FORD F-450 · model year

2017 FORD F-450

26 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2017FORDF-450 carries 26 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 1 fire, 3 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2017 F-450 is power train with 6 filings, followed by structure:body (5) and electrical system (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 177 investigation files overlapping the 2017 F-450, and 8 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

26
Complaints
2
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

26 filings

Crashes Reported

2 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN6
STRUCTURE:BODY5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES2
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE2
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT1
SEATS1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
AIR BAGS1
STRUCTURE1
ENGINE1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1

Recalls (4)

19V40100029/05/2019

EQUIPMENT

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 Elect

17V33100022/05/2017

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

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

18V89400018/12/2018

ENGINE

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 causi

19V34200003/05/2019

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

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.

Recent Complaints

20250424CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER

tailgate opens while driving could cause jackknife of trailer and truck has recall, recall has been performed 3 times and still having issues midway ford inspected and said the tailgate is functioning as intended no warning or indicators this is 2nd time this has happened and recalls have been performed also have surveillance video of me leaving a customer's house with tailgate up and closed and when i pull to end of driveway and make a left u can see the tailgate come down while in motion driving .ford motor company and the dealer refuse to help with damages and have no concern this could happen to me on a off ramp or at higher speeds and this could end up in a life threating situation, they cannot offer me a fix or repairs to my vehicle or trailer even though i have a letter from them that says they will, customer satisfaction program 21mo5 it states coverage for this issue for 10yrs or 150,000miles i currently have 117000 miles and year coverage until 2027

20240606FireENGINE

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-450. The contact stated that the vehicle had been diagnosed with an oil leak coming from the injector seals. The vehicle was serviced by the dealer and the contact picked up the vehicle after it was serviced. While driving from the dealer at approximately 40 MPH, the contact noticed white-grayish smoke coming from the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact immediately pulled over as black smoke began to emit from the vehicle vents as all occupants exited the vehicle. The vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames and the authorities were called to the scene. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A fire report was filed. The contact, his wife and daughter all experienced mental trauma as a result of the fire; no medical attention was given. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was later taken into possession by the contact's insurance company. The dealer was notified of the failure and denied any responsibility for the f

20230505POWER TRAIN

Vibration at 70 mph. Safety concern as to possible vehicle damage/control due to excess vibration transmitted throughout vehicle. Problem has been acknowledged by Ford Motor Company by means of a Safety Recall Notice # 22S74. Correspondence from Ford dated December 2022 stated parts to repair the problem were expected to be available Q1 2023. As of 5/5/23 there is no additional information available from Ford or it's dealer. My vehicle is unusable and there is no remedy available from Ford.

20230223CrashPOWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-450. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH there was a vibration coming through the steering and the entire vehicle. The contact stated there was an abnormal bang-like explosion that had come from under the floorboards. The contact stated that a section of the drive shaft had sheared off of the vehicle and rolled out onto the highway and struck another vehicle that had been behind the contact. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he lost forward momentum and was able to pull off the highway. The contact stated that the other vehicle had also pulled off behind his vehicle. The contact stated that there were no injuries, however, the trailing vehicle had had the section of the drive shaft penetrate through the front grill and damaged the radiator and condenser. The contact's vehicle had sustained damage to the rear undercarriage, shock absorbers, and fuel tank. The contact said that the police were

Mileage: 90,000

20230214POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V880000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle started to shudder violently, and the driveshaft detached. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact noticed that the transmission fluid was leaking. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the driveshaft had detached and damaged the transmission assembly, the skid plate, the fuel tank, the rear-end driveshaft housing, and other unknown components. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer sent a diagnostic report to the manufacturer. The manufacturer then informed the dealer that the contact needed to pay for the repair of the vehicle and may be reimbursed for the expenses. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for t

Mileage: 200,000

20221128STRUCTURE:BODY

Tailgate opens in transit and allows contents of bed to fall out of vehicle causing issues for drivers behind truck

20220818STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V087000 (Structure, Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

20220818POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V087000 (Structure, Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

20220712AIR BAGS

The vehicle air bag dash light warning lamp started to periodically come on and stay on, when it should have been off after the initial start cycle. When the air bag light is on, it reflects a defect in the system. Vehicle is not safe to drive with malfunctioning air bag system. The vehicle has a warranty on safety issues until 60,000 miles. We have confirmation of the issue in writing with Seth Wadley Ford dated March 12, 2020 with mileage recorded as 48,444. The service order number is 323328. It was again noted at Seth Wadley Ford dated July 6, 2020 with mileage recorded as 51,064. The service order number is 331898. Ford Motor Co. opened a case CAS-29479403. January 26, 2021 vehicle was dropped off at Seth Wadley Ford for repair. Ford Motor Co agreed to pay for the repair. The vehicle was in the shop until March 22, 2021. Service invoice number 348793 shows replacement of module, wiring asy main, sensor asy air bag, module seat heater control, and module seat heater control

20220527POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-450. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormal vibration and the driveshaft snapped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Cronin Ford (10700 New Haven Rd, Harrison, OH 45030, (513) 367-5300) but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V212000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

Mileage: 102,000

20211226STRUCTURE:BODY

Tailgate opens unexpectedly while vehicle is in motion. This has happened repeatedly over the past 12 months. After confirming that the tailgate was not inadvertently left open or opened while the vehicle was moving, we realized that the problem was internal. We could not find a cause of the problem with the tailgate opening. It caused damage to the tailgate and the towed fifth wheel. Cargo items stored in the truck bed (under the tonneau cover) have fallen out onto the road when the tailgate opens unexpectedly. This could have caused a major accident or death. I believe this truck has an electric tailgate latch release switch in the tailgate handle and I'm not sure whether this is a possible cause. We took the truck to the Ford dealer who advised that the tailgate was not covered by any recall or warranty other than the extended warranty we purchased, for which we had to pay a deductible. The Ford dealer is also denying any responsibility for damage to the tailgate itself, damage to

20211226ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Tailgate opens unexpectedly while vehicle is in motion. This has happened repeatedly over the past 12 months. After confirming that the tailgate was not inadvertently left open or opened while the vehicle was moving, we realized that the problem was internal. We could not find a cause of the problem with the tailgate opening. It caused damage to the tailgate and the towed fifth wheel. Cargo items stored in the truck bed (under the tonneau cover) have fallen out onto the road when the tailgate opens unexpectedly. This could have caused a major accident or death. I believe this truck has an electric tailgate latch release switch in the tailgate handle and I'm not sure whether this is a possible cause. We took the truck to the Ford dealer who advised that the tailgate was not covered by any recall or warranty other than the extended warranty we purchased, for which we had to pay a deductible. The Ford dealer is also denying any responsibility for damage to the tailgate itself, damage to

20210609LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-450. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the tailgate fell independently causing damage to the trim of the tailgate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed however, the mechanic found nothing that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 19V864000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

Mileage: 128,000

20210122STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD F-450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A LOUD CRUNCHING SOUND AND BECAME AWARE THAT THE TAILGATE HAD FALLEN ONTO THE TRAILER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SHAWNEE MISSION FORD (11501 SHAWNEE MISSION PKWY, SHAWNEE, KS 66203) WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT A PREVIOUS RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED CORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THOROUGHBRED FORD (8501 N. BOARDWALK AVE, KANSAS CITY, MO 64154) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DENT WAS BEING REPAIRED AND THE PART WAS BEING REPAINTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT A CLAIM NUMBER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.

Mileage: 69,000

20191218STRUCTURE:BODY

TAILGATE TO TRUCK HAS OPENED 3 TIMES WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND NOVEMBER 2019. I AM NOT SURE AT THE EXACT TIME AND CONDITIONS THAT THE TAILGATE OPENED BUT WEATHER WAS RAINING MID-DAY ON TWO OF THE OCCASIONS, THE THIRD WAS EARLY MORNING. ONE OF THE TIMES THE TAILGATE OPENED WAS WHILE TOWING A CARGO TRAILER WHICH RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE TOP OF THE TAILGATE AS IT FELL ON THE TRAILER TONGUE JACK HANDLE. AS A NEWLY RETIRED NAVY PILOT I 'PRE-FLIGHT' MY TRUCK AND TRAILER BEFORE EVERY DRIVE CHECKING SAFETY CHAINS, LOCKS, TIRES AND LIGHTS.

Mileage: 80

20191218ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WAS PASSING BY THE TRUCK THE ALARM WAS GOING OFF, UPON OPENING THE DOOR THERE WAS WATER POURING OUT OF THE DOOR, THEN I NOTICED THE FRONT DASH WAS SOAKING WET. THE CONSOLE HAD SEVERAL INCHES OF WATER IN IT. THE TRUCK WAS FLATBEDDED TO COLUMBIA FORD, FOUND SUNROOF WAS INSTALLED IMPROPERLY FROM FORD FACTORY. TRUCK HAS 2" OF WATER IN CONSOLE, DRIPPING FROM HEADLINER AND SWITCHES, AND FLOOR. SEATS ARE SOAKED. THE TRUCK IS CURRENTLY AT FORD DEALERSHIP THEY ARE TELLING ME THEY CANNOT REMOVE THE SEATS OR THE FLOOR MATS BECAUSE FORD WILL NOT REIMBURSE THEM TO DO THE JOB. NOW MY TRUCK HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO MAJOR WATER FOR 10 DAYS AND IS STILL NOT BEING FIXED. NO ONE IS TOUCHING THE WATER THAT REMAINS IN THE CONSOLE, FLOOR OR SEATS. FORD HAS BEEN CONTACTED DIRECTLY AND THEY HAVE DENIED REPLACEMENT OF THIS VEHICLE. THIS TRUCK ONLY HAS 23,000 MILES ON IT AND WAS IN EXTREMELY GOOD CONDLITION PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING. WE HAVE BEEN GOING TO THE DEALERSHIP EVERYDAY TO SEE IF THIS TRUCK IS DRYING OUT.

Mileage: 23,000

20191218SEATS

WAS PASSING BY THE TRUCK THE ALARM WAS GOING OFF, UPON OPENING THE DOOR THERE WAS WATER POURING OUT OF THE DOOR, THEN I NOTICED THE FRONT DASH WAS SOAKING WET. THE CONSOLE HAD SEVERAL INCHES OF WATER IN IT. THE TRUCK WAS FLATBEDDED TO COLUMBIA FORD, FOUND SUNROOF WAS INSTALLED IMPROPERLY FROM FORD FACTORY. TRUCK HAS 2" OF WATER IN CONSOLE, DRIPPING FROM HEADLINER AND SWITCHES, AND FLOOR. SEATS ARE SOAKED. THE TRUCK IS CURRENTLY AT FORD DEALERSHIP THEY ARE TELLING ME THEY CANNOT REMOVE THE SEATS OR THE FLOOR MATS BECAUSE FORD WILL NOT REIMBURSE THEM TO DO THE JOB. NOW MY TRUCK HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO MAJOR WATER FOR 10 DAYS AND IS STILL NOT BEING FIXED. NO ONE IS TOUCHING THE WATER THAT REMAINS IN THE CONSOLE, FLOOR OR SEATS. FORD HAS BEEN CONTACTED DIRECTLY AND THEY HAVE DENIED REPLACEMENT OF THIS VEHICLE. THIS TRUCK ONLY HAS 23,000 MILES ON IT AND WAS IN EXTREMELY GOOD CONDLITION PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING. WE HAVE BEEN GOING TO THE DEALERSHIP EVERYDAY TO SEE IF THIS TRUCK IS DRYING OUT.

Mileage: 23,000

20191218EXTERIOR LIGHTING

WAS PASSING BY THE TRUCK THE ALARM WAS GOING OFF, UPON OPENING THE DOOR THERE WAS WATER POURING OUT OF THE DOOR, THEN I NOTICED THE FRONT DASH WAS SOAKING WET. THE CONSOLE HAD SEVERAL INCHES OF WATER IN IT. THE TRUCK WAS FLATBEDDED TO COLUMBIA FORD, FOUND SUNROOF WAS INSTALLED IMPROPERLY FROM FORD FACTORY. TRUCK HAS 2" OF WATER IN CONSOLE, DRIPPING FROM HEADLINER AND SWITCHES, AND FLOOR. SEATS ARE SOAKED. THE TRUCK IS CURRENTLY AT FORD DEALERSHIP THEY ARE TELLING ME THEY CANNOT REMOVE THE SEATS OR THE FLOOR MATS BECAUSE FORD WILL NOT REIMBURSE THEM TO DO THE JOB. NOW MY TRUCK HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO MAJOR WATER FOR 10 DAYS AND IS STILL NOT BEING FIXED. NO ONE IS TOUCHING THE WATER THAT REMAINS IN THE CONSOLE, FLOOR OR SEATS. FORD HAS BEEN CONTACTED DIRECTLY AND THEY HAVE DENIED REPLACEMENT OF THIS VEHICLE. THIS TRUCK ONLY HAS 23,000 MILES ON IT AND WAS IN EXTREMELY GOOD CONDLITION PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING. WE HAVE BEEN GOING TO THE DEALERSHIP EVERYDAY TO SEE IF THIS TRUCK IS DRYING OUT.

Mileage: 23,000

20191202STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD F-450. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH AND HAULING A TRAILER, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A HARD RIGHT TURN WHEN, WITHOUT WARNING, THE TAILGATE DISENGAGED AND FELL TO THE GROUND. THE TAILGATE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,700.

Mileage: 55,700

20190911POWER TRAIN

DRIVE LINE VIBRATION SIMILAR TO FORD RECAL #17S08

Mileage: 6,000

Compare 2017FORDF-450 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 8 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2017 FORD F-450 have?
The 2017 FORD F-450 has 26 NHTSA complaints, 2 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 FORD F-450?
Yes, the 2017 FORD F-450 has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is EQUIPMENT. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 FORD F-450?
The most-complained component for the 2017 FORD F-450 is POWER TRAIN with 6 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STRUCTURE:BODY and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2017 FORD F-450 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.