2011 Ford E-450 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2011 Ford E-450 has a Complaint Index of 37 with 7 complaints and 8 recall campaigns, ranking 13th worst out of 20 model years. It carries a Caution verdict, capped by its eight recall campaigns even though its complaint volume is relatively low.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 37/100
- #13 of 20 E-450 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 7
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 8
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Fuel System
Top 2011 Ford E-450 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System3 (43%)
- Electrical System2 (29%)
- Engine2 (29%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (29%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the fuel pump circuit wiring harness failing, causing the vehicle to shut off while driving.
- An ambulance conversion caught fire due to an improper lug connection at the alternator.
- Some vehicles would not restart after running, traced to fuel contamination with metal shavings found in the fuel filter.
- The dash 'wrench' light and limp mode activated after using cruise control, tied to an engine issue.
- A plastic air filter cap became unglued and was sucked into the intake, blocking airflow and stalling the engine.
- A tire recall remedy was reported as unfulfilled by the dealer network.
2011 Ford E-450 recalls
8 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 15V112000Feb 25, 2015Other117 vehicles
Equipment adaptive/mobility
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.
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.
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.
- NHTSA 14V595000Sep 24, 2014Other437 vehicles
Equipment adaptive/mobility
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.
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.
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.
- NHTSA 14V426000Jul 10, 2014Fuel System36 vehicles
Fuel system, other:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
Risk: A propane leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
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.
2011 compared with other E-450 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Ford E-450 reliable?
- NHTSA lists 7 complaints and a Complaint Index of 37 for the 2011 E-450, which ranks 13th worst among 20 model years. Its verdict is Caution, driven mainly by 8 recall campaigns rather than complaint volume.
- What problems does the 2011 Ford E-450 have?
- The top problem area is the Fuel System, accounting for 43% of complaints, followed by Electrical System, Engine, and Suspension issues each at 29% share. Median mileage at failure for reported problems is 33,750 miles.
- Does the 2011 Ford E-450 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2011 E-450, covering fuel system fittings, wheelchair lift platforms, windshield bubbles, and a seat track issue. None of these are do-not-drive recalls.
- Why is the 2011 Ford E-450 rated Caution instead of Good?
- Its complaint index of 37 alone would suggest a milder rating, but the verdict is capped to Caution because of 8 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit.
- How does the 2011 E-450 compare to other years?
- The 2014, 2015, and 2018 model years earn Best verdicts with lower complaint indexes (5, 21, and 16), while 2005, 2006, 2016, 2021, and 2022 are rated Avoid with higher indexes, making 2011 a middling year.