On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter hub greatly increases the likelihood of the flexplate cracking in the future. Missing dowels may cause a misalignment issue also resulting in a premature failure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Ford E-450 powertrain problems
moderate 4 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 4 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 Ford E-450, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Various 2013-2019 vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P264F after powertrain control module (PCM) replacement. This DTC indicates that the engine serial number (ESN) must be programmed into the PCM. The ESN is located on PTS> OASIS> Features> Engine Serial Number. Once the ESN is obtained from the historical vehicle bill of materials (HvBOM), it can be programmed into the PCM using the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. Navigate to the toolbox tab> powertrain menu> Service Functions> ESN.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2009-2016 E-Series, F-Super Duty, 2009-2015 F-53 Motorhome and 2011-2015 F-59 Stripped Chassis vehicles equipped with a TorqShift® transmission and a transmission built on or before 12/15/2015 may exhibit a MIL with DTCs P0751, P0730 and/or P2700
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Torqshift Transmission - Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) diagnostic trouble codes (DTCS) P0751, P0730 and/or P2700
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford e-450. While operating the vehicle, the "service vehicle" warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (morris buffalo Ford, 702 e. Highway 55, buffalo, mn) where it was diagnosed that the clutch cylinder well inside the tranmission was cracked and the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The manufacturer was notified and no assistance…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford e-450. While operating the vehicle, the "service vehicle" warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (morris buffalo Ford, 702 e. Highway 55, buffalo mn) where it was diagnosed that the clutch cylinder well inside the tranmission was cracked and the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The manufacturer was notified and no assistance was…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford e-450. While operating the vehicle, the "service vehicle" warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (morris buffalo Ford, 702 e. Highway 55, buffalo mn) where it was diagnosed that the clutch cylinder well inside the tranmission was cracked and the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The manufacturer was notified and no assistance was…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford e-450. While operating the vehicle, the "service vehicle" warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (morris buffalo Ford, 702 e. Highway 55, buffalo mn) where it was diagnosed that the clutch cylinder well inside the tranmission was cracked and the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The manufacturer was notified and no assistance was…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 Ford E-450?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2013 Ford E-450?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 4 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 4 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 70,500 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Ford/E-450.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.