2004 Ford E-450 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 19%of 27 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 119,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Ford E-450, 19% of the 27 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 119,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We had a major problem with the vehicle not starting when it was dispatched to a call. Internal oil cooler disentigrated, and leaked oil into the cooling system. The cam sensors, and injectors have been replaced several times. The transmission had to be repaired shortly after purchase, and has had all of the internal gears replaced since. All of the wiring harnesses have been replaced.this particular unit has spent many months this year in a shop being worked on.”
NHTSA complaint #10172849, filed 2006-11, 62,199 miles“My box truck caught on fire, fire started at the plug in receptacle that keeps the glow plug warm and spread from there. Luckily my across the street neighbor helped put out the fire temporarily with 2 of his fire extinguisher until the fire truck arrived, otherwise it would have been a major catastrophe.”
NHTSA complaint #11449743, filed 2022-02“The contact owns a 2004 Ford E-450. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer multiple times. The technician diagnosed that the power control module, starter and the hop oil pressure pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 119,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10694474, filed 2015-03, 119,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Ford E-450. While driving various speeds, the vehicle spontaneously stalled. The vehicle usually restarts itself after the failure occurs. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on five occasions and all the fuel injectors were replaced. A mechanic stated that the fuel injection control module (ficm) wire harness was the cause of the failure. The dealer stated that the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 05v270000 (electrical system:wiring); therefore, they would not assume any financial responsibility for the repairs. The vehicle has not been repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10255995, filed 2009-01, 120,000 miles“Ford e450 front blower motor switch failure on transit buses used for public transportation. The consumer stated the problem is not isolated to one vehicle and is being found routinely in all the vehicles of this type in his fleet as the switches routinely overheat. One of the vehicles caught fire as a result of the faulty switch.”
NHTSA complaint #10257890, filed 2009-02Related recalls
- 07V569000Dec 15, 2007On certain ambulances originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland…Covers: Ford E-450 2004–2007, E-350 2004–2007
- 05V270000Jun 10, 2005Certain pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles and vans equipped with 6.0l diesel engines may experience stalling without warning while driving and may or may…Covers: Ford E-450 2004–2005, Excursion 2004–2005, E-350 2004–2005 +4 more
- 04V444000Sep 13, 2004On certain vans, a diode in the anti-lock braking system (abs) module may experience an electrical short.Covers: Ford E-450 2003–2004, E550 2003–2004, E-350 2003–2004 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 10019810Apr 29, 2006Lack of power or mil on - turbocharger sticking - revised diagnostics.
- 10019795Apr 28, 2006P0404 SERVICE TIP.
- 10019949Jan 1, 2006Water-in-fuel (wif) lamp on.
- 10019079Jan 1, 2006Low battery voltage - 6.0l diesel with single alternator.
- 10018765Nov 4, 2005Ford-installed alternators. Thomas built buses.
- 10017921Jun 7, 2005Daytime running lights inoperative and a/c not cooling.
- 10013116Sep 6, 2004Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
- 10013246Aug 1, 2004Various driveability concerns such as hard start, no start, hesitation, runs rough, erratic shifts, and the malfunction indicator lamp on with a variety of diagnostic trouble…
- 10013243Aug 1, 2004Insufficient charging system output for modified vehicle use.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 6% |
| 2013 | 1 | 8% |
| 2011 | 2 | 29% |
| 2008 | 1 | 17% |
| 2006 | 3 | 15% |
| 2005 | 5 | 15% |
| 2004 | 5 | 19% |
| 2002 | 3 | 23% |
| 2000 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2004 Ford E-450
10 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Ford E-450
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology