2007 Ford E-450 Super Duty
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of common issues reported for the 2007 Ford E-450 Super Duty, organized by category and engine/transmission options, adhering to your specified format. The 2007 Ford E-450 Super Duty is a popular choice for commercial applications like ambulances, shuttle buses, and recreational vehicles due to its robust chassis and payload capacity. The E-450 Super Duty was available with two engine options: the 5.4L Triton V8 and the 6.8L Triton V10. The 5.4L V8 produced approximately 255 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Common owner praises included the vehicle’s reliability and ample cargo space. Downsides mentioned often involve the lower fuel efficiency and some ride quality concerns especially when not loaded.
Engine
5.4L Triton V8
- Spark Plug Issues (Specifically with 2-piece Spark Plugs)
- Description/Symptoms: Spark plugs are prone to breaking inside the cylinder head during removal. This can cause significant difficulty in spark plug replacement. Misfires can occur due to faulty spark plugs.
- Solution: Use a specialized tool designed to remove broken spark plugs. Careful extraction is necessary to avoid damage to the cylinder head. Replacement with one-piece spark plugs can prevent future occurrences.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (depending on the number of plugs broken and labor required for extraction, and if cylinder head repair is needed).
- Recalls: None Found
- Roller Follower Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The roller followers that contact the camshaft are prone to failure that leads to excessive engine noise, and potentially valve train damage.
- Solution: Replacing roller followers, potentially the camshaft if damaged.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2500+
- Recalls: None Found
6.8L Triton V10
- Exhaust Manifold Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Exhaust manifold studs are prone to breaking, leading to exhaust leaks. This can cause a noticeable hissing sound, reduced fuel economy, and potentially exhaust fumes entering the cabin.
- Solution: Replacing broken exhaust manifold studs and gaskets. In some cases, the exhaust manifold itself may need to be replaced if it’s warped or damaged.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Spark Plug Issues (Specifically with 2-piece Spark Plugs)
- Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 5.4L, the 6.8L also suffers from the problematic two-piece spark plugs.
- Solution: Same as 5.4L
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Same as 5.4L
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4R75E Automatic Transmission
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at lower speeds. Complete transmission failure is possible in severe cases.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter. A transmission flush and filter change is recommended at the same time.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Shift Solenoid Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, harsh shifting, or failure to shift into certain gears.
- Solution: Replace the faulty shift solenoid(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Leaf Spring Sagging/Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rear end sagging, especially when loaded. Reduced ride quality and handling. In extreme cases, broken leaf springs.
- Solution: Replace the leaf springs. Consider upgrading to heavy-duty leaf springs if the vehicle is frequently used for heavy loads.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ (per axle)
- Recalls: None Found
- Ball Joint Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Front-end noises (clunking or squeaking), loose steering, uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replace worn ball joints.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (per side)
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Alternator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dimming headlights, warning lights on the dashboard, eventually leading to the vehicle stalling.
- Solution: Replace the alternator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
- Recalls: None Found
- Blend Door Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: HVAC system blowing hot or cold air regardless of the temperature setting. Clicking noises from behind the dashboard.
- Solution: Replace the faulty blend door actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust (Especially Around Wheel Wells and Body Seams)
- Description/Symptoms: Visible rust forming on the body, particularly around wheel wells, rocker panels, and body seams.
- Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels. Rust prevention treatments to slow down further corrosion.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ (depending on the severity and extent of the rust)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Headliner Sagging
- Description/Symptoms: Headliner fabric detaching from the backing and sagging down.
- Solution: Re-glue or replace the headliner.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2007 Ford E-450 Super Duty, while generally reliable, does have some recurring issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. Engine problems like spark plug issues and exhaust manifold leaks on the V10 can be costly to repair. The transmission, while robust, can suffer from torque converter or shift solenoid failures. Suspension wear and rust are also common concerns. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to potentially expensive repairs. Addressing these issues proactively can help maintain the vehicle’s reliability and longevity.