2021 Ford E-450 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 15 E-450 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2021 Ford E-450 ranks worst among 15 model years for this model, with a Complaint Index of 100 and 27 NHTSA complaints. Engine, brakes, and steering account for most reports, and six recalls have been issued.
- Complaints
- 27
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2021 Ford E-450 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine12 (44%)
- Brakes11 (41%)
- Steering11 (41%)
- Other5 (19%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (7%)
- Structure & Body2 (7%)
- Airbags1 (4%)
- Fuel System1 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (4%)
What owners report
- Advance Trac system faults and disables cruise control, ABS braking, hill hold assist, and skid control, often at highway speeds during crosswinds.
- Steering assist is lost intermittently while driving at various speeds, with the steering wheel requiring manual correction to regain control.
- Power steering assist loss occurs after warning lights illuminate, tied to the steering and hydraulic brake recall campaign.
- Steering becomes difficult to turn during low-speed maneuvers such as pulling into a service station, even after a recall inspection.
- ADAS-related systems (pre-collision braking, hill hold, skid control) reset only after the engine is turned off and restarted.
- Owners report recall repairs delayed due to unavailable replacement parts for the power steering pressure line.
2021 Ford E-450 recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V793000Nov 17, 2025Engine7,046 vehicles
Engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles that received an incomplete software update under recall 20V795. The engine cover may become excessively hot.
Risk: Direct contact with certain areas of engine cover surface in the passenger compartment may increase the risk of injury or burns to the skin of the driver or front seat passenger.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain calibration for heat management under elevated idle conditions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 22, 2025.
- NHTSA 24V097000Feb 9, 2024Brakes16,543 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 E-350 and E-450 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels. An inadequate connection between the power steering pressure line and the brake hydroboost unit may result in a sudden loss of power steering fluid.
Risk: A sudden loss of power steering fluid can result in a loss of power steering and power brake assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the power steering pressure line and the hydroboost jumper line, free of charge. Vehicles in this recall were previously recalled under 22V-089 and owners will need to have the new remedy completed even if their vehicle was remedied under the prior recall. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 21, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S07.
- NHTSA 22V089000Feb 16, 2022Brakes44,219 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 E-350 and E-450 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels. An inadequate connection between the power steering pressure line and the brake Hydroboost unit may result in a sudden loss of power steering fluid.
Risk: A sudden loss of power steering fluid can result in a loss of power steering and power brake assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the connection between the power steering lines and the Hydroboost unit, and replace the power steering lines, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S08.
2021 compared with other E-450 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Ford E-450 a bad year?
- Among 15 model years of the E-450 tracked, 2021 has a Complaint Index of 100, the highest of all years, and carries an Avoid verdict relative to other E-450 years.
- What are the main problems with the 2021 Ford E-450?
- NHTSA data shows Engine complaints leading at 12 (44% share), followed by Brakes and Steering, each with 11 complaints (41% share). Median mileage at failure across all complaints is 9,507.5 miles.
- Does the 2021 Ford E-450 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2021 E-450, covering the engine cover overheating, a power steering pressure line connection issue affecting brakes, and a rear axle differential fluid level problem.
- How does the 2021 E-450 compare to other years?
- The 2021 E-450 ranks worst (rank 1 of 15) with a Complaint Index of 100, higher than 2016 (93) and 2022 (86), which are also Avoid years, while 2014 and 2018 score much lower with Best verdicts.