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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2003–2020

Ford F-450 recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns and 116 owner complaints for the Ford F-450, covering model years 2003 to 2020. The 2020 model year drew the most complaints (24), and Engine is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Ford F-450 VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 14 recall campaigns on file
  • 116 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 18 model years with data (2003–2020)
  • most complaints: 2020 (24 for that model year)
  • top component: Engine (24 complaints)
  • latest recall 25V270000 (reported Apr 23, 2025)
  • 6 complaints reporting a crash (5.2%)
  • 7 complaints reporting a fire (6.0%)
  • 5 complaints reporting an injury (4.3%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Ford F-450 complaints by model year

10 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2020 model year has the most complaints: 24 of 116, or 20.7%. Next come 2017 (20) and 2019 (20). The fewest are for 2014, with 3 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Ford F-450 owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2011–2020Column chart of 116 complaints across 10 model years. The highest is 2020 with 24. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2011: 9 complaints920112012: 14 complaints1420122013: 6 complaints620132014: 3 complaints320142015: 6 complaints620152016: 4 complaints420162017: 20 complaints2020172018: 10 complaints1020182019: 20 complaints2020192020: 24 complaints242020
Ford F-450 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Ford F-450 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
201190200
2012140000
201360000
201431110
201560000
201640000
2017202110
2018100100
2019201020
2020242210
All model years1166750

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Ford F-450 components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Engine is the component named most often, in 24 complaints (20.7% of all 116), followed by Power Train (19) and Steering (17).

Components named most often in Ford F-450 complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Ford F-450 complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Engine2420.7%
Power Train1916.4%
Steering1714.7%
Unknown or Other1412.1%
Structure1311.2%
Electrical System1210.3%
Suspension119.5%
Fuel System, Diesel86.9%
Fuel/Propulsion System86.9%
Wheels86.9%
Engine and Engine Cooling54.3%
Air Bags32.6%
Latches/Locks/Linkages32.6%
Service Brakes32.6%
Tires32.6%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Ford F-450 recalls

14 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name F-450, newest first. The 14 campaigns cover model years 2003 to 2020. The 2012, 2017 and 2019 model years appear in the most campaigns (4 each).

  • 14 recall campaigns
Ford F-450 recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2003: 1 campaign2004: 1 campaign2005: 1 campaign2006: 1 campaign2007: 1 campaign2008: 1 campaign2009: 1 campaign
2010: 1 campaign2011: 2 campaigns2012: 4 campaigns2013: 1 campaign2014: no campaigns2015: 2 campaigns2016: no campaigns2017: 4 campaigns2018: 3 campaigns2019: 4 campaigns
2020: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 25V270000

    Reported

    Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera

    Model year 2015

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 F-250, F-350, F-450, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and MKC vehicles. The rearview camera printed circuit board terminal header connector may be loose or damaged, which can result in a blank or distorted image.

    Consequence:
    A blank or distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S42. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-082.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  2. NHTSA campaign 21V114000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting

    Model year 2019

    Life Line Emergency Vehicles (Life Line) is recalling one 2020 Ford F450 vehicle and one 2017 Navistar Durastar vehicle, equipped with 7x9 combination LED Stop-Tail-Turn reverse lights. The lights may be too bright, exceeding the maximum light output allowed which may adversely affect the vision of drivers. As such, these lamps fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

    Consequence:
    The excessive brightness may affect the vision of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    ECCO will provide a filter kit that will ensure the lights perform in the correct photometric intensity ranges, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 15, 2021. Owners may contact Life Line customer service at 1-563-578-3317 ext. 132.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  3. NHTSA campaign 19V633000

    Reported

    Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly; Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner

    Model years 2019–2020

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

    Consequence:
    A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  4. NHTSA campaign 19V401000

    Reported

    Equipment

    Model years 2015, 2017

    VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists (VCI) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550, 2014 E-350 and E-450, 2015 F-250 and F-450, 2016 E-450, 2017 E-350, F-450 and E-450, 2018 F-350, 2010 E-450, 2005-2006 E-450, 2009 E-450 and Chevrolet C4500-based Type I and Type III ambulances equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The monitors may unexpectedly 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:
    VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists will work with ASA to notify the owners, and remedy the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics at 1-800-384-4400.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 19V398000

    Reported

    Equipment

    Model years 2018–2019

    LGE Coachworks, Inc. (LGE Coachworks) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ford E-450, F-550, and Freightliner M2-based vehicles equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager back-up camera displays. The displays may unexpectedly 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:
    ASA will notify LGE Coachworks owners, and dealers will replace the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA customer service at 1-800-384-4400 or LGE Coachworks at 1-800-209-3985.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  6. NHTSA campaign 19V342000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights

    Model years 2017–2018

    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.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  7. NHTSA campaign 18V894000

    Reported

    Engine

    Model years 2017–2019

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.

    Consequence:
    When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S45.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  8. NHTSA campaign 17V331000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch; Structure › Body › Door

    Model year 2017

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles originally produced with black or body colored exterior door handles that may have been subsequently equipped with a chrome exterior door handle cover accessory kit purchased from a Ford dealer. These accessory door handle covers may cause the doors to unlatch in a side impact collision. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."

    Consequence:
    If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the accessory covers and refund the purchase price. The recall began July 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for the recall is 17C09.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  9. NHTSA campaign 14V498000

    Reported

    Equipment

    Model years 2009–2013

    PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.

    Consequence:
    The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
    Remedy:
    PJ's has notified owners and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2014. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.

    Filed by PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co.

  10. NHTSA campaign 13V535000

    Reported

    Engine

    Model years 2011–2012

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 F-350/450/550 Ambulance Package vehicles manufactured February 22, 2010, through October 19, 2012 and equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine. Due to an exhaust sensor problem, the vehicles may experience loss of power followed by an engine stall.

    Consequence:
    An unexpected engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, if this were to occur when the ambulance is transporting a patient, there is an increased risk of injury to the patient.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the exhaust gas temperature sensor, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S10.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

Show 4 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 13V380000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe

    Model year 2012

    Manning Equipment Inc. LLC (Manning) is recalling certain model year 2012 Ford F-350, F-450 and F-550 gasoline engined dual rear wheel chassis vehicles manufactured October 2011 through June 2012. The tailpipe on the exhaust system does not extend out beyond the edge of the body, allowing heat to build up in rear curbside storage compartment.

    Consequence:
    Excessive heat build up in rear compartment could result in fire.
    Remedy:
    Manning Equipment has notified owners, and dealers will install tailpipe extensions free of charge. The recall has already begun. Owners may contact Manning Equipment at 1-502-426-5210.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  2. NHTSA campaign 11V582000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model year 2012

    Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 F-150 vehicles manufactured from September 9, 2011, through September 22, 2011, and model year 2012 F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 heavy duty vehicles manufactured from September 12, 2011, through September 22, 2011. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 114, “theft protection.” The transmission can be shifted out of the park position without pressing the brake pedal due to brake shift interlock switch problem.

    Consequence:
    This will allow the operator to inadvertently shift the vehicle into gear without the brake pedal being depressed, increasing the risk of a crash or injury to a nearby pedestrian.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake shift interlock switch function and replace the switch if necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on December 22, 2011. Owners may contact the Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  3. NHTSA campaign 08V344000

    Reported

    Trailer Hitches

    Model years 2006–2008

    Knapheide is recalling 108 MY 2006-2008 pro series truck beds equipped with an icc bumper which included a provision for a ball hitch. There may be an insufficient weld attaching the hitch channel to the supporting structure.

    Consequence:
    This could result in bending of the hitch channel or the hitch could be pulled off the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Knapheide will offer two remedies to its customers: (1) for those customers who do not use the hitch, the hitch will be removed from the truck bed and replaced with an icc bumper; or (2) for those customers who need a hitch, a receiver hitch assembly will be added to the existing hitch assembly and all suspect weld joints will be re welded. The recall began on August 15, 2008. Owners may contact knapheide at 1-877-473-5763.

    Filed by Knapheide Manufacturing Company

  4. NHTSA campaign 06V075000

    Reported

    Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

    Model years 2003–2005

    On certain vans built on Ford E-450 and GMC C-550 chassis and equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the wheelchair securement retractors as necessary. Sure-lok is conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign. Owners may contact sure-lok at 1-908-231-1804 or federal coach at 1-800-292-6210.

    Filed by Federal Coach, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Ford F-450 questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Ford F-450 have?

NHTSA lists 14 vehicle recall campaigns for the Ford F-450, covering model years 2003 to 2020. The most recent, 25V270000, was reported on April 23, 2025 and is filed under “Back over prevention”. The 2012, 2017 and 2019 model years are covered by the most campaigns (4 each).

Which Ford F-450 model year has the most complaints?

The 2020 model year, with 24 of the 116 complaints in NHTSA’s file (20.7%). The next are 2017 (20) and 2019 (20). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Ford F-450 complaint?

Engine is the component named most often: 24 complaints, or 20.7% of all 116. Power Train (19) and Steering (17) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Ford F-450?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Ford dealer.

How many Ford F-450 complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 116 complaints, 6 report a crash, 7 a fire, 5 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Ford models

8 models · most complaints first

The Ford models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Ford VIN decoder with every Ford model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • Ford F-150 1995–2027 · 158 recalls · 35,790 complaints
  • Ford Explorer 1995–2027 · 131 recalls · 31,089 complaints
  • Ford Escape 2000–2026 · 95 recalls · 27,343 complaints
  • Ford Fusion 2006–2020 · 46 recalls · 22,383 complaints
  • Ford Focus 1999–2018 · 36 recalls · 22,086 complaints
  • Ford Windstar 1995–2005 · 33 recalls · 14,108 complaints
  • Ford Edge 2004–2024 · 43 recalls · 14,009 complaints
  • Ford Taurus 1995–2019 · 52 recalls · 12,702 complaints

All Ford models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.