The 2014 E-350 with the 6.8L V10 Triton is a workhorse van that can rack up serious miles, but it's plagued by catastrophic spark plug ejection issues and transmission cooling failures that can leave you stranded or facing complete engine rebuilds.
Spark Plug Ejection / Cylinder Head Thread Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden misfire with loud popping or hissing sound from engine bay, Check engine light with misfire codes (P030X series), Loss of power and rough idle, Visible gap or missing spark plug boot in valve cover
Fix: The 2-valve Triton V10 uses shallow spark plug threads that strip out under heat cycling. When a plug blows, it destroys the threads in the aluminum head. Requires HeliCoil or TimeSert thread repair (4-6 hours labor per plug), but if multiple cylinders fail or damage is severe, you're looking at cylinder head removal or complete engine replacement. Some shops proactively install thread inserts on all 10 cylinders during major service.
Estimated cost: $800-2,500 per cylinder for thread repair; $8,000-15,000 for engine replacement if catastrophic
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking from radiator area or under vehicle, Transmission overheating warnings or erratic shifting, Pink or milky transmission fluid (indicates coolant contamination), Sudden transmission failure after coolant mixes with ATF
Fix: The cooler lines and internal radiator transmission cooler corrode and fail, often causing cross-contamination between coolant and ATF that destroys the transmission. Requires cooler line replacement, external cooler installation, and full transmission flush at minimum (6-8 hours). If contamination has occurred, transmission rebuild or replacement is unavoidable. This is a when-not-if failure on high-mileage units.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200 for lines and flush; $3,500-5,500 for transmission rebuild if contaminated
Triton V10 Exhaust Manifold Stud Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud ticking or tapping noise from engine that increases with RPM, Exhaust leak smell in cabin or at idle, Visible soot streaks on manifold or cylinder head, Loss of low-end torque
Fix: Exhaust manifold studs break off in the cylinder heads due to thermal cycling. Requires drilling out broken studs and retapping holes, often with heads still on the engine (8-12 hours labor for both sides). Some studs are buried under accessories and steering components. High risk of breaking more studs during removal. Use OEM Ford studs or aftermarket upgraded hardware, never cheap replacements.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200 depending on how many studs are broken and accessibility
Fuel Pump Driver Module Failure
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: No-start condition with adequate battery voltage, Engine dies at operating temperature and won't restart until cool, Intermittent stalling or hesitation under load, Fuel pump runs constantly or not at all
Fix: The fuel pump driver module (FPDM) mounted on the frame rail fails due to corrosion and heat. This is a separate control unit from the PCM that modulates fuel pump voltage. Diagnosis requires scan tool to check fuel pump duty cycle. Replacement is straightforward once located (1.5-2 hours), but many techs waste time chasing phantom electrical issues before finding it. Common in rust-belt vehicles where road salt accelerates connector corrosion.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Rear Differential Pinion Seal Leak
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil dripping from yoke area or coating undercarriage, Low differential fluid level on inspection, Whining or grinding from rear axle if run too low, Oil spots under vehicle after parking
Fix: The pinion seal hardens and leaks on these high-mileage work vans. Requires driveshaft removal, pinion nut removal with proper holding tool, seal replacement, and careful pinion preload reset (2-3 hours). Critical to mark pinion nut position and verify backlash/preload during reassembly. Not an emergency but will cook the differential bearings if ignored. Check regularly on units towing or hauling heavy loads.
Estimated cost: $350-600
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Severe clunking when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Vibration through floor at idle in gear, Visible transmission sag or misalignment, Driveline shudder during acceleration
Fix: The rubber transmission crossmember mount deteriorates from engine torque and fluid contamination. The 4R100/TorqShift transmissions are heavy and generate significant movement. Requires transmission support and crossmember removal (2-3 hours). Inspect all engine mounts simultaneously since they often fail together. Use polyurethane upgraded mounts on high-use commercial vans for longevity.
Estimated cost: $300-550
Owner tips
Install all-new OEM motorcraft spark plugs with anti-seize at 100k and consider preventive TimeSert installation on all cylinders if doing valve cover work—it's cheaper than an engine
Install an external transmission cooler bypass and monitor ATF condition religiously—never let a cooler line leak go unaddressed for even a day
Replace the fuel pump driver module proactively at 100k if you're in the salt belt; coat the replacement with dielectric grease and heat-shrink all connections
These vans respond well to severe-duty maintenance intervals: 3k oil changes with quality conventional or synthetic, diff fluid every 30k if towing
Buy one only if it has documented proof of spark plug thread repairs and transmission cooler upgrades—unaddressed, either issue will cost you more than the van's worth, but a well-maintained example is nearly bulletproof for commercial duty.
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.
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VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists (VCI) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550, 2014 E-350 and E-450, 2015 F-250 and F-450, 2016 E-450, 2017 E-350, F-450 and E-450, 2018 F-350, 2010 E-450, 2005-2006 E-450, 2009 E-450 and Chevrolet C4500-based Type I and Type III ambulances equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The monitors may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversed.
Consequence: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists will work with ASA to notify the owners, and remedy the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics at 1-800-384-4400.
SEATS · 19V313000
2019-04-18
Mobility Transportation Services (MobilityTrans) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ford Transit and Ram Promaster vehicles and 2014-2015 Ford Econoline vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seats, part numbers 43705, 45467, 48923, and 75719. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: MobilityTrans will notify owners and Freedman Seating dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2019. Owners may contact Mobility Transportation Services customer service at 1-734-453-6452.
SEAT BELTS · 17V472000
2017-07-25
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford F-150 and E-350, 2014-2015 Ford Escape, and 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles. Improperly manufactured bolts may have been used to install certain seats, seatbacks, seatbelt buckles, or seatbelt anchors on these vehicles.
Consequence: The improperly manufactured bolts may fracture. If a seat, seatback, or seatbelt anchor attaching bolt fractures, the affected component may not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected bolts, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 8, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available in the fourth quarter of 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S17.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · 16V350000
2016-05-24
New England Wheels (New England) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-250, E-350, and 2015 Ford Transit vans equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts by Ricon. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack. Additionally, the lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.
Consequence: If the platform side plates crack or the platform mounting fails from out-of-position bearings, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the vehicle's doors are opened, the platform may fall onto the lift operator, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: New England will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on June 29, 2016. Owners may contact New England customer service at 1-800-886-9247. New England's number for this recall is 16E-020.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · 15V779000
2015-11-20 · RQ15002
New England Wheels is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-250, and E-350 cargo vans modified to be equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts built by the Ricon Corporation. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.
Consequence: If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.
Remedy: New England Wheels will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on January 5, 2016. Owners may contact New England Wheels customer service at 1-800-866-9247, or Ricon Customer Service at 1-800-322-2884. New England Wheels' number for this recall is 15E-068. Note: These vans and wheelchair lifts were subject to a similar recall in 2014. All vehicles that received that recall remedy are still affected by this recall as well.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · 15V763000
2015-11-17
Mobility Specialists, Inc. (Mobility Specialists) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-250, and E-350 vehicles modified to be equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack. Additionally, the affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.
Consequence: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator. Additionally, if the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.
Remedy: Mobility Specialists will notify owners to take their vehicles to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on November 13, 2015. Owners may contact Mobility Specialists customer service at 1-877-777-5438, or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · 15V729000
2015-11-04
MobilityWorks (WMK Inc.) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, and E-350 vans modified by MobilityWorks to be equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.
Consequence: If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. This failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.
Remedy: MobilityWorks will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2015. Owners may contact MobilityWorks customer service at 1-800-769-8267, or Ricon Customer Service at 1-800-322-2884. Note: These vehicles and wheelchair lifts were subject to a similar recall in 2014. All vehicles that received that recall remedy are still affected by this recall as well.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · 14V706000
2014-11-05 · EQ14013
Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply (Cummings) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, Chevrolet Express, 2006-2008 Dodge Sprinter, and 2009-2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2013 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured January 1, 2006, to October 8, 2014, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation after January 1, 2006. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Consequence: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
Remedy: Cummings will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2015. Owners may contact Cumming's customer service at 1-800-639-5438 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Cumming's number for this recall is 14E-041.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · 14V617000
2014-10-03
New England Wheels (New England) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 E-250, and E-350 vehicles modified by New England to be equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Consequence: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
Remedy: New England will notify owners to take vehicles to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2014. Owners may contact New England customer service at 1-800-886-9247 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. New England's number for this recall is 14E-041.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · 14V595000
2014-09-24
Elkhart Coach (Elkhart) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-350 and Ford E-450 vehicles manufactured January 1, 2006, to May 1, 2014 and equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Consequence: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
Remedy: Elkhart will notify owners to take the vehicles to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 1, 2014. Owners may contact Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Owners may also contact Elkhart customer service at 1-574-264-5179. This recall has been superseded by campaign 15V-768.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE · 14V097000
2014-03-04
Landi Renzo USA is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, and E-350 vehicles modified January 2, 2011, through February 24, 2014 to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG). In the affected vehicles, the left and right rear brackets that support the rear CNG cylinder may fail, allowing the cylinder to dislodge from the vehicle.
Consequence: If the cylinder dislodges, a CNG leak may result, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Landi Renzo USA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the side arm brackets, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2014. Owners may contact Landi Renzo USA at 1-855-526-3400.
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