RoadVitals

2004 Ford E-450

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
27
Latest Jun 16, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
6
Latest Oct 8, 2008
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

Overview

Our database contains 27 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Ford E-450, most frequently naming the engine, fuel system and brakes categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 53 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine1023.3%
  • Fuel system511.6%
  • Brakes511.6%
  • Electrical511.6%
  • Tires & wheels49.3%
  • Transmission37.0%
  • Visibility24.7%
  • Heating & air conditioning24.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

6 campaigns cover this model year

View all 6

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
08V526000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Oct 8, 2008
8 units potentially affected
The defect: MATTHEWS IS RECALLING 8 MY 1998 BLUEBIRD, MY 2004 FORD E450, MY 2005-2006 THOMAS BUILT BUS, MY 2006 INTERNATIONAL BUS, MY 2007 CHEVROLET 5500, FREIGHTLINER AND DODGE SPRINTER TRUCKS, TRANSIT BUSES, AND SPECIALTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, "PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES." THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.
The risk: A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.
The remedy: MATTHEWS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR MATTEWS SPECIALTY AT 336-297-9600.
MATTHEWS SPECIALTY VEHICLESView on NHTSA.gov
08V524000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Oct 8, 2008
8 units potentially affected
The defect: MATTHEWS IS RECALLING 8 MY 1998 BLUEBIRD, MY 2004 FORD E450, MY 2005-2006 THOMAS BUILT BUSES, MY 2006 INTERNATIONAL BUS, MY 2007 CHEVROLET 5500, FREIGHTLINER AND DODGE SPRINTER TRUCKS, TRANSIT BUSES, AND SPECIALTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATION IN MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.
The risk: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.
The remedy: MATTHEWS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR MATTHEWS SPECIALTY AT 336-297-9600.
MATTHEWS SPECIALTY VEHICLESView on NHTSA.gov
06E056000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Jun 13, 2006
58,640 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
The risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
UFI FILTERS USAView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE09055ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

HVAC Switch Failures

Opened Dec 7, 2009
Closed Apr 21, 2010

ODI has received 1 complaint and reports from 4 transportation fleets alleging 182 switch failures.Each fleet operates mini buses built on a Ford E350 or E450 cutaway chassis.The OEM HVAC blower switches have melted, smoked, burned or experienced open flame and become inoperable on vehicles in each fleet.Some drivers have reported a burning smell or smoke coming from the dash.One fleet reported a vehicle fire.No injuries were sustained.However, the bus was carrying special needs children when the driver noticed smoke coming from the dash.The driver was able to evacuate the children prior to the vehicle becoming engulfed in flames.This PE has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA) to determine if the blower motor switch failures create a situation where a vehicle fire is possible and presents a safety risk to the driver and other passengers.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 27
Heating & air conditioning
Filed Jun 16, 2023

THE component system addressed, which is available for inspection, is the propane line routed through a jagged torched hole in the vehicle main frame; location is left-rear frame extension. Pictures are available. IF piping is allowed to remain, the propane line will sustain a propane leak with constant rubbing against the hole going through the frame. Our safety, and the safety of many others across the nation is at risk, specifically with the reports of motorhome fires to date. THE existing problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center at this time. THE existing problem has not been confirmed by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. NO indicators of any kind for system failure are included on this model. Propane smell or fire would be immediate. Problem appeared after news broadcast of last motorhome fire; I investigated problem on my own. TWO attempts to report this system problem failed when NHTSA would not accept or recognize vehicle VIN number.

NHTSA ID
11527403
Incident
Jun 1, 2018
Electrical
Filed Feb 1, 2022
Fire reported

My box truck caught on fire, fire started at the plug in receptacle that keeps the glow plug warm and spread from there. Luckily my across the street neighbor helped put out the fire temporarily with 2 of his fire extinguisher until the fire truck arrived, otherwise it would have been a major catastrophe.

NHTSA ID
11449743
Incident
Jan 13, 2022
Tires & wheels
Filed Nov 27, 2018

I WAS DRIVING MY RV DOWN THE FREEWAY WHEN THE INSIDE DUAL BLEW OUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. BEFORE THE TIRE BLEW OUT I NOTICED A VIBRATION ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE RV. A FEW MOMENTS LATER THE TIRE BLEW OUT AND THE TREAD CAME OFF COMPLETELY LEAVING ONLY THE SIDE WALLS. I DO NOT REMEMBER RUNNING OVER ANY OBJECTS IN THE FREEWAY AND HAD NOT HIT ANY POT HOLES. THIS TIRE WAS THREE YEARS OLD WITH LESS THAN 5,000 MILES ON IT. I HAD CHECKED AND VERIFIED THE TIRE PRESSURE BEFORE LEAVING AND ENSURED THAT I HAD INFLATED THE TIRES TO THE RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE PER THE VEHICLES OWNER MANUAL 80 PSI. THESE TIRES WERE THE DEFINITY DAKOTA LT225/75/16 TIRE. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED BY PEP BOYS AS I HAD PURCHASED THE HAZARD WARRANTY.

NHTSA ID
11154216
Incident
Nov 25, 2018
Mileage
23,425 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Feb 23, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD E-450. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V782000 (EQUIPMENT). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 1-855-262-3540 APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS AGO. THE CONTACT LEFT A VOICEMAIL FOR A CALL BACK, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME HAD PASSED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11074505
Incident
Dec 1, 2017
Electrical
Filed Mar 16, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD E-450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER CONTROL MODULE, STARTER AND THE HOP OIL PRESSURE PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

NHTSA ID
10694474
Incident
Apr 2, 2014
Mileage
119,000 mi
Body & structureBrakes
Filed Jun 18, 2014

AVI FOODSYSTEMS VEHICLE # [XXX] IS A DANGER ON THE ROAD IT IS NOT FEDERALLY INSPECTED AND YOU CAN SEE THE TRUCK IS A HAZARD. I FEEL BAD FOR THE DRIVER EVERYTIME I SEE HER COME TO OUR ACCOUNT. SHE IS RISKING HER LIFE DRIVING THAT VEHICLE. THIS TRUCK HAS OHIO PLATES AND IS IN ERIE,PA I WANTED TO INFORM D.O.T. ANONYMOUSLY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10604266
Incident
Jun 18, 2014
Tires & wheels
Filed May 14, 2014

BFG COMMERCIAL T/A TIRE (215/85 R16) BLEW OUT AND HAD TOTAL TREAD SEPARATION CAUSING SOME VEHICLE DAMAGE. TIRE WAS UNDER 5 YEARS OLD PER DOT DATE CODE, UNDER 15K MILES, HAD GOOD TREAD, NO INDICATION OF DAMAGE. NO KNOWN IMPACT WITH ANY ROAD DEBRIS, BLOW OUT OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING UNDER 55 MPH. VERY LITTLE WARNING, JUST SLIGHT FEELING OF MISBALANCE BEFORE TIRE EXPLODED. TIRES HAD BEEN CHECKED FOR PROPER INFLATION 2-3 DAYS BEFORE. TIRES WERE VISUALLY INSPECTED DURING TRAVEL - NO SIGNS OF OVER/UNDER INFLATION. *TR

NHTSA ID
10588286
Incident
May 11, 2014
Brakes
Filed Nov 22, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD E-450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKES SUDDENLY ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ALUMINUM PUCKS IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM EXPANDED WHEN HEATED, CAUSING THE BRAKES TO ENGAGE. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE ALUMINUM PUCKS WITH STEEL ONES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 3/28/14*CN

NHTSA ID
10553339
Incident
Nov 22, 2008
Mileage
30,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM 51909

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

When performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV has replaced all versions of MERCON SP and can be used going forward. Mixing MERCON LV and MERCON SP in the same transmission is acceptable. After 30-Jun-2023, MERCON SP ATF will no longer be manufactured and will only be available until inventory depletes.

ASI-44534

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

FORD: WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN PARK, REVERSE AND/OR DURING 2-3 SHIFT, AN INTERMITTENT CLUNK OCCURS WITH A TORQSHIFT TRANSMISSION. MODEL 2003-2014 F-SUPER DUTY, E SERIES, EXCURSION, F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS, LOW CAB FORWARD. *PE

ASI-44404

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

FORD: ON SOME TRUCKS, THERE IS A NO CRANK SITUATION AND IF VOLTAGE ON TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR AT PIN 21, IS LESS THAN 5 VOLTS, DISCONNECT THE ENGINE COOLING FAN CLUTCH, ELECTRONICALLY, AND RECHECK VOLTAGE. MODEL 2003-2007 F SUPER DUTY, 2004-2010 E SERIES, 2003-2005 EXCURSION.

TSB-10-12-6

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS

FORD: RUNS ROUGH, LACKS POWER, HARD START, NO START. SOME VEHICLES AND TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 6.0L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A RUNS ROUGH, LACKS POWER, HARD TO START, NO START CONCERN WITH OR WITHOUT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0611 CODE OR VARIOUS INJECTOR CIRCUIT CODES. *PE

TSB-08-26-3

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL; FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

FORD: SOME VEHICLES WITH DIESEL ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE NO STARTS, HARD STARTS OR ROUGH RUNNING WHEN COLD AND MAY BE ACCOMPANIED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0611, P1378 AND/OR ALL 8 INJECTOR CIRCUIT CODES. *PE

TSB-08-16-13

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

FORD: SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6.0L DIESEL ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT ANY ONE OR COMBINATION OF THE FOLLOWING CONCERNS-LACK OF POWER, WHITE/BLACK SMOKE OR A SURGE. *PE

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford E-450 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027010—
2026210—
2025200—
2024400—
2023230—
2022133150.0
2021276150.2
2020000—
2019500—
2018540—
2017112141.8
2016174060.0
2015611—
2014530—
2013122037.4
2012440—
20117100—
2010570—
20092100—
2008681—
20071211163.3
20062012162.1
2005347157.4
2004Viewing276154.8
2003185154.1
2002133252.2
2001162346.4
2000423356.7
1999732354.5
1998522—
1997182246.7
1996121—
1995010—
1994010—
1993410—
1992010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.