2016 Ford E-450 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
93/100
#2 most-complained of 15 E-450 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2016 Ford E-450 has a complaint index of 93, the 2nd-worst of 15 model years, and carries 4 recalls. NHTSA logs 17 complaints, mostly Structure & Body issues, with a median failure mileage of 7,205.5 miles, making it an Avoid year relative to other E-450s.
- Complaints
- 17
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2016 Ford E-450 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body6 (35%)
- Other4 (24%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (18%)
- Brakes2 (12%)
- Engine2 (12%)
- Electrical System1 (6%)
- Steering1 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (6%)
What owners report
- Owners report the automatic transfer switch catching fire, sometimes with the fire extinguishing itself before dealer repairs could be scheduled.
- Some describe the vehicle failing to shift out of reverse without warning, leading to a crash into a stationary object.
- Owners of vehicles built as buses report the completed vehicle exceeds its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) once fully loaded, forcing removal of seats to comply with a recall.
- One owner found the brake fluid reservoir filled with DOT 3 fluid when the manual specified DOT 4, causing confusion during service.
- A tire blowout was reported on a motorhome built on this chassis at low mileage, with owners noting similar reports from others.
- One owner described hesitation or loss of power after turning, with no stored fault codes or check-engine light.
2016 Ford E-450 recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V401000May 29, 2019Other22 vehicles
Equipment
VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists (VCI) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550, 2014 E-350 and E-450, 2015 F-250 and F-450, 2016 E-450, 2017 E-350, F-450 and E-450, 2018 F-350, 2010 E-450, 2005-2006 E-450, 2009 E-450 and Chevrolet C4500-based Type I and Type III ambulances equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The monitors may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversed.
Risk: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists will work with ASA to notify the owners, and remedy the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics at 1-800-384-4400.
- NHTSA 17V269000Apr 21, 2017Fuel System8 vehicles
Fuel system, other
National Fleet Services of Ohio (National Fleet) is recalling certain 2016 Ford E-450 vehicles equipped with Roush, Generation 4, Propane Conversion Kits. The fuel control valve solenoid may short circuit, shutting off the flow of propane to the engine, causing the engine to shut off.
Risk: An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: National Fleet will notify owners, and Roush dealers will replace the defective fuel control valve solenoid, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2017. Owners may contact National Fleet customer service at 1-440-903-5177, or Roush customer service at 1-800-597-6874. National Fleet's number for this recall is VR.
- NHTSA 16V046000Jan 28, 2016Electrical System75 vehicles
Electrical system: integrated trailer brake control
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 E-350 and E-450 vehicles manufactured November 3, 2014, to December 10, 2015 and equipped with a 6.8L engine and an optional trailer brake controller. The trailer braking system may fail, increasing the distance needed to stop the vehicle.
Risk: If the vehicle unexpectedly needs an extended braking distance, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S01. Note: This recall supersedes 15V-710. Any vehicle previously repaired under 15V-710 will need to be repaired again.
2016 compared with other E-450 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Ford E-450 a bad year?
- Among 15 model years of the E-450 tracked, 2016 ranks 2nd-worst with a complaint index of 93, and NHTSA lists it as an Avoid year relative to other E-450 model years.
- How many complaints does the 2016 Ford E-450 have?
- NHTSA lists 17 complaints for the 2016 E-450, with Structure & Body issues making up 35% of them (6 complaints).
- Does the 2016 Ford E-450 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 E-450, covering fuel system, electrical system, and other components, with none classified as do-not-drive.
- What is the median mileage for failures on the 2016 E-450?
- Across reported complaints, the median mileage at failure was 7,205.5 miles, though this varies by problem area, for example Brakes and Engine issues were reported around 72,200 and 72,500 miles respectively.
- Which E-450 years are better than 2016?
- Other years like 2014, 2015, and 2018 carry a Best verdict with much lower complaint indexes (7, 21, and 14), making them safer picks than the 2016 model year.