2017 Ford E-450

On November 23, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE20021 to investigate allegations of inoperative Trimark THP 060-1650 door lock/latches originally equipped on model years (MY) 2015-2017 Class A and Class C motorhomes.ODI received forty-six Vehicle Owner’s Questionnaires (VOQs) describing consumers being locked in or out of their vehicles.The door latch, containing a die-cast zinc plunger, was produced by Equality during calendar years 2014-2016. The die-cast may become porous and brittle over time and can break without warning, causing the vehicle owner to be unable to open the recreational vehicle door equipped with the latch.If the motorhome does not have any other doors such as some Class A models, occupants could be trapped inside, needing to climb out using the emergency exits. If locked out, owners would be unable to easily get in and retrieve children and pets. ODI analyzed the data provided by Trimark in response to its January 27, 2021 information request letter.Although an elevated failure rate was evident on a specific combination of plunger bolt, door lock/latch assembly and door, the data showed that most failures occurred within the first two years of service on the affected 2015-2017 vehicles.This data suggests that component failures generally would have already occurred.Further, ODI data reflects a downward trend in complaints after calendar year 2018 and for post- MY 2016 vehicles.This downward trend may be attributed Trimark's actions in 2016 such as changes in the manufacturing process of its zinc plunger component for the relevant population and its 2016 decision to switch to a steel plunger. In view of the nature of early-life failure, and failure rate trending downward for model years 2017 and newer, this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is closed.  The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2018 Jayco Greyhawk built on a 2017 Ford E-450 chassis. The contact stated that the hydraulic tank was leaking fluid onto the ground. The RV was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a hole in the hydraulic tank and the hydraulic leveling system had detached. The dealer patched the hole in the hydraulic tank; however, the failure recurred. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

NHTSA ID

11488321

Incident

Aug 13, 2022

Mileage

17,000 mi

While in standard shuttle route emergency egress window imploded inward. This is the 3rd occurrence. Vehicle is a 2017 Ford E-450 Chassis with an Elkhart Coach ECII 25 PASSENGERS PLUS DRIVER shuttle body.

NHTSA ID

11482879

Incident

Sep 5, 2022

TRANSMISSIONS 6R140 HAVE PREMATURE FAILURE THIS IS OUR 6TH TRANSMISSION TO GO OUT IN OUR 5 VANS, WHEN TRANSMISSION GOES OUT, THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILS WHICH RESULTS IN VEHICLE STALLING IN ROAD WAY THE VEHICLE WHILE JERK REALLY HARD AND GIVE DRIVE WHIPLASH AND WHEN VEHICLE IS GOING UP HILL WHEN THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILS THE VAN WILL SLAM TO A STOP, STALL THEN START ROLLING BACKWARDS OR FORWARDS WITH NO BRAKES OR POWERSTEERING. WHEN THIS HAPPENS DRIVER HAS NO BREAKS OR POWERSTEERING AND MOST TIMES THIS HAS HAPPENED THE DRIVER CANT QUICKLY RESTART THE VAN TO REGAIN POWERSTEERING OR BRAKES BECAUSE THE TORQUE CONVERTER IS STUCK AND WONT ALLOW STARTER TO TURN OVER ENGINE. THIS VEHICLE HAD A NEW TRANSMISSION PUT IN BY FORD JANUARY 2022 AND IT IS NOW AUGUST 2022 AND THIS TRANSMISSION HAS ALSO FAILED AND PRESENTED THE SAME SAFETY SITUATION WITH STALLING AND JERKING. FORD IS SET TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN AND TOLD BY DEALER THESE TRANSMISSIONS SHOULD BE RECALLED DUE TO THIS CONSTANT FAILURE IN ALL VANS AND TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE 6R140 (FORD F-250, F-350 AND E-350, E-450).

NHTSA ID

11479886

Incident

Aug 16, 2022

CAMPAIGN:16V465000 RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2015-2017 FORESTER MOTORHOMES WATER MAY LEAK INTO THE ELECTRICAL MODULE THAT CONTROLS THE VEHICLE BRAKE LIGHTS. MY BRAKE LIGHT DIMLY LIGHTS 2 OF THE LEDS IN THE FIXTURE. DO NOT KNOW WHEN THIS HAPPENED JUST NOTICED WHEN TAKING OUT OF STORAGE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF MY / OTHER VEHICLES SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL.

NHTSA ID

11400367

Incident

Mar 4, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD E-450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MIDDLE DOOR HAD A TRIMARK DOOR LOCK. THE CONTACT BECAME LOCKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCK FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO EXIT THE VEHICLE FROM THE PASSENGER OR DRIVER SIDE DOORS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A BUNGEE CORD WAS USED TO KEEP THE DOOR FROM OPENING WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE DOOR LOCK WAS REPLACED. THE DOOR WAS DAMAGED FROM FAILING TO REMAIN CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID

11278257

Incident

Oct 31, 2019

THE WINDSHIELD WIPER DOES NOT ADEQUATELY CLEAR THE DRIVERS VIEW. IT'S TRAVEL STOPS NEAR THE MIDPOINT OF THE DRIVERS VIEW LEAVING MUCH OF THE ROAD INCLUDING PART OF DRIVING LANE AND THE ONCOMING LANES. BOTH MANUFACTURER AND DEALERSHIP HAVE BEEN INVOLVED AND ACKNOWLEDGE THEY HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. MANUFACTURER THROUGH CUSTOMER SERVICE SAYS THEY HAVE BEEN MAKING IT THAT WAY FOR 5 YEARS AND AREN'T GOING TO CHANGE IT. *TR*JB

NHTSA ID

11266636

Incident

Aug 24, 2019

Mileage

6,000 mi

THOR 2017 VEGAS MOTORCOACH--WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM DOES NOT CLEAR DRIVERS SIDE OF WINDSHIELD ENOUGH TO SEE ROAD IN RAIN OR SNOW CONDITIONS.

NHTSA ID

11258741

Incident

Oct 7, 2018

Mileage

10,000 mi

SUDDEN BRAKE SYSTEM AND POWER STEERING LOSS. VEHICLE WAS BEING MOVED FROM THE STORAGE LOT HEADING TOWARDS MAIN ROADWAY (LOW SPEED) WHEN IT MADE A STRANGE GRINDING NOISE; BRAKE PEDAL WENT SOFT AND LOST POWER STEERING. VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FLUID, COULD SEE FLUID LEAKING BENEATH VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY THIS DID NOT OCCUR ON THE MAIN ROADWAY AND DRIVER WAS ABLE TO AVOID A CRASH. VEHICLE CANNOT BE SAFETY DRIVEN; NEED TO CALL FOR A TOW. THIS HAPPENED ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON; VEHICLE CANNOT BE TOWED TO DEALER UNTIL MONDAY FOR INSPECTION/REPAIR. VEHICLE MAINTAINED AT THE FORD DEALER AND AT GENERAL RV; VEHICLE IS A THOR FOUR WINDS MOTORHOME ON A 2017 FORD E-450 CHASSIS. VEHICLE HAD RECENT SERVICE AT FORD DEALER FOR OIL CHANGE/MAINTENANCE.

NHTSA ID

11243188

Incident

Aug 11, 2019

Mileage

20,000 mi

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

While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.

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.

During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair and accurately following the installation procedure in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 303-01 is extremely important. The bolt torque procedure can be found in the crankshaft front seal removal and installation procedure or in the engine assembly procedure.

Various 2013-2019 vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P264F after powertrain control module (PCM) replacement. This DTC indicates that the engine serial number (ESN) must be programmed into the PCM. The ESN is located on PTS > Diagnostics tab > HVBoM > Features > Engine Serial Number. Once the ESN is obtained from the historical vehicle bill of materials (HvBOM), it can be programmed into the PCM using the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. Navigate to the toolbox tab> powertrain menu> Service Functions> ESN.

Various 2013-2019 vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P264F after powertrain control module (PCM) replacement. This DTC indicates that the engine serial number (ESN) must be programmed into the PCM. The ESN is located on PTS> OASIS> Features> Engine Serial Number. Once the ESN is obtained from the historical vehicle bill of materials (HvBOM), it can be programmed into the PCM using the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. Navigate to the toolbox tab> powertrain menu> Service Functions> ESN.