Ford F-350 SD owners filed 2,147 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 63 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2017 Ford F-350 SD drew the most complaints (572); across all years, owners complain most about steering (40% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2017, with 572 complaints, led by steering (292) and 14 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Steering drew 864 complaints and 4 recalls.
- Stop-driving recalls: 3 recalls told owners to stop driving until repaired (25V401000, 23V758000, 21V390000).
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2017 (3.0 times as many complaints), 2019 (2.5 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: body structure complaints came at a median 19k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 39 complaints mention a fire and 43 a crash, with 41 injuries reported.
Ford F-350 SD complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 4 recalls | 207 | Steering (67), Suspension (65), Engine (38) median 55k mi · 3 crashes · 7 fires |
| 2016 4 recalls | 208 | Suspension (81), Steering (76), Engine (22) median 48k mi · 5 crashes · 4 fires |
| 2017 14 recalls | 572 | Steering (292), Suspension (219), Wheels (59) median 26k mi · 7 crashes · 6 fires |
| 2018 10 recalls | 201 | Steering (101), Suspension (77), Wheels (25) median 25k mi · 1 crash · 5 fires |
| 2019 12 recalls | 466 | Steering (266), Suspension (227), Wheels (40) median 21k mi · 9 crashes · 6 fires |
| 2020 16 recalls | 188 | Transmission / powertrain (53), Steering (35), Fuel System, Diesel (34) median 59k mi · 7 crashes · 3 fires |
| 2021 15 recalls | 96 | Fuel System, Diesel (23), Engine (14), Fuel system (14) median 93k mi · 1 crash · 4 fires |
| 2022 17 recalls | 110 | Electrical system (29), Steering (16), Transmission / powertrain (14) median 50k mi · 2 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2023 15 recalls | 41 | Electrical system (13), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (6), Backup camera / rear sensors (5) median 10k mi · 2 crashes |
| 2024 3 recalls | 44 | Electrical system (17), Transmission / powertrain (6), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (5) median 14k mi · 4 crashes · 2 fires |
| 2025 6 recalls | 14 | Transmission / powertrain (5), Electrical system (4), Engine and cooling (2) median 3k mi · 2 crashes · 1 fire |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 116, more than the 63 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported Ford F-350 SD problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 864 | 40% | 4 | 26k mi | Power steering repair cost |
| Suspension | 689 | 32% | 0 | 26k mi | Shock / strut replacement cost |
| Electrical system | 170 | 8% | 5 | 25k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Transmission / powertrain | 165 | 8% | 12 | 38k mi | Transmission repair cost |
| Engine | 155 | 7% | 1 | 54k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Wheels | 155 | 7% | 0 | 21k mi | Wheel bearing replacement cost |
| Body structure | 129 | 6% | 3 | 19k mi | — |
| Fuel system | 118 | 6% | 7 | 35k mi | Fuel pump repair cost |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What Ford F-350 SD owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Steering
Truck has had issues of "death wobble" from about 30,000 miles. At 63,000 miles Ford did the steering damper recall. It did not help at all. I am afraid to drive the truck, so it sits at home. It is an $80,000 vehicle sitting in the driveway. It gets wobbly going above 60 MPH, and reacts bad when bumps are encountered on the road.
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11330542
I am hearing and feeling snaps coming from my vehicle steering. It feels like the steering column is not functioning correctly. I can feel the truck getting more sloppy turning and traveling differently than it did at 35,000 miles. Ford wants to charge me $185 to investigate and then they may take action. There is a recall on this problem, but my truck’s VIN isn’t listed.
2023 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11754345
Related recalls: 23V847000 (2023): A deactivated air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. 23V344000 (2023): A disconnected steering column can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. 20E090000 (2015–2021): If the steering locks, it can increase the risk of a crash.
864 owners reported steering problems; the power steering repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Suspension
Ford death wobble, defect in front steering damping shock causes truck to severely start shaking when 1 wheel hits ripple in road. You cant stop the violent shaking of truck without almost stopping truck. It shakes entire truck. Happens on highways with ripples in pavement or uneven pavement at speeds around 60 MPH or higher. Ford will not do anything about it.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11286275
I own a 2015 F350 superduty. I have noticed highway driving at 50 MPH or higher when crossing over a transition in the road the front end suspension/steering can go into a violent shimming that can only be overcome by a rapid deacceleration to less ~30MPH. There have been times that the shimming is so violent its had to control the vehicle.
2015 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11296812
None of these 689 suspension complaints is matched by a recall on these model years, so a repair is covered only by warranty or paid by the owner.
689 owners reported suspension problems; the shock / strut replacement cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Electrical system
Truck went into limp mode wile driving on highway had to have trailer towed 980 miles EGR cooler rubbing on wire harness on firewall staffing wires ro short out fuel injection this is a manufacturer defect.why would EGR cooler and electrical wire harness be placed so close is a big safety and fire hazard ....cost of repairs at Ford dealer in columbia tennessee $800 for repairs
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11673394
Truck is less than 3 years old and recently serviced at Ford dealership. After recent service the truck wouldn't start. When the truck was checked both large factory installed batteries had catastrophic failure leading to battery acid corrosion destroying wiring, potential the the braking system and other electronics that were exposed to battery acid and corrosion.
2015 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11088806
Related recalls: 26V104000 (2022–2025): 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. 25V540000 (2025): An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or vehicle speed, increases the risk of a crash. 25V132000 (2022): Loss of trailer brake functionality can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
170 owners reported electrical system problems; the alternator / electrical repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Ford F-350 SD recalls
Check these first: 25V401000 (2025, service brakes, hydraulic: do not drive); 23V758000 (2022–2023, transmission / powertrain: do not drive); 21V390000 (2021, transmission / powertrain: 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 23V758000 | 2023-11-09 | 2022–2023 | Transmission / powertrain | Wheel detachment can result in a loss of vehicle control and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 21V536000 | 2021-07-15 | 2020–2021 | Transmission / powertrain | Driveshaft separation may result in a loss of drive power, or unintended vehicle movement if the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V390000 | 2021-05-25 | 2021 | Transmission / powertrain | A detached wheel and wheel extender can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 21V379000 | 2021-05-24 | 2021 | Trailer Hitches | A cracked mounting bracket could result in the fifth wheel detaching from the vehicle while towing, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 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. |
| 21V087000 | 2021-02-18 | 2020 | Equipment / accessories | An overloaded vehicle can increase 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. |
| 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. |
| 15V175000 | 2015-03-25 | 2015 | Transmission / powertrain | Engine shut down and a subsequent cool down period may delay medical treatment or assistance to those needing it, increasing their risk of injury. |
| 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
2,147 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 F-250 SD (3,942)
- Ford Focus (3,929)
- Ford Expedition (2,537)
- 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.