2016 Ford E-350 Super Duty
Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints reported by owners of the 2016 Ford E-350 Super Duty, categorized and formatted for your website.
The 2016 Ford E-350 Super Duty is a full-size van primarily used for commercial purposes, often converted into ambulances, shuttle buses, and work vans. Available engine options include a 5.4L Triton V8 engine, producing around 255 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque and a 6.8L Triton V10 engine, offering approximately 305 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. The sole transmission option is the 5R110W TorqShift 5-speed automatic. Owners typically praise the van’s spacious interior, robust build quality, and towing capacity. Common dislikes include the relatively dated design, fuel economy, and ride quality compared to newer vans.
Engine
5.4L Triton V8
- Spark Plug Thread Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The spark plug threads in the cylinder head are prone to stripping or ejecting spark plugs, leading to misfires, rough running, and potential damage to the cylinder head. A ticking noise may also be present.
- Solution: Repairing the threads with thread repair kits (e.g., Time-Sert) or replacing the cylinder head are the common solutions.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ depending on the repair method and if the cylinder head needs to be replaced.
- Recalls: None Found
- Camshaft Phaser Issues (Infrequent, but possible carryover from earlier years)
- Description/Symptoms: Ticking or rattling noise, especially at start-up, along with rough running and decreased performance. This is more common in earlier 5.4L Tritons, but possible on a 2016 E-350 with higher mileage.
- Solution: Replacing the camshaft phasers, timing chains, and related components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
- Recalls: None Found
6.8L Triton V10
- Exhaust Manifold Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Loud ticking or hissing noise, especially during cold starts. Reduced fuel economy and potential exhaust fumes entering the cabin. Broken manifold bolts.
- Solution: Replacing the exhaust manifold(s) and broken studs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+ per manifold.
- Recalls: None Found
- Spark Plug Thread Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The spark plug threads in the cylinder head are prone to stripping or ejecting spark plugs, leading to misfires, rough running, and potential damage to the cylinder head. A ticking noise may also be present.
- Solution: Repairing the threads with thread repair kits (e.g., Time-Sert) or replacing the cylinder head are the common solutions.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ depending on the repair method and if the cylinder head needs to be replaced.
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5R110W TorqShift 5-Speed Automatic
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering, vibrations, or slipping during acceleration. Trouble shifting gears, especially at higher speeds. Transmission overheating.
- Solution: Replacing the torque converter. It is often recommended to flush the transmission, replace the filter, and inspect the transmission for further damage.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Hard or Erratic Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifts, delayed engagement, or inability to shift into certain gears. This can be caused by a worn or faulty valve body, solenoids, or internal wear.
- Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body, replacing faulty solenoids, or overhauling the transmission.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3500+ depending on the severity and extent of the repair.
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Leaf Spring Sagging/Breakage
- Description/Symptoms: The rear of the van sags, especially when loaded. Reduced ride height and compromised handling. Visible cracks or breakage in the leaf springs.
- Solution: Replacing the leaf springs. Consider heavy-duty or upgraded leaf springs if the van is consistently used for heavy loads.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ per side.
- Recalls: None Found
- Worn Ball Joints/Tie Rod Ends
- Description/Symptoms: Loose or wandering steering. Clunking noises when going over bumps. Uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacing the worn ball joints and/or tie rod ends.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per side, depending on which components need replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Alternator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery light on the dashboard, difficulty starting the engine, or complete loss of electrical power.
- Solution: Replacing the alternator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Lock Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The power door locks fail to operate on one or more doors.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty door lock actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per door.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust on Body Panels (Especially around wheel wells and rocker panels)
- Description/Symptoms: Visible rust forming on body panels, particularly around the wheel wells, rocker panels, and door seams.
- Solution: Rust repair, including sanding, treating the affected area, and repainting.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ per panel, depending on the severity of the rust.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Headliner Sagging
- Description/Symptoms: The headliner fabric starts to sag and detach from the roof panel.
- Solution: Replacing the headliner fabric or the entire headliner assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Air Conditioning Issues (especially condenser and compressor failure)
- Description/Symptoms: Weak or no cold air coming from the vents. Unusual noises from the air conditioning system.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty condenser and/or compressor, repairing leaks in the system, and recharging the refrigerant.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1500+ depending on the components that need replacing.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2016 Ford E-350 Super Duty, while a capable and durable work van, has its share of potential issues. The most common problems revolve around the engine (spark plug thread failure and exhaust manifold leaks), transmission (torque converter issues), suspension (leaf spring problems), and electrical system (alternator failures). The severity of these issues ranges from relatively minor (door lock actuators) to potentially costly (engine or transmission rebuilds). The cost to repair these issues can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the specific problem and the extent of the damage. Prospective buyers should be aware of these common issues and have any potential vehicle thoroughly inspected before purchase.