EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
2011 Ford E-450
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 2012 | 1 | 1 |
| Feb 2014 | 1 | 2 |
| Apr 2014 | 1 | 3 |
| Jan 2015 | 1 | 4 |
| Jun 2016 | 1 | 5 |
| May 2018 | 1 | 6 |
| Dec 2020 | 1 | 7 |
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.govEQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
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
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
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
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
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
SIDEWALL CRACKING. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10565910
- Incident
- Feb 25, 2014
- Mileage
- 4,000 mi
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2026 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2024 | 4 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2023 | 2 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 2022 | 13 | 3 | 1 | 50.0 |
| 2021 | 27 | 6 | 1 | 50.2 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2019 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2018 | 5 | 4 | 0 | — |
| 2017 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 41.8 |
| 2016 | 17 | 4 | 0 | 60.0 |
| 2015 | 6 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 2014 | 5 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 2013 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 37.4 |
| 2012 | 4 | 4 | 0 | — |
| 2011Viewing | 7 | 10 | 0 | — |
| 2010 | 5 | 7 | 0 | — |
| 2009 | 2 | 10 | 0 | — |
| 2008 | 6 | 8 | 1 | — |
| 2007 | 12 | 11 | 1 | 63.3 |
| 2006 | 20 | 12 | 1 | 62.1 |
| 2005 | 34 | 7 | 1 | 57.4 |
| 2004 | 27 | 6 | 1 | 54.8 |
| 2003 | 18 | 5 | 1 | 54.1 |
| 2002 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 52.2 |
| 2001 | 16 | 2 | 3 | 46.4 |
| 2000 | 42 | 3 | 3 | 56.7 |
| 1999 | 73 | 2 | 3 | 54.5 |
| 1998 | 5 | 2 | 2 | — |
| 1997 | 18 | 2 | 2 | 46.7 |
| 1996 | 1 | 2 | 1 | — |
| 1995 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1994 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1993 | 4 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1992 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
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.