RoadVitals

2026 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.
9
Latest Sep 15, 2026
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.
8
Latest Oct 20, 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.
2
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 9 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2026 Ford F-250 Sd, most frequently naming the electrical, brakes and engine categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 57 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

  • Electrical430.8%
  • Brakes323.1%
  • Engine215.4%
  • Driver assistance17.7%
  • Fuel system17.7%
  • Exterior lighting17.7%
  • Powertrain (other)17.7%

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

8 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

STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

Oct 20, 2026
30,123 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026-2027 F-150, 2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The left-side tailgate cable may fail under certain heavy load conditions.
The risk: Tailgate cable failure may allow the tailgate to drop onto the rear bumper, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the left-side tailgate cable, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed December 14, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S78. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 7, 2026.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26S78View on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Oct 6, 2026
20,266 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, F-600, and 2026 F-150 vehicles. The analog cluster’s tachometer and speedometer may become stuck or move erratically, providing inaccurate readings to the driver. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 101, "Controls and Displays."
The risk: A speedometer that fails to display accurate vehicle speed can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed in October 26, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C46. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 7, 2026.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26C46View on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Sep 22, 2026
28,625 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Expedition, 2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, and F-550 SD vehicles. The headlight assemblies may contain a contaminated LED chip, which can result in a loss of daytime running lights, parking lights, high beams or low beams. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk: A loss of exterior lighting can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the headlight assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 26, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C43. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 26, 2026.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 26C43View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Engine
Filed Sep 15, 2026

- Oil leak at 300 miles. - Oil loss can lead to catastrophic engine failure and loss of drivability. - Oil leak can be easily repeated after wiping down and driving as little as 6 miles. - Dealer changed the oil drain plug but that didn't correct the leak. Self inspection indicates the leak is coming from around the oil cooler, which the dealer was informed of. - Symptoms were noted by leakage on garage floor.

NHTSA ID
11764318
Incident
Aug 31, 2026
Exterior lighting
Filed Aug 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that while driving at night on several occasions at various speeds, the LED headlights showed vertical lines projected from the headlight lenses that created blind spots. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle operated as designed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 12.

NHTSA ID
11759051
Incident
Apr 4, 2026
Mileage
12 mi
BrakesElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 8, 2026

After the vehicle was jumpstarted the vehicle failed to correctly enter gear- when shifting into reverse it instead rolled forward downhill. The following systems also displayed failure warnings: ABS Traction Control Parking Brake ( Parking brake also showed as activated when it was not active- it would audibly disengage but the parking brake light stayed lit) Stability Control 4wd. The combination of the parking brake showing as active and the shifter showing the vehicle was in reverse while being able to roll forward freely is dangerous.

NHTSA ID
11742732
Incident
Jun 7, 2026
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jun 5, 2026
Crash reported

2k miles on a new 2026 ford transit. While in traffic there was sudden braking I had plenty of space in front of me (also reported by the driver in front of me) I was not able to stop in time which resulted in rear ending another driver. My abs acted extremely loose, as if I was on ice on a clear day 80 degrees. The driver behind me confirmed seeing my brake lights for a minute before impact. I'm a decent driver and leave plenty of room in case of emergency braking but was not able to stop in time due to the way the braking system acted. I also have a 2020 ford transit and the braking is much better than the 2026. I'm concerned someone is going to get hurt. Thank God no one got hurt during this accident.pre collision lights lit up on my dash prior and that's when the braking power went bad. Ford sent a technician to confirm my vehicle was not part of a cotter pin recall but that is not my concern, as I'm concern for when the pre collision came on, I had hardly any braking available. Insurance inspected the incident, but only place a fault not any other type of inspection. I will be calling on the morning to request a forensic inspection.

NHTSA ID
11742232
Incident
May 28, 2026
Brakes
Filed Apr 30, 2026
1 injury reported

I leased a pickup truck from Enterprise truck rental on Dyer Blvd in Riviera Beach. The brakes slipped and I thought it was because I didn’t apply the parking brake. I googled the vin and found it to have an open recall on the right rear axle shaft.

NHTSA ID
11734810
Incident
Jan 1, 2026
Electrical
Filed Apr 16, 2026

Trailer Brake Control Module (TRM) Software update for Recall Notice 26C10 failed and caused module to fail. Replacement part attempt #2 also failed. Vehicle has been with dealership service department with no solution for 20 days. Vehicle is currently still at dealership service center. Vin: [XXX] 2026 Ford F250 3,878 miles Autonation Ford Margate [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11731538
Incident
Mar 30, 2026
Electrical
Filed Apr 6, 2026

Truck lost all electrical power while backing a trailer up. Engine died, no steering, no brakes, no power on dash, no emergence brakes, no power to door locks, no power to windows. If vehicle had been moving any faster no telling what could have been. Vehicle was towed to ford dealership and zero reasons for such a total loss of power. When vehicle was finely stopped and put in park the key was turned off and then when turned back on power was restored. Very disturbing to know a vehicle can lose total electrical power and have no control whatsoever and no one can tell you the cause

NHTSA ID
11729384
Incident
Mar 25, 2026
Filed Mar 17, 2026

Put the vehicle in park, exited the vehicle, vehicle rolled away after walking away from the vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11724960
Incident
Mar 16, 2026

Manufacturer communications

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

TSB 26-2439

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and radio system turning off or radio may have no audio during snowplow operation. This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM).

SSM 55255

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2024-2026 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera may exhibit a distorted or corrupted 360-degree camera image in the center display screen, but the rear-view camera image is operating correctly. To restore the 360-degree camera image, download and run the "IPMA - Reset the Image Processing Module A (IPMA) Calibration Data" application using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool. Then download and run the "IPMA - 360 Degree View Camera Alignment" application. Inform customers that they can continue to drive the vehicle and engineering is currently working on a software solution for this condition that is expected in Q1 of 2027. Replacement or reprogramming of the IPMA will not resolve this condition. Monitor Professional Technician System (PTS) for additional information and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available. <br /><br /> If a vehicle exhibits this condition, enter a vehicle identification number (VIN) and click the "Submit Global Concern Report (GCR)" link at the upper right of the PTS "Vehicle ID" screen. Fill out the GC

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

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
2026Viewing980—
2025178065.9
2024414058.8
20234416058.5
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.