RoadVitals

2005 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.
34
Latest Jul 5, 2018
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.
7
Latest May 29, 2019
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.
5
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 34 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Ford E-450, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and fuel system categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 70 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

  • Engine720.0%
  • Electrical514.3%
  • Fuel system411.4%
  • Tires & wheels411.4%
  • Transmission38.6%
  • Suspension25.7%
  • Powertrain (other)25.7%
  • Brakes25.7%

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

7 campaigns cover this model year

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

EQUIPMENT

May 29, 2019
22 units potentially affected
The defect: VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists (VCI) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550, 2014 E-350 and E-450, 2015 F-250 and F-450, 2016 E-450, 2017 E-350, F-450 and E-450, 2018 F-350, 2010 E-450, 2005-2006 E-450, 2009 E-450 and Chevrolet C4500-based Type I and Type III ambulances equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The monitors may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversed.
The risk: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists will work with ASA to notify the owners, and remedy the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics at 1-800-384-4400.
VCI Emergency Vehicle SpecialistsView on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Dec 5, 2008
1 units potentially affected
The defect: NEW YORK BUS SALES IS RECALLING 1 RICON WHEELCHAIR LIFT WHICH IT INSTALLED ON A FORD SCHOOL BUS, MODEL E450. THE VEHICLE FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN 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: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.
The remedy: NEW YORK BUS SALES 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 NEW YORK BUS SALES AT 1-315-687-3969.
NEW YORK BUS SALES, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Dec 4, 2008
1 units potentially affected
The defect: NEW YORK BUS SALES IS RECALLING 1 RICON WHEELCHAIR LIFT WHICH IT INSTALLED ON A FORD SCHOOL BUS, MODEL E450. THE VEHICLE FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS 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: NEW YORK BUS SALES 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 NEW YORK BUS SALES AT 1-315-687-3969.
NEW YORK BUS SALES, LLCView 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

Engine
Filed Jul 5, 2018

THIS VEHICLE IS A MOTORHOME, BUILD ON THE 2005 E450 CAB/CHASSIS WITH A GAS V10 ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING IN A SINGLE LANE CONSTRUCTION ZONE ON THE INTERSTATE THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY SYSTEM FAILED, AND THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED RESPONDING TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND SLOWED TO A VERY VERY LOW SPEED (A FEW INCHES PER SECOND). AS TRAFFIC APPROACHED AND BUILT UP BEHIND I INCHED THE VEHICLE ONTO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO MOVE UNDER IT'S OWN POWER ANY FURTHER AND REQUIRED A TOW. IT WAS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION ON A CROWDED HIGHWAY, IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE, WITH MY FAMILY.

NHTSA ID
11109624
Incident
Jun 16, 2018
Mileage
46,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Nov 28, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD E-450 CHINOOK MOTORHOME EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN LTX M/S2 TIRES, SIZE: LT225/75/R16. WHILE DRIVING 45-50 MPH, THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE REAR PASSENGER OUTSIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THREE OF THE FOUR OTHER TIRES ALSO SHOWED SIGNS OF TREAD SEPARATION. THE MOTORHOME WAS TAKEN TO LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTER (500 DEINHARD LN, MCCALL, ID 83638, (208) 634-6042) AND THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,004 AND THE APPROXIMATE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

NHTSA ID
11051017
Incident
Sep 27, 2017
Mileage
58,004 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 23, 2016

2013 DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING THE BRAKE CALIPER ON THE LEFT REAR STUCK HOLDING THE BRAKE PADS AGAINST THE DISK. I NOTICED IT WHEN STOPPING FOR GAS. AS I REMOVED THE GAS CAP I SAW CONSIDERABLE SMOKE RISING AROUND THAT LEFT DUAL WHEEL. THE WHEEL AND TIRE WAS TOO HOT TO TOUCH. SMOKE GOT WORSE AND AFRAID OF THE HEAT AND PROXIMITY OF THE GAS PUMP I MOVED THE RV A SAFE DISTANCE AWAY. I HAD THE CALIPER, PADS, AND DISC REPLACED. LATER ON A TRIP AFTER REPAIRS WERE MADE I HAD A TIRE BLOW OUT ON LEFT INSIDE WHEEL. WHEN THE TIRE WAS REMOVED I SAW THAT IT HAD BEEN DAMAGED FROM THE EXTREME HEAT. ON THE WAY HOME FROM OUR 2015 CHRISTMAS TRIP I FELT AS THOUGH THE RV WAS NOT ACCELERATING AS IT SHOULD BUT THOUGHT IT WAS THE UP HILL CLIMB OF THE ROADWAY. AGAIN WHEN I STOPPED FOR FUEL I SAW A WISP OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AND THE WHEEL WAS HOT. I HAVE NOT HAD THE BRAKE SYSTEM CHECKED OUT YET. I HAVE A FRIEND WITH A 2005 RV ON A CHEVY CHASSIS AND HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. IN THAT CASE THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. MAY NOT BE RELATED BUT SOUNDS AS IF IT COULD BE THE SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID
10837643
Incident
Dec 28, 2015
Mileage
70,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 30, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD E-450. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FICM MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SIX DAYS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,213.

NHTSA ID
10702599
Incident
Sep 11, 2007
Mileage
134,213 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Aug 4, 2014

2005 FORD E-450. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THROTTLE BODY FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED, WITHOUT WARNING AND THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $ 682.

NHTSA ID
10618557
Incident
Apr 5, 2014
Tires & wheels
Filed Oct 22, 2013

ON 5/19/2010 I PURCHASED 6 CHAPARRAL TIRES SIZE 2257516 FOR MY 2005 DUTCHMEN CLASS C MOTORHOME ON A FORD E450 CHASSIS. WHILE ON A VACATION TRIP TO THE WEST THE 4 REAR TIRES DEVELOPED BLISTERS. THIS INITIATED REPLACING ALL 4 OF THEM. WE DECIDED TO REPLACE THE FRONT TIRES ALSO BECAUSE OF THE DANGER. OF A BLOW OUT. THE TIRES HAD ONLY 7945 MILES ON THEM. ALL THIS CAN BE DOCUMENTED WITH RECEIPTS. I CALLED THE DEALER WHERE THESE TIRES WERE PURCHASED AND WAS TOLD THIS IS A ROAD HAZARD THEREFORE NOT GUARANTEED. I MAINTAIN THIS IS NOT A ROAD HAZARD BUT DEFECTS IN THE TIRES. THIS OCCURRED ON 9/11/2013. I CONTACTED 2 COMPANIES ON LINE THAT DEAL IN THIS TIRE BRAND AND HAVE HAD NO RESPONSE. I AM CONTACTING YOU TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF THIS CONDITION AND PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE SOME SORT OF COMPENSATION FROM THIS COMPANY. I HAVE ASKED FOR COMPENSATION BUT WAS IGNORED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10548857
Incident
Sep 11, 2013
Mileage
7,945 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Oct 2, 2013

I RECENTLY HAD THREE (3) BF GOODRICH TIRES (225/75R16E BFG COMML) ON MY RV SEPARATE WITHIN 1,000 MILES OF EACH OTHER. THESE TIRES WERE LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD - 2 FAILED WITH LESS THAN 10,000 MILES AND 1 FAILED WITHIN 11,000 MILES OF PURCHASE. AT THE TIME OF THE SEPARATIONS WE WERE IN RURAL SOUTHERN OREGON ABOUT 1,000 MILES FROM OUR HOME IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED IN MAY 2013 WHEN 2 REAR TIRES HAD SEPARATION AT THE SIDEWALL AND TREAD. AT THE TIME OF THE SECOND INCIDENT IN JULY 2013 ANOTHER TIRE STARTED SEPARATING AT THE TREAD. WE REPLACED ALL 3 TIRES IN OREGON AT THE LOCAL TIRE DEALER. AT THE TIME OF THE FIRST SEPARATION, I CONTACTED THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE BF GOODRICH TIRES REQUESTING HIS ASSISTANCE IN SUBMITTING A WARRANTY CLAIM. HE TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO UNTIL I RETURNED HOME. I TOOK PICTURES OF ALL THE SEPARATED TIRES INCLUSIVE OF SEPARATION AREAS AND DOT NUMBERS. UPON RETURNING HOME, THE DEALER SAID HE NEEDED THE OLD TIRES FOR WARRANTY CLAIMS. IT IS RIDICULOUS TO EXPECT US TO CARRY 3 DAMAGED TIRES AROUND IN OUR RV UNTIL WE RETURNED HOME. THIS IS ESPECIALLY UNREASONABLE WHEN HE TOLD ME AT THE TIME OF THE FIRST INCIDENT THAT THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO AT THAT TIME - THAT WAS WHEN I COULD HAVE MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO SHIP THE TIRES SOMEWHERE FOR INSPECTION. I CONTACTED THE TIRE DEALER'S CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE WHO MADE MANY CALLS TO HIS SUPPLIER AND BF GOODRICH. HE COULD GET NO HELP FOR THIS ISSUE WITHOUT THE OLD TIRES AND ACTUALLY WAS TOLD BY A BFG REP THAT "BFG DID NOT MAKE TIRES THAT FAILED". NEEDLESS TO SAY I WAS ASTONISHED TO HEAR SUCH AN OUTRAGEOUS CLAIM SINCE 50% OF THE BFG TIRES I PURCHASED IN MARCH 2011 FAILED DUE TO SEPARATION WITH LESS THAN 12,000 MILES AND WITHIN 28 MONTHS OF PURCHASE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10546558
Incident
May 17, 2013
Mileage
31,480 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed May 14, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD E-450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE RATINGS WERE CONFLICTING. THE RIM LABEL INDICATED THAT THE RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE WAS 60 POUNDS AND THE LABEL ON THE FRAME INDICATED 80 POUNDS. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURE TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE CONTRADICTORY RECOMMENDATIONS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,000.

NHTSA ID
10511916
Incident
Apr 26, 2013
Mileage
12,000 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.

DOR-T7F8K-08

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; TRAILER HITCHES

These SKUs are Trailer Brake Control Modules. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to an internal software issue. The internal software issue leads to a false check trailer brake message and Trailer Brake Controller fault whenever the brake pedal is pressed. This will cause the part to be replaced, due to repetitive dashboard warning light, even though it sends signals to the trailer brakes properly.

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-10-23-5

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

FORD: THERE MAY BE A LACK OF RPM, HESITATION, OR ROUGH RUNNING CONCERNS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN IDLE. THERE MAY BE TWO TROUBLE CODES STORED. THE PROBLEM MAY BE CAUSED BY AFTERMARKET GENERATORS INSTALLED OR MODIFICATIONS TO THE FRONT END DRIVE. E-350/450. *RM

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

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
2005Viewing347157.4
2004276154.8
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.