1FDXE4FSXCDB092492012 FORD E-450
2012 FORD E-450 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 4 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 4 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
Executive Summary
2012 FORD E-450
2012 FORD E-450 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 4 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 4 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
- 4 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
4 owner complaints filed — top areas: Suspension/Wheels (75%), Engine/Powertrain (25%).
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- E-450
- Year
- 2012
- Trim / Series
- Econoline
- Body Style
- Incomplete - Cutaway
- Vehicle Type
- INCOMPLETE VEHICLE
- Drive Type
- RWD/Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 10-cyl 6.8L 305 hp
- Manufacturer
- FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Assembly
- AVON LAKE, OHIO, UNITED STATES (USA)
- GVWR
- Class 4: 14,001 - 16,000 lb (6,350 - 7,258 kg)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: AVON LAKE, OHIO
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Fuel system recall
- ▸2 fuel system recall(s) — potential ignition risk
- ⚠2 recalls on same component: Fuel System
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
Owners of the 2012 FORD E-450 report suspension/wheels issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
4 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 4 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 4 recalls is ~67%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
FORD completes recalls at a good rate (89%), averaging about 18 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~18 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
SummaryAdrian Steel Company (Adrian) is recalling certain model year 2012 Ford E-150, E-250 and E-350 Commercial Cargo Vans modified by Adrian between September 21, 2012, to September 24, 2012. The affected vehicles are equipped with certain propane fuel system conversion kits with an aluminum fuel line fitting manufactured by Roush CleanTech. Due to a reaction between the different metals, the affected kits may develop a propane leak where the aluminum fuel line fitting contacts the brass supply valve housing.Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
SummaryFarber Specialty Vehicles (Farber) is recalling various specialty vehicles modified by Farber and equipped with model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
SummaryElkhart Coach (Elkhart) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-350 and Ford E-450 vehicles manufactured January 1, 2006, to May 1, 2014 and equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
SummaryRoush Performance Products, Inc. (Roush) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford E-150 Wagons and Cargo Vans, E-250 Cargo Vans and Extended Cargo Vans, E-350 Wagons, Extended Wagons, Cargo Vans, and Extended Vans, and E-450 Cutaway models. These models were modified by Roush to be equipped with certain propane fuel system conversion kits manufactured January 2011 to August 2012 with an aluminum fuel line fitting. Due to a reaction between the different metals, the affected kits may develop a propane leak where the aluminum fuel line fitting contacts the brass supply valve housing.Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Manufacturer Recall Response Time
Time between first owner complaint and recall issuance
Recall was issued within 3 months of first complaints — relatively prompt response.
Complaint Intelligence
4 complaints analyzed across 2 system categories
Owner Complaints
4 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
The contact owns a 2012 Forest River Sunseeker built on a 2012 Ford E-450 chassis, equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: LTX MS2, Tire Size: LT225/75/R16. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal vibration in the front end. The contact became aware that the driver’s side front tire belt was going through the side wall. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who changed another tire. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The tire failure mileage was approximately 13,000. The vehicle failure mileage was unknown.
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE THE MOTOR BLOCK BLEW. THERE WAS A LOUD, FAST CLICKING NOISE FOLLOWED BY CLUNKING AND SMOKE FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. ALL FLUIDS WERE GOOD BUT THERE WAS A FEW DROPS OF OIL ON THE GROUND. THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT THAT HE HAS PREVIOUSLY SEEN. THE VEHICLE WAS MAINTAINED AND THOROUGHLY CHECKED BEFORE THE ROAD TRIP.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD E-450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR LUG NUT LOOSENED CAUSING THE WHEEL HUB TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WRONG TYPE OF WHEEL WAS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ALUMINUM WHEEL WAS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE INSTEAD OF THE REQUIRED STEEL WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VEHICLE SPECS CALLED FOR A HUB CENTRIC WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN RV CENTER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE INCORRECT WHEEL BEING INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE WRONG STYLE WHEEL WAS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,600. *LN*JB*DT*JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD E-450 (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE REAR TIRES WERE FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE WHEEL SIMULATORS SEVERING THE VALVE STEMS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 4 NHTSA complaints on file for the FORD E-450 — a relatively low volume that spans from 2014 to 2022.
The amber reliability line averaged 100/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 98/100 in 2020.
The recall (red dashed line) were issued in the same year or before complaints peaked, suggesting the manufacturer identified and acted on the defect relatively quickly.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $33,114 (~$552/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2012 FORD E-450 — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
- ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for 1FDXE4FSXCDB09249. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
FORD has been fined $17M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2015: Failure to timely file Early Warning Reports on defect data.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 1FDXE4FSXCDB09249 |
| Model Year | 2012 |
| Make | FORD |
| Model | E-450 |
| Series | Econoline |
| Vehicle Type | INCOMPLETE VEHICLE |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Incomplete - Cutaway |
| Drive Type | RWD/Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 10 |
| Displacement (L) | 6.8 |
| Horsepower | 305 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | FORD MOTOR COMPANY |
| Assembly City | AVON LAKE |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 1FD |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | X |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | C |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | D |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | B09249 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 4 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 4 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 8/3/2026, 10:32:04 PM.