Most common 2001 Ford E-450 problems
Share of the 16 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford E-450 complaints by model year
Best E-450 years: 2009, 2012, 2010. Years to avoid: 2021, 2022, 1999, 2000, 2005. Compare all years →
2001 Ford E-450 recalls (2)
Vehicle speed control
Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 Mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 f53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module connector and repair…
Vehicle speed control
On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch May overheat.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on August 7, 2006. Owners May contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. (note: also see recalls 05V017 and 05V388)
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2001 Ford E-450:
HVAC Switch Failures
ODI has received 1 complaint and reports from 4 transportation fleets alleging 182 switch failures.Each fleet operates mini buses built on a Ford E350 or E450 cutaway chassis.The OEM HVAC blower switches have melted, smoked, burned or experienced open flame and become inoperable on vehicles in each fleet.Some drivers have reported a burning smell or smoke coming from the dash.One fleet reported a vehicle fire.No…
Engine compartment fires
Ea05-005 is closed with Ford?s actions in recalls 05v-017, 05v-388, and 06v-286, recalling approximately 6.7 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).the brake systems in these recalled vehicles generate a vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in certain switch installation orientations, catch fire.Ford is also including the entire population of…
Rapid tire deflation
This investigation was opened on certain Ford pickup trucks and vans to evaluate the effects of a valve stem ejection (with rapid air loss) and a slow leaking valve stem on vehicle handing.during the investigation, odi evaluated over 1,100 complaints and warranty claims, conducted vehicle dynamic testing on a subject vehicle with the failure mode replicated, interviewed owners, and examined complaint vehicles in the…
What 2001 Ford E-450 owners say
Wheels & tires
Multiple failures of nearly new nexen roadian lt tire used on two separate Ford e-450 limo/shuttle chassis. Four failures were experienced within a 6 month period, and included cord/tread/inner liner separation, bulging and related failures. One failure resulted in a blow-out at speed, one failure resulted in a serious and/or catastrophic bulge/separation, and the remaining failures were similar, but caught prior to becoming dangerous. The remaining two tires were replaced/discarded w/o observed failure. All tires were replaced. One experienced, heavy truck repair and mobile truck tire service located in southern california indicated that the tires were unsafe. The brand, nexen, made in Korea, is not listed in the cpsc list of tire manufacturers?
I just had a tire blowout/tread separation on a 2001 Ford e450 rv. The vehicle has 28000 miles and the treads show little wear. The tires are Firestone steeltex radial r4s ii lt225/75 r 16 load range e. Upon inspection of the other tires, notices cracks on the sidewalls of all the remaining tires and a bubble on the sidewall of one tire. What are my actions in regards to replacement of these tires? Thanks.
Suspension
During t wo trips on interstate highways we encountered winds from 10 to 30 MPH. On these occasions I found it necessary to slow down to 40 to 50 MPH speed in order to control motor home. I had to keep the steering wheel turned at 45 to 90 degrees to keep the unit going straight. Additionally each time a 18 wheel truck passed I had to hold the wheel tightly, as the unit was pushed to the right side of the road and swayed from side to side. When the gas tank is filled with 55 gallons (330 lbs) the steering changes completely. The front end of the truck feels light. The truck wanders from side to side. Some one is going to be killed when they over steer attempting to keep the unit going straight even in mild winds. Warranty statement by winnebago: items not subject to warranty coverage: chassis. These items are covered under the manufacturers individual warranty. …
We believe this motor home was sold to us with dealership knowing of axle problem, causing rv unable to have wheel alignment corrected. Front rear axle has slipped causing driving hazard. May have caused further damage to vehicle making it unsafe to operate. Rv had numerous smaller problems with this last one being the worst. This has caused us lots of loss of time to travel and enjoy the rv. Was advised not to take any long trips because of problem. Was on a vacation when problem with shower pan occured and shade broke and drawers broke. At same time refrigerator leaked water onto wood floor, which needs to be replaced.in addition, this has created an impairment of market value because of defects in this vehicle.
Engine & cooling
This is an update to odi #10143249. Driving on i70 in denver, blew another spark plug out of the cylinder head. This time it stripped all the threads out. 2) caused a cost of tow and repairs. 3) service repair did a hielarch (sp?) on the spark plug sleeve. Total incurred cost = $631.30.
1- traveling from east coast west through indiana 2- spark plug came out of cylinder causing a breakdown and towing 3- service required to replaced plug and harness - cost of 75 for tow and 213.85 for parts/labor.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Ford E-450 a good car?
Based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 E-450 rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the E-450 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Ford E-450?
The wheels & tires — 7 complaints, 44% of all complaints for this model year, most often about tread/belt. Next are the suspension (4) and engine & cooling (3).
How many recalls does the 2001 Ford E-450 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2001 Ford E-450, the most recent from October 13, 2009 (vehicle speed control). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford E-450?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2012 and 2010. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2021, 2022, 1999, 2000 and 2005. See the full Ford E-450 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Ford E-450 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 61,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.