2018 Ford E-450 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2018 Ford E-450 has a complaint index of 16, the lowest among the 20 model years with data, earning a Best verdict. NHTSA lists 5 complaints and 4 recalls for this year, mostly tied to steering and suspension issues on chassis-based conversions.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 16/100
- #17 of 20 E-450 years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 5
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Steering
Top 2018 Ford E-450 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other3 (60%)
- Steering1 (20%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (20%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering wheel feels loose at around 30 mph and the vehicle struggles to track straight.
- A popping sound was heard from the front end while driving around 60 mph, followed by loss of confidence in the suspension.
- One owner found the cam bushing had detached from the RV's steering setup.
- Suspension failure occurred at a median mileage of 5,004 miles, while steering complaints occurred at a median mileage of 3,514 miles.
2018 Ford E-450 recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V466000Jun 18, 2019Other52 vehicles
Equipment
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.
Risk: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
- NHTSA 19V342000May 3, 2019Electrical System17 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights
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.
Risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
- NHTSA 19V236000Mar 26, 2019Electrical System36 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights
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."
Risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
2018 compared with other E-450 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Ford E-450 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2018 E-450 ranks as a Best year among 20 model years, with a complaint index of just 16 and only 5 complaints filed.
- What problems does the 2018 Ford E-450 have?
- Owners reported steering looseness and a suspension popping noise, each accounting for 20% of complaints. NHTSA also lists 4 recalls covering brake lights, a backup camera monitor, and rear axle U-bolts.
- Does the 2018 Ford E-450 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for 2018, including a MORryde U-bolt issue on transit bus chassis and Whelen brake light wiring problems on ambulance conversions. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2018 E-450 compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 16, the 2018 model ranks 17th worst (meaning it's near the best) out of 20 years, well below higher-complaint years like 2021 with an index of 100.