NHTSA vehicle safety data

2004 Ford E-450 Recalls & Complaints

The 2004 Ford E-450 has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 27 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Ford dealer.

Includes campaigns NHTSA files under the spelling "E450".

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2004 Ford E-450. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2004 Ford E-450 owner complaints

Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Ford E-450, describing incidents dated June 27, 2004 to January 13, 2022.

Most-cited components

Engine 10 complaints
Electrical System 5 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 5 complaints
Power Train 5 complaints
Service Brakes 4 complaints
Tires 4 complaints

Of the 27 complaints on file, 3 report a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11527403 · Filed June 16, 2023
THE component system addressed, which is available for inspection, is the propane line routed through a jagged torched hole in the vehicle main frame; location is left-rear frame extension. Pictures are available. IF piping is allowed to remain, the propane line will sustain a propane leak with…
ODI #11449743 · Filed February 1, 2022
My box truck caught on fire, fire started at the plug in receptacle that keeps the glow plug warm and spread from there. Luckily my across the street neighbor helped put out the fire temporarily with 2 of his fire extinguisher until the fire truck arrived, otherwise it would have been a major…
ODI #11154216 · Filed November 27, 2018
I WAS DRIVING MY RV DOWN THE FREEWAY WHEN THE INSIDE DUAL BLEW OUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. BEFORE THE TIRE BLEW OUT I NOTICED A VIBRATION ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE RV. A FEW MOMENTS LATER THE TIRE BLEW OUT AND THE TREAD CAME OFF COMPLETELY LEAVING ONLY THE SIDE WALLS. I DO NOT…

Read all 27 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2004 Ford E-450 in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE09-055: HVAC Switch Failures
Closed April 21, 2010

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

FMVSS 403/ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK/RICON

NHTSA #08V526000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility · NHTSA notice

Reported October 8, 2008 · MATTHEWS SPECIALTY VEHICLES

Potentially affected: 8 vehicles

Owners notified October 22, 2008 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

MATTHEWS IS RECALLING 8 MY 1998 BLUEBIRD, MY 2004 FORD E450, MY 2005-2006 THOMAS BUILT BUS, MY 2006 INTERNATIONAL BUS, MY 2007 CHEVROLET 5500, FREIGHTLINER AND DODGE SPRINTER TRUCKS, TRANSIT BUSES, AND SPECIALTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, "PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES." THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.

Safety consequence

A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.

Manufacturer remedy

MATTHEWS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR MATTEWS SPECIALTY AT 336-297-9600.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM/FMVSS 404/RICON

NHTSA #08V524000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility · NHTSA notice

Reported October 8, 2008 · MATTHEWS SPECIALTY VEHICLES

Potentially affected: 8 vehicles

Owners notified October 22, 2008 · Vehicles built January 1, 2004 – December 31, 2004 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

MATTHEWS IS RECALLING 8 MY 1998 BLUEBIRD, MY 2004 FORD E450, MY 2005-2006 THOMAS BUILT BUSES, MY 2006 INTERNATIONAL BUS, MY 2007 CHEVROLET 5500, FREIGHTLINER AND DODGE SPRINTER TRUCKS, TRANSIT BUSES, AND SPECIALTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATION IN MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.

Safety consequence

THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.

Manufacturer remedy

MATTHEWS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR MATTHEWS SPECIALTY AT 336-297-9600.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FUEL LEAK/FIRE

NHTSA #06E056000 · Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA notice

Reported June 13, 2006 · UFI FILTERS USA

Potentially affected: 58,640 vehicles

Owners notified August 4, 2006

Defect description

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Safety consequence

FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO UFI FILTERS USA (PUROLATOR) AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

ENGINE STALLING

NHTSA #05V270000 · Electrical System — Wiring · NHTSA notice

Reported June 10, 2005 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 180,104 vehicles

Ford campaign 05S34 · Owners notified July 22, 2005 · Vehicles built December 9, 2003 – May 28, 2004 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH 6.0L DIESEL ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE STALLING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AND MAY OR MAY NOT RESTART.

Safety consequence

SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL UPGRADE THE FUEL INJECTION CONTROL MODULE (FICM) WIRE HARNESS OR REPLACED, AND/OR HAVE A NEW INJECTION CONTROL PRESSURE (ICP)) SENSOR CONNECTOR INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Notes

FORD RECALL NO. 05S34.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FORD/ABS BRAKE SYSTEM

NHTSA #04V444000 · Electrical System — Wiring · NHTSA notice

Reported September 13, 2004 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 214,849 vehicles

Ford campaign 04S22 · Owners notified October 15, 2004 · Vehicles built April 23, 2002 – November 19, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN VANS, A DIODE IN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.

Safety consequence

THE ELECTRICAL SHORT MAY CAUSE AN ABS MALFUNCTION THAT WOULD ILLUMINATE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT, OR THE MODULE MAY OVERHEAT RESULTING IN A BURNING ODOR, SMOKE, AND/OR FIRE. THIS CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN OR UNATTENDED.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUSE IN THE ABS CIRCUIT AND INSTALL A HEAT SHIELD OVER THE ABS MODULE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO FORD IS EXTENDING THE LIMITED WARRANTY (FOR A ONE TIME REPLACEMENT) OF THE ABS MODULE FOR A TOTAL OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF YOUR VEHICLE HAS ALREADY ACCUMULATED MORE THAN 150,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2005.

Notes

FORD RECALL NO. 04S22/CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 04N03.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

FORD/AIR FILTER

NHTSA #04V445000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported September 13, 2004 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 253,076 vehicles

Ford campaign 04S23 · Owners notified September 27, 2004 · Vehicles built April 23, 2002 – April 30, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN VANS, THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT MATERIAL PROCESS RESULTED IN AN AIR FILTER PAPER ELEMENT THAT CAN SMOLDER OR BURN. THIS CHANGE IN FILTER PAPER COMPOSITION COMBINED WITH THE CONFIGURATION OF THE AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM, MAY ALLOW HOT CARBON PARTICLES TO CONTACT THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT DURING CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS THAT CREATE HOT PARTICLES.

Safety consequence

THESE HOT PARTICLES MAY IGNITE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM DAMAGE OR UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO FORD IS EXTENDING THE LIMITED WARRANTY (FOR A ONE TIME REPLACEMENT) OF THE ABS MODULE FOR A TOTAL OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF YOUR VEHICLE HAS ALREADY ACCUMULATED MORE THAN 150,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2005.

Notes

FORD RECALL NO. 04S23/CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 04N03. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2004 Ford E-450. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

27 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Ford E-450.

Equipment

ODI #11527403

Incident: June 1, 2018 · Filed: June 16, 2023

THE component system addressed, which is available for inspection, is the propane line routed through a jagged torched hole in the vehicle main frame; location is left-rear frame extension. Pictures are available. IF piping is allowed to remain, the propane line will sustain a propane leak with constant rubbing against the hole going through the frame. Our safety, and the safety of many others across the nation is at risk, specifically with the reports of motorhome fires to date. THE existing problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center at this time. THE existing problem has not been confirmed by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. NO indicators of any kind for system failure are included on this model. Propane smell or fire would be immediate. Problem appeared after news broadcast of last motorhome fire; I investigated problem on my own. TWO attempts to report this system problem failed when NHTSA would not accept or recognize vehicle VIN number.

Electrical System

ODI #11449743

Fire

Incident: January 13, 2022 · Filed: February 1, 2022

My box truck caught on fire, fire started at the plug in receptacle that keeps the glow plug warm and spread from there. Luckily my across the street neighbor helped put out the fire temporarily with 2 of his fire extinguisher until the fire truck arrived, otherwise it would have been a major catastrophe.

Tires

ODI #11154216

Incident: November 25, 2018 · Filed: November 27, 2018

I WAS DRIVING MY RV DOWN THE FREEWAY WHEN THE INSIDE DUAL BLEW OUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. BEFORE THE TIRE BLEW OUT I NOTICED A VIBRATION ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE RV. A FEW MOMENTS LATER THE TIRE BLEW OUT AND THE TREAD CAME OFF COMPLETELY LEAVING ONLY THE SIDE WALLS. I DO NOT REMEMBER RUNNING OVER ANY OBJECTS IN THE FREEWAY AND HAD NOT HIT ANY POT HOLES. THIS TIRE WAS THREE YEARS OLD WITH LESS THAN 5,000 MILES ON IT. I HAD CHECKED AND VERIFIED THE TIRE PRESSURE BEFORE LEAVING AND ENSURED THAT I HAD INFLATED THE TIRES TO THE RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE PER THE VEHICLES OWNER MANUAL 80 PSI. THESE TIRES WERE THE DEFINITY DAKOTA LT225/75/16 TIRE. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED BY PEP BOYS AS I HAD PURCHASED THE HAZARD WARRANTY.

Equipment

ODI #11074505

Incident: December 1, 2017 · Filed: February 23, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD E-450. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V782000 (EQUIPMENT). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 1-855-262-3540 APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS AGO. THE CONTACT LEFT A VOICEMAIL FOR A CALL BACK, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME HAD PASSED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical System

ODI #10694474

Incident: April 2, 2014 · Filed: March 16, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD E-450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER CONTROL MODULE, STARTER AND THE HOP OIL PRESSURE PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

Structure; Service Brakes

ODI #10604266

Incident: June 18, 2014 · Filed: June 18, 2014

AVI FOODSYSTEMS VEHICLE # [XXX] IS A DANGER ON THE ROAD IT IS NOT FEDERALLY INSPECTED AND YOU CAN SEE THE TRUCK IS A HAZARD. I FEEL BAD FOR THE DRIVER EVERYTIME I SEE HER COME TO OUR ACCOUNT. SHE IS RISKING HER LIFE DRIVING THAT VEHICLE. THIS TRUCK HAS OHIO PLATES AND IS IN ERIE,PA I WANTED TO INFORM D.O.T. ANONYMOUSLY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Tires

ODI #10588286

Incident: May 11, 2014 · Filed: May 14, 2014

BFG COMMERCIAL T/A TIRE (215/85 R16) BLEW OUT AND HAD TOTAL TREAD SEPARATION CAUSING SOME VEHICLE DAMAGE. TIRE WAS UNDER 5 YEARS OLD PER DOT DATE CODE, UNDER 15K MILES, HAD GOOD TREAD, NO INDICATION OF DAMAGE. NO KNOWN IMPACT WITH ANY ROAD DEBRIS, BLOW OUT OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING UNDER 55 MPH. VERY LITTLE WARNING, JUST SLIGHT FEELING OF MISBALANCE BEFORE TIRE EXPLODED. TIRES HAD BEEN CHECKED FOR PROPER INFLATION 2-3 DAYS BEFORE. TIRES WERE VISUALLY INSPECTED DURING TRAVEL - NO SIGNS OF OVER/UNDER INFLATION. *TR

Service Brakes

ODI #10553339

Incident: November 22, 2008 · Filed: November 22, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD E-450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKES SUDDENLY ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ALUMINUM PUCKS IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM EXPANDED WHEN HEATED, CAUSING THE BRAKES TO ENGAGE. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE ALUMINUM PUCKS WITH STEEL ONES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 3/28/14*CN

Service Brakes

ODI #10534107

Incident: September 14, 2011 · Filed: August 7, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD E450 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKES WOULD SEIZE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED. THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THERE HAD BEEN OTHER REPAIRS THAT INVOLVED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.

Tires

ODI #10481971

Incident: July 20, 2012 · Filed: October 23, 2012

THE TIRE DEVELOPED A "SLOW LEAK" AT 16,500 MILES SINCE INSTALLATION. THE TIRE DEALER REMOVED THE TIRE AND FOUND THE TIRE TO HAVE A 2-3 INCH SLICE IN THE OUTER SKIN OF THE SIDEWALL WHICH RAN PARALLEL TO AND CLOSEST TO THE RIM (AS OPPOSED TO THE TREAD). IT WAS VERY APPARENT THERE WAS TOTAL SEPERATION OF THE OUTER SIDEWALL FROM THE INNER RIBBING YET THERE WAS ONLY A SLOW LEAK OF PSI. *TR

Other Ford E-450 model years

Check your 2004 Ford E-450 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Ford E-450 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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