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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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 severitySymptoms: 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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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
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.