Ford F-350 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.
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Ford F-350 model years
Common Ford F-350 problems
Based on the complaints from Ford F-350 owners, several common problems have been reported with these vehicles. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- Death Wobble: This problem has been frequently reported by owners, particularly in models from 2009 to 2021, with the 2017 and 2019 models experiencing it the most. The "death wobble" occurs when driving over potholes or speed bumps, leading to severe steering wheel vibrations and instability.
- Loose Steering: Owners have reported issues with loose steering, especially in models from 2011 to 2017. The cause is often attributed to a bad steering box or steering column, although tie rods, pitman arms, or ball joints could also be contributing factors.
- PTO Pressure Oil Leaks: A common problem in 6.8L gasoline engine models from 2009 to 2013 involves oil leaks through the PTO pressure switch. These leaks can lead to fires due to oil reaching the thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
- Spark Plug Issues: Pre-2009 Ford F-350 models are prone to spark plug issues caused by combustion pressure, leading to plugs firing through the cylinder head. Repairs may involve fixing threads, replacing the cylinder head, and gasket if the damage is severe.
- Turbocharger Issues: Across several generations, turbocharger problems causing a loud bang and loss of power have been reported. This issue, known as "turbocharger blow-off," results from a cracked plastic housing between the turbo and intake, necessitating replacement of the housing.
- Engine Block Heater Issues: Models from 2015 to 2019 have experienced engine block heater problems, prompting Ford to issue recalls. Squeaky cabins have also been reported in the 2017 models.
These problems highlight some of the key issues faced by Ford F-350 owners, ranging from steering and engine-related issues to turbocharger and cabin concerns. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to these issues can help ensure the longevity and performance of Ford F-350 vehicles.
Is the Ford F-350 reliable?
The Ford F-350 Super Duty Reliability Rating is 1.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 17th out of 17 for fullsize trucks. The average annual repair cost is $1,295 which means it has poor ownership costs. The frequency of repairs is average, but when issues do arise, they are more likely to be severe than with other models.
What year 6.7 powerstroke to avoid?
Ford 6.7-liter Power Stroke Common Problems
Issues with the Ford 6.7-liter Power Stroke are most pronounced in the first generation (2011-2014), but some problems have transcended generations. The injection pump could be trouble in pre-2020 engines.
How many miles will a Ford F-350 last?
With proper care and regular maintenance, it's not uncommon for Ford F350 engines to last well beyond 200,000 miles. Routine oil changes, timely replacement of filters, and addressing any issues promptly can contribute to the longevity of the engine.
What is the recall on the Ford F-350?
The recall includes an estimated 41,555 2023 Super Duty F-250 and F-350 trucks equipped with single rear wheels and a 10.5-in. rear axle shaft. Dealers will inspect the left rear axle shaft date code and replace the axle shaft as necessary, free of charge.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ford F-350 years
We have researched Ford problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ford F-350 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Ford F-350 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ford F-350 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ford F-350 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ford F-350 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ford F-350 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Steering problems
- Service brakes problems
- Tires problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ford F-350 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by F-350 model years
A total of 185 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-350 model years
There were a total of 126 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-350 model years
There were a total of 130 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-350 model years
There were a total of 14 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 2507 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ford F-350 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ford F-350 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Ford F-350 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-04
- VIN: 1FDWF37P37E
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Engine is the 2.7 Ecoboost and is becoming louder and louder with many ticks and sounds whether you are driving or idling the vehicle at a stop light. Every morning the engine ticks and revs very high and emits huge billowing white smoke from the exhaust whether it’s warm or cold outside. Believe the engine is needing to be replaced in the upcoming recall from ford for the exact engine.
Ford F-350 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-17
- VIN: 1FT8W3B66DE
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: Every time I hit a bump it starts to shake and I have to slow way down to stop it. Was told not to drive on highway that it has what they call the death wobble.
Ford F-350 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-07
- VIN: 1FTWW31R69E
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS
- Summary: When I hit a bump at between 55 and up, the Truck develops a death wobble even after having all the steering components, including ball joints, tie, rod ends, stabilizer, bar, shocks, replaced
Ford F-350 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-26
- VIN: 1FT7W3BT1DE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21M04. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 78,500.
Ford F-350 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-02
- VIN: 1FTJW35F9RE
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: On 7/2/24, I went to Robinson Brothers Ford in Baton Rouge, LA to address an unrepaired Recall item on a 1994 F350. The service advisor refused to perform the recall work. They stated that the vehicle was too old. This recall is concerning an issue with a switch that can leak break fluid and cause an engine fire.
Ford F-350 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-14
- VIN: 1FTWW31P65E
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Vehicle stalls while driving and wont start again suddenly while operating. Fuel injectors won’t feed fuel line to restart or operate. Occasional start but then stalls continuously until battery dies from trying. Will start when priming the carburetor however will not stay running and stalls out.
Ford F-350 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-13
- VIN: 1FTWW30P86E
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that fuel was leaking underneath the front driver's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the fuel pump block-off plate and plug. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Ford F-350 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-08
- VIN: 1FTWW31YX6
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Ford F-350 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-21
- VIN: 1FTSW31F72E
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: [XXX] tire on driver's rear began to have significant vibration while towing 16,000 lb. fifth-wheel RV. Stopped and visually/tactilely determined unusual wear pattern so went to commercial tire shop in Pahrump, NV. Their inspection determined tread separation rendering the tire unusable so we replaced it with a different brand. This is the second of three tires installed at the same time that have suffered tread separation failure. The first was in July 2023 and was not reported to NHTSA, but when two more tires failed at the same time, I decided to report. Because this type of failure does not produce TPMS warnings, it could have been a catastrophic failure that might have resulted in damage to our vehicles and/or a crash with significant injury to us or other motorists. With three failures from the same batch of tires on our vehicle, I believe there is a serious problem with this batch of tires and they should be recalled. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Ford F-350 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-21
- VIN: 1FTSW31F72E
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: [XXX] tire on passenger’s rear began to have significant vibration while towing 16,000 lb. fifth-wheel RV. Stopped and visually/tactilely determined unusual wear pattern so went to commercial tire shop in Pahrump, NV. Their inspection determined tread separation rendering the tire unusable so we replaced it with a different brand. This is the third of three tires installed at the same time that have suffered tread separation failure. The first was in July 2023 and was not reported to NHTSA, but when two more tires failed at the same time, I decided to report. Because this type of failure does not produce TPMS warnings, it could have been a catastrophic failure that might have resulted in damage to our vehicles and/or a crash with significant injury to us or other motorists. With three failures from the same batch of tires on our vehicle, I believe there is a serious problem with this batch of tires and they should be recalled. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Ford F-350 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-29
- VIN: 1FTWW33P75E
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: Twice today, traveling at 75mph on highway [XXX] (northbound and then several hours later southbound) just north of Ardmore OK, I experienced a violent shaking of the steering wheel/front wheel shimmy. The vehicle was difficult to control due to the violent shaking that did not stop until the vehicle slowed to approximately 20mph. Once the shaking stopped the vehicle was okay to drive. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Ford F-350 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-15
- VIN: 1FTWX32S2YE
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I scan the truck misfire keep popping up I change four coil packs and all new sparkplugs and the same thing 4cyl misfire again and its paper sucking up thru tail pipe
Ford F-350 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-02
- VIN: 1FT8W3BT9DE
- Components: STEERING,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: When driving my 2013 Ford 350 Crew Cab 4x4 6.7 Diesel with only 68,000 miles stock with original equiptment , I was driving to my chemo appt as I have stage 4 cancer and a mom of a young son the truck started a shake and the sterring wheel violently came away from my hands. It got so bad I almost went into oncoming traffic putting my sons life and myself and others in danger, I have brought this truck to local shop and they figure it out. This has gone several times. Its my primary truck. Im a widow and need a safe truck. I cant bring to dealer as they charge $150 hr. I dont have a extended warranty on the truck, No codes popped up on dash, Ford has many complaints with there trucks including the f 150 which i owned and it lived at the shop . over $10,000 out of pocket and problem never fixed always can find issue. something needs to be done before someone gets killed in a accident .
Ford F-350 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-02
- VIN: 1FTWW33F21E
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The vehicle just stated honking the horn , no key was in the ignition and no one was driving truck
Ford F-350 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-15
- Date Complaint: 2023-12-29
- VIN: 1FTWW33P46E
- Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the front of the vehicle started to wobble. While driving over a pothole, the vehicle wobbled violently. The contact was unable to control the vehicle while driving over 35 MPH. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact detected smoke coming from the vehicle. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who informed him there were no recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 99,856.
Latest 5 recalls Ford F-350
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 114 recalls for different components of the Ford F-350.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ford F-350 2020
- Report Received Date: 2020-09-30
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-350 trucks equipped with 7.3L gas engines and ambulance prep packages. These vehicles were ordered with Wide Track rear axles, but were built with base (narrower) axles. Depending on the body installed by the body builder, the inner tires on the dual wheel rear axle may contact the body.
- Consequence: Inner tire contact with the body could result in a tire blowout, potentially causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will rebuild the rear axle as a Wide Track axle on vehicles already built. For remaining vehicles, body builders will be given the option to accept the base axle and build a different second unit body that meets Ford's specifications or have the rear axle rebuilt as a Wide Track axle, free of charge. An interim letter notifying owners of the safety risk was mailed on October 23, 2020. The recall began January 11, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S57.
- Model: Ford F-350 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-350 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-350 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-350 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.
Latest negative Ford F-350 car reviews
Latest positive Ford F-350 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 1994
That 460 has a lot of power. It can easily outperform a Chevy or a Dodge any day.
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Vehicle year: 1991
This truck is amazing! The 7.5L V8 is incredibly powerful (for a gas engine) and extremely reliable. It can easily handle a beating and tows our 29 foot Nomad fifth-wheel travel trailer with ease. While the vinyl seating is tough, it can be a bit uncomfortable. Overall, I highly recommend the F-350 SRW Crew Cab Truck to anyone!
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Vehicle year: 1994
This is a great truck! It's very reliable, clean, and looks and runs excellent. It has been well maintained.
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Vehicle year: 1997
The best truck I have ever owned. It's strong, tough, and built to last!
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Vehicle year: 1994
This truck has been everything I was looking for when I bought it. We pull our 5th wheel camper or our tractor loader, both putting us in the 19,000 lb area. Our 94 turbo diesel does the job and then some. I plan on keeping it until it's ten and then I'll look at what is on the market then.
Are you having problems with your Ford F-350?
Leo Dickinson 2024-11-23
Vehicle year: 1996
It's great to have a truck, but unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity to have it checked out before purchasing it. It seems like it was put together in a hurry and may have been salvaged before being sold by the dealership. I'm sure it would have been a good truck if it wasn't abused. It's important to be cautious when doing business with others!
Grady Haag 2024-10-23
Vehicle year: 1995
Hello! I noticed that your truck has a 7.3L Navistar Diesel Non-Turbo engine. While it's a great crew cab, I wanted to let you know that this engine has had some issues in the past. Unfortunately, there is a known problem with pinholes developing in the cylinder walls, which can cause engine coolant to enter the cylinder and result in a major repair expense. Additionally, this engine may not be the best choice for hauling heavy loads. I hope this information is helpful!
Fred Hoeger 2024-10-15
Vehicle year: 1996
This older F350 diesel is actually pretty good! It works really well for towing our smaller 5th wheel, providing both power and economy. While the interior may not be as refined as the newer trucks, it still works perfectly for us.
Rodrigo Orn 2024-09-18
Vehicle year: 1997
It's great to have a truck, but unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity to have it checked out before purchasing it. It seems like it was put together in a hurry and may have been salvaged before being sold by the dealership. I'm sure it would have been a good truck if it wasn't abused. It's important to be cautious when doing business with others!
Watson Dicki 2024-07-01
Vehicle year: 1996
Hello! I noticed that your truck has a 7.3L Navistar Diesel Non-Turbo engine. While it's a great crew cab, I wanted to let you know that this engine has had some issues in the past. Unfortunately, there is a known problem with pinholes developing in the cylinder walls, which can cause engine coolant to enter the cylinder and result in a major repair expense. Additionally, this engine may not be the best choice for hauling heavy loads. I hope this information is helpful!