2021 Ford E-450 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2021 Ford E-450 ranks worst of 20 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 27 NHTSA complaints across 6 recall campaigns. Top problem areas are Engine (44%), Brakes (41%), and Steering (41%), with a median failure mileage of 9,507.5 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 20 E-450 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 27
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2021 Ford E-450 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
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 Service Advance Trac system faulting at highway speed during crosswinds, disabling cruise control, ABS, hill holder, and skid control.
- Some drivers describe a temporary loss of steering assist or steering feel when another vehicle or object passed nearby on the freeway, with no warning light illuminated.
- Several owners tied loss of power steering assist directly to recall 22V089000 covering the steering-to-brake hydroboost connection.
- Owners report parts shortages delaying the recall repair, with dealers unable to complete steering and brake fixes for extended periods.
- One owner reported the steering wheel became difficult to turn mid-maneuver even after the vehicle had been inspected under the recall.
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 reliable?
- Among E-450 model years tracked, 2021 has the worst complaint index (100) and ranks first among all years for reported problems, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other E-450 years.
- What problems does the 2021 Ford E-450 have?
- NHTSA complaints center on the engine (44% of complaints), brakes (41%), and steering (41%), with owners describing Advance Trac faults, loss of steering assist, and hydroboost brake line issues. Median mileage at failure was 9,507.5 miles.
- Does the 2021 Ford E-450 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2021 E-450, covering the engine cover overheating, a power steering-to-hydroboost brake line connection, a wire harness contact issue, and low rear axle differential fluid.
- Which Ford E-450 years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA data, 2021, 2005, 2006, 2016, and 2022 all carry Avoid verdicts, with 2021 having the highest complaint index (100) of any E-450 year.
- Are the 2021 Ford E-450 recalls dangerous?
- None of the 6 recalls are marked do-not-drive, but they address real safety systems: an overheating engine cover, a steering-to-brake hydroboost connection, and a wire harness that could damage fuel pump circuits.