Research · Vans, Cargo Type · 3 NHTSA variants

2012 Ford E-350Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 11 safety recalls and 16 owner complaints for the 2012 Ford E-350. Most complaints involve power train (4) and engine (3). The EPA rates it 11–13 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
11–13mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
11campaigns
Latest May 2016
Owner complaints
16
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$4,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

11 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Equipment adaptive

Free remedy

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.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported May 24, 2016NHTSA 16V350000

Equipment adaptive

Free remedy

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.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported Nov 20, 2015NHTSA 15V779000

Equipment adaptive

Free remedy

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.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported Nov 17, 2015NHTSA 15V763000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

16 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2013 – Aug 2023
  1. Power train4
  2. Engine3
  3. Wheels2
  4. Steering2
  5. Fuel/propulsion system2
  6. Exterior lighting1
  7. Vehicle speed control1
  8. Service brakes1
  9. Service brakes, hydraulic1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each E-350 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201119
201216
201313
201421
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

4 reports
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford E-350. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, after a traffic stop, the transmission was slipping out of gear and would shift to a higher gear very rough. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to the residence and turned off and restarted and shifted into reverse(R) however, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was shifted into (D) and operated as needed. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 19S20 - Transmission Coast Clutch Cylinder and One-Way Clutch Replacement (Power Train). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 21, 2023Power trainODI 11539911

Engine

3 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HER BROTHER WHO OWNS A 2012 FORD E-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN FOR A ROUTINE CHECK AT (SAYVILLE FORD 5686 SUNRISE HWY, SAYVILLE, NY 11782 (855) 561-1191), IT WAS DISCOVERED AND THE VALVE COVER GASKET WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS HOWEVER NO LEAKS EVIDENT WHILE PERFORMING THE INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,940.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 13, 2020EngineODI 11308992

Wheels

2 reports
“THREE OUT OF THE FOUR ORIGINAL TIRES HAVE SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 20,000 MILES. ALL TIRES HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED AND INFLATED ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER SPECS.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 6, 2018WheelsODI 11127975
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Vans, Cargo Type, Vans, Passenger Type
Engines
5.4L 8-cyl · 6.8L 10-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd · Automatic 5-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
E350 Van FFV
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
121613$4,800684
E350 Wagon FFV
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
111513$4,800684
E350 Van
Auto 5-spd, 10 cyl, 6.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
101412$5,200741
E350 Wagon
Auto 5-spd, 10 cyl, 6.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
101311$5,650808
  • E350 Van FFV
    Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L
    12 city · 16 hwy · $4,800/yr
    13
    mpg comb.
  • E350 Wagon FFV
    Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L
    11 city · 15 hwy · $4,800/yr
    13
    mpg comb.
  • E350 Van
    Auto 5-spd, 10 cyl, 6.8 L
    10 city · 14 hwy · $5,200/yr
    12
    mpg comb.
  • E350 Wagon
    Auto 5-spd, 10 cyl, 6.8 L
    10 city · 13 hwy · $5,650/yr
    11
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Ford E-350 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 6397Vehicle 6396
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2012 E-350 questions

How many recalls does the 2012 Ford E-350 have?

11 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2012 Ford E-350 problems?

Owners filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (4), engine (3), wheels (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2012 Ford E-350 get?

The EPA rates the 2012 Ford E-350 at 11–13 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026