Owners have filed 32 complaints
about the 2019 Ford F-450 with NHTSA between 2018 and 2025.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 6 worst.
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.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 67
Against the median year of the Ford F-450. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 16
3.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
67% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2019 Ford F-450
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Steering
825.0%
Median failure at 26,500 miles
Suspension
515.6%
Median failure at 40,500 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
412.5%
Median failure at 55,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
412.5%
Median failure at 62,334 miles
Wheels
26.3%
Fuel & Propulsion
26.3%
Median failure at 19,000 miles
Body & Structure
26.3%
Median failure at 31,419 miles
Other & Unspecified
13.1%
Median failure at 3,000 miles
Seats
13.1%
Median failure at 9,900 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
13.1%
Median failure at 800 miles
Brakes
13.1%
Electrical System
13.1%
Median failure at 9,900 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
16.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
320.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
320.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
320.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
426.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
16.7%
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.
Dec 2018peak 6Apr 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2019 Ford F-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.
RQ21001Opened 15 Jan 2021Closed 10 Jan 2024STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Power Tailgate Release Systems
In January 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ21-001) to assess allegations of post-recall remedy uncommanded tailgate openings in model year (MY) 2017-2019 F-250/350/450 Ford trucks. Besides the recall remedy launched in January 2020, Ford also implemented a production update in November 2019. At the time of the RQ opening, ODI had received eleven (11) Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs). ODI sent an Information Request (IR) to Ford in February 2021. In numerous meetings after receiving their IR response, Ford highlighted the drop in claims since the rec...
PE18011Opened 12 Oct 2018Closed 12 Dec 2019ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Power tailgate opens unintended
By letter dated December 4, 2019, Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of a safety defect that may exist in model years (MY) 2017 through 2019 Ford Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450 vehicles equipped with an electric tailgate. Following the receipt of five consumer complaints alleging unintended tailgate opening without vehicle operator knowledge, while the vehicles were in motion, NHTSA opened this investigation to assess the manufacturer's data including warranty claims, field reports, design changes, etc.In vehicles equipped with an electric tailgate, wa...
Recalls on the 2019 Ford F-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
21V114000
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. As such, these lamps fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: The excessive brightness may affect the vision of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
19V633000
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
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. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
19V398000
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.
Risk: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
18V894000
ENGINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.
Risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 3,000 milesEdmonds, WA1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE DOOR LATCHES WILL NOT LATCH IN COLDER WEATHER. IF THEY LATCH ONCE THE VEHICLE IS THAWED OUT. DRIVING OVER ROUGH SURFACES WILL CAUSE THE DOORS TO UNLATCH.
NHTSA complaint #11162306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 19,000 milesHarvest, AL
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F450. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the diesel particle filter (DPF) had failed. The sensor was replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The sensor had been replaced four times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 19,000.
NHTSA complaint #11654583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
STEERING
My truck wobbles out of control when I drive it above 40mph. It shakes uncontrollably. Nothing is wrong with it according to mechanics. I believe it's realated to the death wobble, many reports I have seen on tv regarding this matter on Ford trucks.
NHTSA complaint #11631318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesSaint Clair, MO
ENGINE
The contact's employer owns a 2019 Ford F-450. The contact stated while his boss was driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact's employer contacted the manufacturer and was provided a case number. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
NHTSA complaint #11624712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Florence, SC
POWER TRAIN
Years and years of cp4 failures should lead to a recall. It is unsafe and will cause someone to be killed if there truck shuts off
NHTSA complaint #11615238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,334 milesWashington, IL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-450. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact observed an abnormal burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there was an upper oil pan gasket failure. The contact was informed that the gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,334.
NHTSA complaint #11603204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, AL
STEERING
Adaptive Steering system fault occurs randomly. At times, the steering wheel is off by as much as 90 degrees when driving straight down a road. This endangers both passengers of vehicle and other traffic on highway.
NHTSA complaint #11529773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesHouston, TX
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-450. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle and attempting to shift into gear, the gear shifter seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the drain had been clogged due to debris, causing water intrusion in the passenger’s side motor board, and inside the front and rear passenger’s side doors. Additionally, there was mold in the vehicle. The dealer diagnosed that the motor board and the carpet needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that no assistance would be provided because the failure was weather related. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
NHTSA complaint #11518266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesVictoria, TX
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-450. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle was shaking uncontrollably from side to side; almost causing the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and waited for the vehicle to stop shaking. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11503885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesVictoria, TX
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-450. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle was shaking uncontrollably from side to side; almost causing the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and waited for the vehicle to stop shaking. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11503885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Charles, LA
POWER TRAIN
severe constant vibration from rear duals, constant shake from 68MPH ro 78MPH. 75MPH it turns into a rhythm violent shaking passage seat. Feel the vibration in the steering wheel as well.
NHTSA complaint #11475043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Charles, LA
STEERING
severe constant vibration from rear duals, constant shake from 68MPH ro 78MPH. 75MPH it turns into a rhythm violent shaking passage seat. Feel the vibration in the steering wheel as well.
NHTSA complaint #11475043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Charles, LA
SERVICE BRAKES
severe constant vibration from rear duals, constant shake from 68MPH ro 78MPH. 75MPH it turns into a rhythm violent shaking passage seat. Feel the vibration in the steering wheel as well.
NHTSA complaint #11475043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nekoosa, WI
WHEELS
Truck has experienced multiple occasions of "death wobble" since purchase. Excessive unexplained tire wear on the passenger front tire. On second tire on passenger front. Have 81k miles on truck and all other tires are wearing normal. Have had truck in alignment twice with no issues showing with alignment, wheels have been balanced. Ford service tech contacted Ford engineer and told me to increase air pressure to 100psi on front tires, I questioned this since door tag states 90psi. Still same issues, all recalls have been done. Passenger front tire is almost bald and need to purchase new tires at $400 plus, seems stupid to put new tires on and not resolve issue. I have worked with Ford dealership, two independent tire stores, Continental tire engineer, and have asked many mechanics about this with no answers. The other issue is the power tailgate will open on its own. This has occurred twice while driving. Once is while I was pulling fifth wheel and tailgate opened. Spilling out a 70 qt cooler carrying 40+ water bottles and a stand for my grill. I have no knowledge at what time this happened during trip, no dash indicator or warning. The second time this happened is we were towing a horse trailer and it opened. The only warning was when we made a turn and the trailer wheel jack pinched against the tailgate and bent both the tailgate and trailer jack. Ford had a recall on tailgate which was performed prior to these incidents. Wire harness was replaced in between events at Ford dealership. Dealership answer now is to disable rear button to open tailgate, also since tailgate is bent it will bind and not open sometimes. I think it's funny that there is a warning light for the hood if unlatched, and prior to disabling rear button I had to push the door lock button to open tailgate. To me it's a design issue because the female connector faces up and plugs into male connector, where moisture can get in. All these are safety issues putting me and others in danger.
NHTSA complaint #11453819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nekoosa, WI
STEERING
Truck has experienced multiple occasions of "death wobble" since purchase. Excessive unexplained tire wear on the passenger front tire. On second tire on passenger front. Have 81k miles on truck and all other tires are wearing normal. Have had truck in alignment twice with no issues showing with alignment, wheels have been balanced. Ford service tech contacted Ford engineer and told me to increase air pressure to 100psi on front tires, I questioned this since door tag states 90psi. Still same issues, all recalls have been done. Passenger front tire is almost bald and need to purchase new tires at $400 plus, seems stupid to put new tires on and not resolve issue. I have worked with Ford dealership, two independent tire stores, Continental tire engineer, and have asked many mechanics about this with no answers. The other issue is the power tailgate will open on its own. This has occurred twice while driving. Once is while I was pulling fifth wheel and tailgate opened. Spilling out a 70 qt cooler carrying 40+ water bottles and a stand for my grill. I have no knowledge at what time this happened during trip, no dash indicator or warning. The second time this happened is we were towing a horse trailer and it opened. The only warning was when we made a turn and the trailer wheel jack pinched against the tailgate and bent both the tailgate and trailer jack. Ford had a recall on tailgate which was performed prior to these incidents. Wire harness was replaced in between events at Ford dealership. Dealership answer now is to disable rear button to open tailgate, also since tailgate is bent it will bind and not open sometimes. I think it's funny that there is a warning light for the hood if unlatched, and prior to disabling rear button I had to push the door lock button to open tailgate. To me it's a design issue because the female connector faces up and plugs into male connector, where moisture can get in. All these are safety issues putting me and others in danger.
NHTSA complaint #11453819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nekoosa, WI
SUSPENSION
Truck has experienced multiple occasions of "death wobble" since purchase. Excessive unexplained tire wear on the passenger front tire. On second tire on passenger front. Have 81k miles on truck and all other tires are wearing normal. Have had truck in alignment twice with no issues showing with alignment, wheels have been balanced. Ford service tech contacted Ford engineer and told me to increase air pressure to 100psi on front tires, I questioned this since door tag states 90psi. Still same issues, all recalls have been done. Passenger front tire is almost bald and need to purchase new tires at $400 plus, seems stupid to put new tires on and not resolve issue. I have worked with Ford dealership, two independent tire stores, Continental tire engineer, and have asked many mechanics about this with no answers. The other issue is the power tailgate will open on its own. This has occurred twice while driving. Once is while I was pulling fifth wheel and tailgate opened. Spilling out a 70 qt cooler carrying 40+ water bottles and a stand for my grill. I have no knowledge at what time this happened during trip, no dash indicator or warning. The second time this happened is we were towing a horse trailer and it opened. The only warning was when we made a turn and the trailer wheel jack pinched against the tailgate and bent both the tailgate and trailer jack. Ford had a recall on tailgate which was performed prior to these incidents. Wire harness was replaced in between events at Ford dealership. Dealership answer now is to disable rear button to open tailgate, also since tailgate is bent it will bind and not open sometimes. I think it's funny that there is a warning light for the hood if unlatched, and prior to disabling rear button I had to push the door lock button to open tailgate. To me it's a design issue because the female connector faces up and plugs into male connector, where moisture can get in. All these are safety issues putting me and others in danger.
NHTSA complaint #11453819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Daytona Beach, FL
POWER TRAIN
recall #21E04 PCM Reprograming car continúe same lost power fuel volume regulador control circuit low mass or volume air flow circuit low input intake air Temperature circuit high input
NHTSA complaint #11453497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Daytona Beach, FL
ENGINE
recall #21E04 PCM Reprograming car continúe same lost power fuel volume regulador control circuit low mass or volume air flow circuit low input intake air Temperature circuit high input
NHTSA complaint #11453497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Daytona Beach, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
recall #21E04 PCM Reprograming car continúe same lost power fuel volume regulador control circuit low mass or volume air flow circuit low input intake air Temperature circuit high input
NHTSA complaint #11453497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lyman, ME
STEERING
30k miles on truck and have had persisting issues with a shaking front end / steering wheel while driving at speed. What many folks refer to as “death wobble”. Dealer has replaced drag link and steering stabilizer and I replaced tires prematurely out of my own pocket, none of which have solved the issue. Ford needs to figure this out. I’ve owned 2 other superduty trucks and they have all had it to some extent. Issue causes uncontrolled shaking in steering wheel of varying intensities. Extremely dangerous when it’s happened to me on the highway sending you into another lane.
NHTSA complaint #11449178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lyman, ME
SUSPENSION
30k miles on truck and have had persisting issues with a shaking front end / steering wheel while driving at speed. What many folks refer to as “death wobble”. Dealer has replaced drag link and steering stabilizer and I replaced tires prematurely out of my own pocket, none of which have solved the issue. Ford needs to figure this out. I’ve owned 2 other superduty trucks and they have all had it to some extent. Issue causes uncontrolled shaking in steering wheel of varying intensities. Extremely dangerous when it’s happened to me on the highway sending you into another lane.
NHTSA complaint #11449178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Littleton, CO
WHEELS
truck has 15000 miles has wheel hop in the frontend and the front tires are wearing bad on the outside it has had 3 stabilizer shocks replaced they told me for 1800 dollars to up grade the shocks the truck is under warranty please help
NHTSA complaint #11434344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Littleton, CO
STEERING
truck has 15000 miles has wheel hop in the frontend and the front tires are wearing bad on the outside it has had 3 stabilizer shocks replaced they told me for 1800 dollars to up grade the shocks the truck is under warranty please help
NHTSA complaint #11434344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Littleton, CO
SUSPENSION
truck has 15000 miles has wheel hop in the frontend and the front tires are wearing bad on the outside it has had 3 stabilizer shocks replaced they told me for 1800 dollars to up grade the shocks the truck is under warranty please help
NHTSA complaint #11434344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesPlantation, FL
STEERING
FOR OUR 2019 FORD F-450, ADAPTIVE STEERING FAULT MESSAGES STARTED LAST OCT/NOV 2020. SOMETIMES THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD BE AT UP TO 90 DEGREES TO THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL, WHILE DRIVING! IT SOMETIMES RESET WITH THE NEXT CAR START. AFTER THE MESSAGES BECAME CONSTANT, THE TRUCK HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE SINCE EARLY JAN 2021. SAWGRASS FORD RECOMMENDS THE VEHICLE NOT BE DRIVEN FOR SAFETY CONCERNS. OUR F450 HAS BEEN SITTING ON THEIR LOT FOR 50 DAYS TOTAL AND COUNTING! ACCORDING TO MY FORD SERVICE ADVISOR: THE SACM (STEERING ANGLE SENSOR MONITOR) IN THE TRUCK IS NOT PROGRAMMING TO THE NEW SECM. WE HAVE CONTACTED FORD TECHNICAL HOTLINE TO HELP ASSIST IN RESOLVING THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE RESPONDED LETTING US KNOW THAT THE NEW SOFTWARE TO PROGRAM THE SECM IS BEING UPDATED. THERE IS NO DATE FOR WHEN THEY WILL HAVE IT SENT TO US. IT SEEMS TO ME FORD IS HAVING SOME MAJOR ISSUES WITH THEIR ADAPTIVE STEERING MODULE WHICH COULD ENDANGER DRIVERS. I EVEN CAME ACROSS A MGR COMMUNICATION ID SSM 47854 THAT POINTS TO THEM KNOWING ABOUT ISSUES WITH THIS SYSTEM, YET NO SOLUTION IN SIGHT, AND MY TRUCK SITS ON THE FORD LOT.
NHTSA complaint #11403466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,900 milesLecanto, FL
SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD F-450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER'S SEAT MOVED BACKWARDS AND CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE OR ACCELERATOR PEDAL. ADDITIONALLY, THE RADIO INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED AND THE FRONT WINDSHIELD BECAME FOGGY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NICK NICHOLAS FORD INC (2901 FL-44, INVERNESS, FL 34453(352) 726-1231) WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,900.
NHTSA complaint #11360395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.