NHTSA vehicle safety data

2021 Ford E-450 Recalls & Complaints

The 2021 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.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2021 Ford E-450. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2021 Ford E-450 owner complaints

Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford E-450, describing incidents dated March 15, 2021 to January 2, 2026.

Most-cited components

Steering 11 complaints
Service Brakes 10 complaints
Engine 6 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 6 complaints
Unknown or Other 4 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance 2 complaints

Newest complaints

ODI #11709041 · Filed January 6, 2026
Airbag module casing is cracked.
ODI #11688895 · Filed September 22, 2025
Engine camshaft and lifters failed. Truck is at a Ford dealer. Engine could fail in the middle of the road, causing an accident. This is our eighth vehicle with the same issue taken to a ford dealer in the past year. A little knocking noise started that quickly turned into a loud knocking/rattling…
ODI #11644752 · Filed February 25, 2025
See attached document for complaint.

Read all 27 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2021 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.

Recall Query RQ24-003: Loss of Power Brake/Steering Assist Post Recall 22V089 Inspection.
Closed May 11, 2026

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Engine Cover May Become Excessively Hot

NHTSA #25V793000 · Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported November 17, 2025 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 7,046 vehicles

Repair completion: 34.92% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 25SC7 · Owners notified January 7, 2026 · Vehicles built through November 12, 2020 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Power Steering Pressure Line May Detach and Leak

NHTSA #24V097000 · Steering — Hydraulic Power Assist — Hose, Piping, and Connections · NHTSA notice

Reported February 9, 2024 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 16,543 vehicles

Repair completion: 34.16% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 24S07 · Owners notified June 21, 2024 · Vehicles built May 11, 2019 – June 17, 2021 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Power Steering Pressure Line May Detach and Leak

NHTSA #22V089000 · Steering — Hydraulic Power Assist — Hose, Piping, and Connections · NHTSA notice

Reported February 16, 2022 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 44,219 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 22S08 · Owners notified March 18, 2022

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Engine Cover may be Excessively Hot

NHTSA #20V795000 · Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported December 17, 2020 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 29,344 vehicles

Repair completion: 87.37% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 20S73 · Owners notified February 15, 2021

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. The underside of the engine cover may have mispositioned insulation, allowing the cover to get excessively hot.

Safety consequence

Direct and continuous 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.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine cover for gaps between the rubber seal and the insulation. If gaps are present, the dealer will install engine cover insulation patches in the right hand and left hand inner lower corners of the engine cover. The dealer will also update the powertrain calibration for heat management under elevated idle conditions should a vehicle be equipped with SEIC or BCP, free of charge. The recall began February 15, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S73.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Wire Harness May Chafe and Damage Circuits

NHTSA #20V175000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · NHTSA notice

Reported March 23, 2020 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 2,871 vehicles

Repair completion: 75.34% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 20S13 · Owners notified May 18, 2020

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. A wire harness in the rear of the vehicle may contact the vehicle frame, resulting in damage to the circuits that support the fuel pump and the anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Safety consequence

Damage to the fuel pump circuit in the wiring harness could result in an unexpected engine stall. Damage to the ABS wiring can lead to reduction of ABS functionality and a loss of roll stability control (RSC) functionality. These scenarios increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wire harness for damage. If no damage is found, dealers will apply anti-abrasion tape over the area and ensure clearance to surrounding components. If damage is found, dealers will splice in new wire and apply anti-abrasion tape over the area and ensure clearance to surrounding components. All services will be performed free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S13.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Driveshaft May Separate From Rear Axle

NHTSA #20V099000 · Power Train — Driveline — Differential Unit · NHTSA notice

Reported February 21, 2020 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 319 vehicles

Repair completion: 93.42% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 20S09 · Owners notified March 19, 2020

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-550 and 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. The rear axle differential fluid may be below the minimum level, possibly resulting in a failure of the rear axle assembly and driveshaft separation.

Safety consequence

If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of drive, increasing the risk of crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur and increase the risk of injury or crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle differential fluid level and adjust it, or replace the rear axle as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S09.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2021 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 2021 Ford E-450.

Air Bags

ODI #11709041

Incident: January 2, 2026 · Filed: January 6, 2026

Airbag module casing is cracked.

Engine

ODI #11688895

Incident: September 3, 2025 · Filed: September 22, 2025

Engine camshaft and lifters failed. Truck is at a Ford dealer. Engine could fail in the middle of the road, causing an accident. This is our eighth vehicle with the same issue taken to a ford dealer in the past year. A little knocking noise started that quickly turned into a loud knocking/rattling noise. No lights came on the truck.

Steering; Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #11644752

Incident: February 12, 2025 · Filed: February 25, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

Engine

ODI #11643146

Incident: January 13, 2025 · Filed: February 17, 2025

This is one of 4 of my 2021 ford econoline fleet vehicles purchased in 2021 that have had engine failure. I am one of many contractors in my area and others around the country who have had this issue with the same F59 engine. Ford has failed to issue a recall.

Engine

ODI #11640826

Incident: November 25, 2024 · Filed: February 5, 2025

Engine Camshaft and lifters failed, unit was inspected by ford dealer and engine had to be replaced. Engine can stop working and truck could break down in the middle of the road. No warning lamps, just a loud knocking sound when brakes were applied and truck was downshifting to stop. A lot of other people that purchased these ford light duty trucks with the 7.3L engine are having the same issue.

Engine

ODI #11640804

Incident: October 3, 2024 · Filed: February 5, 2025

Engine camshaft and lifters failed and were inspected by Ford dealer, which corrected the issue by replacing the engine. Engine can failed and truck get stuck in the middle of the road. In the past 6 months its our 4th Ford truck with the same issue and a lot of other Fedex contractors that purchased a Ford truck with the 7.3L engine are reporting the same issue. No warning light was on in this vehicle, just started with a knocking sound that got worse until it got to the dealer and engine had to be replaced

Steering; Service Brakes

ODI #11603091

Incident: July 7, 2024 · Filed: July 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-450. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the steering wheel and brake pedal became stiff, and the vehicle failed to slow down as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was continuously depressed for the vehicle to come to a stop. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering hose and fluids needed to be flushed and refilled. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,104.

Vehicle Speed Control; Unknown or Other

ODI #11594828

Incident: June 10, 2024 · Filed: June 17, 2024

Component= Traction control and cruise control. Safety risk=Driving a Ford e-450 Class C RV on interstate at 63 MPH going generally up hill with cruise control on, the "Service AdvanceTrac" warning light came on dashboard. I Immediately lost cruise control capability and steering became a little shakey. Pulled into rest area shut vehicle off. A few minutes and started again. Error went away and cruise control was functioning. Happened again a few hours later and I did the same thing and continued on. What happened=As I was driving, the " Service Advance Traction" light came on and the cruise control stopped, my class c rv immediately slowed at a high rate, a semi was behind me trying to get over to the middle lane. When I slowed down suddenly due to the cruise control going out, the semi had no choice but to change lanes quickly missing the back of my vehicle by a foot or so. If he was not alert as to what was happening, I most assuredly would not be typing this letter. It was that close!! Note= This also happened last year as we only take the RV out a few weeks out of the year. I brought it to Klammer Ford in New Port Richey F1l immediately after we got back from the last trip. They could not reproduce issue or find anything wrong Lamps= The only warning light that came on was a "Service Advance traction" light. No prior indication of any kind.

Steering; Service Brakes

ODI #11535359

Incident: July 29, 2023 · Filed: July 30, 2023

My RV is make from 2021 Ford E-450. The power steering fluid leaked out and hard to steer the RV, and lost break. Ford has a recall 2021E-450 under similar situation, but my Vin did not received any recall notice.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #11533403

Incident: July 10, 2023 · Filed: July 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Jayco Redhawk Motorhome built on a 2021 Ford E-450 chassis. The contact stated that while her friend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The RV was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that the brake line had deteriorated and needed to be replaced. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

Other Ford E-450 model years

Check your 2021 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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