2021 Ford E-450 recalls and problems

The 2021 Ford E-450 has 6 safety recalls and 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
6
Complaints
28
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Ford E-450 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Ford E-450 recalls

Recall 25V-793: Engine

Reported Nov 17, 2025 · 7,046 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 24V-097: Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Steering

Reported Feb 9, 2024 · 16,543 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 22V-089: Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Steering

Reported Feb 16, 2022 · 44,219 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V-795: Engine

Reported Dec 17, 2020 · 29,344 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V-175: Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Mar 23, 2020 · 2,871 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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).

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V-099: Power Train

Reported Feb 21, 2020 · 319 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2021 Ford E-450 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering11
Service Brakes, Hydraulic8
Vehicle Speed Control7
Engine7
Service Brakes4
Unknown or Other4
Forward Collision Avoidance4
Structure2
Suspension1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1
Equipment1

Most reported parts

  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 4
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist — 2
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 2
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 11,015 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Ford E-450 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · at 26,300 miles · reported Nov 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Forest River Sunseeker RV built on a 2021 Ford E-450 Chassis. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-50 MPH uphill, the vehicle made a loud banging and rapping sound and lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated during the failure. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with catastrophic engine failure caused by cylinder and lifter failures. The vehicle was repaired. The contact associated the failure with Ford Customer Satisfaction Program: 24B27 -…
Engine · reported Sep 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.
Engine · reported Feb 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 · reported Feb 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
Engine · reported Feb 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.

Other Ford E-450 years

Compare all Ford E-450 years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Ford E-450 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2021 Ford E-450: 25V-793 (engine), 24V-097 (service brakes, hydraulic, steering), 22V-089 (service brakes, hydraulic, steering), 20V-795 (engine), 20V-175 (electronic stability control (esc), electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Ford E-450?

Owners report steering problems most often (11 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 11,015 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.