FaultScore

Ford E-450 brake problems

68 of the 546 complaints filed about the Ford E-450 are about the braking system — 12% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 1999.

68

Complaints

12%

Share of all complaints

1

Crashes

4

Fires

Brakes complaints by model year

1999 E-450 22 32.4%
2000 E-450 3 4.4%

Median failure at 35,701 miles

2001 E-450 3 4.4%

Median failure at 19,750 miles

2002 E-450 1 1.5%
2003 E-450 2 2.9%

Median failure at 238,000 miles

2004 E-450 4 5.9%

Median failure at 28,000 miles

2005 E-450 2 2.9%

Median failure at 45,500 miles

2006 E-450 2 2.9%

Median failure at 83,250 miles

2007 E-450 3 4.4%

Median failure at 30,477 miles

2013 E-450 2 2.9%

Median failure at 3,149 miles

2016 E-450 2 2.9%

Median failure at 72,200 miles

2017 E-450 1 1.5%

Median failure at 20,000 miles

2021 E-450 12 17.6%

Median failure at 4,826 miles

2022 E-450 8 11.8%

Median failure at 4,000 miles

2026 E-450 1 1.5%

What owners said

2026 Ford E-450 Georgetown, SC

SERVICE BRAKES

Parking Brake The Sticker on this U-Haul 15 foot Truck says, "Engage the Parking Brake before turning off the Engine, otherwise UNCONTROLLED OPERATION OF VEHICLE may occur.". I pulled on the Parking Brake as the Sticker warned. With my foot off the Gas Pedal, at about 25 - 30 MPH the U-Haul Steered way to the right by itself, and drove onto the Right Curb. This was quite Frightening and Unexpected. Then it happened again later that day at just about 30 MPH, again with my foot off the Gas Pedal and Kind of Coasting into a small Town. Later that Night it happened again at about 25 -30 MPH and pulled to the right and almost into the right side ditch, on a two lane Highway. My Safety was at risk because I could have hit a Telephone Pole or have been steered into the right side ditch. IF it had happened, on a Multi-Lane Highway, I could have Hit a Vehicle in the Right Lane. Others are put at Risk, because anyone on a Sidewalk near the Right side Curb, Could have been Hit, by this Uncontrolled Steering. The U-Haul Regional Manager, Emily Noe said it had not been reported by anyone else. This U-Haul Truck had about 14K miles on it and is fairly new. I assume this U-Haul Truck had been Inspected, before being placed on the Road. There is the Yellow Sticker inside the Truck, with Black Letters that warn about pulling On the Parking Brake before Parking and shutting down the engine....which I did!!! I feel other U-Haul Customers should be warned before an Accident DOES occur. Better Yet this U-Haul Truck should be taken off the Road.

NHTSA complaint #11741946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Ford E-450 at 141,000 miles Sarasota, FL Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

The contact rented a 2016 U-Haul E450. The contact stated that while in the parking lot and placing the vehicle in drive, the contact tapped on the accelerator pedal, then when the brakes were applied and the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The contact removed her foot from the brake, and it continued to accelerate and crashed into a parked U-Haul truck. There were no reported injuries, fire, airbag deployment, or police report filed. It was unknown if there were any warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact spoke with the rental company, who reversed the vehicle without incident. The contact stated that the rental employee was not operating the vehicle the same way when the failure occurred. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000. The insurance company was contacted, who would potentially obtain the black box.

NHTSA complaint #11707508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford E-450 Clovis, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

See attached document for complaint.

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

2022 Ford E-450 at 12,750 miles Phoenix, AZ

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2022 Ford E-450. The contact received notification of Customer Satisfaction Program: 24N03 (Hydro boost or Hydro max Power Steering Pressure and Jumper Line Replacement). The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact downshifted the transmission from fifth to first gear to stop the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist while turning. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the hydro boost power steering pressure and jumper line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V097000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 12,750.

NHTSA complaint #11621919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Ford E-450 Santa Maria, CA

SERVICE BRAKES

I have issues with brakes calipers that pistons are made of Phenolic material, replaced calipers multiple times and will fail in as little as one trip and when using RV in hot weather or too much braking like in the city even if is cold the brakes are constantly locking up to the point where the wheels won't turn, and burn I have to pull over when this happens and wait and hour or two while the brakes are smoking on the side of the road and my wife with a fire extinguisher afraid that the RV was going to burn then I reach inside with a tool to break them loose. I do not have more options for the repair as the calipers pistons are the problem every time and it became very dangerous to drive around anymore, I don't often complain of things but this is a safety issue that affected many of this vehicle owners with this type of caliper pistons. At this time the brakes are not the problem is the calipers pistons that fail no matter how old they are, as they heat up they warp or deform causing them to stick inside the hub of the caliper, I need assistance to correct this issue since ford has not provided a fix for that, I did not want to reach this point of filling a complain because is not me but if they made a bad part for the vehicle it need to be updated. I will buy the parts if there is a replacement available that wont stick inside calipers when is hot. Please note that the brakes calipers have been replace all of them then failed the same way within the first or second drive if driving down hills or traffic areas, is been confirmed that the issue is unrelated to other brake components. Thank you for your assistance.

NHTSA complaint #11612602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford E-450 Essex, MD

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11609956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford E-450 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.

2022 Ford E-450 at 4,000 miles Northbrook, IL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2022 Ford E-450. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V089000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under the recall. The contact stated that the recall repair was not performed; however, the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the recall repair was not needed, and that the vehicle was good to be driven. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering and the service brakes were inoperable. The contact stated that the steering failed to function as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brakes failed to respond as needed. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to Castle Ford in Michigan City. The vehicle was diagnosed with failed power steering connection line and a failed brake hydro boost unit. The vehicle was then repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V089000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the failure occurred thirty days after the vehicle was serviced at the dealer and the dealer declined to complete the recall repair. The contact stated that the failure occurred while out of town. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.

NHTSA complaint #11564944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford E-450 Jackson, MI

SERVICE BRAKES

I am a mechanic at Huron Valley Ambulance. Ford has a recall that covers some of our Ambulances. Recall NO: 22S08 for the power steering lines coming apart. I have been having issues with the hoses coming apart even after the recall has been performed. The Ford dealer will not cover this repair after the recall has been done. This is a safety issue as both the steering and braking are effected. It is also time consuming and expensive to repair. I feel this recall is not correcting this problem and needs to be addressed.

NHTSA complaint #11558731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford E-450 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.

2021 Ford E-450 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.

2022 Ford E-450 at 3,200 miles Spring Lake, MI

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2022 Ford E-450. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact then stated that he had to apply pressure to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle off the roadway. The independent mechanic was notified and went out to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the steering hose failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that he received Manufacturer recall notification: 22S08 (Hydroboost or Hydromax Power Steering Pressure Line Inspection) however, the vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that the hose did not need to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 3,200.

NHTSA complaint #11496999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford E-450 at 3,200 miles Spring Lake, MI

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST

The contact owns a 2022 Ford E-450. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact then stated that he had to apply pressure to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle off the roadway. The independent mechanic was notified and went out to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the steering hose failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that he received Manufacturer recall notification: 22S08 (Hydroboost or Hydromax Power Steering Pressure Line Inspection) however, the vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that the hose did not need to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 3,200.

NHTSA complaint #11496999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford E-450 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.

2021 Ford E-450 at 4,826 miles Molino, FL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

2022 Ford E-450 at 6,300 miles Roseland, LA

SERVICE BRAKES

The contact owns a 2022 Forest River Forester built on a 2022 Ford E-450 chassis. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH downhill, he was depressing the brake pedal however, the RV failed to stop as needed. The contact stated that he was towing a 2000 Jeep Wrangler during the failure and the brakes on the vehicle were also applied and caused the motorhome to stop. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the brakes and steering were inoperable. The motorhome was not drivable. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure but was informed they were unable to service a trailer that size. The dealer referred the contact to another repair shop. The motorhome was towed to repair shop and was informed the power steering hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V089000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,300. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired and Ford paid for all of the expenses.

NHTSA complaint #11467764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford E-450 Aurora, CO

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V795000 (Engine) and 22V089000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available and Parts distribution disconnect respectively.

NHTSA complaint #11466381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford E-450 Hemet, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST

Regarding the recall #22S08 Hydroboost or Hydromax power steering pressure line. We took our Motorhome in to have the recall addressed and for service before a planned camping trip. Apparantly the recall was worded "to inspect OR replace" and our vehicle was only inspected. On our ruined Mother's Day vacation, we were driving highway speeds at a downgrade coming into Nevada and lost all power steering which took our motorhome and trailer we were pulling off of the highway and dangerously close to falling off the highway and tumbling down a hill. We went to exit at the next offramp to look at the power steering issue and found that we also had no brakes. By downshifting, we were able to stop safely. There were no warning lights or signals, and no warning signs what so ever. The motorhome is currently being looked at and hopefully repaired at a Rush Truck Center in Las Vegas. Ford Motor Company and the original dealership have been notified. Our main concern is the word "OR" in the recall verbiage, which we blame Ford Motor Co. The problem is clearly this part must be replaced, not just inspected. A change in the verbiage literally will save lives. We really should have been dead on the side of the road, but we were lucky and are contemplating hiring a lawyer, as we feel that the unacceptable recall wording by Ford unneccessarily put our lives at risk. Our Ford Claim number is: CAS-36721973-S8H5X3

NHTSA complaint #11464223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford E-450 Hemet, CA

SERVICE BRAKES

Regarding the recall #22S08 Hydroboost or Hydromax power steering pressure line. We took our Motorhome in to have the recall addressed and for service before a planned camping trip. Apparantly the recall was worded "to inspect OR replace" and our vehicle was only inspected. On our ruined Mother's Day vacation, we were driving highway speeds at a downgrade coming into Nevada and lost all power steering which took our motorhome and trailer we were pulling off of the highway and dangerously close to falling off the highway and tumbling down a hill. We went to exit at the next offramp to look at the power steering issue and found that we also had no brakes. By downshifting, we were able to stop safely. There were no warning lights or signals, and no warning signs what so ever. The motorhome is currently being looked at and hopefully repaired at a Rush Truck Center in Las Vegas. Ford Motor Company and the original dealership have been notified. Our main concern is the word "OR" in the recall verbiage, which we blame Ford Motor Co. The problem is clearly this part must be replaced, not just inspected. A change in the verbiage literally will save lives. We really should have been dead on the side of the road, but we were lucky and are contemplating hiring a lawyer, as we feel that the unacceptable recall wording by Ford unneccessarily put our lives at risk. Our Ford Claim number is: CAS-36721973-S8H5X3

NHTSA complaint #11464223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford E-450 Lewisburg, PA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2022 Ford E-450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V089000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11460930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Ford E-450 problems