Ford F-550 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-550 model years
Common Ford F-550 problems
The Ford F-550, a heavy-duty work truck, is known for its power and reliability. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems that owners have reported.
One of the most common issues is with the engine.
Another issue that has been reported is with the brakes.
The fuel system has also been a source of problems for some F-550 owners. Low fuel pressure alarms have been reported, which can be caused by a variety of issues, including a faulty fuel pump or clogged fuel filter.
Interior and accessories issues have also been reported, including problems with the climate control system and the radio.
Finally, vacuum leaks have been reported as a common issue on the F-550.
In summary, the Ford F-550 is a powerful and capable work truck, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. These issues include engine problems, brake light issues, fuel system problems, interior and accessories issues, and vacuum leaks. If you're considering purchasing an F-550, it's important to be aware of these potential issues and to have them addressed promptly if they arise.
What is the most common problem with 6.7 power stroke?
Injection Pump Failure
Your engine's injection pump regulates how much fuel is sent to the engine. Injection pump failure is a well-documented concern with Ford's 6.7 Powerstroke.
What is the biggest problem with the 6.4 powerstroke?
The factory pistons on the 6.4-liter Powerstroke are simply not very durable. Cracks often develop on the fuel bowl and then lengthen to damage the entire piston. If the crack is bad enough and you don't catch it, the piston can start to disintegrate and may cause catastrophic engine damage.
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.
What was Ford's worst diesel engine?
The 6.4-liter Powerstroke engine was very short-lived. It was put in Ford trucks beginning in 2007 for the 2008 model year and the last production year was 2011 for the 2010 model year. The 6.4 Powerstroke came after the 6.0 Powerstroke, which was widely panned for its problems and poor performance.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ford F-550 years
We have researched Ford problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ford F-550 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Ford F-550 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ford F-550 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ford F-550 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ford F-550 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ford F-550 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine problems
- Structure problems
- Steering problems
- Suspension problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ford F-550 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by F-550 model years
A total of 5 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-550 model years
There were a total of 4 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-550 model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 66 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ford F-550 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ford F-550 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Ford F-550 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
- VIN: 1FDUF5GT5KD
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Purchased truck used and discovered frame was cracked shortly after I had taken it in to Ford several times because alignment wouldn’t keep vehicle from feeling bouncy (hopping) going down the road. At no point did anyone tell me of a customer satisfaction program that was in place for my vehicle for a frame repair/replacement. Instead they strung me along telling me to take it to a frame shop. 2 days after the program expired I was told that there was a program for the issues which I no longer qualified for. Then they told me to reach out to corporate who said there was nothing they could do.
Ford F-550 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-31
- VIN: 1FDUF5GY6KE
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-550. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the subframe. The contact stated that the failure recurred increasingly while driving on a bumpy road surface. The contact stated that while inspecting the frame, he noticed that the frame rail behind the cab was fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the frame needed to be reinforced or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the dealer to be repaired under Ford Campaign Number: GB2021003; however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not experiencing the failure at the time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Ford F-550 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-25
- VIN: 1FDUF5GT8JD
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-550. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the subframe suddenly fractured in half. The contact stated that the fracture occurred near the rear cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed from the scene. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 268,967.
Ford F-550 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-02
- VIN: 1FDUF5HT5LE
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: frame crack right behind cab. have two trucks with the same issue second vin ends in [XXX]. ford had a safety program 21B04 that expired which means they are aware of this issue and should issue a recall for it. ford has repeatedly refused to help with this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Ford F-550 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-04
- VIN: 1FDUF5HT4KE
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Our company has been proactively replacing some of the older fuel filters in our fleet as part of a safety campaign. A fuel filter on VIN [XXX] was replaced yesterday (XXX) with a Ford Motocraft filter. Today (XXX), the operator was driving the unit when they started to smell smoke in the cab. By the time they pulled over, the cab had smoke inside and the operator had to get out. The operator opened the hood to let it vent and called the garage to have the unit towed. After inspection by the garage, they found that the secondary fuel filter was leaking extensively from the seam. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Ford F-550 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-23
- VIN: 1FDUF5HT7CE
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-550 chassis with an Earth Roamer RV. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle was making an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the turbocharger needle on the instrument cluster fell to zero. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the abnormal banging sound was louder, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled off the highway and then stated that the power steering had failed. The contact was turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the power steering and the abnormal engine sound remained present. The contact was able to drive several yards before the vehicle stalled. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Ford F-550 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-09
- VIN: 1FDUFSHTXLD
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Ford Motor Company has had a known issue with the truck frames cracking on the F-550 chassis. They acknowledged it by doing a recall, which either replaced or repaired the chassis frame or installed reinforcement braces if no cracks were visible. The recall expired in September of 2023. In October 2023 we noticed a crack on the frame just outside the recall reinforcement brace that Ford-certified technicians installed. We found another in November (reinforcement brace installed) and another in January (with Ford's new and improved frame produced due to a recall issue). Ford has denied making the repairs since the original warranty expired, even though this was the same related issue. We have been dealing with Ford Motor Company since October in hopes of resolving the issue but they continue to give us any resolution. The problem has not only caused a burden on our workforce but also caused great safety concerns. With Ford avoiding responsibility, they are allowing trucks to operate daily on our highway system, which becomes a safety concern for not only the driver but for many other motorists. The problem existed, but the issue was not resolved, all we are asking is that they take responsibility for making the repairs and permanently resolving the issue for the safety of all motorists.
Ford F-550 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-23
- VIN: 1FDOX5HT6HE
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: See attached letter
Ford F-550 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-15
- VIN: 1FDUF5GT7LE
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: See attached document for complaint
Ford F-550 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-17
- Date Complaint: 2023-11-17
- VIN: 1FDUF5GT6JE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-550. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact observed a humming sound coming from the rear-end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ring and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ring and pinion needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000.
Ford F-550 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-27
- Date Complaint: 2023-08-31
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FDUF5GT4EE
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while his driver was driving at unknown speeds, the instrument cluster went blank, flickered, and illuminated. There was smoke detected after the vehicle had been turned off for several hours. The vehicle was parked unattended and spontaneously caught fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire. The alternator and regulator were melted. A police report was not filed; there were no injuries. or air bag deployment The contact went to the local dealer to return the core. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 68,000.
Ford F-550 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-07-31
- VIN: 1FDUF5GT4JE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact's company owns a 2018 Ford F-550. The contact stated while an employee was driving at 55 MPH, the service vehicle soon warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the turbocharger to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but experienced failure a second time on July 28, 2023. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the turbocharger to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,265.
Ford F-550 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-28
- Date Complaint: 2023-06-19
- VIN: 1FDUF5GT5DE
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Entry/exit steps failed. While exiting the coach, the entry/exit steps collapsed. I almost fell out of the coach while exiting.
Ford F-550 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-06-14
- VIN: 1FDUF5HY3KE
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact's company owns a 2019 Ford F-550. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, an employee noticed that the cab and chassis was in a V-shape. The contact stated that a mechanic arrived at the location; upon inspection, the mechanic stated that the frame rail was fractured. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact spoke to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Ford F-550 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-06-14
- VIN: 1FDUF5HYXKD
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact's company owns a 2019 Ford F-550. The contact stated that the vehicle was inspected by a mechanic, and the contact was informed that the frame rail was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Latest 5 recalls Ford F-550
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 33 recalls for different components of the Ford F-550.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ford F-550 2020
- Report Received Date: 2020-02-21
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-550 and 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. The rear axle differential fluid may be below the minimum level, possibly resulting in a failure of the rear axle assembly and driveshaft separation.
- Consequence: If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of drive, increasing the risk of crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur and increase the risk of injury or crash.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle differential fluid level and adjust it, or replace the rear axle as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S09.
- Model: Ford F-550 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-550 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-550 2018
- Report Received Date: 2019-06-05
- Manufacturer: Farber Specialty Vehicles
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: Farber Specialty Vehicles (Farber) is recalling certain 2018 Ford F-550 vehicles equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The affected monitors may revert back to the factory default settings which can 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: Farber will notify owners, and dealers will add a harness relay capacitor module, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact Farber customer service at 1-800-331-3188 or ASA customer service at 1-800-384-4400.
- Model: Ford F-550 2018
- 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.