Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 24 | 2.6× | 1 | Fuel System | Caution |
| 2019 | 20 | 2.1× | 4 | Steering | Caution |
| 2018 | 10 | 1.2× | 3 | Engine | Average |
| 2017 | 21 | 2.4× | 4 | Body | Caution |
| 2015 | 6 | −36% | 2 | Engine | Average |
| 2013 | 6 | −36% | 1 | Wheel & Tire | Average |
| 2012 | 14 | 1.7× | 4 | Engine | Caution |
| 2011 | 9 | −13% | 2 | Engine | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median F-450 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford F-450 problems
Latest Ford F-450 recalls
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 F-250, F-350, F-450, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and MKC vehicles. The rearview camera printed circuit board terminal header connector may be loose or damaged, which can result in a blank or distorted image.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S42.
Exterior lighting
Life Line Emergency Vehicles (Life Line) is recalling one 2020 Ford F450 vehicle and one 2017 Navistar Durastar vehicle, equipped with 7x9 combination LED Stop-Tail-Turn reverse lights. The lights may be too bright, exceeding the maximum light output allowed which may adversely affect the vision of drivers.
Remedy: ECCO will provide a filter kit that will ensure the lights perform in the correct photometric intensity ranges, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 15, 2021.
Seats › Mid/rear assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019.
Equipment
VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists (VCI) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550, 2014 E-350 and E-450, 2015 F-250 and F-450, 2016 E-450, 2017 E-350, F-450 and E-450, 2018 F-350, 2010 E-450, 2005-2006 E-450, 2009 E-450 and Chevrolet C4500-based Type I and Type III ambulances equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used…
Remedy: VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists will work with ASA to notify the owners, and remedy the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics at 1-800-384-4400.
Equipment
LGE Coachworks, Inc. (LGE Coachworks) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ford E-450, F-550, and Freightliner M2-based vehicles equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager back-up camera displays. The displays may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversed.
Remedy: ASA will notify LGE Coachworks owners, and dealers will replace the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA customer service at 1-800-384-4400 or LGE Coachworks at 1-800-209-3985.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford F-450 should you avoid?
2020, 2017, 2019 and 2012 — these years have the most complaints relative to other F-450 years at the same age, led by fuel & propulsion system problems in the 2020.
What is the best year for the Ford F-450?
2013 has the fewest complaints compared with other F-450 years at the same age, followed by 2015. 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 F-450 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (28), fuel & propulsion system (18) and transmission & drivetrain (18). Engine complaints peak in the 2012 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford F-450 had?
12 recalls across 2011–2020. The model year with the most is 2012. See all Ford F-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.