VehicleVerdict

2017 Ford E-450 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 16 complaints on file for the 2017 Ford E-450 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

16

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other E-450 years?

E-450 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted83 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 5 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 0 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 18 complaints1998: 6 complaints1999: 83 complaints2000: 45 complaints2001: 20 complaints2002: 16 complaints2003: 22 complaints2004: 45 complaints2005: 41 complaints2006: 26 complaints2007: 15 complaints2008: 10 complaints2009: 2 complaints2010: 6 complaints2011: 10 complaints2012: 6 complaints2013: 16 complaints2014: 5 complaints2015: 8 complaints2016: 22 complaints2017: 16 complaints2018: 5 complaints2019: 4 complaints2021: 51 complaints2022: 22 complaints2023: 3 complaints2024: 3 complaints2025: 5 complaints2026: 6 complaints2027: 0 complaints
E-450 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E-450 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Ford E-450 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers319%
Other319%
Steering213%
Engine213%
Lighting16%
Brakes16%
Body & Structure16%
Suspension16%
Transmission16%
Latches & Locks16%

Does the 2017 Ford E-450 have recalls?

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

19V466000OtherJune 18, 2019 · 52 units

Defect

SVO Group Inc. (SVO Group) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford E-350 and E-450-based shuttle buses equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The affected monitors may revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversed.

Consequence

The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

SVO Group will work with ASA to notify owners, and ASA will provide a harness relay capacitor module to eliminate the image reversal, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics customer service at 1-800-384-4400.

19V342000LightingMay 3, 2019 · 17 units

Defect

Taylor Made Ambulances is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford E-350, F-450, E-450, F-550, and GMC G3500-based ambulances equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.

Consequence

If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Taylor Made will notify owners and Whelen will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2019. Owners may contact Taylor Made Ambulances customer service at 1-800-468-1310.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD E-450. WHILE THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 50 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,000. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 19, 2019

“While in standard shuttle route emergency egress window imploded inward. This is the 3rd occurrence. Vehicle is a 2017 Ford E-450 Chassis with an Elkhart Coach ECII 25 PASSENGERS PLUS DRIVER shuttle body.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 5, 2022

“SUDDEN BRAKE SYSTEM AND POWER STEERING LOSS. VEHICLE WAS BEING MOVED FROM THE STORAGE LOT HEADING TOWARDS MAIN ROADWAY (LOW SPEED) WHEN IT MADE A STRANGE GRINDING NOISE; BRAKE PEDAL WENT SOFT AND LOST POWER STEERING. VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FLUID, COULD SEE FLUID LEAKING BENEATH VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 11, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD E-450. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND HEAT ENTERED INTO THE CABIN FROM THE FLOORBOARD. GULF COAST FORD IN ANGLETON, TEXAS WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REBUILT THE ENGINE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 5, 2018

“CAMPAIGN:16V465000 RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2015-2017 FORESTER MOTORHOMES WATER MAY LEAK INTO THE ELECTRICAL MODULE THAT CONTROLS THE VEHICLE BRAKE LIGHTS. MY BRAKE LIGHT DIMLY LIGHTS 2 OF THE LEDS IN THE FIXTURE. DO NOT KNOW WHEN THIS HAPPENED JUST NOTICED WHEN TAKING OUT OF STORAGE. I WOULD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · March 4, 2021

2017 Ford E-450 — common questions

Is the 2017 Ford E-450 reliable?

The record is thin — 16 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2017 E-450 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (3 complaints), visibility & wipers (3 complaints), steering (2 complaints).

Does the 2017 Ford E-450 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 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 2017 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.