2009 Ford F-350 Sd 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 2009 Ford F-350 Sd, 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
- Brakes312.0%
- Engine312.0%
- Steering312.0%
- Suspension312.0%
- Tires & wheels312.0%
- Transmission28.0%
- Body & structure28.0%
- Interior & seats14.0%
- Driver assistance14.0%
- Electrical14.0%
- Airbags14.0%
- Exterior lighting14.0%
- Other / unspecified14.0%
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
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE SLOWLY WHILE STOPPING. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,964 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,966. UPDATED 9/19/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE CALIPER BRACKETS WERE FROZEN. THE CALIPER COULD NOT BE PULLED FROM THE INSISDE PAD AGAINST THE ROTORS ON THE INSIDE. UPDATED 01/19/12
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD F-350 SD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS SEVERE RESISTANCE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO BE EXAMINED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,152 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,740.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH, THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE ROD FAILED, WHICH MADE A HOLE IN THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE. AS A RESULT, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TOWARDS THE COST OF REPAIRS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD F-350 DIESEL. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL FUMES EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE WHENEVER IT WAS IN THE EXHAUST CLEANING MODE. ON OCCASIONS, BLUE SMOKE ALSO CAME OUT OF THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,988.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH AND HIT A BUMP FRONT END SHAKES VIOLENTLY. (KNOWN AS THE DEATH WOBBLE). HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN PAST MONTH. WE WILL BE TAKING IT TO MECHANIC. AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.
HIT ROAD BUMP & THE 'DEATH WOBBLE' OCCURRED CAUSING THE TRUCK TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY & FORCE US TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TOOK IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP & THEY QUOTED ME OVER $7K TO FIX VIRTUALLY EVERYTHING SUSPENSION RELATED. I TOOK IT 2 LOCAL DIESEL MECHANICS WHO EVENTUALLY FIXED IT AFTER REPLACING APX $700 IN PARTS. THE PART THAT FIXED IT WAS THE TRACK BAR BALL JOINT & TRACK BAR BUSHING. IN SEARCHING ONLINE AMONGST FORD ENTHUSIAST AS WELL AS OTHER DIESEL TRUCK OWNERS....THIS IS A SCARY, DANGEROUS & SOMEWHAT COMMON PROBLEM. FORDS RESPONSE IN A LOT OF INSTANCES IS THAT TIRE PRESSURE, TIRE WEAR, ETC... IS THEIR COMMON RESPONSE. ALL I KNOW IS WITH AS MANY GUYS THAT I'VE SEEN HAD THIS, THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW THAT IS DANGEROUS. IF SOMEONE HASN'T BEEN KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS ALREADY, I'D BE SHOCKED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
HIT ROAD BUMP & THE 'DEATH WOBBLE' OCCURRED CAUSING THE TRUCK TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY & FORCE US TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TOOK IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP & THEY QUOTED ME OVER $7K TO FIX VIRTUALLY EVERYTHING SUSPENSION RELATED. I TOOK IT 2 LOCAL DIESEL MECHANICS WHO EVENTUALLY FIXED IT AFTER REPLACING APX $700 IN PARTS. THE PART THAT FIXED IT WAS THE TRACK BAR BALL JOINT & TRACK BAR BUSHING. IN SEARCHING ONLINE AMONGST FORD ENTHUSIAST AS WELL AS OTHER DIESEL TRUCK OWNERS....THIS IS A SCARY, DANGEROUS & SOMEWHAT COMMON PROBLEM. FORDS RESPONSE IN A LOT OF INSTANCES IS THAT TIRE PRESSURE, TIRE WEAR, ETC... IS THEIR COMMON RESPONSE. ALL I KNOW IS WITH AS MANY GUYS THAT I'VE SEEN HAD THIS, THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW THAT IS DANGEROUS. IF SOMEONE HASN'T BEEN KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS ALREADY, I'D BE SHOCKED. *TR
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2009 FORD F350 SRW DIESEL CREW CAB. AT APPROXIMATELY 70,000 MILES I BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE A STRONG FRONT END VIBRATION; DEATH WOBBLE. WHEN I GO OVER UNEVEN ROADS AT SPEEDS ABOVE 55 MPH. THE VIBRATION IS SO GREAT THAT THE STEERING WHEEL REQUIRES A TIGHT HOLD TO KEEP CONTROL OF THE TRUCK. THE VIBRATION CONTINUES UNTIL I SLOW DOWN TO AROUND 40 MPH. THIS BECOMES EVEN SCARIER WHEN I AM ON A FREEWAY FLY OVER THAT TURNS AND I HIT AN EXPANSION JOINT. THE TRUCK SHAKES AND TRIES TO PUSH AWAY FROM THE TURN. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO THE DEALER ON FOUR OCCASIONS. THE FIRST VISIT THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THAT I NEEDED NEW TIRES. I BOUGHT NEW TIRES AND IT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I TOOK IT BACK THE SECOND TIME AND THEY CHANGED OUT THE BALL JOINTS, TIE RODS, STEERING DAMPER, DID A FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND BALANCED MY WHEELS. IT SEEMED TO WORK FOR A SHORT TIME UNTIL A PART FELL OFF THE FRONT END OF MY TRUCK AND HIT ANOTHER ONE BEHIND ME IN THE CAR POOL LANE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER TO FIND OUT WHAT I LOST. I WAS TOLD A PART FELL OFF BUT THEY DID NOT WORK NEAR IT. FUNNY THING, IT BEGAN TO VIBRATE AGAIN AFTER THAT. I RECENTLY TOOK IT BACK AND TALKED TO THE TECHNICIAN BEFORE I LEFT THE TRUCK SO HE WOULD UNDERSTAND WHAT IT WAS DOING. HE TOOK IT FOR A DRIVE BUT DID NOT GET IT TO VIBRATE AS I REPORTED TO HIM. HE TOLD ME THAT MY TRUCK DRIVES JUST LIKE ALL F350'S WITHOUT A LOAD. I HAVE PUT MY SLIDE IN CAMPER IN THE BED OF MY TRUCK, 3,500 LBS. AND IT STILL VIBRATES VIOLENTLY. I THINK THAT WOULD BE CONSIDERED A LOAD AND IT TRULY FEELS LIKE A DEATH WOBBLE AS DESCRIBED BY MANY INTERNET POSTINGS. THE FORD REP I SPOKE TO SAID THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF FILING A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH FORD.
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD F-350 SD EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTI PRO (NA) TIRES, SIZE: 275/6518 (NA). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A BUBBLE ON THE TREAD OF THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THERE WAS LITTLE TREAD LIFE LEFT AND THE TIRE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000. THE DOT NUMBER WAS NOT PROVIDED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD F-350 SD EQUIPPED WITH BF GOODRICH RUGGED TERRAIN T/A TIRES, TIRE SIZE LT 285/65/R20 AND DOT NUMBER BE0T02112911. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD F350 SD. WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 55 MPH, THE CONTACT ABRUPTLY DEPRESSED THE BRAKES TO AVOIDING CRASHING INTO AN ANIMAL IN THE ROADWAY. WHEN THE CONTACT TRIED TO ACCELERATE AFTER STOPPING, THE VEHICLE HAD NO POWER. WHEN THE CONTACT TRIED TO ACCELERATE THE SECOND TIME, HE OBSERVED GRAY SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWO ADDITIONAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE HE WAS AWAITING A DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,050 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,000 UPDATED 07/16/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE LOST POWER, A LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST. UPDATED 07/28/10*JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD F-350 SD. WHILE DRIVING, THE TOW HAUL MODE SWITCH ENGAGED AND THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION; HOWEVER, SINCE THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE, THEY COULD NOT PROVIDE A FREE REMEDY. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,400.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE WOULD CONTINUOUSLY RECUR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RESPONDING TO THE WAY THE VEHICLE WAS BOLTED TOGETHER, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO TWIST AND SNAP BACK INTO POSITION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,400 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,700.
WITH 5,112 MILES ON MY 2009 FORD F350 TRUCK, THE TURN SIGNAL HANDLE BROKE OFF COMPLETELY, RENDERING MY TURN SIGNALS AND LIGHTS COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE. *TR
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
DRIVERS SEAT, WHERE THE BACK OF THE SEAT AND WHERE YOU SIT MEET. I SLID MY HAND TO PUT A SEAT COVER ON AND THE INSIDE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE SEAT ON WAS NEVER DEBURED IT IS SHARP AS A KNIFE. IT ENDED UP CUTTING MY FINGER WHICH I HAD TO GET 6 STICHES. HAVEN'T HAD IT CHECK OUT YET. *TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE RADIO AND INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD NOT WORK AT TIMES. THE VEHICLE WOULD SWITCH INTO CRUISE CONTROL MODE AND ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STOP AND THE CONTACT HAD TO USE BOTH FEET TO BRAKE WHILE HITTING THE OFF BUTTON FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE RADIO AND INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD NOT WORK AT TIMES. THE VEHICLE WOULD SWITCH INTO CRUISE CONTROL MODE AND ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STOP AND THE CONTACT HAD TO USE BOTH FEET TO BRAKE WHILE HITTING THE OFF BUTTON FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000.
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 HEADED TO TOWN, TURNED TO AVOID A DEER, WENT OFF ROAD AND COLLIDED INTO A CREEK BANK HEAD-ON. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. UPDATED 04/21/11 *BF UPDATED PORTABLE 04/27/11
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
WITH 5,112 MILES ON MY 2009 FORD F350 TRUCK, THE TURN SIGNAL HANDLE BROKE OFF COMPLETELY, RENDERING MY TURN SIGNALS AND LIGHTS COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
HIT ROAD BUMP & THE 'DEATH WOBBLE' OCCURRED CAUSING THE TRUCK TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY & FORCE US TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TOOK IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP & THEY QUOTED ME OVER $7K TO FIX VIRTUALLY EVERYTHING SUSPENSION RELATED. I TOOK IT 2 LOCAL DIESEL MECHANICS WHO EVENTUALLY FIXED IT AFTER REPLACING APX $700 IN PARTS. THE PART THAT FIXED IT WAS THE TRACK BAR BALL JOINT & TRACK BAR BUSHING. IN SEARCHING ONLINE AMONGST FORD ENTHUSIAST AS WELL AS OTHER DIESEL TRUCK OWNERS....THIS IS A SCARY, DANGEROUS & SOMEWHAT COMMON PROBLEM. FORDS RESPONSE IN A LOT OF INSTANCES IS THAT TIRE PRESSURE, TIRE WEAR, ETC... IS THEIR COMMON RESPONSE. ALL I KNOW IS WITH AS MANY GUYS THAT I'VE SEEN HAD THIS, THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW THAT IS DANGEROUS. IF SOMEONE HASN'T BEEN KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS ALREADY, I'D BE SHOCKED. *TR
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 .