This page covers 3 recalls and 12 owner complaints for the 2013 Ford E-450.
The dominant pattern in 2013 Ford E-450 complaints centers on the powertrain, with transmission problems being the most reported issue. Several owners describe a "Service Vehicle" warning light appearing while driving, with diagnosis pointing to a cracked clutch cylinder inside the transmission, a failure requiring a full transmission rebuild. A separate starting problem also shows up in the powertrain complaints: owners report that a warm engine won't restart immediately after being shut off, with the vehicle needing roughly 15 minutes before it will crank again. One report mentions a no-crank, no-start condition tied to the anti-theft system losing communication. Wheel-related complaints are the second most reported system, though the complaint volume across all categories is relatively low for this model year, with just 12 total reports on file.
12
Total Complaints
By System
The 2013 Ford E-450 has 3 recalls, the most serious being a wheelchair lift defect where cracked platform side plates can cause the lift platform to break free and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door, potentially dropping a passenger.
The wheelchair lift concern appears across two separate recall campaigns affecting vehicles modified by different specialty coachbuilders, but both trace back to the same Ricon Corporation lift models. In either case, the failure mode is the same: the side plates that hold the lift platform in position can develop cracks, leaving the platform unsupported. The third recall affects E-450 units built out as ambulances by VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists and equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager backup camera monitors. On those vehicles, the monitor can display a mirrored or otherwise misleading image when reversing, causing the driver to steer in the wrong direction to avoid an obstacle behind the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
The backup camera monitor may unexpectedly reset to factory settings, causing the camera image to display in reverse.
What the fix does
ASA Electronics will repair or replace the display monitor at no charge. Contact ASA Electronics at 1-800-384-4400.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The platform side plate on certain Ricon wheelchair lifts installed in Farber specialty vehicles may develop cracks.
What the fix does
Ricon dealers will install support bumpers to reinforce the platform. Cracked platforms will be replaced at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The platform side plate on certain wheelchair lifts may crack, potentially compromising lift stability and safety.
What the fix does
Ricon dealers will install supplemental support bumpers. Cracked platforms will be replaced at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
