RoadVitals

2011 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.
7
Latest Dec 4, 2020
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.
10
Latest Feb 25, 2015
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.
0
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.
1

Overview

Our database contains 7 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Ford E-450, most frequently naming the fuel system, electrical and driver assistance categories. 10 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 29 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

  • Fuel system333.3%
  • Electrical222.2%
  • Driver assistance111.1%
  • Engine111.1%
  • Other / unspecified111.1%
  • Tires & wheels111.1%

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

10 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 ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Feb 25, 2015
117 units potentially affected
The defect: Farber Specialty Vehicles (Farber) is recalling various specialty vehicles modified by Farber and equipped with model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
The risk: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
The remedy: Farber will notify owners to take their vehicles to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2015. Owners may contact Farber customer service at 1-800-331-3188, or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Farber's number for this recall is 14E-041.
Farber Specialty VehiclesManufacturer number 14E-041View on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Sep 24, 2014
437 units potentially affected
The defect: Elkhart Coach (Elkhart) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-350 and Ford E-450 vehicles manufactured January 1, 2006, to May 1, 2014 and equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
The risk: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
The remedy: Elkhart will notify owners to take the vehicles to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 1, 2014. Owners may contact Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Owners may also contact Elkhart customer service at 1-574-264-5179. This recall has been superseded by campaign 15V-768.
Elkhart CoachView on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Jul 10, 2014
36 units potentially affected
The defect: Roush Performance Products, Inc. (Roush) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford E-150 Wagons and Cargo Vans, E-250 Cargo Vans and Extended Cargo Vans, E-350 Wagons, Extended Wagons, Cargo Vans, and Extended Vans, and E-450 Cutaway models. These models were modified by Roush to be equipped with certain propane fuel system conversion kits manufactured January 2011 to August 2012 with an aluminum fuel line fitting. Due to a reaction between the different metals, the affected kits may develop a propane leak where the aluminum fuel line fitting contacts the brass supply valve housing.
The risk: A propane leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Roush will notify owners and will replace the aluminum fuel line fittings with new stainless steel fittings, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2014. Owners may contact Roush customer service at 1-800-597-6874.
Roush Performance Products, Inc.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

ElectricalFuel system
Filed Dec 4, 2020

WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A CITY STREET AND AGAIN ON AN INTERSTATE, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. A DIAGNOSTIC REPORT DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP CIRCUIT WIRING HARNESS WAS BAD. THE VEHICLE HAS 23,000.

NHTSA ID
11377857
Incident
Nov 28, 2020
Mileage
22,500 mi
Engine
Filed May 2, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD E-450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR FILTER FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE PLASTIC CAP BECAME UNGLUED AND WAS SUCKED INTO THE INTAKE, PREVENTING AIR FROM ENTERING THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE CONTACT, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, REMOVED THE FRAM AIR FILTER TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE AIR FILTER MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

NHTSA ID
11091397
Incident
May 2, 2018
Mileage
65,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Jun 17, 2016

ON TWO OCCASIONS, OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS, WHILE DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE, I HAVE HAD THE "WRENCH" LIGHT COME ON, ON THE DASH DISPLAY. THIS IS CAUSED BY ME USING THE CRUISE CONTROL, BUT WHEN I HIT THE BRAKE TO RELEASE THE CRUISE CONTROL, THEN STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL TO BRING IT BACK UP TO SPEED, THE LIGHT APPEARS AND I GO INTO "LIMP MODE". ONCE I PULL OVER AND STOP THE ENGINE, APPARENTLY THIS RE-SETS THE SYSTEM, AND THE VEHICLE DRIVES OKAY. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY A FORD TECH THAT THIS IS THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL AND THAT IT MAY BE NORMAL, BUT I FEEL IT IS TOO SENSITIVE. I AM WONDERING IF IT SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON IT.

NHTSA ID
10874818
Incident
Feb 5, 2016
Mileage
14,500 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Jan 8, 2015
Fire reported

THIS VEHICLE WAS CONVERTED TO AN AMBULANCE BY WHEELD COACH. THE AMBULANCE CAUGHT FIRE AND SPREAD TO THE BUILDING IN WHICH IT WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED. A PARAMEDIC SMELLED SOMETHING COMING FROM THE BAY, AND, WHEN HE WENT TO INVESTIGATE, HE SAW SMOKE AND FIRE DRIPPING FROM UNDERNEATH THE AMBULANCE. AN INVESTIGATOR DETERMINED THAT THE LUG CONNECTION AT THE ALTERNATOR WAS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED BY WHEELED COACH. THE CONNECTION PRODUCED A HIGH RESISTANCE CONNECTION, PRODUCING TEMPERATURES SUFFICIENT TO IGNITE A COMPETENT FUEL SOURCE AND/OR CAUSED THE BATTERY CABLE INSULATION TO FAIL, PRODUCING ELECTRICAL ARCING THAT PROVIDED A COMPETENT IGNITION SOURCE TO CAUSE THE FIRE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10671038
Incident
Jun 4, 2013
Other / unspecified
Filed Apr 15, 2014

AS INSTRUCTED BY NHTSA 13T-012 TIRE RE CALL MICHELIN HAS FAILED TO PROVIDED REPLACEMENT TIRES THRU ITS FORD AND DEALER NETWORK TO ME. *TT

NHTSA ID
10582805
Incident
Mar 1, 2014
Mileage
45,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Feb 26, 2014

SIDEWALL CRACKING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10565910
Incident
Feb 25, 2014
Mileage
4,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 12, 2012

MY 2011 F450 WITH 60,000 MILES ON IT, WOULD NOT START AFTER JUST RUNNING. IT HAD NEVER GIVEN ANY INDICATIONS OF ANY PROBLEMS PRIOR TO NOT STARTING. THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS TAKEN WORKED ON IT FOR 9 DAYS HAND IN HAND WITH FORD WARRANTY DEPT AND CAME UP WITH FAILURE OF THE FUEL SYSTEM. ACCORDING TO FORD INSPECTORS, FUEL WAS CONTAMINATED. FUEL PUMP HAD METAL SHAVINGS IN FILTER SYSTEM. FUEL PUMP WAS RUSTED AND HAD NO LUBRICANT. BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY DID NOT COVER THIS. WE ARE OUT OVER $5,000 (DON'T HAVE THE FINAL $$$$$ AMOUNT AT THIS TIME). SYSTEM FAILURE WARNING LIGHTS DID NOT INDICATE A PROBLEM WITH WATER OR OTHER CONTAMINATES IN FUEL LINES. FUEL SYSTEM HAS TO BE FLUSHED TO ELIMINATE METAL SHAVINGS THROUGHOUT FUEL LINES AND INJECTORS. ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC, ANY DIESEL USED IN FORD DIESEL TRUCKS SHOULD HAVE A RATING OF 20...AND NOT ABOVE (LIKE 25). THE BIGGER THE NUMBER, THE MORE TRASH IN THE DIESEL. ALSO, BIODIESEL IS NOT RECOMMENDED AND CAN BE USED TO VOID THE WARRANTY. LOTS OF LUCK WITH THIS!!! *TR

NHTSA ID
10479939
Incident
Oct 3, 2012
Mileage
60,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

SSM 54601

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

SSM 52476

EQUIPMENT

All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.

SSM 48130

VISIBILITY; VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid can attack the glass and cause visual distortion and/or discoloration on the outer surface which cannot be removed by further cleaning. If this type of distortion is found, inspect the area of the glass that is covered by the cowl and/or molding. The portion of glass that is covered by the cowl or molding will not be affected by the acid. Hydrofluoric acid damage is not a defect in material or workmanship and is not a warrantable condition.

SSM 47976

POWER TRAIN

On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter hub greatly increases the likelihood of the flexplate cracking in the future. Missing dowels may cause a misalignment issue also resulting in a premature failure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01.

SSM 47201

EQUIPMENT

Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. Only approved Genuine Ford accessories or originally installed systems are supported and certified to function correctly with other vehicle systems. If you suspect a system has been modified, the following resources can be used to verify original equipment: Monroney Label (Window Sticker), Professional Technician Society (PTS) OASIS tab  select SYNC or HVBOM. For Genuine Ford accessories use: PTS Workshop Tab  select Dealer Installed Accessory or Accessory Installation.

SSM 47009

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.

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
2011Viewing7100
2010570
20092100
2008681
20071211163.3
20062012162.1
2005347157.4
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.