Ford E-450 Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
Avoid the 2016, 2021, and 2022 Ford E-450 model years, which carry the highest Complaint Index scores (93, 100, and 86) among 15 model years tracked. The 2014, 2015, and 2018 model years score lowest (7, 21, and 14) and are rated Best.
- Model years
- 15
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 125
- Recall campaigns
- 27
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 2
- Top problem area
- Engine
E-450 Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Ford E-450 problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Caution | 71 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 6 | Airbags | — | — |
| 2011 | Good | 36 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 8 | Fuel System | — | — |
| 2012 | No verdict | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | — | — |
| 2013 | Caution | 57 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Transmission & Powertrain | — | — |
| 2014 | Best | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Fuel System | — | — |
| 2015 | Best | 21 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | — | — |
| 2016 | Avoid | 93 | 17 | 2 | 1 | 4 | Structure & Body | — | — |
| 2017 | Caution | 50 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Visibility & Wipers | — | — |
| 2018 | Best | 14 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Steering | — | — |
| 2019 | Good | 29 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Structure & Body | — | — |
| 2021 | Avoid | 100 | 27 | 0 | 0 | 6 | Engine | — | — |
| 2022 | Avoid | 86 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Steering | — | — |
| 2023 | No verdict | 64 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Engine | — | — |
| 2024 | No verdict | 79 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine | — | — |
| 2025 | No verdict | 43 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Transmission & Powertrain | — | — |
E-450 years to avoid: what went wrong
2021 Ford E-450 Index 100 · 27 complaints · 6 recalls
The 2021 E-450 has a Complaint Index of 100, the worst of any year covered. Engine complaints make up 44% of the year's total with a median failure mileage of 10,500, while brakes and steering each account for 41% with a median mileage of 8,000. Owners described the Advance Trac system faulting and disabling cruise control, ABS braking, and hill-holder functions, sometimes on the highway in crosswinds. Others reported losing steering assist near other vehicles or objects. NHTSA lists 6 recalls, including two brake-related campaigns tied to a power steering pressure line connection and an engine heat management update.
2016 Ford E-450 Index 93 · 17 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2016 E-450 has a Complaint Index of 93, the second-worst of any year. Structure & Body issues lead complaints at 35% of the year's total, with a median failure mileage of 10,600 miles, including reports of an automatic transfer switch catching fire. Suspension, wheels, and tire problems followed at 18% with a median mileage of just 2,000. Owners also reported a transmission that failed to shift out of reverse and sudden acceleration after tapping the accelerator pedal. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this year, including a powertrain control module reprogramming for a trailer brake controller issue.
2022 Ford E-450 Index 86 · 13 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2022 E-450 has a Complaint Index of 86, the third-worst year. Steering problems dominate at 69% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 4,000, and brakes follow at 54% with a median mileage of 5,150. Owners reported the steering wheel becoming difficult to maneuver and needing extra brake pressure to stop, sometimes without any warning light. Several owners also described long waits for recall parts related to the power steering and brake hydroboost connection. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this year, including a fuel tank corrosion campaign shared with 2023 models.
Most common Ford E-450 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Engine27 (22%)
- Steering27 (22%)
- Brakes23 (18%)
- Other22 (18%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires22 (18%)
- Structure & Body14 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain12 (10%)
- Fuel System8 (6%)
- Electrical System5 (4%)
- Airbags4 (3%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Ford E-450 should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2016, 2021, and 2022 model years rank worst, with Complaint Index scores of 93, 100, and 86 respectively.
- What is the best year for the Ford E-450?
- The 2014, 2015, and 2018 model years score lowest on the Complaint Index (7, 21, and 14) and are rated Best among the 15 model years tracked.
- Does the 2021 Ford E-450 have a steering or brake recall?
- Yes. NHTSA lists recall campaigns 22V089000 and 24V097000 for 2021-2022 E-450 vehicles covering an inadequate connection between the power steering pressure line and the brake hydroboost unit.
- What are the most common problems with the Ford E-450?
- Across all model years, Engine and Steering issues each account for 22% of complaints, followed by Brakes at 18% and Suspension, Wheels & Tires also at 18%.
- How many complaints and recalls does the Ford E-450 have in total?
- NHTSA lists 125 total complaints and 27 recall campaigns across the 2010-2025 Ford E-450 model years covered.