Ford F-250 problems
The Ford Super Duty (also known as the Ford F-Series Super Duty) is a series of heavy-duty pickup trucks produced by the Ford Motor Company since the 1999 model year. Slotted above the consumer-oriented Ford F-150, the Super Duty trucks are an expansion of the Ford F-Series range, from F-250 to the F-600. The F-250 through F-450 are offered as pickup trucks, while the F-350 through F-600 are offered as chassis cabs.
Rather than adapting the lighter-duty F-150 truck for heavier use, Super Duty trucks have been designed as a dedicated variant of the Ford F-Series. The heavier-duty chassis components allow for heavier payloads and towing capabilities. With a GVWR over 8,500 lb (3,900 kg), Super Duty pickups are Class 2 and 3 trucks, while chassis-cab trucks are offered in Classes 3, 4, 5, and 6. The model line also offers Ford Power Stroke V8 diesel engines as an option.
Ford also offers a medium-duty version of the F-Series (F-650 and F-750), which is sometimes branded as the Super Duty, but is another chassis variant. The Super Duty pickup truck also served as the basis for the Ford Excursion full-sized SUV.
The Super Duty trucks and chassis-cabs are assembled at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, and at Ohio Assembly in Avon Lake, Ohio. Prior to 2016, medium-duty trucks were assembled in Mexico under the Blue Diamond Truck joint venture with Navistar International.
Social links
Ford F-250 model years
Common Ford F-250 problems
The Ford F-250, a popular heavy-duty pickup truck, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. These issues range from engine troubles to suspension problems and steering difficulties.
Engine troubles are the most prevalent problem with the Ford F-250, affecting all models to some degree. Specifically, the 2006 model stands out as the worst iteration of the F-250, with engine troubles being especially difficult. Some of the specific engine troubles include EGR failure, stalling engine while driving, and sudden loss of power. These issues can be costly and inconvenient for drivers, as they may require expensive replacements.
Suspension issues are another common problem with the Ford F-250. These issues can lead to an inability to control the vehicle for drivers, making them dangerous and expensive to fix. The 2006 and 2011 models are particularly susceptible to suspension issues, with problems such as death wobble, hyper shaking, and shaking and loss of control being reported.
Steering difficulties are also a common problem with the Ford F-250, with the 2017 model being particularly problematic. Some of the steering issues that surface for drivers of this vehicle include wobbles when steering and locking up the steering wheel. These control issues also correlate with the suspension difficulties mentioned earlier.
Exhaust problems are another issue that has been reported by owners of the Ford F-250. These problems can include muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, and leaks. These issues can be costly to repair and can affect the vehicle's performance.
In summary, the Ford F-250 has several common problems that owners have reported, including engine troubles, suspension issues, steering difficulties, and exhaust problems. These issues can be costly and inconvenient for drivers, and it is essential to be aware of them when purchasing or maintaining a Ford F-250.
What years of F-250 to avoid?
The Ford F-250 years to stay away from include:
- 2002.
- 2006.
- 2008.
- 2011.
- 2017.
What is the best year to buy a used F-250?
The 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2005 Ford F-250 models are still talked about to this day. They offered excellent performance and great reliability.
Is the Ford F-250 reliable?
The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 22% for the Ford F-250 Super Duty, compared to an average of 18% for fullsize trucks and 12% for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
What is considered high mileage for a F-250?
Ford's F-Series pickups are the most popular truck in America, and Ford trucks have a reputation for reliability. Like with the Duramax and Cummins engines, these engines can often last up to 500,000 miles. However, anything over 350,000 miles is usually considered high mileage for a Powerstroke engine.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ford F-250 years
We have researched Ford problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ford F-250 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Ford F-250 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ford F-250 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ford F-250 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ford F-250 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ford F-250 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Steering problems
- Suspension problems
- Tires problems
- Service brakes problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ford F-250 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by F-250 model years
A total of 240 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by F-250 model years
There were a total of 203 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by F-250 model years
There were a total of 166 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by F-250 model years
There were a total of 19 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 4145 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ford F-250 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ford F-250 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Ford F-250 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 1FTNF21558E
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: UNKNOWN
Ford F-250 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 1FTSW21R28E
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed the oil dipstick indicated that the engine was overfilled with oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the high-pressure fuel pump causing diesel fuel to leak into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the engine had previously been replaced at 288,000 miles. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 307,000.
Ford F-250 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 1FTSW21P75E
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud rumbling noise that sounded like rocks in the engine. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle was parked and the engine was turned off, the vehicle was started, however, the vehicle did not start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that her husband was an independent mechanic and had recently replaced several unknown parts, however the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 246,808.
Ford F-250 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-09
- VIN: 1FTSX21R48E
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE HAD A FULL TREAD SEPERATION WHILE DOING 65 ON [XXX] IN BROWARD COUNTY FL CAUSED DAMAGE TO DRIVER SIDE FRONT FENDER AND ALLOY RIM , WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD WITH NO ACCIDENT TIRE SIZE WAS LT275 / 70 R18 AND HAD LESS THAN 12000 MILES I CHECKED THE OTHER 3 TIRES AND A COUPLE HAVE UNUSUAL WEAR WHICH MAY BE STARTING TO HAVE THE TREAD SEPERATE AS YOU CAN A CRACK FORMING WHERE THE FAILED TIRE SEPERATED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Ford F-250 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-08
- VIN: 1FT7W2BT7BE
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: We have experienced the well-reported Death Wobble multiple times - beginning approx in 2020 - going approx 55 mph on a one-lane highway and hit a slight bump in the road. Could not control the vehicle, the steering wheel started shaking violently as we headed for a concrete bridge. Had to stop the vehicle completely. Then we experienced the same Incident on different roads. We had the vehicle front end fixed by a reputable mechanic, and we’ve ended up having the front end suspension rebuilt, so far 3 times. The latest incident was in 2024, we experienced it again driving about 60 mph. This truck is standard stock - has not been lifted or modified in any way. We do not drive it very often as it is used as a farm vehicle.
Ford F-250 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-06
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTNW20P63E
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: Truck had no check engine light then caught on fire going down the road and burned to ground within seconds Incident report 46-24-05039 08_30-74 US-30 - PA 74 30 W
Ford F-250 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-30
- VIN: 1FT7W2BT6BE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: See attached document for complaint.
Ford F-250 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-25
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front of the vehicle was shaking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering column had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Ford F-250 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-04
- VIN: 1FTSW21R79E
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the cruise control was inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The dealer changed the filters and sensors. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the fuel tank was contaminated. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 128,484.
Ford F-250 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-27
- VIN: 1FTSX20R98E
- Components: STEERING,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: Clock spring frayed and uncoiled. Unknown steering issue till clockspring checked. Airbag inflator is unoperational. Current clockspring recall for Ford does not cover this vehicle. Widen your recall. Most owners would believe it to be a power steering issue with pump and fluid, like we did.
Ford F-250 1997
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-26
- VIN: 1FTHW26G2VE
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the fuel strap failed and there was a hole in the fuel tank. The contact stated that there was fuel leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V385000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 00V231000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
Ford F-250 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-05
- VIN: 1FTSW21P25E
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Wrench light comes on, but truck goes into limp loses power very dangerous don't know if it's going to cause me to be rear-ended, steering goes back and forth right to left can't hardly hold it in road
Ford F-250 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-24
- VIN: 1FTNX21P94E
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2004 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Ford F-250 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-09
- VIN: 1FTSX21RX9E
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: While driving at freeway speeds (typically above 50mph) the vehicle will have extended steering oscillation (violent shaking of the steering wheel) after going over normal expansion joints in the roadway and other roadway bumps. It is impossible to control the vehicle steering when oscillations start. Sometimes the only thing that stops the oscillations is slowing, and leaving the freeway. No warning messages or lamps appear. When brought to dealership for repair, was told to contact manufacturer customer service.
Ford F-250 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-06
- VIN: 1FTSX21516E
- Components: STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: Our truck has been doing the "death wobble" several times over the last 2 years. The truck will suddenly shake violently at high speeds and go into limp mode. We have to pull over pumping the brakes slowly. It is EXTREMELY TERRIFYING to have happen and we have spent THOUSANDS trying to get it repaired but it continues.
Latest 5 recalls Ford F-250
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 151 recalls for different components of the Ford F-250.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ford F-250 2019
- Report Received Date: 2020-09-23
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 F-250 and F-350, single rear wheel and dual rear wheel, 4X4 vehicles. The front axles may contain a wheel end yoke that was not properly welded to the axle tube end.
- Consequence: An improperly welded axle may affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners and dealers will inspect the front axle wheel yoke weld location. If the weld is found to be inaccurately located, the axle assembly will be replaced free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S56.
- Model: Ford F-250 2019
- Report Received Date: 2019-09-30
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 F-250 and F-350 vehicles equipped with electronically locking rear differentials. The passenger side rear axle shaft may fail prematurely due to a material issue.
- Consequence: A broken passenger side rear axle could result in a loss of drive power and the inability to hold the vehicle still when in Park. If the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger side rear axle shaft, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S31.
- Model: Ford F-250 2020
- Report Received Date: 2019-08-28
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
- Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
- Model: Ford F-250 2019
- Report Received Date: 2019-08-28
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
- Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
- Model: Ford F-250 2015
- Report Received Date: 2019-05-29
- Manufacturer: VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists (VCI) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550, 2014 E-350 and E-450, 2015 F-250 and F-450, 2016 E-450, 2017 E-350, F-450 and E-450, 2018 F-350, 2010 E-450, 2005-2006 E-450, 2009 E-450 and Chevrolet C4500-based Type I and Type III ambulances equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The monitors may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversed.
- Consequence: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists will work with ASA to notify the owners, and remedy the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics at 1-800-384-4400.
Latest negative Ford F-250 car reviews
Latest positive Ford F-250 car reviews
-
Vehicle year: 1995
F250, Extended cab, diesel power stroke XL. Dream Machine.
-
Vehicle year: 1998
The diesel capacitor issue was easily resolved by upgrading to Ford's 3rd generation capacitor, which is now highly reliable. Additionally, I improved the truck's height by adding a leaf all around instead of using a lift kit, and I am extremely satisfied with the results. This truck is highly dependable and capable of handling any terrain. I immediately upgraded to 265 tires. While the plastic trim on the XLT's interior is fragile, the rear seat is adequate, as we've had teenagers sit in the back for long trips twice. For optimal performance, I highly recommend choosing the manual transmission when selecting a diesel, as it provides the added benefit of using engine compression off-road and in poor road conditions.
-
Vehicle year: 1999
You've put over 60k miles on this amazing truck, including hauling a 36' fifth wheel trailer all the way from California to Tennessee! It's so impressive that you make yearly trips down into Baja Mexico. Although it let you down once due to a rare failure of the camshaft sensor, we understand that modern computer reliance can be a risk. It's great to hear that you love this truck and have no intention of ever giving it up. Just adding a posi unit to it will make it even better!
-
Vehicle year: 1993
It's great to hear that you're enjoying your truck! From personal experience, I know that it's dependable and has plenty of power. It also looks great both inside and out. I do have a question though, do you happen to know what the mpg was for this truck when it was new? I'm only getting 6 miles per gallon with my 460 cubic inch engine and 4 speed auto trans. Other than that, I'm very happy with my truck despite the gas mileage.
-
Vehicle year: 1990
It's great that the 302/5.0l engine in the 3/4 ton 4+4 truck can handle pulling your 25-foot pontoon boat, even though some may argue that it needs more power. And with the 5-speed, it performs well even when unloaded. Thank goodness for that!
Are you having problems with your Ford F-250?
Vaughn Marks 2024-11-15
Vehicle year: 1994
This truck has had some quality issues and engineering problems as a work vehicle. Unfortunately, from day one, the front brakes would stick and Ford was unable to fix them. Additionally, from 40K miles, there were leaks in various places such as the valve guides, main seal, A/C compressor, rear axle, pinion seal, clutch slave cylinder, master cylinder, and a rusted gas tank. The engine bay is cluttered and can be difficult to work on, and the fuel filter is in a challenging spot for replacement. The truck also experiences poor torque from a standing start. There have been other issues that seem to be the result of Ford trying new ideas and materials that didn't work out. However, we appreciate your feedback and will work to improve our products in the future.
Isai Kassulke 2024-11-03
Vehicle year: 1999
It's a Ford, it can go just about anywhere.
Al Schoen 2024-10-01
Vehicle year: 1995
Your '95 F250 has been performing impressively even under heavy stress. We have been using it to tow a 16' trailer and haul heavy loads like bricks or other building materials. The 460 engine always starts well and has lots of power and torque despite being a fairly primitive engine design. Although the fuel economy is usually anywhere from 9 mpg city/12 mpg highway, depending on the load and wind conditions, the truck has been a solid and reliable work truck. The only issues we have encountered are some rear brake problems, cheap interior plastic parts, and some issues with the clutch linkage.
Elvis Langworth 2024-09-07
Vehicle year: 1998
No major problems (yet). Mine has the small V8 with a tow package, so it can be slow going up hills with a trailer. At 100k miles, the transmission is starting to have rough shifts when cold. However, I haven't done much towing or city driving, and it has a cooler as part of the tow package. Surprisingly, the original Goodyear tires lasted 92k miles! Additionally, I'm still on the original disk brake pads at 108k miles. Overall, this is the best truck I have ever owned.
Jesse Fay 2024-08-03
Vehicle year: 1994
The truck is great! Although the mileage is not the best, it more than makes up for it with its impressive power and torque.