Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | −33% | 3 | Suspension | Few |
| 2022 | 13 | 2.1× | 3 | Steering | Caution |
| 2021 | 27 | 3.6× | 6 | Steering | Avoid |
| 2019 | 5 | −45% | — | Body | Good |
| 2018 | 5 | −46% | 4 | Suspension | Good |
| 2017 | 11 | typical | 2 | Window & Wiper | Average |
| 2016 | 17 | 1.4× | 4 | Body | Average |
| 2015 | 6 | −38% | 1 | Transmission | Average |
| 2014 | 5 | −46% | 3 | Seat Belt | Good |
| 2013 | 12 | typical | 2 | Transmission | Average |
| 2012 | 4 | −62% | 4 | Wheel & Tire | Good |
| 2011 | 7 | −38% | 8 | Fuel System | Average |
| 2010 | 5 | −54% | 6 | Acceleration | Good |
| 2009 | 2 | −77% | 9 | Engine | Good |
| 2008 | 6 | −46% | 8 | Engine | Good |
| 2007 | 12 | typical | 11 | Fuel System | Average |
| 2006 | 20 | 1.5× | 11 | Engine | Caution |
| 2005 | 34 | 2.4× | 6 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2004 | 27 | 1.5× | 3 | Engine | Caution |
| 2003 | 18 | 1.2× | 4 | Acceleration | Average |
| 2002 | 13 | −23% | 2 | Wheel & Tire | Average |
| 2001 | 16 | 1.3× | 2 | Wheel & Tire | Average |
| 2000 | 42 | 3.2× | 2 | Wheel & Tire | Avoid |
| 1999 | 73 | 5.4× | 2 | Wheel & Tire | Avoid |
| 1998 | 5 | −46% | 2 | Wheel & Tire | Good |
| 1997 | 18 | 1.5× | 2 | Body | Caution |
| 1996 | 1 | −77% | 2 | Fuel System | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median E-450 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford E-450 problems
Latest Ford E-450 recalls
Engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles that received an incomplete software update under recall 20V795. The engine cover may become excessively hot.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain calibration for heat management under elevated idle conditions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2026.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 E-350 and E-450 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels. An inadequate connection between the power steering pressure line and the brake hydroboost unit may result in a sudden loss of power steering fluid.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the power steering pressure line and the hydroboost jumper line, free of charge. Vehicles in this recall were previously recalled under 22V-089 and owners will need to have the new remedy completed…
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 E-350, E-450, and 2021-2022 F-59 vehicles. The paint along the weld seam of the fuel tank may peel and lead to corrosion of the exposed metal, which can result in a fuel leak.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and replace, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 14, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Power train › Axle hubs
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 E450 vehicles. The bolt that secures the rear axle rotor to the wheel-hub may be improperly tightened, possibly resulting in wheel separation.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle serial number, and if necessary, remove and inspect the rear axle rotor and hub assembly. If any bolts are found to be loose, the rotor and hub assembly will be replaced.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F600, and 2023 E-Series vehicles. In addition, certain 2016 E-Series, 2017 and 2019 F-450, 2021 F-350, and 2021 Transit vehicles that received a reprinted label are also included in this recall.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the Safety Certification Label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford E-450 should you avoid?
2021, 2022, 1999, 2000, 2005 and 2004 — these years have the most complaints relative to other E-450 years at the same age, led by steering problems in the 2021.
What is the best year for the Ford E-450?
2009 has the fewest complaints compared with other E-450 years at the same age, followed by 2012 and 2010. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Ford E-450 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the wheels & tires (125), brakes (61) and engine & cooling (59). Wheel & Tire complaints peak in the 1999 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford E-450 had?
49 recalls across 1996–2023. The model year with the most is 2006. See all Ford E-450 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.