Recall 11V445 affects 4,532 2011 Ford E-450, E-150, E-250, and E-350 vehicles for windshield bubbles. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 4,532 2011 E-450, E-150, E-250, and E-350 vehicles because windshields made under improper conditions can form bubbles after extended time in hot temperatures. Those bubbles can hinder the driver's visibility and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The windshield is the laminated glass panel in front of the driver and passengers. It gives the driver a clear view of the road and helps seal the cabin from wind, rain, and road debris. It also has to meet federal glazing rules that set how vehicle glass performs.
On affected 2011 Ford E-450, E-150, E-250, and E-350 vehicles, improper manufacturing conditions left some windshields vulnerable to bubbling after extended time in hot temperatures. Those bubbles form inside the windshield material. Once that happens, the glass no longer matches the required glazing standard for this vehicle.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners are expected to notice the problem only after bubbles appear in the windshield, especially after the vehicle has been exposed to heat for an extended time.
Who's affected?
Spans the E-150, E-250, E-350, and E-450 in the same model year, all tied to the windshield visibility component.
| 2011 Ford E-450 | visibility component |
|---|---|
| 2011 Ford E-150 | visibility component |
| 2011 Ford E-250 | visibility component |
| 2011 Ford E-350 | visibility component |
| Units affected | 4,532 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
Windshield bubbles can obstruct or distort the driver's view, increasing the risk of a crash. If bubbles are present, limit driving to necessary trips, keep the glass clean, and arrange a dealer inspection soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Ford E-450, E-150, E-250, or E-350 is included in this recall.
- Watch for Ford's owner notice, then contact a franchised Ford dealer about the free windshield inspection.
- Ask the dealer to inspect the windshield for heat-related bubbles and replace it if bubbles are present.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford sent one. If not, reference recall number 11V445 and Ford recall 11C20 when you call.
- Avoid driving if windshield bubbles block your view, and ask the Ford dealer for guidance before moving the vehicle.
What happens at the repair
Ford's listed dealer repair is an inspection of the windshield glass for bubbles that form after extended heat exposure. Once the repair is available, a Ford technician will inspect the windshield and replace it if bubbles are present. The dealer repair will be free under the recall, with parts and labor covered. Ford also identified recall campaign 11C20 for owners who contact Ford Customer Relationship Center.
Timeline
| August 26, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 31, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V445?
Recall 11V445 covers 4,532 2011 Ford E-450, E-150, E-250, and E-350 vehicles with windshields that can develop bubbles after extended heat exposure. Those bubbles can block driver visibility and increase crash risk. Ford dealers inspect the windshield and replace it for free if bubbles are present.
What should I do if my 2011 Ford E-450, E-150, E-250, or E-350 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 11V445. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask for the windshield inspection under Ford recall 11C20. The dealer replaces the windshield for free if bubbles are present.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the defect at no cost. Ford dealers inspect the windshield and replace it free of charge if the inspection finds bubbles related to this recall.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is reduced driver visibility. Ford reported that windshield bubbles can hinder the driver's view, which increases the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included and you see bubbles in the windshield, schedule the free dealer inspection and repair.
What if I bought this Ford vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2011 Ford E-Series vehicle is included, then give the dealer recall number 11V445 or Ford campaign number 11C20 when you call.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V445000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V445 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V445000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →