Ford F-250 SD owners filed 3,942 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2015–2025 (see the Car Problem Index for all 60 models), and NHTSA lists 61 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2019 Ford F-250 SD drew the most complaints (1,164); across all years, owners complain most about steering (52% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2019, with 1,164 complaints, led by steering (776) and 12 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Steering drew 2,067 complaints and 4 recalls.
- Stop-driving recalls: One recall told owners to stop driving until repaired (25V401000).
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2017 (4.4 times as many complaints), 2018 (1.5 times as many complaints), 2019 (4.4 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: body structure complaints came at a median 22k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 55 complaints mention a fire and 62 a crash, with 50 injuries reported.
Ford F-250 SD complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 3 recalls | 295 | Steering (126), Suspension (123), Engine (44) median 69k mi · 8 crashes · 6 fires |
| 2016 4 recalls | 288 | Steering (117), Suspension (111), Air bags (35) median 63k mi · 6 crashes · 5 fires |
| 2017 15 recalls | 1,155 | Steering (717), Suspension (587), Wheels (69) median 29k mi · 12 crashes · 13 fires |
| 2018 10 recalls | 397 | Steering (252), Suspension (198), Wheels (29) median 28k mi · 7 crashes · 9 fires |
| 2019 12 recalls | 1,164 | Steering (776), Suspension (678), Wheels (87) median 20k mi · 16 crashes · 11 fires |
| 2020 15 recalls | 263 | Transmission / powertrain (74), Steering (45), Fuel System, Diesel (36) median 52k mi · 2 crashes · 3 fires |
| 2021 13 recalls | 163 | Fuel System, Diesel (25), Transmission / powertrain (24), Suspension (18) median 48k mi · 3 crashes |
| 2022 17 recalls | 121 | Transmission / powertrain (21), Electrical system (19), Engine (17) median 39k mi · 2 crashes · 4 fires |
| 2023 16 recalls | 43 | Electrical system (13), Engine (8), Brakes (7) median 5k mi · 2 crashes · 3 fires |
| 2024 4 recalls | 38 | Electrical system (10), Transmission / powertrain (6), Brakes (5) median 6k mi · 2 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2025 7 recalls | 15 | Brakes (5), Steering (4), Suspension (3) median 6k mi · 2 crashes |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 116, more than the 61 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported Ford F-250 SD problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 2,067 | 52% | 4 | 26k mi | Power steering repair cost |
| Suspension | 1,752 | 44% | 0 | 26k mi | Shock / strut replacement cost |
| Transmission / powertrain | 250 | 6% | 9 | 46k mi | Transmission repair cost |
| Wheels | 227 | 6% | 0 | 27k mi | Wheel bearing replacement cost |
| Electrical system | 219 | 6% | 5 | 37k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Engine | 208 | 5% | 1 | 47k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Fuel system | 176 | 4% | 7 | 45k mi | Fuel pump repair cost |
| Body structure | 145 | 4% | 3 | 22k mi | — |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What Ford F-250 SD owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Steering
I experienced the Ford "death wobble" I had $1200 worth of repairs done on steering and suspension parts. 10,000 miles and 7 months later I am experiencing the same problems again. This is a real safety concern because you loose all control of the vehicle at speeds over 50 miles per hour. How long before this problem kills someone?
2019 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11507329
Two days in a row while driving 80 miles an hour on I-15, I drove over a rough spot in the road and the truck (steering wheel) immediately began wobbling violently and did not stop until I slowed down to about 20 miles per hour. Vehicles behind me had to switch lanes to over my truck. I took the truck to the local Ford dealer and reported the issue.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11443487
Related recalls: 20E090000 (2015–2021): If the steering locks, it can increase the risk of a crash. 25V626000 (2020–2021): A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash. 23V847000 (2023): A deactivated air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
2,067 owners reported steering problems; the power steering repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Suspension
I experienced the Ford "death wobble" I had $1200 worth of repairs done on steering and suspension parts. 10,000 miles and 7 months later I am experiencing the same problems again. This is a real safety concern because you loose all control of the vehicle at speeds over 50 miles per hour. How long before this problem kills someone?
2019 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11507329
I am filing this report for the famous Ford super duty F250 "death wobble"in the front suspension. I have had my truck back to the dealership numerous times for repair, and I am now on my fourth steering stabilizer installed on my 2017 F250 with only 27K miles on it. The first occurrence of the death wobble happened within 10K miles, and subsequently about every 3-5K miles thereafter.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11300145
None of these 1,752 suspension complaints is matched by a recall on these model years, so a repair is covered only by warranty or paid by the owner.
1,752 owners reported suspension problems; the shock / strut replacement cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Transmission / powertrain
The truck slips out of gear for no reason, suffers very hard shifts causing the truck to jerk, and skips gears making it impossible to drive safely. Also, I lost power on the freeway several times and the truck would up shift and down shift erratically causing issues maintaining speed in traffic. I took the truck to the Ford dealer and was told I needed a new transmission.
2020 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11564832
Transmission, temporally could be available but to replace it there is a $1500 core charge the transmission catastrophically failed, which lead to the rear wheels to lock up while driving, putting me and others at risk, had I been going faster when it did lock up no the problem has not been reproduced by a independent service center as I am going to replace the transmission myself I have inspected it along with a…
2021 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11760335
Related recalls: 22V256000 (2020): Debris lodged within the 'Park' mechanism may prevent the vehicle from achieving or holding 'Park,' increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway and a crash. 20V365000 (2020): An engine stall or requiring additional braking effort to stop the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash. 26V119000 (2025): A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
250 owners reported transmission / powertrain problems; the transmission repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Ford F-250 SD recalls
Check these first: 25V401000 (2025, service brakes, hydraulic: do not drive).
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for your car’s open recalls.
| Campaign | Announced | Model years | System | Risk (NHTSA's wording) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V489000 | 2026-07-28 | 2023–2025 | Backup camera / rear sensors | An obstructed rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V204000 | 2026-03-31 | 2022–2023 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V158000 | 2026-03-17 | 2020–2022 | Fuel System, Diesel | High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V119000 | 2026-03-03 | 2025 | Transmission / powertrain | A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 26V104000 | 2026-02-20 | 2022–2025 | Electrical system | Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V729000 | 2025-10-24 | 2022 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash. |
| 25V686000 | 2025-10-10 | 2020–2022 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera image that does not display properly can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V626000 | 2025-09-19 | 2020–2021 | Steering | A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash. |
| 25V572000 | 2025-09-04 | 2015–2019 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V540000 | 2025-08-22 | 2025 | Electrical system | An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, increases the risk of a crash. |
| 25V455000 | 2025-07-07 | 2021–2023 | Fuel System, Gasoline | An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. |
| 25V442000 | 2025-06-27 | 2020–2022 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 25V401000 | 2025-06-13 | 2025 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | A sudden loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash. |
| 25V315000 | 2025-05-09 | 2023–2024 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V306000 | 2025-05-09 | 2025 | Fuel System, Diesel | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine components, can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 25V157000 | 2025-03-14 | 2023 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | A window that does not automatically reverse when an obstruction is encountered increases the risk of injury. |
| 25V163000 | 2025-03-14 | 2025 | Transmission / powertrain | A detached shifter will prevent the driver from shifting into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway and increase the risk of a crash. |
| 25V132000 | 2025-02-28 | 2022 | Electrical system | Loss of trailer brake functionality can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V134000 | 2025-02-28 | 2023 | Backup camera / rear sensors | An incorrect rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. |
| 25V048000 | 2025-01-31 | 2021–2022 | Backup camera / rear sensors | Rearview camera failure can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V957000 | 2024-12-20 | 2020–2022 | Fuel System, Diesel | High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V806000 | 2024-10-25 | 2023–2024 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera image that does not display can decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of injury or crash. |
| 23V847000 | 2023-12-15 | 2023 | Steering | A deactivated air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 23V595000 | 2023-08-25 | 2023 | Transmission / powertrain | A broken rear axle shaft can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 23V573000 | 2023-08-11 | 2023 | Backup camera / rear sensors | An incorrect rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. |
| 23V506000 | 2023-07-21 | 2023 | Electrical system | An inoperable instrument panel cannot show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, which may increase the risk of a crash. |
| 23V507000 | 2023-07-21 | 2023 | Body structure | A window that does not automatically reverse when an obstruction is encountered increases the risk of injury. |
| 23V420000 | 2023-06-09 | 2019–2023 | Equipment / accessories | Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. |
| 23V379000 | 2023-05-26 | 2023 | Equipment / accessories | An overloaded vehicle increases the risk of a crash. |
| 23V344000 | 2023-05-12 | 2023 | Steering | A disconnected steering column can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V880000 | 2022-11-29 | 2017–2018 | Transmission / powertrain | A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power. Additionally, a vehicle rollaway could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Either of these scenarios increases the risk of a crash. |
| 22V644000 | 2022-08-26 | 2017–2020 | Backup camera / rear sensors | Lack of a clear rearview camera image can reduce the driver's visibility of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V384000 | 2022-05-27 | 2022 | Equipment / accessories | Missing tire information could lead to an incorrect tire or rim being installed, or incorrect tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V337000 | 2022-05-13 | 2016 | Air bags | A disconnected driver's air bag can result in it not deploying, as intended, during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 22V252000 | 2022-04-14 | 2019 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V250000 | 2022-04-14 | 2020–2022 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V256000 | 2022-04-14 | 2020 | Transmission / powertrain | Debris lodged within the 'Park' mechanism may prevent the vehicle from achieving or holding 'Park,' increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway and a crash. |
| 22V193000 | 2022-03-25 | 2022 | Electrical system | Loss of trailer brake functionality could result in extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V087000 | 2022-02-16 | 2017–2022 | Body structure | A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 22V013000 | 2022-01-14 | 2021 | Fuel System, Diesel | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire or injury. |
| 21V923000 | 2021-11-24 | 2022 | Air bags | During a crash, the air bag cover may break apart and project fragments towards occupants, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 21V805000 | 2021-10-15 | 2022 | Air bags | An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash increases the risk of injury. |
| 21V155000 | 2021-03-10 | 2018–2020 | Tires | Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V090000 | 2021-02-18 | 2020–2021 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury. |
| 20E090000 | 2020-12-10 | 2015–2021 | Steering | If the steering locks, it can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 20V575000 | 2020-09-23 | 2020 | Backup camera / rear sensors | Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 20V365000 | 2020-06-23 | 2020 | Transmission / powertrain | An engine stall or requiring additional braking effort to stop the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 19V880000 | 2019-12-11 | 2017–2019 | Body structure | A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle. |
| 19V864000 | 2019-12-04 | 2017–2019 | Latches and locks | Unintended tailgate opening may allow unrestrained cargo to fall out of the truck bed and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V808000 | 2019-11-12 | 2018–2019 | Exterior lights | DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V278000 | 2019-04-08 | 2017–2019 | Engine | A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire. |
| 18V802000 | 2018-11-14 | 2019 | Transmission / powertrain | Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 17V652000 | 2017-10-16 | 2017 | Latches and locks | A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury. |
| 17V599000 | 2017-09-25 | 2017 | Seats | The seat belt buckle weld may fail, preventing the occupants from being properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 17V526000 | 2017-08-28 | 2017 | Seat belts | If the left rear inflatable seat belt buckle separates from it's mounting bracket, the seat occupant may not be adequately restrained, increasing their risk of injury. |
| 17V332000 | 2017-05-22 | 2017 | Seats | If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury. |
| 17V225000 | 2017-03-31 | 2017 | Transmission / powertrain | Unexpected vehicle movement such as a vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 16V945000 | 2016-12-29 | 2017 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A fuel tank strap that separates and allows the fuel tank to contact the ground may cause a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. |
| 16V778000 | 2016-10-26 | 2017 | Fuel System, Diesel | If the shield becomes dislodged, the drain valve may open resulting in a fuel leak. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire. Under certain conditions, significant liquid fuel on the road surface may cause a slip hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 16V246000 | 2016-04-26 | 2016 | Tires | A rapid loss of air or a tire rupture while the vehicle is being driven may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 14V204000 | 2014-04-17 | 2015 | Transmission / powertrain | If the vehicle is in "Reverse" while the while the gear selection shows "Drive," unexpected movement could occur, increasing the risk of a crash. |
What this data can and can't tell you
3,942 unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales. Method.
Other Ford models in the index
- Ford F-150 (11,842)
- Ford Escape (9,632)
- Ford Explorer (9,079)
- Ford Edge (5,190)
- Ford Fusion (4,656)
- Ford Focus (3,929)
- Ford Expedition (2,537)
- Ford F-350 SD (2,147)
- Ford EcoSport (1,850)
- Ford Mustang (1,750)
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaint files (nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-25; NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), retrieved 2026-09-23. Model years 2015–2025. Free to cite with a link to this page.