VehicleVerdict

2004 Ford E-450 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 45 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.6 times the median E-450 year — the 2004 model ranks #3 of 35 E-450 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (10), electrical system (6), and transmission (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

45

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other E-450 years?

See all E-450 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Ford E-450 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1022%
Electrical System613%
Fuel System511%
Transmission511%
Brakes49%
Tires & Wheels49%
Other37%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Body & Structure24%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)12%
Lighting12%
Latches & Locks12%
Speed Control12%

Does the 2004 Ford E-450 have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08V524000OtherOctober 8, 2008 · 8 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

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.

08V526000OtherOctober 8, 2008 · 8 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

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.

06E056000Fuel SystemJune 13, 2006 · 58,640 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

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.

05V270000Electrical SystemJune 10, 2005 · 180,104 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

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.

04V444000Electrical SystemSeptember 13, 2004 · 214,849 units

Defect

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

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.

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.

04V445000EngineSeptember 13, 2004 · 253,076 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

ENGINE WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES BY FORD DEALERSHIP, BUT PROBLEM NEVER FIXED , EVERY RE-BUILD ENGINE THAT WAS INSTALLED HAD DIFF. ISSUE , THEN THE LAST ONE JUST CAUGHT IN FIRE FROM LEAKING OIL AND ALSO FROM THE WAY THEY INSTALLED 11-01-07 DATE CAUGHT IN FIRE. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 1, 2006 · fire

FORD E450 FRONT BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH FAILURE ON TRANSIT BUSES USED FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM IS NOT ISOLATED TO ONE VEHICLE AND IS BEING FOUND ROUTINELY IN ALL THE VEHICLES OF THIS TYPE IN HIS FLEET AS THE SWITCHES ROUTINELY OVERHEAT. ONE OF THE VEHICLES CAUGHT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 1, 1901 · fire

ENGINE WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES BY FORD DEALERSHIP, BUT PROBLEM NEVER FIXED , EVERY RE-BUILD ENGINE THAT WAS INSTALLED HAD DIFF. ISSUE , THEN THE LAST ONE JUST CAUGHT IN FIRE FROM LEAKING OIL AND ALSO FROM THE WAY THEY INSTALLED 11-01-07 DATE CAUGHT IN FIRE. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 1, 2006 · fire

ENGINE WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES BY FORD DEALERSHIP, BUT PROBLEM NEVER FIXED , EVERY RE-BUILD ENGINE THAT WAS INSTALLED HAD DIFF. ISSUE , THEN THE LAST ONE JUST CAUGHT IN FIRE FROM LEAKING OIL AND ALSO FROM THE WAY THEY INSTALLED 11-01-07 DATE CAUGHT IN FIRE. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 1, 2006 · fire

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 20, 2012

2004 Ford E-450 — common questions

Is the 2004 Ford E-450 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 45 complaints put the 2004 model at #3 of 35 E-450 years. It is one of the E-450 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 E-450 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (10 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).

Does the 2004 Ford E-450 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Ford E-450. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Ford E-450 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford E-450 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E-450 years to avoid are 1999, 2021, 2000, 2004, 2005. The cleanest record among E-450 years belongs to 2027.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.