2023 Ford F-450 Safety Report

The 2023 Ford F-450 currently presents a limited safety data picture due to its recent release and the low number of reported incidents. With only 5 total NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 1 fire, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths, there isn't enough data to establish broad safety patterns or concerns. However, the single reported fire in the engine compartment, immediately following a low fuel pressure warning light, is a significant concern, even if isolated. The vehicle has no official NHTSA safety ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover are all N/A), which is typical for heavy-duty trucks and means there's no independent crash test performance data available to assess its structural integrity or occupant protection. Despite the low complaint volume, specific issues have been reported. One complaint details a loss of power steering and power brakes due to an anti-lock brake system activation, accompanied by steering fluid leakage, indicating a potential issue with the hydro boost brake system. Another complaint mentions notable brake application pressure without brake light illumination, which could pose a risk to following vehicles. An electrical system complaint highlights issues with the vehicle not retaining previous settings for safety functions, and also references an unaddressed recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V506000) for the electrical system, where parts are not yet available for repair. The absence of recalls in the provided data is misleading, as one complaint explicitly mentions NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V506000 (Electrical System), indicating at least one recall has been issued, though not yet resolved for some owners due to part unavailability. This recall, even if not fully detailed in the provided recall history, points to a known safety defect that Ford is addressing. The overall safety picture is incomplete but suggests early-life issues, particularly with braking and electrical systems, warranting close monitoring as more vehicles accumulate mileage and data becomes available.

Our recommendation: Given the very limited data, potential buyers should be aware of early reports of an engine fire, braking/steering issues, and an outstanding electrical system recall (23V506000); verify all recalls are addressed before purchase.