1997 Ford E-350 problems
The Ford E-Series (also known as the Ford Econoline, Ford Econovan or Ford Club Wagon) is a range of full-size vans manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced for 1961 as the replacement of the Ford F-Series panel van, four generations of the model line have been produced. Marketed for both cargo and passenger transport configurations, the E-Series has been designed with multiple design variations for both retail and commercial sale, including vans, and commercial-grade cutaway van chassis and stripped chassis (a chassis without bodywork).
With over 8.2 million units sold since 1961, the Ford E-Series is the third-best selling van line in history (outranked only by the Ford Transit and Volkswagen Transporter). Ford retired the E-Series passenger and cargo vans after 2014, replacing them with the Ford Transit. As of current production, the E-Series remains offered exclusively in cutaway and stripped-chassis configurations. In 2021, the model line entered its 60th year of production (becoming the second current Ford line to do so).
The E-Series (cutaway/stripped chassis) is assembled by Ford at its Ohio Assembly facility (Avon Lake, Ohio), which has produced the model line since 1975. Prior to its closure, Lorain Assembly (Lorain, Ohio) assembled the model line from 1961 to 2005.
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Common 1997 Ford E-350 problems
The 1997 Ford E-350 is a popular full-size van known for its versatility and durability. However, like any vehicle, it can experience certain common problems that owners may encounter. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the 1997 Ford E-350, based on complaints from owners:
- Electrical Problems: Electrical issues are another common problem with the 1997 Ford E-350. These issues can include blown fuses, malfunctioning gauges, and intermittent electrical failures. Some owners have reported that these problems can be difficult to diagnose and may require the help of a professional mechanic.
- Steering Issues: Steering problems are also a common complaint among 1997 Ford E-350 owners. These issues can include difficulty steering, wandering, and uneven tire wear. Some owners have reported that replacing the steering components can help alleviate these problems, while others have had to replace the entire steering system.
- Rust and Corrosion: Rust and corrosion are common problems with the 1997 Ford E-350, particularly in areas where the vehicle is exposed to salt and moisture. These issues can affect the vehicle's structural integrity and lead to more serious problems down the road. Some owners have reported that regular maintenance and rust prevention measures can help alleviate these problems.
In summary, the 1997 Ford E-350 is a durable and versatile vehicle that can experience common problems such as fuel pump failure, transmission issues, electrical problems, steering issues, and rust and corrosion. Regular maintenance and preventative measures can help alleviate these problems and ensure the vehicle remains in good working order.
How reliable are Ford E-350?
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Ford E-350 an overall reliability rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Ford E-350 21st out of 24 among Commercial Vans.
What is the mpg on a 1997 Ford Econoline E-350?
Based on data from 11 vehicles, 719 fuel-ups and 195,031 miles of driving, the 1997 Ford E-350 Econoline Club Wagon gets a combined Avg MPG of 11.41 with a 0.21 MPG margin of error.
What engine is in a Ford E-350?
Powertrain
| Engine | Configuration | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Triton V8 | 5.4 L (330 cu in) SOHC 2V V8 | E-150, E-250, E-350 E-450 (2008–2016) |
| Ford Triton V10 | 6.8 L (413 cu in) SOHC 2V V10 | E-350, E-450, E-550 |
| Ford Boss V8 | 6.2 L (379 cu in) SOHC 2V V8 | E-350, E-450 |
| Ford Godzilla V8 | 7.3 L (445 cu in) OHV 2V V8 | E-350, E-450 |
How much can a Ford E-350 box truck tow?
Ford E-350 Towing & Performance
When properly equipped, this allows the E-350 to tow up to 10,000 pounds. Plus, with its paired Ford TorqShift® 6-speed automatic transmission, you'll receive a tow/haul mode.
How reliable are Ford E-350?
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Ford E-350 an overall reliability rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Ford E-350 21st out of 24 among Commercial Vans.
What is the mpg on a 1997 Ford Econoline E-350?
Based on data from 11 vehicles, 719 fuel-ups and 195,031 miles of driving, the 1997 Ford E-350 Econoline Club Wagon gets a combined Avg MPG of 11.41 with a 0.21 MPG margin of error.
What engine is in a Ford E-350?
Powertrain
| Engine | Configuration | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Triton V8 | 5.4 L (330 cu in) SOHC 2V V8 | E-150, E-250, E-350 E-450 (2008–2016) |
| Ford Triton V10 | 6.8 L (413 cu in) SOHC 2V V10 | E-350, E-450, E-550 |
| Ford Boss V8 | 6.2 L (379 cu in) SOHC 2V V8 | E-350, E-450 |
| Ford Godzilla V8 | 7.3 L (445 cu in) OHV 2V V8 | E-350, E-450 |
When did Ford stop making the E350?
1998–2014 E350 Super Duty.
1997 Ford E-350 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Ford E-350.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
1997 Ford E-350 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1997 Ford E-350.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
- Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
- Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
- Summary: FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.
- Consequence: AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN VANS WITH AMBULANCE PREP PACKAGES OR OTHER SEVERE-DUTY APPLICATIONS INVOLVING OPERATION AT OR NEAR THE GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT WITH FREQUENT TWISTING OF THE VEHICLE BODY, SUCH AS OFF-ROAD, ROUGH ROAD OR SPEED BUMP EVENTS, THE 35 GALLON MID-SHIP FUEL TANK COULD DEVELOP A CRACK WHERE IT CONTACTS THE FRAME CROSS MEMBER. IF THE FUEL TANK CRACKS, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK AND, IF CRACKED, WILL REPLACE THE TANK. INSULATOR PADS WILL BE INSTALLED ON ALL VEHICLES TO REDUCE THE STRESS LEVELS IN THE FUEL TANK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Negative 1997 Ford E-350 car reviews
Positive 1997 Ford E-350 car reviews
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Very reliable vehicle. It sounds like this automobile can do it all! It can carry your family and friends, haul lumber of almost any size, pull your boat or trailer, and drive the highways like it's a breeze. It can even cross dry lake beds with very little modification.
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The van is great overall, but I have had some trouble with the transmission. Unfortunately, I've had to replace it twice and it looks like I may need to do so again soon (the second replacement was due to AAMCO's less than skilled mechanics). Additionally, the front wheels are difficult to keep aligned and can be expensive to maintain due to tire wear. However, I am excited to convert it to 4x4 and use it as a camper!
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We've had this van for a year now (bought it used), and it's been amazing! It has 150,000 miles on it and is still running great. We get 16-17 mpg on the highway (only 12-13 city), and it looks fantastic too. We're really happy with it!
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I really enjoy my van, but I do have a couple of minor issues with it. One is that there are only four drink holders in a vehicle that can carry up to 12 passengers, and three of them are located up front for the driver and front passenger. Additionally, the seat belts for the two center passenger seats tend to fall through the slots in the seats and can be difficult to retrieve. Despite these minor issues, I still love my van!
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Great vehicle! It has already clocked 220,000 miles and is still going strong. I only had to change the fuel pump at 80,000 miles, and at 215,000 miles, the alternator and air pump needed replacement. That's pretty impressive! It has a 6-cylinder engine and a 3-speed automatic transmission (C6). It started at 19 MPG and now I'm getting 13-15 MPG.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Ford E-350 problems:
Q&A: 1997 Ford E350 V10 Econoline Van - Gear Shifter Issues
May 25, 2010 ... If you look under the dash on the steering column, you will see the shift cable that is attached to a lever coming off the right side of the ...
Ford E-Series Questions - Intermittant electrical problem - CarGurus
Oct 10, 2012 ... My 1997 ford econoline 150 is giving me starting problem....The battery is good, the engine is running ,I did the Emmission test last week ..all ...
Ford V10 Spark Plug Problems: Q&A on 1997 E350 Van with ...
Jan 6, 2008 ... My mech has told me this is a common problem caused by to few spark plug threads ingaged in the head. Has there been a recall or some fix to ...
1997 Ford E-350 Econoline Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues
Problem with your 1997 Ford E-350 Econoline? Our list of 10 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1997 Ford E-350 Econoline.
E350 transmission problem - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Feb 23, 2007 ... 1999 to 2016 Super Duty - E350 transmission problem - 1994 E350 with a E40D transmission. Problem: will not shift from second to drive or ...
Other years of Ford E-350
Are you having problems with your 1997 Ford E-350?
Ernie Pollich 2024-09-16
Great local kid hauler
Turner Romaguera 2024-04-07
From the day I purchased this vehicle, the idiot lights have malfunctioned and once a year I have to replace the windshield due to a defect in design. However, it still has a lot of pep at over 300,000 miles and I use it daily. To date, there have been no major problems other than regular maintenance.
Soledad Wiza 2024-03-03
Great van for a family and business.
Wilton Kilback 2024-01-23
Hey there! I got this van specifically for long trips. I live in Florida and often travel back to my hometown in Michigan. This van has a lot of power and was even used to move my brother to Florida, pulling a loaded 5x8 enclosed trailer several times.