAK. WE HAVE MODIFIED 2 OF OUR VEHICLES BY DRILLING OUT THE BALL AND INSTALLING HAIRPIN CLIPS. ON THE OTHERS WE HAVE INSTALLED A ZIP-STRIP THROUGH THE PIN RING WHILE WAITING FOR INSTRUCTION FROM MORGAN OLSON CONCERNING A AUTHORIZED REPAIR. HAVE MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO OBTAIN FEEDBACK OVER THE COURSE TO 2 YEARS, BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY INSTRUCTION AS TO HOW THIS ISSUE IS BEING HANDLED. THE SEAT FELL WHILE THE VEHICLES WERE IN MOTION IN EVERY INCIDENT, STARTLING THE DRIVER.
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CONTROL CABLE CONTACTS THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY, THEREFORE WHEN APPLYING/RELEASING THE PARKING BRAKE THE CABLE IS GETTING CHAFFED.
THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE IS ROUTED THROUGH THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL AREA IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE TIRE CONTACTS IT DURING NORMAL STEERING/SUSPENSION MOVEMENTS AND IS CHAFFING THE CABLE.
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 5 NHTSA complaints on file for the FORD E-350 — a relatively low volume that spans from 2018 to 2023.
The amber reliability line averaged 99/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 98/100 in 2018.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $43,614 (~$727/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2016 FORD E-350 — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for 1FDEE3FL3GDC13243. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
FORD has been fined $17M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2015: Failure to timely file Early Warning Reports on defect data.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 1FDEE3FL3GDC13243 |
| Model Year | 2016 |
| Make | FORD |
| Model | E-350 |
| Series | Econoline |
| Vehicle Type | INCOMPLETE VEHICLE |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Incomplete - Cutaway |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 8 |
| Displacement (L) | 5.4 |
| Horsepower | 255 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | FORD MOTOR COMPANY |
| Assembly City | AVON LAKE |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 1FD |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 3 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | G |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | D |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | C13243 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 3 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 5 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 7/2/2026, 12:00:06 PM.