VehicleVerdict

2021 Ford E-450 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 51 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.4 times the median E-450 year — the 2021 model ranks #2 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 brakes (12), steering (11), and speed control (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

51

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other E-450 years?

See all E-450 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Ford E-450 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1224%
Steering1122%
Speed Control714%
Engine612%
Other510%
Driver Assistance48%
Body & Structure24%
Suspension12%
Electrical System12%
Fuel System12%
Airbags12%

Does the 2021 Ford E-450 have recalls?

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

25V793000EngineNovember 17, 2025 · 7,046 units

Defect

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.

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.

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.

24V097000BrakesFebruary 9, 2024 · 16,543 units

Defect

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.

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.

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.

22V089000BrakesFebruary 16, 2022 · 44,219 units

Defect

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.

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.

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.

20V795000EngineDecember 17, 2020 · 29,344 units

Defect

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.

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.

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.

20V175000Electrical SystemMarch 23, 2020 · 2,871 units

Defect

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).

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.

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.

20V099000TransmissionFebruary 21, 2020 · 319 units

Defect

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.

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V089000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 11, 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V089000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 11, 2022

ADAS keeps faulting and disabling the cruise control, pre-collision braking, hill hold assist, and skid control functions. The event occurs at highway speeds with strong crosswinds that rock the vehicle in a busy side-to-side motion as gusts hit the vehicle. The system seems to reset after turning…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 16, 2022

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 3, 2025

2021 ENTEGRA ODYSSEY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SAFETY RECALL 20V-780. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED DURING A FLOOR REPAIR. THE FRONT WINDOW SHADE, THERE WAS A LEAK UNDER THE BATHROOM VANITY,, AND THE VANITY TRIM WAS DAMAGED. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE DEALER WAS SUPPOSED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 30, 2021

2021 Ford E-450 — common questions

Is the 2021 Ford E-450 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 51 complaints put the 2021 model at #2 of 35 E-450 years. It is one of the E-450 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 E-450 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (12 complaints), steering (11 complaints), speed control (7 complaints).

Does the 2021 Ford E-450 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 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 2021 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.