2015 Ford E-350 Super Duty
The 2015 Ford E-350 Super Duty is a full-size van primarily used for commercial purposes, offering ample cargo and passenger space. It was available with either a 5.4L Triton V8 engine producing 255 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque or a 6.8L Triton V10 engine producing 305 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate the E-350’s robust build, payload capacity, and reliability for work purposes. Common complaints revolve around fuel economy, ride comfort, and the van’s size, making it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
Engine
5.4L Triton V8
- Spark Plug Breakage During Removal
- Description/Symptoms: Spark plugs are prone to seizing in the cylinder heads and breaking during removal, often requiring specialized tools and techniques to extract the broken pieces. This is exacerbated by the engine’s aluminum cylinder heads.
- Solution: Using penetrating oil before attempting removal, and employing a specialized spark plug extraction tool if breakage occurs. Anti-seize compound should be applied to the new spark plug threads.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (depending on the number of plugs broken and the need for professional extraction).
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks from Valve Cover Gaskets
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets, leading to oil consumption and potential fire hazards if oil drips onto hot exhaust components.
- Solution: Replacing the valve cover gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
- Recalls: None Found
6.8L Triton V10
- Exhaust Manifold Stud Breakage
- Description/Symptoms: Exhaust manifold studs are known to break, resulting in exhaust leaks, a ticking noise, and potential damage to the exhaust manifold itself.
- Solution: Replacing the broken studs, often requiring specialized tools and techniques to extract the broken pieces. In some cases, the exhaust manifold may need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (depending on the number of studs broken and the extent of damage to the manifold).
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks from Valve Cover Gaskets
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets, leading to oil consumption and potential fire hazards if oil drips onto hot exhaust components.
- Solution: Replacing the valve cover gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5R110W 5-Speed Automatic Transmission (Both Engines)
- Harsh or Delayed Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting between gears, particularly when cold. Can also include slipping.
- Solution: Fluid change, valve body replacement, or transmission rebuild.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (fluid change), $500 - $1500 (valve body), $2500 - $4500+ (rebuild/replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at highway speeds, stalling, or complete transmission failure.
- Solution: Torque converter replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Front Suspension Ball Joint Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Premature wear and failure of the front suspension ball joints, leading to steering issues, clunking noises, and uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacing the ball joints.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 per side
- Recalls: None Found
- Rear Leaf Spring Sagging/Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rear leaf springs sagging or breaking, leading to a reduced payload capacity and ride height, as well as a rough ride.
- Solution: Replacing the leaf springs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1200 per side
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Alternator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The alternator fails prematurely, leading to a dead battery, dimming lights, and other electrical issues.
- Solution: Replacing the alternator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
- Recalls: None Found
- Wiring Harness Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Corrosion and damage to the wiring harness, leading to intermittent electrical problems, such as malfunctioning lights, sensors, and accessories.
- Solution: Repairing or replacing the damaged sections of the wiring harness.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ (depending on the extent of the damage)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust on Undercarriage and Body Panels
- Description/Symptoms: Rust formation on the undercarriage, frame, and body panels, particularly in areas exposed to road salt and moisture.
- Solution: Rust removal and body repair, followed by rust prevention measures such as undercoating.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3000+ (depending on the severity and extent of the rust)
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Handle Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Door handles breaking or malfunctioning, making it difficult to open or close the doors.
- Solution: Replacing the door handles.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200 per handle
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- HVAC Blower Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The HVAC blower motor stops working, resulting in a lack of airflow from the vents.
- Solution: Replacing the blower motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Belt Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty retracting, locking, or otherwise malfunctioning.
- Solution: Replacing or repairing the seat belt assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2015 Ford E-350 Super Duty faces common issues related to its engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior. Engine problems include spark plug breakage and exhaust manifold stud breakage. Transmission issues mainly revolve around harsh shifting and torque converter failure. Suspension issues include ball joint and leaf spring failures. Electrical problems include alternator failures and wiring harness damage. Rust and door handle issues are common on the exterior. Interior issues include HVAC blower motor failures. The severity and cost of these repairs vary widely, from minor fixes costing a few hundred dollars to major repairs such as transmission rebuilds costing several thousand. It’s important for potential buyers to inspect the vehicle carefully, pay attention to any warning signs, and obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic.