MODEL
Ford F-450 Safety
NHTSA safety across every Ford F-450 model year we cover.
Across the 2 model years of the Ford F-450 we cover (2019 to 2020), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. 5 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Ford F-450 Super Duty is a heavy-duty work truck aimed squarely at commercial operators, contractors, and serious haulers who need maximum towing and payload capacity. Sitting at the top of Ford's F-Series lineup, this full-size pickup bridges the gap between a conventional truck and a medium-duty commercial vehicle. Its buyers prioritize capability above all, but safety data still deserves a hard look.
For the 2019 and 2020 model years, the F-450 received no crash-test ratings from NHTSA, leaving its Safety Index uncalculated. This is not uncommon for vehicles of this gross weight rating, but it means a significant portion of its safety profile remains unassessed by federal standards. The F-450 accumulated 5 recalls across the two model years. While this figure requires monitoring for a heavy-duty commercial truck, the more immediate concern arises from the 43 owner-reported complaints submitted to NHTSA. Among these, 2 involved alleged crashes and 2 involved alleged fires. Two distinct complaints also included injury allegations. Though these are unverified owner accounts, the fire-related complaints warrant particular attention given the potential for severe consequences. Owners are advised to regularly check their vehicle's VIN against NHTSA's recall lookup tool to ensure all applicable safety bulletins have been addressed. The absence of federal crash data places a greater onus on owners to remain vigilant regarding recalls and reported issues.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the F-450 as an impressively capable work-focused truck with a commanding presence and a well-appointed cabin in higher trim levels. They tend to praise its towing and hauling credentials while noting that its sheer size demands adjustment from drivers accustomed to lighter-duty vehicles. Ride refinement and maneuverability in tight spaces are commonly cited as trade-offs inherent to the platform.
- NHTSA did not conduct crash testing on the 2019 or 2020 F-450, so there are no federal star ratings available for either model year covered here.
- Five recalls were issued across the 2019 and 2020 model years. Owners should check their specific VIN at NHTSA's official recall database to confirm whether any open recalls apply to their truck.
- Owner complaints include 2 reported fire incidents across both model years. While these are unverified allegations, fire-related complaints in a heavy-duty work truck warrant careful attention, particularly for vehicles used in demanding commercial environments.
- With 43 total complaints logged across just two model years, shoppers buying used examples should review the full NHTSA complaint history for their specific model year before purchasing.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Ford F-450 with 4 recalls.