FaultScore

FaultScore report

2021 Ford E-450 problems

Owners have filed 51 complaints about the 2021 Ford E-450 with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026. The largest single group is the brakes. Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 17 worst.

D

FaultScore 66/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford E-450.

How this is worked out

The numbers

51

Complaints

0

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries reported

6,413 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

100%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 91 vs 50 Severity 0 vs 50 Early failure 100 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 91
Against the median year of the Ford E-450. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 100
100% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2021 compares with every other Ford E-450

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2021 Ford E-450

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Brakes 12 23.5%

Median failure at 4,826 miles

Steering 11 21.6%

Median failure at 8,000 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 7 13.7%

Median failure at 10,500 miles

Engine & Cooling 6 11.8%
Other & Unspecified 4 7.8%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 4 7.8%
Body & Structure 2 3.9%
Equipment & Accessories 1 2.0%
Stability & Traction Control 1 2.0%

Median failure at 18,000 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 1 2.0%
Suspension 1 2.0%

Median failure at 3,000 miles

Airbags 1 2.0%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

May 2021 peak 9 Jan 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2021 Ford E-450

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

RQ24003 Opened 27 Feb 2024 Closed 11 May 2026 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST

Loss of Power Brake/Steering Assist Post Recall 22V089 Inspection.

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query (RQ) 24003 on February 27, 2024, to evaluate the scope and remedy effectiveness of NHTSA recall 24V097. On February 16, 2022, Ford Motor Company (Ford) issued a safety recall, NHTSA recall 22V089, for certain 2021-2022 Ford E-350 and E-450 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels. According to the filing, specific hydraulic lines could leak resulting in a sudden loss of power steering and power brake assist, increasing the risk of a crash. The remedy involved a dealer inspection of the lines and their replacement as necessary. Only v...

Recalls on the 2021 Ford E-450

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

25V793000

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.

Risk: Direct contact with certain areas of engine cover surface in the passenger compartment may increase the risk of injury or burns to the skin of the driver or front seat passenger.

24V097000

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

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.

Risk: A sudden loss of power steering fluid can result in a loss of power steering and power brake assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

22V089000

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

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.

Risk: A sudden loss of power steering fluid can result in a loss of power steering and power brake assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

20V795000

ENGINE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. The underside of the engine cover may have mispositioned insulation, allowing the cover to get excessively hot.

Risk: Direct and continuous contact with certain areas of engine cover surface in the passenger compartment may increase the risk of injury or burns to the skin of the driver or front seat passenger.

20V175000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. A wire harness in the rear of the vehicle may contact the vehicle frame, resulting in damage to the circuits that support the fuel pump and the anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Risk: Damage to the fuel pump circuit in the wiring harness could result in an unexpected engine stall. Damage to the ABS wiring can lead to reduction of ABS functionality and a loss of roll stability control (RSC) functionality. These scenarios increase the risk of a crash.

20V099000

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-550 and 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. The rear axle differential fluid may be below the minimum level, possibly resulting in a failure of the rear axle assembly and driveshaft separation.

Risk: If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of drive, increasing the risk of crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur and increase the risk of injury or crash.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

York, PA

AIR BAGS

Airbag module casing is cracked.

NHTSA complaint #11709041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chesapeake, VA

ENGINE

Engine camshaft and lifters failed. Truck is at a Ford dealer. Engine could fail in the middle of the road, causing an accident. This is our eighth vehicle with the same issue taken to a ford dealer in the past year. A little knocking noise started that quickly turned into a loud knocking/rattling noise. No lights came on the truck.

NHTSA complaint #11688895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clovis, CA

STEERING

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11644752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clovis, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11644752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bluffton, IN

ENGINE

This is one of 4 of my 2021 ford econoline fleet vehicles purchased in 2021 that have had engine failure. I am one of many contractors in my area and others around the country who have had this issue with the same F59 engine. Ford has failed to issue a recall.

NHTSA complaint #11643146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chesapeake, VA

ENGINE

Engine camshaft and lifters failed and were inspected by Ford dealer, which corrected the issue by replacing the engine. Engine can failed and truck get stuck in the middle of the road. In the past 6 months its our 4th Ford truck with the same issue and a lot of other Fedex contractors that purchased a Ford truck with the 7.3L engine are reporting the same issue. No warning light was on in this vehicle, just started with a knocking sound that got worse until it got to the dealer and engine had to be replaced

NHTSA complaint #11640804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chesapeake, VA

ENGINE

Engine Camshaft and lifters failed, unit was inspected by ford dealer and engine had to be replaced. Engine can stop working and truck could break down in the middle of the road. No warning lamps, just a loud knocking sound when brakes were applied and truck was downshifting to stop. A lot of other people that purchased these ford light duty trucks with the 7.3L engine are having the same issue.

NHTSA complaint #11640826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 14,104 miles Voorhees Township, NJ

STEERING

The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-450. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the steering wheel and brake pedal became stiff, and the vehicle failed to slow down as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was continuously depressed for the vehicle to come to a stop. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering hose and fluids needed to be flushed and refilled. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,104.

NHTSA complaint #11603091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 14,104 miles Voorhees Township, NJ

SERVICE BRAKES

The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-450. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the steering wheel and brake pedal became stiff, and the vehicle failed to slow down as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was continuously depressed for the vehicle to come to a stop. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering hose and fluids needed to be flushed and refilled. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,104.

NHTSA complaint #11603091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Trinity, FL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Component= Traction control and cruise control. Safety risk=Driving a Ford e-450 Class C RV on interstate at 63 MPH going generally up hill with cruise control on, the "Service AdvanceTrac" warning light came on dashboard. I Immediately lost cruise control capability and steering became a little shakey. Pulled into rest area shut vehicle off. A few minutes and started again. Error went away and cruise control was functioning. Happened again a few hours later and I did the same thing and continued on. What happened=As I was driving, the " Service Advance Traction" light came on and the cruise control stopped, my class c rv immediately slowed at a high rate, a semi was behind me trying to get over to the middle lane. When I slowed down suddenly due to the cruise control going out, the semi had no choice but to change lanes quickly missing the back of my vehicle by a foot or so. If he was not alert as to what was happening, I most assuredly would not be typing this letter. It was that close!! Note= This also happened last year as we only take the RV out a few weeks out of the year. I brought it to Klammer Ford in New Port Richey F1l immediately after we got back from the last trip. They could not reproduce issue or find anything wrong Lamps= The only warning light that came on was a "Service Advance traction" light. No prior indication of any kind.

NHTSA complaint #11594828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Trinity, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Component= Traction control and cruise control. Safety risk=Driving a Ford e-450 Class C RV on interstate at 63 MPH going generally up hill with cruise control on, the "Service AdvanceTrac" warning light came on dashboard. I Immediately lost cruise control capability and steering became a little shakey. Pulled into rest area shut vehicle off. A few minutes and started again. Error went away and cruise control was functioning. Happened again a few hours later and I did the same thing and continued on. What happened=As I was driving, the " Service Advance Traction" light came on and the cruise control stopped, my class c rv immediately slowed at a high rate, a semi was behind me trying to get over to the middle lane. When I slowed down suddenly due to the cruise control going out, the semi had no choice but to change lanes quickly missing the back of my vehicle by a foot or so. If he was not alert as to what was happening, I most assuredly would not be typing this letter. It was that close!! Note= This also happened last year as we only take the RV out a few weeks out of the year. I brought it to Klammer Ford in New Port Richey F1l immediately after we got back from the last trip. They could not reproduce issue or find anything wrong Lamps= The only warning light that came on was a "Service Advance traction" light. No prior indication of any kind.

NHTSA complaint #11594828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Summerfield, NC

STEERING

My RV is make from 2021 Ford E-450. The power steering fluid leaked out and hard to steer the RV, and lost break. Ford has a recall 2021E-450 under similar situation, but my Vin did not received any recall notice.

NHTSA complaint #11535359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Summerfield, NC

SERVICE BRAKES

My RV is make from 2021 Ford E-450. The power steering fluid leaked out and hard to steer the RV, and lost break. Ford has a recall 2021E-450 under similar situation, but my Vin did not received any recall notice.

NHTSA complaint #11535359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 23,000 miles Abita Springs, LA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

The contact owns a 2021 Jayco Redhawk Motorhome built on a 2021 Ford E-450 chassis. The contact stated that while her friend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The RV was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that the brake line had deteriorated and needed to be replaced. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

NHTSA complaint #11533403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Amarillo, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2021 FORD E-450- Recall# 21V-441- heat shield not properly installed in between the LP tank and chassis muffler. Consumer enclosed a copy of the recall notice. Consumer went to an RV dealer in reference to a recall repair. The dealership made a call and informed consumer it could be fixed & would received return phone call that same evening or the next day. Several days passed. Consumer called representative 2 more times within a 3 week period with no return call. Consumer called a 3rd time & requested supervisor return the call. After 6 weeks no one called. The RV has only been used 3 times since purchased. July 2022, consumer received a recall notice from Ford about a problem the power steering hose possible failure. Consumer took unit to dealer the same month for repair. The mechanic stated that although it could be fixed, recall repairs wasn't a priority. Consumer left unit for repair. Consumer called several times for status of repair 7 explained about a trip planned in Aug. & was told it would be ready. The unit was not ready by time specified. After returning from trip unit still was not fixed. Consumer picked up unit unrepaired 2 1/2 months later. Consumer now states: "So what now Thor? What do I do with this unit I can't use and just sits in my driveway. It appears that by the way these people operate that once again 1 may not be able to use the unit this summer. By the way your letter states that it is a third notification on this recall matter however the enclosed copy is the only one I have ever received."

NHTSA complaint #11529337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Amarillo, TX

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

2021 FORD E-450- Recall# 21V-441- heat shield not properly installed in between the LP tank and chassis muffler. Consumer enclosed a copy of the recall notice. Consumer went to an RV dealer in reference to a recall repair. The dealership made a call and informed consumer it could be fixed & would received return phone call that same evening or the next day. Several days passed. Consumer called representative 2 more times within a 3 week period with no return call. Consumer called a 3rd time & requested supervisor return the call. After 6 weeks no one called. The RV has only been used 3 times since purchased. July 2022, consumer received a recall notice from Ford about a problem the power steering hose possible failure. Consumer took unit to dealer the same month for repair. The mechanic stated that although it could be fixed, recall repairs wasn't a priority. Consumer left unit for repair. Consumer called several times for status of repair 7 explained about a trip planned in Aug. & was told it would be ready. The unit was not ready by time specified. After returning from trip unit still was not fixed. Consumer picked up unit unrepaired 2 1/2 months later. Consumer now states: "So what now Thor? What do I do with this unit I can't use and just sits in my driveway. It appears that by the way these people operate that once again 1 may not be able to use the unit this summer. By the way your letter states that it is a third notification on this recall matter however the enclosed copy is the only one I have ever received."

NHTSA complaint #11529337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ivins, UT

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2021 Phoenix Cruiser RV built on a 2021 Ford E-450 chassis, equipped with a 6400 Series window vent. The contact stated that he became aware that the side window was delaminating. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21E047000 (Structure, Equipment). The RV was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed, and it was determined that the failure was related to the adhesive; however, no repairs were completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11512154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ivins, UT

EQUIPMENT

The contact owns a 2021 Phoenix Cruiser RV built on a 2021 Ford E-450 chassis, equipped with a 6400 Series window vent. The contact stated that he became aware that the side window was delaminating. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21E047000 (Structure, Equipment). The RV was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed, and it was determined that the failure was related to the adhesive; however, no repairs were completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11512154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pueblo West, CO

STEERING

We received the two recall notice letters from Ford Motor Company, 20V795 & 22V089, for our 2021 Jayco Redhawk class C RV. Upon receiving the first recall notice, 20V795, an appointment was made with our local Ford Dealer, Spradley Ford Lincoln Mercury, in Pueblo, CO, on Oct 1, 2021 to have it inspected and recall taken care of. Upon arrival that morning, was told they did not have the parts, would have to order them & their technician just called in "sick". Appointment was rescheduled once they had the recall parts in for Nov 15, 2021, again at our local Ford Dealer, Spradley Ford Lincoln Mercury, in Pueblo, CO. Upon arrival that morning to drop the unit off for the recall repair, was turned away again & told I'd have to reschedule as they had a break-in overnight & their technicians' had some tools stolen & would not be working today & they would have the service manager call me to reschedule the appointment once again, which never happened. In March of 2022, we received the second recall notice, 22V089, advising to take it to the local Ford dealer for inspection & repair. I called the Ford Dealer, now Alpine Ford, in Pueblo, CO, several times having to leave a message without a return call. On April 6, 2022, I spoke with [XXX] in Service at Alpine Ford & was informed Alpine Ford would not do the recalls as the new owners refused to do them after purchasing the dealership & referred me to Camping World. I had an appointment at Camping World in Colorado Springs this same day & they contacted Ford Dealers in Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Canon City, & all refused to handle the recalls. I called Ford Corporate & expressed my displeasure with dealers failing to comply with recall notices causing safety concerns for use of the unit & was told the were not "refusing" to do the recalls just did not have any technicians or locations except maybe O'Mera Ford in Northglenn, CO, who might handle it, which is unacceptable as they are 2 hours & 100 miles away. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FO

NHTSA complaint #11508139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pueblo West, CO

ENGINE

We received the two recall notice letters from Ford Motor Company, 20V795 & 22V089, for our 2021 Jayco Redhawk class C RV. Upon receiving the first recall notice, 20V795, an appointment was made with our local Ford Dealer, Spradley Ford Lincoln Mercury, in Pueblo, CO, on Oct 1, 2021 to have it inspected and recall taken care of. Upon arrival that morning, was told they did not have the parts, would have to order them & their technician just called in "sick". Appointment was rescheduled once they had the recall parts in for Nov 15, 2021, again at our local Ford Dealer, Spradley Ford Lincoln Mercury, in Pueblo, CO. Upon arrival that morning to drop the unit off for the recall repair, was turned away again & told I'd have to reschedule as they had a break-in overnight & their technicians' had some tools stolen & would not be working today & they would have the service manager call me to reschedule the appointment once again, which never happened. In March of 2022, we received the second recall notice, 22V089, advising to take it to the local Ford dealer for inspection & repair. I called the Ford Dealer, now Alpine Ford, in Pueblo, CO, several times having to leave a message without a return call. On April 6, 2022, I spoke with [XXX] in Service at Alpine Ford & was informed Alpine Ford would not do the recalls as the new owners refused to do them after purchasing the dealership & referred me to Camping World. I had an appointment at Camping World in Colorado Springs this same day & they contacted Ford Dealers in Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Canon City, & all refused to handle the recalls. I called Ford Corporate & expressed my displeasure with dealers failing to comply with recall notices causing safety concerns for use of the unit & was told the were not "refusing" to do the recalls just did not have any technicians or locations except maybe O'Mera Ford in Northglenn, CO, who might handle it, which is unacceptable as they are 2 hours & 100 miles away. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FO

NHTSA complaint #11508139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 18,000 miles Winston Salem, NC

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-450. The contact stated while driving the RV 60 MPH with the cruise control feature turned off, the stabili-trac warning light illuminated and the RV decelerated. The contact was able to control the RV, and once the contact turned off and restarted the RV, the RV operated normally. The RV was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and stated that the failure was not a known failure. The dealer also confirmed that the RV was not under recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 18,000.

NHTSA complaint #11503959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 18,000 miles Winston Salem, NC

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-450. The contact stated while driving the RV 60 MPH with the cruise control feature turned off, the stabili-trac warning light illuminated and the RV decelerated. The contact was able to control the RV, and once the contact turned off and restarted the RV, the RV operated normally. The RV was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and stated that the failure was not a known failure. The dealer also confirmed that the RV was not under recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 18,000.

NHTSA complaint #11503959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Simi Valley, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

CP4 fuel pump explodes leaving me and my family stranded on the freeway for over 7 hours, and stuck 1300 miles from home. Dodge has already recalled and repaired there trucks. My truck is 2021 with 50k miles and now I'm expected to pay $15-20k for the damage's

NHTSA complaint #11488695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 4,826 miles Molino, FL

STEERING

The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V089000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was inspected however, while making a turn into a service station, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact then stated that she was directed to a leak coming from the vehicle. The contact notified the dealer, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hydro-boost power failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and covered the cost of the tow, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 4,826.

NHTSA complaint #11487034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 4,826 miles Molino, FL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST

The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V089000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was inspected however, while making a turn into a service station, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact then stated that she was directed to a leak coming from the vehicle. The contact notified the dealer, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hydro-boost power failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and covered the cost of the tow, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 4,826.

NHTSA complaint #11487034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.