RoadVitals

2023 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.
44
+1 complaint in 30 days
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.
16
Latest Jul 28, 2026
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.
0
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.
5
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 44 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2023 Ford F-250 Sd, most frequently naming the electrical, driver assistance and engine categories. 16 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 289 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

16 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

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION; BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Jul 28, 2026
47,587 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 and 2023-2026 F-250 SD vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to be obstructed by the infotainment home screen menu when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk: An obstructed rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 9, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C37. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 31, 2026.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26C37View on NHTSA.gov

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

Mar 31, 2026
422,613 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2022-2023 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, and F-600 SD vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the wipers to fail.
The risk: Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S24.Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 1, 2026.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26S24View on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Feb 20, 2026
4,381,878 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk: 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.
The remedy: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26C10View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

ElectricalSteering
Filed Oct 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked, and while inspecting under the hood, the contact became aware that there was battery fluid leaking from the top of the battery. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the battery was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the battery was replaced a second time. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal sound coming from the steering column. The contact referenced an undisclosed Technical Service Bulletin with a similar failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer.

NHTSA ID
11773181
Incident
Sep 18, 2024
Steering
Filed Jun 3, 2026

I bought this truck and its got 50000 miles on it and it has a clunking noise c coming from the steering shaft took it to ford to have trailer module recall fixed and had them inspect the noise and they said the whole steering shaft needs replaced and I have co workers with f250s and they have the same noise... something comes apart in steering shaft could cause a wreck and even death... dealer said its a common issue in the f250s they replace the whole shaft to fix the issue!

NHTSA ID
11741744
Incident
Jan 5, 2026
Filed Apr 30, 2026
Crash reported1 injury reported

My Ford brake malfunction when i was applied the brake while towing a UHaul trailer. It locked up and warning light showed up on the dashboard. The trailer got away from my truck, hit the rear of my truck and went on the other side of road and hit an oncoming car

NHTSA ID
11734879
Incident
Jul 13, 2025
Seat belts
Filed Mar 20, 2026

Rear passenger seatbelt came UNSECURED from the rear seat mounting bracket. Unknowingly ENDANGERED my child by becoming dislodged therefore leaving her WITHOUT any restraint mechanism in the event of a crash! The incident happened at evening after hours and NOT been reported to manufacturer, dealership, law enforcement, or any other as of present. There were no warning signs or indicators other than the safety belt just freely coming up into her hand when we parked and she unbuckled.

NHTSA ID
11725974
Incident
Mar 20, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Feb 19, 2026
Fire reported

The contact owned a 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the engine seized. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed flames were emitting from under the hood and wheel well. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The police and fire department were called to the scene. The fire department extinguished the flames. The contact suspected that the fire started near the fuel pump. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The contact attempted to tow the vehicle out of the towing yard, and the towing company refused to release the vehicle to the contact. The manufacturer was notified of the fire and informed the contact that the vehicle was in their possession and was at an unknown location. The insurance company was notified about the fire. The contact stated that it was unclear if the vehicle was insured. The failure mileage was 44,000.

NHTSA ID
11719232
Incident
Jan 15, 2026
Mileage
44,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 11, 2026

I was on an overpass in the left hand lane doing 40-45mpg getting ready to make a left hand turn on an expressway on ramp. I coasted for just a bit and applied the brakes gently, then a little more. The truck was not slowing down like it should have so I applied alot more brake pedal pressure and it slowed down some then it down shifted several times and the engine was roaring, I'm guessing around 3K rpms or more and pulling me forwards. I put as much pressure as I could on the brake pedal and got it down to 4-5 mph and then as it was almost at a stop, still with the motor roaring, I slammed it into park and turned the key off. The motor turned off thank goodness. I sat there for about 20 seconds or so, luckily no one was behind me, then I turned it on again and it was idling just fine. I crept through the intersection and proceeded down the on ramp at 10mph or so and pulled over. Turned it off again and called the wife and a few friends about it. It ran ok, albeit I was super cautious, to my destination 25 minutes on down the highway. Something freaked out big time in the computer. Had there been traffic or someone in front of me it would have lead to a serious crash.

NHTSA ID
11717225
Incident
Feb 10, 2026
Filed Dec 20, 2025

SCREEN DASHBOARD ( INSTRUMENT CLUSTER) BLANK/BLACK AT STARTUP. OCCURRED DEC 20. DEALER CLOSED AND XMAS HOLIDAY CAUSED INABILTY TO MAKE APPOINTMENT.

NHTSA ID
11706333
Incident
Dec 20, 2025
Other / unspecified
Filed Nov 17, 2025

My complaint is with the OEM lug nuts applied on my 2023 Ford F250. I recently tried to check the tightness on my wheels lug nuts only to find out that the lug wrench provided with the vehicle when purchased new will not fit 90 percent of the lug nuts. Dealership has rotated tires at routeen intervals since purchased new in spring 2023. Service manager stated that his mechanics routeenly use the next larger socket to loosen and reapply nuts. They are a carbon steel with chrome cap. Evertime you use the wrong size socket you further distort the chrome cap. The caps are loose and swollen so I can not change out a flat without calling and waiting for roadside assistance. My vehicle is still well within the 36 month 36 thousand mile bumper to bumper warranty. Local service manager states that Ford will not warranty faulty lug nuts. It's a safety issue when the nuts are improperly torqued or over torqued because they are using the wrong size impact socket on an impact wrench. It's a safety issue if I get a flat in an area with no cell service, or stuck on the side of the highway and get rearended. Ford and it's dealerships are aware of the failure of these two piece lugnuts and recommend that I go buy single piece lug nuts from an after market manufacturer like Dorman. This is the second time I have been gooned by Ford on lug nuts, Walmart will refuse service if the required size socket cannot be applied to the lug nuts. Back in 2014 I needed two new tires on my 2010 F150 , local auto zone and they only had 8 nuts in stock but enough to do one flat tire, we were on vacation in Kentucky. Drove home with spare on, we live in Belvidere Illinois. These two piece lug nuts should be outlawed, and using the wrong size sockets should be some kind of code violation, and the correct final torque should be checked with an actual torque wrench, not a best guess setting with your battery impact wrench. My walmarts in Belvidere and Rockford Illinois follow these rules for good reason

NHTSA ID
11699987
Incident
Nov 14, 2025

Manufacturer communications

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

TSB 26-2442

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin supersedes 26-2297. Reason for update: Add 2022-2025 Transit vehicles. Some of the vehicles listed in the model statement above equipped with SYNC4 may experience a blank center display screen or black center display screen after welcome animation. The rear-view camera will still function when shifting the vehicle to reverse under these conditions.

SSM 55239

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; SERVICE BRAKES

Some 2023-2026 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a trailer brake control module and built on or before 08-May-2026 may exhibit a "Trailer Disconnected" message after cycling the ignition off and back on with a trailer connected. This may be due to the presence of an integrated battery charger on a trailer equipped with electric over hydraulic brakes. If trailer functionality is restored after unplugging and plugging the trailer connector back in while the ignition is on, this condition can be corrected by downloading and performing the "Trailer Brake Configuration" application using the latest software version of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 19H332 and labor operations 12651D and 12651D4. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 417-01 Exterior Lighting > Diagnosis and Testing > Trailer Lamps > Pinpoint Test G The Message Center Displays A False Trailer Disconnected Message When A Trailer Is Connected To The Vehicle - Only For Electric Over Hydraulic (EOH) Equipped Trailers When Vehicle Trailer Brake Type Setting Is Set To Electric Over Hydraulic has bee

SSM 55218

POWER TRAIN

For 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R140 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum transducer (PVT) when available. Workshop Manual (WSM) updates related to this diagnostic procedure are planned for release in Q4 2026. The new test improves the accuracy of detecting leaks within transmission fluid circuits and replaces the previous air check method. The previous air check procedure has been shown to produce a high rate of false positives, which may lead to unnecessary repairs when no actual leak is present. Accordingly, the air check procedure is not to be used for diagnosing internal transmission hydraulic leaks or as justification for transmission replacement.

SYNC-26.2.9.3 SuperDuty

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

26C37 Recall remedy Prevents a potential rearview camera image obstruction caused by a menu displaying on top of it

TCU-26.2.12.2.1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Quality improvements include: -Addresses a bug that may cause updates to fail

ECG-26.2.12.3 Bronco,Esca

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Quality improvements include: -ePrivacy enhancements

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
2026980—
2025178065.9
2024414058.8
2023Viewing4416058.5
202213017058.9
202117113159.9
202027215364.0
20191,16612359.3
201840010358.7
20171,15515358.6
20162914155.9
20152963253.8
2014261146.2
2013211139.5
2012571138.2
20111221144.4
2010321038.1
2009231039.7
20081412150.3
2007543252.3
20062743253.8
20052955255.6
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.