RoadVitals

2005 Ford F-250 Sd

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
295
Latest Dec 7, 2018
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest Dec 9, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
12
9 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 295 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Ford F-250 Sd, most frequently naming the suspension, steering and engine categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 144 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

5 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT; STEERING; SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR

Dec 9, 2020
102 units potentially affected
The defect: Icon Vehicle Dynamics, LLC (Icon) is recalling all 05-UP FSD 2.5 Centerline Stabilizer Kits with part number 65050. The kits were sold as an accessory for certain 2005-2021 Ford F-250 4X4 and F-350 4X4 pickup trucks. The foam ring inside the stabilizer "through shaft" may block the piston ports, possibly causing the steering to lock up.
The risk: If the steering locks, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Icon will notify owners, and dealers will install a new shock assembly with a revised foam ring and steel support disc, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Icon customer service at 1-951-689-4266.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Jul 13, 2011
26,715 units potentially affected
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
The risk: NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 11C18View on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT

Mar 27, 2008
338 units potentially affected
The defect: TRUXXX IS RECALLING 338 AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT WELDED 3" LIFT BLOCKS FOR REAR SUSPENSIONS, PART NO. 206073, INCLUDED IN SUSPENSION KIT NOS. 108035 AND 108036, SOLD BETWEEN JULY 26, 2007 AND MARCH 4, 2008, FOR USE ON FORD MY 2005-2008 F-250 SUPERDUTY 4X4 LIGHT TRUCKS. COMPRESSIVE FORCES OF THE WELDED LIFT BLOCKS RESULTING FROM FORESEEABLE AND EXCESS VEHICLE PAYLOADS AS WELL AS OVER-TIGHTENING OF THE U-BOLTS DURING INSTALLATION MAY DISTORT THE BLOCKS, REDUCING THE INTENDED CLAMPING FORCE OF THE U-BOLTS.
The risk: THIS COULD ALLOW POSSIBLE SHIFTING AND DAMAGE TO THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT AND AXLE.
The remedy: TRUXXX WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS/INSTALLERS AND WILL REPLACE AFFECTED WELDED LIFT BLOCKS WITH EITHER NON-WELDED ALUMINUM OR CAST IRON BLOCKS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT APRIL 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRUXXX AT 1-800-381-8320.
TRUXXX MANUFACTURING, LLCManufacturer number 08-01BLKView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA08007ClosedEngineering Analysis

VIOLENT FRONT END OSCILLATION

Opened Mar 14, 2008
Closed Mar 31, 2009

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BASED ON 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE.ODI WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THESE COMPLAINTS BECAUSE MANY OF THEM ALLEGED LOSS OF CONTROL AND THE LOSS OF CONTROL OCCURREDAT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MILES PER HOUR.AT THE TIME THESE COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED, ODI WAS ALSO AWARE OF THE TSB 07-10-10 AND EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS THAT DISCUSSED THE SHIMMY CONDITION ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.SINCE OPENING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI HAS CONFIRMED, BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, WARRANTY DATA, TESTING CONDUCTED BY VRTC, AND ODI INSPECTION OF COMPLAINT VEHICLES, THAT THE OWNERS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING SHIMMY EVENTS ON THEIR VEHICLES.HOWEVER, ODI HAS ALSO CONFIRMED THAT OWNERS TYPICALLY DO NOT MAINTAIN THEIR TIRES AT THE PRESSURES RECOMMENDED BY FORD ON THE TIRE LABEL.FURTHER, ODI HAS FOUND THAT IN ORDER FOR SHIMMY TO OCCUR, TIRE PRESSURES MUST BE SUBSTANTIALLY BELOW (AT LEAST 20%) THOSE SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE TIRE LABEL.ODI CONSIDERS THESE UNSAFE TIRE CONDITIONS TO BE THE RESULT OF ONE OF THREE TYPICAL SITUATIONS.THE TIRES ARE BEING IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED, THE OWNERS ARE INTENTIONALLY SETTING THE TIRE PRESSURES LOW TO ENHANCE RIDE QUALITY, OR AFTERMARKET TIRES (NOT DESIGNED FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE) ARE INSTALLED TO CHANGE THE APPEARANCE OR FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE INTENDED AND DESIGNED TO BE USED AS HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES AND AS SUCH REQUIRE THAT THE TIRES BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THE LOADS FOR WHICH THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED AND MARKETED.IN ORDER FOR THE TIRES TO BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THESE LOADS, THE PROPER TIRE PRESSURE MUST BE MAINTAINED.IN LIGHT OF THE INFORMATION GATHERED IN THIS INVESTIGATION AND FORD'S AGREEMENT TO NOTIFY SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS (NOW AND EVERY TWO YEARS UNTIL THE VEHICLES REACH TEN YEARS FROM THEIR PRODUCTION DATE) ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING PROPER TIRE PRESSURES ON THEIR VEHICLES, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

SUSPENSION
PE07057ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

VIOLENT FRONT END OSCILLATION

Opened Nov 15, 2007
Closed Mar 14, 2008

ODI HAS RECEIVED 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY AND OSCILLATIONS COMMENCING AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. THE MAJORITY OF THESE INCIDENTS OCCURRED AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH OR GREATER.THIRTEEN OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THAT THE VEHICLE CHANGED DRIVING LANES UNCONTROLLABLY.FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE AS A RESULT OF THE VIOLENT SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS.IN ONE CASE THE CONSUMER ALLEGES THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE, IT CRASHED INTO A WOODED AREA.ADDITIONALFACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE OPENING OF THIS EA WERE EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS,SUBMITTED BY FORD, DESCRIBING SUSPENSION SHIMMY / OSCILLATIONSAND A FORD TSB (07-10-10) DESCRIBING THE SUSPENSION SHIMMY ISSUE AND HOW TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM.FORD HAS DESCRIBED SHIMMY AS SELF-EXCITED OSCILLATION OF THE STEERING WHEELS WITH ACCOMPANYING WHEEL TRAMP.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO DETERMINE IF THE SHIMMY CONDITION THAT OCCURS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CREATES A CONDITION WHERE THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR STARTLES THE DRIVER, THUS PRESENTING A SAFETY RISK.

SUSPENSION

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Dec 7, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-250 SD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.

NHTSA ID
11156780
Incident
Dec 6, 2018
Mileage
220,000 mi
Steering
Filed Feb 9, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-250 SD. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY LOOSE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS AN ONGOING FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND TO BILLINGSLEY FORD LINCOLN OF LAWTON (8209 NW QUANAH PARKER TRAILWAY BLDG. 1, LAWTON, OK 73505, (580) 536-3325) ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED OR DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED MANY TIMES AND ADVISED HIM TO LEAVE A MESSAGE AND SPEAK WITH THE OWNER OF THE DEALER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED FORD ACTION BULLETIN NUMBER: 09L02 (STEERING: WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR, TIRES). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000.

NHTSA ID
11071927
Incident
Feb 15, 2007
Mileage
35,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Nov 7, 2017

WHEN STEPPING ON BRAKES WHILE DIRECTIONAL IS ON THE DIRECTIONALS STOP FUNCTIONING WHILE IN MOTION AND TURNING WHICH IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD IM WONDERING WHY NHTSA 11V352000 IS ALLOWING FORD TO ONLY REPAIR CERTAIN VINS ESPECIALLY WHEN MY YEAR MAKE AND MODEL ARE SPECIFIED IN THE SUMMARY.WITH THE SAME EXACT SYMPTOMS???

NHTSA ID
11044132
Incident
Oct 1, 2017
Mileage
43,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 10, 2017

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, MY F250, SUPER DUTY 6.0 DIESEL BECAME SLUGGISH AND GAS MILEAGE SUFFERED IMMENSELY. THEN, WITH ONLY 53,000 MILES, MY LEFT REAR DISK BRAKE CALIPER WAS DRAGGING AND STARTED SMOKING. AT MY COST AND ON THE LEFT REAR, I HAD FORD REPLACE THE CALIPER, PADS, BRAKE LINE AND RESURFACE THE ROTORS. ALSO, THE RIGHT REAR ROTOR WAS RESURFACED. AT 54,000, I MAKE A 100 MILE TRIP AND THE RIGHT REAR CALIPER STARTED DRAGGING. I AM NOT SURE HOW TO FIX THIS SINCE NO ONE HAS THE SOLUTION.ADDITIONALLY, I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM. HOWEVER, THIS COULD CAUSE TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE AND A POSSIBLE FIRE RESULTING IN FATALITIES.

NHTSA ID
10971695
Incident
Nov 2, 2016
Mileage
54,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Aug 10, 2016

TIRE BEGAN TO SHIMMY, PULLED OVER FOUND NOTHING WRONG, 25 MILES LATER TIRE BLEW AT HIGHWAY SPEED CAUSING LOSE OF CONTROL. TIRE BELTS DID EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. SAME TIRE AS NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 15T-061 BUT MANUFACTURED 4 MONTHS PRIOR TO EARLIEST RECALL PRODUCTION DATE.

NHTSA ID
10894721
Incident
Aug 6, 2016
Mileage
133,600 mi
Fuel system
Filed Dec 30, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FICM FUEL INJECTION CONTROL MODULE (FICM) HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V270000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
10817059
Incident
Dec 9, 2015
Electrical
Filed Oct 19, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESTART AND WAS PUSHED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V270000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.

NHTSA ID
10783327
Incident
Oct 18, 2015
Mileage
141,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSteeringSuspension
Filed Aug 26, 2015

WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, JUST LEAVING TOWN I HIT 50 MPH AND THE TRUCK STARTS TO WOBBLE FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND VIBRATE TILL I SLOW DOWN TO UNDER 40 MPH. I GOT THE NOTICE FROM FORD TELLING ME IT ALL HAD TO DO WITH TIRE PRESSURE. I INFLATED THE TIRES TO THE REQUIRED PRESSURE AND IT ONLY MADE THINGS WORSE. I HAVE CONTACTED THEM THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED ONLY FOR THEM TO TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. CLEARLY THERE IS A PROBLEM. I HAVE SPENT SO MUCH MONEY REPLACING PARTS IN THE FRONT END OF THIS TRUCK. TIRES ARE NOW JUNK ON THE FRONT END. THE ONLY THING I COULD DO IS UNDER INFLATE THE FRONT TIRES TO GAIN BETTER CONTROL AND DRIVE SLOWER. STILL WOBBLES JUST NOT AS BAD. THIS IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM I HAVE EVERYDAY.

NHTSA ID
10759624
Incident
Aug 21, 2015
Mileage
112,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM 51909

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

When performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV has replaced all versions of MERCON SP and can be used going forward. Mixing MERCON LV and MERCON SP in the same transmission is acceptable. After 30-Jun-2023, MERCON SP ATF will no longer be manufactured and will only be available until inventory depletes.

SSM 49495

EQUIPMENT

Some 2005-2021 F-Super Duty 4x4 vehicles operated in extreme dust, mud or tar sand conditions may exhibit accelerated 4x4 vacuum hub seal and or wheel bearing wear as a result of harsh operating conditions. A knuckle seal shield kit is now available for customer purchase. The kit is designed for severe duty and is non warrantable. The knuckle seal shield kit GC3Z-54024A38-A includes an installation instruction sheet

DOR-Z2E6B-08

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; TRAILER HITCHES

These SKUs are Trailer Brake Control Modules. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to an internal software issue. The internal software issue leads to a false check trailer brake message and Trailer Brake Controller fault whenever the brake pedal is pressed. This will cause the part to be replaced, due to repetitive dashboard warning light, even though it sends signals to the trailer brakes properly.

SSM 48494

SUSPENSION

Some 2005-2020 F-Super Duty 4x4 vehicles operated in extreme dust, mud or tar sand conditions may exhibit accelerated 4x4 vacuum hub seal and or wheel bearing wear as a result of harsh operating conditions. A knuckle seal shield kit is now available for customer purchase. The kit is designed for severe duty and is non warrantable. The knuckle seal shield kit GC3Z-54024A38-A includes an installation instruction sheet

DOR-C2C6H-02

EQUIPMENT

This SKU is a Spare Tire Hoist. Test results identified that the pull force parameter was not within specification, as a precautionary measure unsold inventory was requested to be returned for testing and containment. We don't have evidence that these test results have contributed to a product failure.

DOR-U2J7Y-02

EQUIPMENT

This SKU is a Spare Tire Hoist. Test results identified that the pull force parameter was not within specification, as a precautionary measure unsold inventory was requested to be returned for testing and containment. We don't have evidence that these test results have contributed to a product failure.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford F-250 Sd by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026750
2025157062.4
2024374059.5
20234316061.0
202211917059.8
202116213159.8
202026015364.7
20191,16012359.6
201839710358.4
20171,15515359.2
20162874156.6
20152963254.4
2014261146.2
2013211139.5
2012571138.2
20111221144.4
2010321038.1
2009231039.7
20081412150.3
2007543252.3
20062743253.8
2005Viewing2955255.6
20042544360.9
20031786561.4
20022455463.5
20012884862.9
20002334564.9
19992495563.4
1998113
1997392360.7
1996111149.5
1995911
1994211
1993410
1992300
1991100

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.