FordE-3502006Overview/ford/e-350/2006/base/
350 platform

2006 Ford E-350

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2006 E.

Body VAN

The 2006 Ford E‑350 is a heavy‑duty van built on the 350 chassis, equipped with a robust powertrain that demands 6.0 qt of 5W‑20 API oil to maintain optimal performance. In a year marked by 22 recalls, its overall owner complaint tally was modest at 17, with the most frequent issue stemming from the power train—a typical concern for this generation of the model line. Placed within a reliability window that spans 1991‑2027, the 2006 variant sits comfortably above the all‑time low of 1 complaint in 2023 yet far from the peak of 64 complaints seen in 1998, signaling a comparatively stable reliability profile for researchers evaluating long‑term durability.

Model year20172016201520142006

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque140 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 65 - AUXILIARY BATTERY · 625 - AUXILIARY CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 65 - AUXILIARY BATTERY · 625 - AUXILIARY CCAOEM · verified
Tire size225-75R16OEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length211.8 in
Overall width79.5 in
Overall height81.1 in
Wheelbase138.2 in
Curb weight4645 lb
Track (front / rear)70.1 / 66.9 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)58/42

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.0 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 140 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 10.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-7-3-4-5-6-8. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidFord Mercon LV
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.4
Brake FluidDOT 4
Brake FluidDOT 3
Engine Oil5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity6.0 qt
Engine Oil5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity7.0 qt

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts59 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts8 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts28 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts18 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug10.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug10.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs7 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Leaf Spring to Axle (U-bolts)130.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Chassis Bracket295.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Rear Shackle85.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring Rear Shackle to Chassis Bracket111.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts140 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-7-3-4-5-6-8
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap.040-.050 in
Spark Plug Torque25 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap0.052-0.056 in
Spark Plug Torque11.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Standard BCI Group Number65 - AUXILIARY BATTERY
Standard BCI Cranking Performance625 - AUXILIARY cca
Standard BCI Group Number65 DIESEL
Standard BCI Cranking Performance750 DIESEL cca
Standard BCI Group Number65 - AUXILIARY BATTERY

Service checks

Pressure Test18-20 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature180-207 °F
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)0-55
RPM45-55 @ Idle rpm
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)35-45
RPM28-45 @ Idle rpm
Injector Primary Resistance11-18 na ohms
Injector Primary Resistance11-18 na ohms

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket23 ft-lbs / 27 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle166 ft-lbs / 100 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.118; Rear: 0.118 in
Rotor Discard at or Under1.102 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
133 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5033 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
132 ft. lbs., Step 2: 10532 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
166 ft. lbs., step 2: loosen one turn 37 ft. lbs., step 3: 9066 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
150 ft. lbs., step 2: 9050 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
130 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 7 stages
1Bolts 1 thru 1065 ft. lbs
2Bolts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 985 ft. lbs
3Bolts 1 thru 1090 degrees
4Bolts 1 thru 1090 degrees
5Bolts 1 thru 1090 degrees
6Bolts 11 thru 1518 ft. lbs
7Bolts 11 thru 1523 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 694 ft. lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
11.5 ft. lbs., Step 2: 181.5 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
190 ft. lbs., Step 2: 120 ft. lbs., Step 3: 17090 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 5,000 mi; spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 5,000 miEngine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 7,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill)
Every 15,000 miBrake System (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Driveshaft U-Joint (inspect) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Steering Linkage (inspect) · Suspension Ball Joint (inspect)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Fuel Filter (replace) · Temperature Controlled Seat Air Filter (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 miWheel Bearing (repack)
At 100,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 120,000 miPCV Valve (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2006 model year falls between the high-activity 2005 period—marked by 55 complaints, 14 recalls, and 75 TSBs—and the significantly reduced 2013 figures of 13 complaints, 9 recalls, and 32 TSBs, placing it on the descending slope of the generation's defect-reporting curve. Specific to 2006, federal records show concentrated complaints in Power Train and Vehicle Speed Control (three each), with two Engine & Engine Cooling issues and one Electrical System complaint, alongside zero crash-related incidents and a single fire complaint of unspecified origin. This represents a notable reduction in reported volume compared to 2005's broader defect profile, suggesting Ford addressed emerging reliability concerns by this production year. With crash complaints absent and recall activity trending downward from the 2005 peak toward 2013's more moderate levels, the 2006 model appears to occupy a relatively stable position within the lifecycle. Consequently, the 2006 E-350 presents as a favorable acquisition choice within this generation, offering lower apparent risk than the high-recall 2005 predecessor while predating the significantly improved but later 2013+ models.

22
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
56
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
17
Owner complaints
0 involved a crash · 1 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 17 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train3
Vehicle Speed Control3
Engine & Engine Cooling2
Electrical System1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Electrical System,Visibility1
Exterior Lighting,Visibility,Structure1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 15 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

15V729000Equipment Adaptive/MobilityReported 04/11/2015

MobilityWorks (WMK Inc.) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, and E-350 vans modified by MobilityWorks to be equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair… Remedy: MobilityWorks will notify owners, and Ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. The platform will be inspected for cracks. Any damaged parts…

11E047000Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank AssemblyReported 08/11/2011

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL TANKS THAT COULD BE INSTALLED INTO MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2008 E-150, E-250, AND E-350 VANS AND WAGONS. THE AFFECTED FUEL TANKS HAVE AN EXTRA OBDII SENSOR HOLE ON THE TOP OF… Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANKS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 56 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SSM 519092023-09-07Power TrainWhen performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV…
SSM 460852016-09-21Engine And Engine CoolingThe Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing…
ASI-445342014-05-01Power TrainFORD: WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN PARK, REVERSE AND/OR DURING 2-3 SHIFT, AN INTERMITTENT CLUNK…
ASI-444042014-02-01Power TrainFORD: ON SOME TRUCKS, THERE IS A NO CRANK SITUATION AND IF VOLTAGE ON TRANSMISSION RANGE…
TSB-12-7-42012-07-10EngineFORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: IF BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED OR DEAD, VEHICLES/TRUCKS MAY EXPERIENCE…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

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VIN
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Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
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Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2006 E take?

6.0 qt of 5W-20 API MEETING FORD SPECIFICATION WSS-M2C945-A, per the factory manual.

Does the 2006 E have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 22 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.