2007 FORD E-350

6.8L V10 TritonRWDAUTOMATICgas
5-Year Cost of Ownership
$41,206 maintenance + known platform issues
~$8,241/yr · 690¢/mile equivalent · $37,703 maintenance + $2,803 expected platform issues
Compare this engine
vs
7.3L V8 Godzilla
Common Problems & Known Issues

The 2007 E-350 with the 6.8L V10 Triton is a workhorse van that can rack up serious miles, but the engine has a catastrophic spark plug ejection issue and the transmission cooling system is a known weak point that causes expensive failures if ignored.

Spark Plug Ejection from Cylinder Head (Triton V10)

Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden loud popping or hissing sound from engine bay, Immediate misfire and rough running, Loss of power, check engine light with misfire codes, Spark plug found dangling or completely blown out
Fix: The 2-valve Triton V10 has insufficient thread engagement for spark plugs. When they blow, the threads strip from the aluminum head. Requires HeliCoil or TimeSert thread repair kit installation (2-3 hours per hole). If multiple cylinders fail or threads are severely damaged, head removal for professional machining may be needed (12-16 hours). Preventive: never over-torque plugs, replace at 60k intervals, check torque regularly.
Estimated cost: $400-800 per plug if caught early with insert repair; $2,500-4,000+ if head removal required

Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure / Cooler Contamination

Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid in coolant reservoir (strawberry milkshake appearance), Coolant in transmission pan, Transmission slipping or delayed engagement after mixing occurs, Overheating transmission temp gauge reading
Fix: The internal transmission cooler in the radiator can rupture, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. This contamination destroys the transmission if not caught immediately. Requires radiator replacement, full transmission fluid flush with filter change, and often full transmission rebuild if contamination circulated (18-24 hours total). Highly recommend external auxiliary cooler install as preventive measure (bypasses factory cooler).
Estimated cost: $800-1,500 for radiator and flush if caught immediately; $3,500-5,500 with transmission rebuild

Exhaust Manifold Stud Failure and Manifold Cracking

Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud ticking or tapping noise from engine, worse on cold start, Exhaust smell in cabin, Visible exhaust leak at manifold-to-head junction, Broken or missing manifold studs visible on inspection
Fix: The V10 exhaust manifold studs are prone to breaking off in the heads due to heat cycling. Manifolds themselves can crack. Requires stud extraction (often drilling and EZ-out work), re-tapping, and manifold replacement. On V10, accessing rear cylinders is tight work. Budget 8-12 hours for both sides. Use quality aftermarket studs and anti-seize on reinstall.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200 for both sides with studs and manifolds

Fuel Pump Driver Module Failure

Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: No start / crank no start condition, Intermittent stalling, especially when hot, Fuel pump not priming when key turned on, May set P0230 or fuel pump circuit codes
Fix: The fuel pump driver module (FPDM) is mounted to the frame rail and exposed to road salt and debris. Corrosion causes failure. Module replacement is straightforward (1-1.5 hours), located driver side frame near fuel tank. Ford updated part design in later years. Recommend dielectric grease on connector during replacement.
Estimated cost: $350-600

Transmission Mount Deterioration

Common · low severity
Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in gear, Visible sagging or torn rubber on transmission crossmember mount, Driveline vibration under acceleration
Fix: The rear transmission mount wears out from the V10's torque and van's weight, especially if used for towing. Replacement is simple, trans needs slight support while swapping mount (1.5-2 hours). Inspect regularly and replace when rubber shows cracks or separation. OEM or quality aftermarket recommended for longevity.
Estimated cost: $250-450

Rear Differential Pinion Seal Leak

Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil dripping from front of rear differential, Oil residue on differential yoke or driveshaft, Low differential fluid level on inspection, Whining noise from rear if fluid runs low long-term
Fix: The pinion seal dries out and leaks over time, accelerated by heat and towing. Requires driveshaft removal, seal replacement, pinion nut torque (may need new crush sleeve). Takes 2-3 hours. Check and refill with correct gear oil spec. Rear cover gasket can also seep; inspect both during service.
Estimated cost: $350-600
Owner tips
  • Install an external transmission cooler immediately if towing or hauling heavy loads regularly — the factory cooler in radiator is inadequate and failure-prone
  • Replace spark plugs religiously at 60k mile intervals and verify proper torque spec (27 ft-lbs dry, 33 ft-lbs with anti-seize) — ejection is 100% preventable with correct maintenance
  • Check transmission fluid and coolant separately every oil change for cross-contamination signs — catching the pink milkshake early saves $3,000+
  • Inspect exhaust manifold studs visually during any underhood work — if you see rust streaks or broken studs, address before they all fail
  • The V10 is thirsty (10-12 mpg loaded) but extremely durable if the spark plug issue is managed — these engines can see 300k+ miles with proper care
Buy it if the spark plug history is documented and an external trans cooler is installed or you add one immediately — otherwise you're gambling on two expensive failures that are nearly guaranteed without preventive action.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
593 jobs across 17 categories
Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
Manage repairs, estimates, and customers with ShopBase — $249/mo, all features included. Built by the same team.
Try ShopBase →