2011 Ford F-250 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 Ford F-250, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Suspension11130.9%
- Steering10228.4%
- Engine3710.3%
- Fuel system226.1%
- Other / unspecified185.0%
- Powertrain (other)133.6%
- Driver assistance113.1%
- Electrical113.1%
- Body & structure82.2%
- Brakes71.9%
- Tires & wheels61.7%
- Airbags41.1%
- Visibility41.1%
- Interior & seats20.6%
- Seat belts20.6%
- Exterior lighting10.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving over a bump at a high rate of speed, the contact experienced the death wobble and the contact temporarily lost control of the vehicle. The contact slowed down and the violent shaking ceased. The contact stated that the tie rods, ball joints, and other front-end parts were replaced to reduce the risk of the failure recurring. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH and towing a trailer, the contact experienced the death wobble. The vehicle drifted from the far-left lane over to the far-right lane and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was then referred to the manufacturer and was provided a case number. The manufacturer advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 263,000.
When driving over 55mph and hitting a bump, pothole, etc....the death wobble starts taking excessive force to keep the truck on the road with the steering wheel nowhere aligned to where the tires are aimed. Dealership stated they wouldn't take the vehicle on trade due to the steering box needing to be addressed first. no warning lamps illuminate. Happens every time while driving from mileage 170K - 189K.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving over a bump at a high rate of speed, the contact experienced the death wobble and the contact temporarily lost control of the vehicle. The contact slowed down and the violent shaking ceased. The contact stated that the tie rods, ball joints, and other front-end parts were replaced to reduce the risk of the failure recurring. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH and towing a trailer, the contact experienced the death wobble. The vehicle drifted from the far-left lane over to the far-right lane and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was then referred to the manufacturer and was provided a case number. The manufacturer advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 263,000.
When driving over 55mph and hitting a bump, pothole, etc....the death wobble starts taking excessive force to keep the truck on the road with the steering wheel nowhere aligned to where the tires are aimed. Dealership stated they wouldn't take the vehicle on trade due to the steering box needing to be addressed first. no warning lamps illuminate. Happens every time while driving from mileage 170K - 189K.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle vigorously shuddered. In addition, the contact allowed the vehicle to decelerate independently to come to a stop. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
See attached document for complaint.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Truck started leaking fuel and then the engine shut down the next day it was drove, while driving! I’ve received 2 quotes and need the whole fuel system replaced due to CP4 pump failing which will cost about $13,000! This is the same issue as the 24S78 Ford recall but my truck doesn’t fall in the correct year! I still owe 10k on this vehicle so it’s basically totaled now.
Hold down clamps for the fuel injectors are breaking or coming loose on diesel engine. Injectors are not visible for a person to look at as they are buried by covers. Due to the injector coming loose it would allow combustion gasses to escape the cylinder causing other injectors to become damaged and possibly causing a fire. This issue has happened 2 times on my truck and both times the Ford Technicians stated that it is not something that should happen. Vehicle was inspected/fixed by Ford dealership Techs back in March of 2021 and again in May of 2021(still there at this time). A check engine light came on and i immediately drove to the dealership both times. I will provide a picture of a Ford tech site where they talk about this issue happening and their internal memo. Ford at this time refuses to fix the issue and is making me pay for their defective parts.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
YOU ARE DRIVING ALONG AT ANY SPEED ABOVE 45 OR ABOVE AND HIT A BUMP OF ANY KIND OR ROUGH PAVEMENT ON ROADWAY.IT WOBBLES AND SHAKE LIKE A DEATH WOBBLE OF WHAT IS REFERRED BY SOME MECHANICS .WE BELIEVE ITS POSSIBLE TO BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH STEERING BUT IT WILL SHAKE RATTLE LIKE A YOU BLEW OUT A TIRE
DEATH WOBBLE. WHILE IN THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS ABOVE 45 MPH IF YOU HIT ANY SORT OF BUMP THE FRONT END STARTS SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY AND HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 25MPH TO REGAIN CONTROL. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME OVER 15 TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN SEVERE ACCIDENTS A COUPLE TIMES. I HAVE HAD IT AT THE SHOP TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED THE STEERING STABILIZER AND THE PROBLEM DID NOT GO AWAY. AFTER READING FOR HOURS ONLINE THERE IS NO EFFECTIVE FIX FOR THIS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A DANGEROUS DESIGN DEFECT THAT FORD WILL NOT ADDRESS.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE TRUCK RANDOMLY GOES INTO NEUTRAL FOR VERY EXTENDED AMOUNT OF TIME AND AND HAS NO THROTTLE CONTROL DURING WHILE STANDER-ED DRIVING. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 61000 MILES ON IT JUST OUT OF WARRANTY AND I HAVE CONTACTED FORD. AND THEY DO NOT HELP
WAS TRAVELING AT 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY 2011 F250 XLT SUPER CAB SUDDENLY SHIFTED FROM 6TH GEAR INTO 1ST GEAR CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL AND THE TRUCK TO SPIN OUT. THE TRUCK IS A 6.2L WITH A 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
DEATH WOBBLE
WAS TRAVELING AT 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY 2011 F250 XLT SUPER CAB SUDDENLY SHIFTED FROM 6TH GEAR INTO 1ST GEAR CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL AND THE TRUCK TO SPIN OUT. THE TRUCK IS A 6.2L WITH A 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 163,000; however, after obtaining the Carfax Report on the vehicle, it was discovered that the mileage was 204,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the door ajar warning light illuminated and indicated that the rear passenger’s side door was open. The contact checked and confirmed that the door was securely closed. The contact stated that occasionally after closing and locking the door, the alarm would inadvertently activate after approximately an hour. The dealer was contacted and it was suggested that the vehicle be taken to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 234,395.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while making a turn in either direction, there was an abnormal crunching sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the sound was caused by a misalignment between the cab and the bed of the truck. Due to the failure the cab mount bushings became worn and needed to be replaced or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN. The contact was provided a case number and was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
The frame rails that hold and support the bed/box rotted prematurely. Box could fly off while driving and cause accident
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The brake lines located above the fuel tank rub and burst. This seems to be a very common issue related to a poor design. Ford will not discuss the issue when questioned about it.
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY, BRAKES BARELY WORKED WHILE TRYING TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. AT FIRST I THOUGHT THAT MY TIRES WERE ABOUT TO COME OFF MY TRUCK, THE SHAKING WAS SO BAD THAT ITEMS IN THE SEAT ENDED UP ON THE FLOORBOARD OF THE TRUCK. WHILE TRYING TO GET THE TRUCK TO STOP AND OFF THE INTERSTATE I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BY AN 18 WHEELER. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The tires were installed on 8.22.2025 and on the following Thursday, August 28, 2025, all of the tires had low pressure. I returned to the Orange City, FL Tire Kingdom per the managers' (Brittany) request and the mechanic filled all of the tires and said that they were not completely filled when they were installed. The following day, Friday, 8/29, I began my return trip to my home in North Carolina. Within a few hours, the driver’s side front tire exploded and my truck was on the rim of the tire, swerving into the adjacent lane on I-95. I was able to get the truck off of the highway, onto the nearest exit ramp without being hit. I have never been that close to being killed on the interstate. [XXX] came and put the spare on and while I was waiting along the highway I called Tire Kingdom and was advised by [XXX] at the Orange City store to take the truck to the nearest Mavis or Tire Kingdom. The nearest one was Mavis in Brunswick, Ga, about 30 minutes north of the incident. The Brunswick store was closing and I was advised to bring my truck in at 8:00 am. I stayed at a hotel nearby and had the truck there at 7:45 am. I was told that they did not have four replacement tires in stock and could probably have them by Tuesday as it was Labor Day Weekend. They stated that they could replace only the blown tire and “take a look” at the other three tires. There was absolutely no concern for my safety or welfare, and no appreciation of the amount of risk I would be undertaking to continue to drive on the other tires. I went to Firestone and replaced all of the tires and returned home safely. I contacted Tire Kingdom three more times and was advised to return the tires to the Asheville, NC Mavis Tire store for evaluation. The manager, [XXX] and a mechanic inspected all of the tires and immediately stated that all of them were defective.The belt had separated, the sidewall was weak, and the rim/beading was bent. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
component= Michelin tire (the tire tread separed from tire) Half of the tread start to hit the vehicle yes discount tire no warning This happened at low speed. If the same happen at High speed the truck can be flipped
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was recently hit in the drivers door causing the door, the cab, and the running board to be damaged. The side impact air bag did not deploy. the entire drivers door is damaged and the cab of the truck behind the door is damaged. the running board was completely under the cab of the truck.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that after parking and exiting the vehicle, an alarm sounded, and the front driver's side air bag deployed simultaneously without impact. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven to another destination. The contact stated that after parking and exiting the vehicle, an alarm sounded, and the driver's side curtain air bags deployed simultaneously without impact. The contact stated that the two failures occurred within 10 minutes. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for the repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW EXPLODED ALL OVER THE INSIDE OF MY TRUCK. IT EXPLODED SO HARD (LIKE A SHOTGUN BLAST). IT THREW GLASS ALL OVER THE INSIDE OF THE TRUCK, ALL OVER MYSELF. ONCE I STOPPED, I NOTICED THAT I HAD BLOOD ON MY SEAT. THE GLASS ACTUALLY WAS STUCK IN MY SKIN ON MY ELBOW. IT TOOK ALMOST 10 MINUTES TO GET IT OUT OF MY HAIR. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD OR GOING BY ME TO THROW ANY DEBRIS AT THE WINDOW. I HAVE PHOTOS IF NEEDED
"STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE" SCCM (FORD P/N 3F944) PLASTIC BODY BROKE, ALLOWING THE "MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH" (FORD P/N 13K359) TO SEPARATE FROM ITS ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR AND BECOME INOPERABLE. THE SCCM PLASTIC BODY IS QUITE FLIMSY AND THE PLASTIC IS BRITTLE - INSTEAD OF JUST BREAKING, IT SHATTERED LIKE GLASS. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED AT NIGHT DURING A RAINSTORM 3-4-16. HAD JUST EXITED ONTO AN URBAN ARTERIAL FROM A FREEWAY. INSTANTLY THE WIPERS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HIGH BEAM BECAME INOPERABLE. VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING HOME (1 MILE FROM THE EVENT). NEXT DAY I WAS AMAZED AT HOW EXTENSIVELY THE PLASTIC SHATTERED, HAVING NO RECALL OF TREATING IT HARSHLY - JUST USING THE DEVICE IN THE NORMAL FASHION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the door ajar warning light illuminated and indicated that the rear passenger’s side door was open. The contact checked and confirmed that the door was securely closed. The contact stated that occasionally after closing and locking the door, the alarm would inadvertently activate after approximately an hour. The dealer was contacted and it was suggested that the vehicle be taken to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 234,395.
MY 2011 F250 SUPER DUTY HAS SHOOK SINCE THE FIRST TIME I HAD IT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 60-75MPH IT SHAKES TO THE POINT WHERE ITS UNCOMFORTABLE TO DRIVE. THE PASSENGER SEAT SHAKES, SOMETIMES WORSE THAN OTHERS. NO MATTER WHAT THE DEALER DOES TO THE WHEELS IT DOES NOT CHANGE. THEY HAVE ROTATED, REBALANCED, SWAPPED WITH ANOTHER NEW TRUCK, CHECKED ALIGNMENT AND NO CHANGE. *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEAT BELT WILL NOT STAY LATCHED SITTING STILL OR IN MOTION. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE FAILURE.
THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. THE SEAT BELT CAN NOT BE BUCKLED. WHEN THE METAL BELT TONGUE IS INSERTED INTO THE BUCKLE, IT WILL NOT LATCH. THE LATCH SEEMS TO BE JAMMED. OUR FAMILY OWNS FOUR SIMILAR MODEL FORD SUPER DUTIES AND THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ON TWO OTHER OF THE TRUCKS' SEAT BELTS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFELY ISSUE AND APPEARS TO BE A VEHICLE DEFECT. WE HAVE NOTIFIED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY SAID NO RECALL EXISTS SO WERE NOT WILLING TO ASSIST IN CORRECTING THE ISSUE. THE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE TOO DIM AND THE ROADWAY AHEAD OF THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO SEE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14000. UPDATED 09/26/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP THREE TIMES FOR THAT SAME PROBLEM. UPDATED 09/27/12
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .