37 of the
546 complaints filed about the Ford E-450
are about the transmission —
7% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 1999.
37
Complaints
7%
Share of all complaints
3
Crashes
1
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
Description When your vehicle is in reverse gear, the vehicles exterior sounder backup alarm may only produce an intermittent warning sound or may be inoperative and produce no warning sound. Safety Risk A backup alarm that does not emit sound may fail to alert pedestrians or other road users of a reversing vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Remedy Parts are available to repair your vehicle. Ford Motor Company has authorized your dealer to repair the wiring connection at the exterior sounder backup alarm free of charge. Next Steps Contact your dealer for more information to schedule the free service.
NHTSA complaint #11744042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2025 E-450 Safety Recalls* Main control valve body or transmission replacement Recall incomplete INVESTOR REPORTING FOR "amber alert" for all 2025 E-450, as this vin shows NO ACTIVE RECALLS. Yet our factory engineers have issued this RECALL. PLEASE BROADCAST.....
NHTSA complaint #11679474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The component that failed was the driveline on our RV. Specifically, the driveline was installed at an incorrect angle, which caused excessive vibrations and loud noises while driving at highway speeds. The improper driveline angle posed a serious safety risk to my family and others on the road. The vibrations were severe enough to affect vehicle handling and stability, especially at higher speeds. There was also concern that the continued stress could lead to mechanical failure or component separation, which could result in loss of control or debris on the roadway. The issue has been confirmed by a Ford RV technician, who verified that the driveline angle was outside manufacturer specifications. The vibrations could be consistently reproduced during test drives. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives at this time. There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages, but noticeable symptoms—including a strong vibration through the floor and loud droning noises—began immediately upon first highway use and persisted until inspection revealed the driveline misalignment.
NHTSA complaint #11655655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The component that failed was the driveline on our RV. Specifically, the driveline was installed at an incorrect angle, which caused excessive vibrations and loud noises while driving at highway speeds. The improper driveline angle posed a serious safety risk to my family and others on the road. The vibrations were severe enough to affect vehicle handling and stability, especially at higher speeds. There was also concern that the continued stress could lead to mechanical failure or component separation, which could result in loss of control or debris on the roadway. The issue has been confirmed by a Ford RV technician, who verified that the driveline angle was outside manufacturer specifications. The vibrations could be consistently reproduced during test drives. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives at this time. There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages, but noticeable symptoms—including a strong vibration through the floor and loud droning noises—began immediately upon first highway use and persisted until inspection revealed the driveline misalignment.
NHTSA complaint #11655655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The component that failed was the transmission and transmission pump. We have receipts and digital verification of this situation as a common problem with this Ford model. Our safety was put at risk as the vehicle suddenly lost power on the highway in a rural area and we had to drift with what speed we had left to the right lane shoulder and hope there was a shoulder as we could not back up or go forward. The vehicle is in claims processing with insurance, however 3 experts in the auto industry reported this a common problem for this make/model of Ford. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure--specifically there is not a dash gauge for the transmission temperature and there should be.
NHTSA complaint #11514039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TRANSMISSIONS 6R140 HAVE PREMATURE FAILURE THIS IS OUR 6TH TRANSMISSION TO GO OUT IN OUR 5 VANS, WHEN TRANSMISSION GOES OUT, THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILS WHICH RESULTS IN VEHICLE STALLING IN ROAD WAY THE VEHICLE WHILE JERK REALLY HARD AND GIVE DRIVE WHIPLASH AND WHEN VEHICLE IS GOING UP HILL WHEN THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILS THE VAN WILL SLAM TO A STOP, STALL THEN START ROLLING BACKWARDS OR FORWARDS WITH NO BRAKES OR POWERSTEERING. WHEN THIS HAPPENS DRIVER HAS NO BREAKS OR POWERSTEERING AND MOST TIMES THIS HAS HAPPENED THE DRIVER CANT QUICKLY RESTART THE VAN TO REGAIN POWERSTEERING OR BRAKES BECAUSE THE TORQUE CONVERTER IS STUCK AND WONT ALLOW STARTER TO TURN OVER ENGINE. THIS VEHICLE HAD A NEW TRANSMISSION PUT IN BY FORD JANUARY 2022 AND IT IS NOW AUGUST 2022 AND THIS TRANSMISSION HAS ALSO FAILED AND PRESENTED THE SAME SAFETY SITUATION WITH STALLING AND JERKING. FORD IS SET TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN AND TOLD BY DEALER THESE TRANSMISSIONS SHOULD BE RECALLED DUE TO THIS CONSTANT FAILURE IN ALL VANS AND TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE 6R140 (FORD F-250, F-350 AND E-350, E-450).
NHTSA complaint #11479886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE THE MOTOR BLOCK BLEW. THERE WAS A LOUD, FAST CLICKING NOISE FOLLOWED BY CLUNKING AND SMOKE FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. ALL FLUIDS WERE GOOD BUT THERE WAS A FEW DROPS OF OIL ON THE GROUND. THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT THAT HE HAS PREVIOUSLY SEEN. THE VEHICLE WAS MAINTAINED AND THOROUGHLY CHECKED BEFORE THE ROAD TRIP.
NHTSA complaint #11377864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD E-450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT ANY WARNING CRASHING INTO A MOBILE HOME. THE CONTACT STATED NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT STATED AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE THE VEHICLE HAS FAILED TO SHIFT FROM THE REVERSE POSITION. THE DEALER KAYSER AUTOMOTIVE GROUP (2303 WEST BELTLINE HIGHWAY, MADISON, WI 53713 (608)-271-6000) WAS CONTACTED FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO BE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO BE DIAGNOSED AT A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,500.
NHTSA complaint #11144717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THIS IS A SCHOOL BUS. WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN THE SCHOOL BUS WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN ANY GEAR, FORWARD OR REVERSE. THE SCHOOL BUS HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY FOUND THAT THE COAST CLUTCH DRUM, RETURN SPRING, PISTON AND ONE WAY CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS THE 4TH SCHOOL BUS WE HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE WITH.
NHTSA complaint #11102982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD E-450. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE "SERVICE VEHICLE" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (MORRIS BUFFALO FORD, 702 E. HIGHWAY 55, BUFFALO, MN) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH CYLINDER WELL INSIDE THE TRANMISSION WAS CRACKED AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11073007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD E-450. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE "SERVICE VEHICLE" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (MORRIS BUFFALO FORD, 702 E. HIGHWAY 55, BUFFALO MN) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH CYLINDER WELL INSIDE THE TRANMISSION WAS CRACKED AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11073008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD E-450. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE "SERVICE VEHICLE" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (MORRIS BUFFALO FORD, 702 E. HIGHWAY 55, BUFFALO MN) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH CYLINDER WELL INSIDE THE TRANMISSION WAS CRACKED AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11073009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD E-450. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE "SERVICE VEHICLE" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (MORRIS BUFFALO FORD, 702 E. HIGHWAY 55, BUFFALO MN) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH CYLINDER WELL INSIDE THE TRANMISSION WAS CRACKED AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
NHTSA complaint #11073012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD E-450. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE "SERVICE VEHICLE" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (MORRIS BUFFALO FORD, 702 E. HIGHWAY 55, BUFFALO MN) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH CYLINDER WELL INSIDE THE TRANMISSION HAD CRACKED AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11072827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD E-350. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE "SERVICE VEHICLE" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (MORRIS BUFFALO FORD, 702 E. HIGHWAY 55, BUFFALO MN) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH CYLINDER WELL INSIDE THE TRANMISSION WAS CRACKED AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11072830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EMPLOYEES WERE DRIVING TRUCK ON A LEVEL ROAD, AND IT RAPIDLY LOST POWER. THEY STOPPED AND CALLED ME, AND I TOLD THEM TO CHECK A NUMBER OF THINGS. EVERYTHING LOOKED OK. BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO FORD DEALER, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS RUSTED/RUSTING ON THE INSIDE. THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE TANK, SENDING UNIT, AND FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BEFORE THEY COULD SEE IF THE INJECTORS, FUEL LINES, AND TURBO WERE DAMAGED. I CHECKED ON THE INTERNET BEFORE AUTHORIZING THE REPAIRS, AND WAS ASTOUNDED BY THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE THAT HAD THE SAME EXACT ISSUES. THE TANKS ARE DEFECTIVE, AND DELAMINATE, THEREFORE CLOGGING THE FUEL SYSTEM. THEY REPAIR BILL THAT I WAS QUOTED BEFORE WE EVEN GOT TO THE ENGINE, WAS $3700.00+TAX!!!. THIS IS UNREAL THAT THE NHTSA HAS NOT FORCED A RECALL YET. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE FIRST? SOME PEOPLE REPORTED REPAIR BILLS OF $11,000+!! I AM A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER. I PAID $45,000.00 FOR THIS VEHICLE, MAINTAINED IT RELIGIOUSLY. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 66,000 MILES ON IT. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS TO THE NHTSA, AND IT HAS BEEN REPORTED THAT THIS HAS BEEN KNOWN ABOUT FOR SOME TIME. THERE ARE ALSO SOME CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS THAT ARE IN PLACE. I CANNOT AFFORD THIS REPAIR. I WILL GET A PETITION GOING TO ASK THE NHTSA TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES. IF THE NHTSA KNOWS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM, AND SOMEONE HAS AN ACCIDENT AND KILLS SOMEONE, WOULD THAT NOT HAVE THE NHTSA SHOULDER SOME BLAME? IS THIS ANOTHER COVER UP LIKE THE GENERAL MOTORS IGNITION RECALL? I URGE YOU TO PLEASE RECALL THESE AFFECTED VEHICLES. FORD KNOWS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM, AND THEY IMMEDIATELY BLAME IT ON FUEL. I HAVE 6 TRUCKS THAT ALL RUN ON DIESEL. THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS THIS PROBLEM IS THIS VEHICLE. I WOULD LIKE SOMEONE FROM THIS AGENCY TO CONTACT ME ASAP. THIS TRUCK IS A MAIN SOURCE OF INCOME FOR ME AND MY EMPLOYEES, AND IT I SITTING AT A DEALER FOR 5 DAYS SO FAR.
NHTSA complaint #10609885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE VEHICLE DOES NOT ALWAYS GO INTO THE CORRECT GEAR, AS INDICATED ON THE STEERING COLUMN. WHEN USING THE AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT ON THE COLUMN, AND PLACING THE VEHICLE INTO "DRIVE", THE VEHICLE GOES INTO REVERSE. WHEN THE GEAR SHIFT IS MOVED TO "REVERSE", IT DOES NOT ENGAGE AND STAYS IN NEUTRAL. SOMETIMES, THE VEHICLE WILL HOVER IN NEUTRAL THEN SUDDENLY ENGAGE INTO 1ST GEAR WITHOUT MOVING THE GEAR SHIFT. THIS ISSUE WAS BROUGHT TO FORD'S ATTENTION BY US IN 2007 (11000 MILES) AND 2009 (23000 MILES), AND THE FORD DEALERS COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE LINKAGES. THEY STATED THAT THEY ADJUSTED THE INDICATOR SWITCH, BUT THIS INTERMITTENT PROBLEM HAS NOW RETURNED. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN MANEUVERING IN PARKING LOTS OR OTHER AREAS THAT REQUIRE A CHANGE OF DIRECTION. OUR FORD ENGINE IS INSIDE A CLASS C MOTORHOME, SO WE DON'T HAVE MANY ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS FOR MOVING THE VEHICLE WHEN IT DOES NOT GO INTO THE CORRECT GEAR. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THE CAR WILL SWITCH GEARS WHILE IN MOTION, CAUSING US TO LOSE CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #10406809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PROBLEM: HESITATION ON ACCELERATION, ROUGH IDLES, LOSS OF POWER UPON ACCELERATION. INJECTOR FOUND CLOGGED ON 12-2006. REPLACED TURBO ASSEMBLY AND COLD AIR BOOT ON 12/20/2006. FILED WRITTEN COMPLAINT TO FORD IN APRIL 2006 FOR RECURRING ENGINE ISSUES. FORD NEVER ANSWERED. ON 1/30/09 TRUCK NOT RUNNING AND FORD REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. ASKED FORD SERVICE TO CHECK ROUGH RUNNING AND ENGINE POWER LOSS BUT COMPUTER SHOWED NO CODES. TOOK TRUCK INTO FORD ON 1/21/20011 FOR BRAKES AND VEHICLE NOT RUNNING PROPERLY EVEN AFTER WARM UP. DIAGNOSIS FROM FORD --- FOUND RUST IN THE FUEL FILTER, WAS TOLD FUEL TANK NEEDED REPLACED AS WELL AS INJECTORS AND INJECTOR PUMP AND FUEL LINES. COST TO REPLACE $5000 OR MORE. WARRANTY RAN OUT NOVEMBER 2010. FORD IS NOW REQUIRING VEHICLE OWNERS TO REPLACE THEIR FUEL TANKS AND ANY ANCILLARY PARTS AT THEIR OWN COST. FORD HAD TO OF KNOWN THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL TANKS DELAMINATING AFTER 2004. AS A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER IN THIS ECONOMY HAVING TO SPEND EXTRA MONEY ON A PROBLEM THAT COULD AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF UNDER WARRANTY IS EGREGIOUS. MY VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 113,000 MILES AND TO ALREADY HAVE TO REPLACE A TRANSMISSION AND NOW THE FUEL TANK IS INDICATIVE OF A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. FORD IS NEGLIGENT IN NOT ACKNOWLEDGING A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS TO LIFE SAFETY PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10380259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2007 FORD E450 VAN, DRIVER LIFTED SHIFT LEVER TOWARDS PARK. THE DRIVER THOUGHT THE LEVER WAS IN PARK AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE LEVER DROPPED TO REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE RAN THE OVER DRIVER. *BF THE VEHICLE HAS A BRAKE INTERLOCK, IF THE SHIFT LEVER IS PUSHED HARD ENOUGH, IT WILL SHIFT INTO PARK. IF THE SHIFT LEVER IS PUSHED, BUT NOT HARD ENOUGH, THE SHIFT INDICATOR HANGS UP BETWEEN PARK AND REVERSE. (THE VEHICLE IS OWNED BY U-HAUL)
NHTSA complaint #10341188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHILE DRIVING THE AMBULANCE THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE TAKING IT TO THE SHOP. WHEN THE AMBULANCE IS AT IDLE IT JUST SHUTS OFF, WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE RPM'S ARE AT IDLE THE ENGINE WILL JUST SHUT OFF. NO CRASH OR INJURIES HOWEVER IT WAS VERY CLOSE AS THE ENGINE SHUT OFF IT WAS GOING AROUND A CURVE AND LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #10275088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.