2004 Ford E-450
Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 27
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2004
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2004: 27 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 4 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 18 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 1999 | 73 |
| 2000 | 42 |
| 2001 | 16 |
| 2002 | 13 |
| 2003 | 18 |
| 2004 | 27 |
| 2005 | 34 |
| 2006 | 20 |
| 2007 | 12 |
| 2008 | 6 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 5 |
| 2011 | 7 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2013 | 12 |
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 17 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2021 | 27 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 2 |
| 2027 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 27 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
10 of 27 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing diesel and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine was replaced 3 times by Ford dealership, but problem never fixed , every re-build engine that was installed had diff.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-11-12
Also filed under Power train and fuel system, other
Electrical system
6 of 27 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
My box truck caught on fire, fire started at the plug in receptacle that keeps the glow plug warm and spread from there.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-02-01
Power train
5 of 27 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Tires
4 of 27 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving my rv down the freeway when the inside dual blew out on the passenger side of the vehicle. Before the tire blew out I noticed a vibration on the passenger side of the rv.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-11-27
The tire developed a "Slow leak" At 16,500 miles since installation.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-23
Service brakes
4 of 27 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford E-450. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the brakes suddenly engaged independently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-11-22
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford E450 sd. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the brakes would seize independently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where both the front and rear brakes were replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-08-07
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2004-09-27Engine and engine cooling04V445000 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…
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…
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2004-10-15Electrical system04V444000 On certain vans, a diode in the anti-lock braking system (ABS) module may experience an electrical short.
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…
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2005-07-22Electrical system05V270000 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.
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…
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2006-08-04Fuel system, gasoline06E056000 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…
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.
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I
2009-12-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2010-04-21 HVAC Switch Failures
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Ford E-450 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V445000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 04V444000 · Electrical system
- Recall 05V270000 · Electrical system
- Recall 06E056000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 2004 Ford E-450 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford E-450?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Ford E-450 have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.