RoadVitals

2018 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.
5
Latest Feb 19, 2022
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.
4
Latest Jun 18, 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.
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 5 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Ford E-450, most frequently naming the other / unspecified, steering and suspension categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 16 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

  • Other / unspecified133.3%
  • Steering133.3%
  • Suspension133.3%

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

4 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

Jun 18, 2019
52 units potentially affected
The defect: SVO Group Inc. (SVO Group) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford E-350 and E-450-based shuttle buses equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The affected monitors may 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: SVO Group will work with ASA to notify owners, and ASA will provide a harness relay capacitor module to eliminate the image reversal, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics customer service at 1-800-384-4400.
SVO Group IncManufacturer number 19E-009View on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

May 3, 2019
17 units potentially affected
The defect: Taylor Made Ambulances is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford E-350, F-450, E-450, F-550, and GMC G3500-based ambulances equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
The risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Taylor Made will notify owners and Whelen will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2019. Owners may contact Taylor Made Ambulances customer service at 1-800-468-1310.
Taylor Made AmbulancesView on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Mar 26, 2019
36 units potentially affected
The defect: Excellance, Inc. (Excellance) is recalling certain 2018 Ambulances and Emergency Vehicles built on Ford E-350, E-450, F-650, F-550 4x4, Chevrolet G4500, G4500 Diesel, C3500, G3500, Freightliner M2, International 4300, and Dodge 4500 chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Excellance has notified owners, instructing them to contact Whelen to have the brake lights replaced, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2019. Owners may contact Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331 or Execellance at 1-256-772-9321.
Excellance, IncView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Filed Feb 19, 2022

I received a recall letter stating the awning (Solera Smart Arm manufactured by Lippert) on my newly purchased Forest River RV could begin to open up as the vehicle was in motion. Because of the extreme safety issue, I immediately took it into the service department for fear it would rip off while driving and cause a collision and possible serious injury to others. After attempting to fix the recall issue my awning has never worked properly. After 7 attempts, several replacement parts and three years later, my awning still does not work. After each time the awning was serviced, I would bring it back to storage. A month or two later I would go on a trip. Once I arrived at my location, I would attempt to open my awning and it was inoperative. It would take one to two months to get a service appointment and then a month or more for the service technician to attempt to fix the issue. This occurred five times after the initial attempt to fix the recall. Each time moisture got into the exterior controls and no amount of sealant would rectify the problem. I am unsure if the safety issue has even been rectified and now have to travel with zip ties around my awning arms. Once again, my awning is inoperative.

NHTSA ID
11452953
Incident
Nov 5, 2018
Steering
Filed Dec 20, 2021

The contact owns a 2019 Nexus Viper built on a 2018 Ford E-450 chassis. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel felt loose, and the vehicle would not drive in a straight line. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the RV to an independent mechanic and was informed that the cam bushing was detached from the RV. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that they would tow the RV to a local dealer. The contact stated that when he contacted the local dealer, he was informed that there was no space to repair the RV at their location. The manufacturer had been informed about the issue and had the RV towed back to the independent mechanic. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 3,514.

NHTSA ID
11444433
Incident
Aug 1, 2021
Mileage
3,514 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Nov 10, 2021

The contact owns a 2019 Jayco Redhawk built on a 2018 Ford E-450 chassis. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V204000 (Equipment) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact took the RV to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The mechanic disconnected the gas line. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The RV manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11439993
Incident
Jun 1, 2021
Suspension
Filed Sep 4, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 (NA) FORD E-450. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, A POPPING SOUND WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MAGIC CITY FORD LINCOLN (540-345-0911, LOCATED AT 809 WILLIAMSON RD NE, ROANOKE, VA 24016) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS ABOUT TO DETACH DUE TO THE OUTER WHEEL BEARING FALLING APART. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE BEARINGS, BRAKE PADS, SPINDLE, AND WHEEL HUB. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,004.*JB

NHTSA ID
11253196
Incident
Aug 5, 2019
Mileage
5,004 mi
Filed Aug 28, 2019

. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN. WE WERE ON A TRIP AND AT ONE POINT MY RIGHT FOOT TOUCHED THE DOG HOUSE NEAR THE ACCELERATOR. I MOVED MY FOOT VERY QUICKLY BECAUSE IT WAS HOT AND BURNED MY FOOT. WHEN WE ARRIVED HOME, I USED A NON CONTACT THERMOMETER TO MEASURE THE SURFACE TEMPERATURE OF THE DOG HOUSE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE I FOUND WAS 120 DEGREES AND THE HIGHEST TEMPERATURE WAS 148 DEGREES. THE 148 DEGREE TEMPERATURE WAS NEXT TO WHERE MY FOOT IS WHEN I AM DRIVING. SINCE THIS IS AN RV WE TYPICALLY DRIVE FOR SEVERAL HOURS AT A TIME. THIS TEMPERATURE OCCURRED A FEW HOURS INTO THE TRIP AND HAS BEEN REPEATED ON SUBSEQUENT TRIPS. THIS IS MOSTLY HIGHWAY DRIVING.

NHTSA ID
11251997
Incident
Jun 15, 2019
Mileage
800 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 53040

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.

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 52314

POWER TRAIN

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.

SSM 51854

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

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.

SSM 51849

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

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.

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
2018Viewing540
2017112141.8
2016174060.0
2015611
2014530
2013122037.4
2012440
20117100
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.