2006 Ford F-350 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 2006 Ford F-350, 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
- Steering5125.5%
- Suspension5025.0%
- Engine3316.5%
- Fuel system2211.0%
- Brakes94.5%
- Other / unspecified84.0%
- Airbags73.5%
- Tires & wheels63.0%
- Electrical63.0%
- Driver assistance31.5%
- Interior & seats21.0%
- Powertrain (other)21.0%
- Transmission10.5%
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
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the front passenger wheel drove over a small dip in the roadway and the vehicle started to shimmy. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to steer. The contact continued driving at a slower speed to allow the shimmy to self-correct. There was no warning illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was found and the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic checked for recalls related to the failure and advised the contact that the manufacturer had issued a recall for the failure (09L02) for severe steering wheel and front wheel vibrations. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 265,000.
Vehicle has experienced "death wobble," a common and well documented occurrence in Ford F250 and F350 model trucks. This has occurred on multiple occasions since 2006, and most recently on 4/26/2022. The incident occurred while traveling approximately 45 MPH, and hitting a small bump in the road. When the "death wobble" occurs, the vehicle shakes violently and is difficult to control. This creates a hazardous situation for the occupants of the vehicle and other vehicles/pedestrians in the vicinity of the vehicle. Prior and current attempts to contact Ford service departments, typically involves Ford stating there is not a recall and any repair outside of warranty are the responsibility of owner. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. There is no warning prior to the "death wobble," and occurs when the vehicle is travelling at speed more than 45 MPH.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the front passenger wheel drove over a small dip in the roadway and the vehicle started to shimmy. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to steer. The contact continued driving at a slower speed to allow the shimmy to self-correct. There was no warning illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was found and the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic checked for recalls related to the failure and advised the contact that the manufacturer had issued a recall for the failure (09L02) for severe steering wheel and front wheel vibrations. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 265,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the front of the vehicle started to wobble. While driving over a pothole, the vehicle wobbled violently. The contact was unable to control the vehicle while driving over 35 MPH. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact detected smoke coming from the vehicle. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who informed him there were no recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 99,856.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
2006F-350 super duty 5.4engine,,had to be replaced two and a half years ago the Ford dealer at cirroca of York,,told me that the new motor was improved that the new motors valve train was improved,,why wasn't it a recall,, if it would affect emissions and overall performance and reliability
The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the front of the vehicle started to wobble. While driving over a pothole, the vehicle wobbled violently. The contact was unable to control the vehicle while driving over 35 MPH. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact detected smoke coming from the vehicle. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who informed him there were no recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 99,856.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that fuel was leaking underneath the front driver's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the fuel pump block-off plate and plug. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE EGR COOLER WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. PAM
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal remained on the floorboard. The vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was restarted but the failure persisted. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 184,000.
CORRUPTED V.I.N CALIBRATION IN PCM CAUSING A.B.S MODULE TO LOCK FRONT BRAKES AND NOT FULLY RELEASE. 2 FRONT ABS SENSORS READ 14% DIFFERENT SPEED FROM REAR CAUSING ABS TO SENSE AN ISSUE WHEN THERE IS NOT AN ACTUAL MECHANICAL ISSUE. WHEN A.B.S TRIES TO SLOW FRONT WHEELS IT DOES NOT FULLY RELEASE FRONT WHEELS CAUSING BRAKES TO OVERHEAT TO THE POINT OF CAUSING BRAKE FIRE. I HAVE WORKED WITH FORD DEALERSHIP TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE BUT THEY CANNOT COME UP WITH A SOLUTION.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
While performing a lift of a 520-pound load in a boom position rated for 575 pounds, the crane abruptly failed due to a faulty weld and dropped the load approximately 18 inches, causing minor injuries to the crane operator. There was no sign of trouble before the failure. The failed weld was a circumferential weld between the support pillar and the bearing mount. This was concealed inside the base of the boom assembly and this part arrived already assembled. The skirt that extends from the boom assembly over the bearing mount caught on the pillar and stopped the boom from falling off the pillar entirely. The weld had a full bead but no penetration around most of its circumference. After painting this would have been hard to inspect visually even with the appropriate portion disassembled. Other reviews posted on Amazon.com, where the crane was purchased, show the same kind of deficient welding. The problem was reported to Amazon through a customer service representative and through their safety issue reporting system but they have made no acknowledgement of the issue and have not asked for more details. The broken component has since been repaired and returned to service but photographs of the failure are available.
DRIVING EAST ON INTERSTATE I10 EAST OF BENSON, AZ AT AROUND 75MPH, HIT A ROUGH PATCH OF ROAD AND THE VEHICLE WENT WILD, SHAKING, VIBRATING, LOSS OF CONTROL. I HIT THE BRAKES AND WENT ACROSS 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC INTO THE MEDIUM, WHERE I SKIDDED TO A STOP. I SEE FROM THE INTERNET THIS IS CALLED THE F350 DEATH WOBBLE! THE FORD F350 AND ALL RELATED VEHICLES NEED TO BE TAKEN OFF THE ROADS, THEY ARE A POTENTIAL DEATH TRAP. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED IN THIS ACCIDENT OR EVEN WORSE SOME INNOCENT FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IN A HEAD ON ACCIDENT! MY FORD F350 VEHICLE HAS AROUND 60,000 MILES, SUPERDUTY, 4X4. IT IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH A CAB OVER CAMPER.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal remained on the floorboard. The vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was restarted but the failure persisted. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 184,000.
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
HAD A CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC 275/70R18 BLOW OUT ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE TOWING. IT WAS A REAR DRIVE TIRE ON A 2006 F350 DIESEL. THE TIRE BLEW RIGHT APART, TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE, CAUSING ENTIRE LEFT SIDE BED DAMAGE, RESULTING IN OVER $3,000 OF DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK
1. TRAVELING AT 65 MPH HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD 2. FRONT AXLE BEGINS OSCILLATING WITH SUCH VIOLENCE THAT CONTROL OF THE TRUCK IS DIFFICULT UNTIL SLOWED DOWN, THE ENTIRE VEHICLE SHAKES TO THE POINT YOU FEEL IT WILL COME APART. I WAS TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN I EXPERIENCED THIS. I NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I'M TERRIFIED WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN ON A ICY ROAD. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED. 3. NOTHING. APPARENTLY THERE IS NO FIX AS IT IS UNKNOWN. FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT REFUSES TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. VEHICLE INFORMATION: ? 2006 ? FORD ? F350 ?? ENTIRE FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENT ? VIN - [XXX] ? TIRES BFG ALL TERRAIN 325/65 R18. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
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
WHEN MERGING ON FREEWAY. TRUCK KEPT ACCELERATING AFTER LETTING OFF GAS PEDAL. SLAMMED ON BRAKES TO SLOW TRUCK. TRUCK KEPT GOING FASTER AND HAD NO CONTROL OF SPEED OR WAY TO STOP TRUCK. AFTER INCIDENT NOW TAC ODOMETER ON DASH NEEDLE WONT GO BACK TO ZERO AFTER YOU SHUT TRUCK OFF CRUISE CONTROL WAS OFF AND NO FLOOR MATS IN TRUCK.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE ENGINE DID NOT START. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE ENGINE STARTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000. UPDATED 08/02/16*LJ UPDATED 08/09/16.*JB
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
WHEN MERGING ON FREEWAY. TRUCK KEPT ACCELERATING AFTER LETTING OFF GAS PEDAL. SLAMMED ON BRAKES TO SLOW TRUCK. TRUCK KEPT GOING FASTER AND HAD NO CONTROL OF SPEED OR WAY TO STOP TRUCK. AFTER INCIDENT NOW TAC ODOMETER ON DASH NEEDLE WONT GO BACK TO ZERO AFTER YOU SHUT TRUCK OFF CRUISE CONTROL WAS OFF AND NO FLOOR MATS IN TRUCK.
FORD F-350 2006 COMPLAINT. WE HAVE EXPERIENCED VIOLENT SHAKING (SHIMMYING) WHEN THE TRUCK HITS A BUMP ON THE HIGHWAY AND AS A RESULT, EXTREME DIFFICULTY MAINTAINING THE VEHICLE ON THE ROAD. OUR FIRST EXPERIENCE WAS IN AUGUST 2015, ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHILE TRAVELLING AT 75MP. WE HIT A BUMP AND THE TRUCK / STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS CAUSING US TO SWERVE ACROSS LANES AND STRUGGLE TO KEEP THE TRUCK IN THE LANE AND OUT OF TRAFFIC'S WAY. WE HAVE SINCE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM FOUR MORE TIMES HITTING BUMPY HIGHWAYS AT SPEEDS AS LOW AS 50MMP AND AS RECENT AS 2 WEEKS AGO. WE HAVE CHECKED IT OUT AND OUR MECHANIC ADVISED THAT HE COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. IT HAS BEEN A GREAT CONCERN OF OURS AS IT PUTS OUR LIVES (AND THOSE ON THE ROAD WITH US) AT DANGER WHEN THIS ISSUE OCCURS. ADDITIONALLY, EVERY TIME THE VIOLENT SHAKING OCCURS, IT THROWS OFF THE ALIGNMENT AND BALANCING FOR THE TRUCK. WE HAVE JUST RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD ADVISING OF THIS PROBLEM AND I HAVE CALLED THE SERVICE CENTER FROM THE FORD DEALER WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM. FORD IS NOT ASSUMING RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS TO THESE DEFECTS AT THIS TIME. OUR TIRE PRESSURE IS IN KEEPING WITH FORD'S RECOMMENDATIONS AS THEY SUGGEST IN THEIR LETTER. FORD F-350 TRUCKS SHOULD NOT BE APPROVED FOR USE ON HIGHWAYS AS THIS DEFECT COULD RESULT IN FATAL ACCIDENTS IF THE SHAKING CANNOT BE CONTROLLED. ALSO, FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING THE FAULTY TRUCKS.
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL DUE TO BLACK ICE. THE CONTACT DROVE INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED OUT OF THE DITCH. THE CONTACT STRUCK THE CENTER CONSOLE AND SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, AND SEVERE PAIN TO THE HEAD, NECK, AND SHOULDERS. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND ANOTHER PASSENGER SUSTAINED UNDISCLOSED INJURIES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE'S SEAT WAS CONSIDERED A FIFTH SEAT FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.
FRONT CENTER SEAT BACK HAS FAILED DUE TO CRACK IN PLASTIC BODY STRUCTURE. RESULTS IS THE BACK REST IS NOT SUPPORTING CENTER PASSENGER BACK PROPERLY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SWAYED SIDE TO SIDE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT, CASE SHIFTER, TRANSMISSION, LIFT PUMP, TRANSFER CASE, LEFT CALIBER, FUEL LINE AND REAR SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000. MA 08/13/15 UPDATED 09/01/2015*LJ UPDATED 10/14/2015*JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIGOROUSLY. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO SHAKE ABNORMALLY WHEN DECELERATING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD ERRATICALLY SHIFT, AND THE FUEL TANK WAS DELAMINATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS BUT THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE SHAKING. THE TECHNICIANS WERE ABLE TO DETERMINE THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT SENSOR AND THE FUEL TANK WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE FUEL TANK WAS NOT REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
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 2006 FORD F-350. THE VEHICLE WOULD CRANK, BUT NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE OIL CONTROL MODULE DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH PRESSURE TO START THE MOTOR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEAD GASKET. THE RADIO VOLUME TURNED ALL THE WAY UP INTERMITTENTLY AND WAS REPLACED. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 5-10 MPH IN TOW HAUL MODE, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SWITCH GEARS WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. THE DEALER UPDATED THE CODES FOR THE TRANSMISSION; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THERE WAS A LOSS OF STEERING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,234.
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 .