2017 Ford E-450 Safety Report

2017 Ford E-450: Low complaint volume, but two recalls address critical safety systems and diverse issues reported.

11Complaints
2Recalls
65/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Visibility/Wiper (2)Equipment (1)Unknown Or Other,Structure (1)Power Train (1)Exterior Lighting (1)Latches/Locks/Linkages (1)Steering,Service Brakes (1)Visibility (1)Engine (1)Steering,Suspension,Engine (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Ford E-450

The 2017 Ford E-450, primarily used as a chassis for various commercial and recreational vehicles, presents a mixed safety picture based on the limited available data. With only 11 total NHTSA complaints, and no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths, the raw complaint volume is low. However, the nature of these complaints, coupled with two safety recalls, highlights specific areas of concern. The most frequently reported component category in complaints is VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints), with specific issues noted regarding inadequate windshield wiper coverage. Other complaints are diverse, touching on EQUIPMENT, STRUCTURE, POWER TRAIN, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES, VISIBILITY, and ENGINE, each with one complaint. Recall history indicates two significant safety issues. One recall (EQUIPMENT) addresses a potential for drivers to inadvertently turn the wrong direction due to a faulty back-up camera monitor, increasing crash risk. The second recall (EXTERNAL LIGHTING: BRAKE LIGHTS) concerns brake lights that may incorrectly illuminate, confusing other drivers and also increasing crash risk. These recalls directly address critical safety systems, suggesting that while the complaint volume is low, the identified issues are serious. NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for the 2017 Ford E-450, which is common for commercial chassis vehicles. This absence means there's no independent assessment of its crashworthiness. The overall safety picture suggests that while the E-450 chassis itself might be robust, the integration of various body types and aftermarket components can introduce specific safety vulnerabilities, as evidenced by the recalls and diverse complaints.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Ford E-450 receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2017 Ford E-450

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Ford E-450:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Inadequate Windshield Wiper Coverage
Wipers do not adequately clear the driver's view, leaving significant portions of the windshield obscured, especially in rain or snow.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Back-Up Camera Monitor Malfunction
Recalled due to monitors displaying a reversed image, potentially causing drivers to turn the wrong direction when backing up.		 High Rare unknown miles
Brake Light Malfunction
Recalled due to brake lights that may incorrectly illuminate, confusing other drivers and increasing crash risk.		 High Rare unknown miles
Transmission Failure
Premature failure of 6R140 transmissions, leading to torque converter failure and vehicle stalling.		 High Rare unknown miles
Steering System Issues
Loose steering and delayed reaction, causing the vehicle to drift, especially at higher speeds or when passed by other vehicles.		 Medium Rare unknown miles
Door Lock Malfunction
Trimark door locks failing to unlock from both inside and outside, trapping occupants.		 Medium Rare unknown miles
Sudden Brake And Power Steering Loss
Sudden loss of brake system and power steering, accompanied by grinding noises and fluid leaks.		 High Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Ford E-450:

Visibility/Wiper 18% of complaints

Issues with windshield wipers not adequately clearing the driver's view.

Equipment 9% of complaints

Recalled for back-up camera monitor issues; also includes general equipment failures like hydraulic tank leaks.

Power Train 9% of complaints

Reports of premature transmission failure, specifically the 6R140 model.

Exterior Lighting 9% of complaints

Recalled for brake lights that may illuminate incorrectly.

Latches/Locks/Linkages 9% of complaints

Problems with door locks failing to operate correctly.

Steering 9% of complaints

Complaints about loose steering and delayed reactions, affecting vehicle control.

Service Brakes 9% of complaints

Reports of sudden loss of brake system functionality.

Engine 9% of complaints

Issues including engine indicator illumination and heat entering the cabin, requiring engine rebuilds.

Structure 9% of complaints

Reports of emergency egress windows imploding and passenger windows fracturing.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Ford E-450

Is the 2017 Ford E-450 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Ford E-450 has a low number of complaints (11 total) with no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths. However, it has two safety recalls addressing critical issues like faulty back-up camera monitors and incorrect brake light illumination, which could increase crash risk. NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for this chassis.

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

The most reported issues are related to VISIBILITY/WIPER (18% of complaints) concerning inadequate windshield wiper coverage. Other significant problems include EQUIPMENT issues (9%), POWER TRAIN failures (9%) like premature transmission failure, EXTERIOR LIGHTING malfunctions (9%) due to recalled brake lights, and STEERING problems (9%) such as loose steering.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Ford E-450?

Yes, there are two recalls for the 2017 Ford E-450. One recall (NHTSA ID: 17V465000) addresses certain shuttle buses with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors that display a reversed back-up camera image. The second recall (NHTSA ID: 17V466000) involves ambulances equipped with Whelen brake lights that may incorrectly illuminate.

How does the 2017 Ford E-450 perform in crash tests?

NHTSA has not provided overall, frontal, side, or rollover crash test ratings for the 2017 Ford E-450 chassis. Therefore, there is no independent crash test performance data available from NHTSA.

Should I buy a 2017 Ford E-450?

Given the low complaint volume but presence of critical safety recalls and diverse reported issues, potential buyers should ensure all recalls have been addressed and thoroughly inspect for common problems like wiper effectiveness, steering feel, and transmission health, especially if considering a vehicle with a custom body.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Ensure all recalls are addressed and thoroughly inspect the vehicle, especially the wipers, steering, and transmission, as these are areas with reported issues despite the low overall complaint count.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Ford E-450

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Ford E-450. The data includes 11 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.