RoadVitals

2017 Ford F-550

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.
15
Latest Mar 6, 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.
6
Latest Jun 18, 2019
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.
3

Overview

Our database contains 15 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 Ford F-550, most frequently naming the engine, body & structure and fuel system categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 16 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

  • Engine318.8%
  • Body & structure318.8%
  • Fuel system212.5%
  • Suspension212.5%
  • Brakes212.5%
  • Tires & wheels16.3%
  • Other / unspecified16.3%
  • Powertrain (other)16.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

6 campaigns cover this model year

View all 6

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
19V463000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Jun 18, 2019
1 units potentially affected
The defect: Farber Specialty Vehicles (Farber) is recalling certain 2017 Ford F-550 vehicles equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
The risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Farber will notify owners, and Whelen will remedy the lights, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2020. Owners may contact Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331 or Farber at 1-800-331-3188.
Farber Specialty VehiclesManufacturer number 18E-063View on NHTSA.gov
19V401000

EQUIPMENT

May 29, 2019
22 units potentially affected
The defect: VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists (VCI) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550, 2014 E-350 and E-450, 2015 F-250 and F-450, 2016 E-450, 2017 E-350, F-450 and E-450, 2018 F-350, 2010 E-450, 2005-2006 E-450, 2009 E-450 and Chevrolet C4500-based Type I and Type III ambulances equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The monitors may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversed.
The risk: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists will work with ASA to notify the owners, and remedy the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics at 1-800-384-4400.
VCI Emergency Vehicle SpecialistsView on NHTSA.gov
19V358000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

May 13, 2019
4 units potentially affected
The defect: Unruh Fire, Inc. (Unruh Fire) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550-based fire trucks equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
The risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Unruh Fire has notified owners and will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began in May 20, 2019. Owners may contact Unruh Fire customer service at 1-800-856-7080.
Unruh Fire, Inc.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 15
Fuel system
Filed Mar 6, 2026

The CP4 pump in my truck exploded sending metal fragments through the fuel system. I was going 55 mph, it went into low engine power mode and then turned off leaving me stranded on the side on an interstate. This is a known issue with this model. There were no warning lamps, messages or symptoms prior to this happening. The fuel pump failure is catastrophic.

NHTSA ID
11722551
Incident
Mar 4, 2026
Engine
Filed Feb 11, 2026

The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2017 Ford F550. The contact stated that while one of the employees was driving at highway speeds, a diesel fuel-burning odor was coming from the engine and entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. No warning lights were illuminated. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The driver exited the vehicle and noticed oil dripping from underneath the vehicle. The driver opened the hood and noticed diesel fuel all over the engine compartment. Upon further investigation, the driver noticed that the plastic drain valve on the bottom of the water separator had cracked, and oil was spewing upwards. The driver called the company mechanic, and the mechanic went to the site of the failure. The mechanic repaired the vehicle on-site by replacing the filter. The driver was able to continue driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,384.

NHTSA ID
11717381
Incident
Feb 10, 2026
Mileage
59,384 mi
Body & structure
Filed Feb 3, 2026

The front cab over is getting loose and separating worried it will fall off, have huge water leak coming into the cab from the top through auxiliary buttons and driver side. Have been reading forums and lots of people have the same issues this is very concerning that it's not being taken seriously.

NHTSA ID
11715341
Incident
Jun 11, 2022
Fuel system
Filed Jul 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-550. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that occasionally, when the vehicle was started, the vehicle would idle roughly. The contact used a diagnostic machine and retrieved a fault code related to the fuel pump module. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with fuel pump module failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that when the fuel pump module was removed, there were metal shavings inside. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,483.

NHTSA ID
11676148
Incident
Jul 23, 2025
Mileage
123,483 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 22, 2024
Crash reportedFire reported

My truck exploded on the expressway on 11-21-24 due to a manufacturer default.

NHTSA ID
11626951
Incident
Nov 21, 2024
Body & structureSuspension
Filed May 9, 2024

Ford Motor Company has had a known issue with the truck frames cracking on the F-550 chassis. They acknowledged it by doing a recall, which either replaced or repaired the chassis frame or installed reinforcement braces if no cracks were visible. The recall expired in September of 2023. In October 2023 we noticed a crack on the frame just outside the recall reinforcement brace that Ford-certified technicians installed. We found another in November (reinforcement brace installed) and another in January (with Ford's new and improved frame produced due to a recall issue). Ford has denied making the repairs since the original warranty expired, even though this was the same related issue. We have been dealing with Ford Motor Company since October in hopes of resolving the issue but they continue to give us any resolution. The problem has not only caused a burden on our workforce but also caused great safety concerns. With Ford avoiding responsibility, they are allowing trucks to operate daily on our highway system, which becomes a safety concern for not only the driver but for many other motorists. The problem existed, but the issue was not resolved, all we are asking is that they take responsibility for making the repairs and permanently resolving the issue for the safety of all motorists.

NHTSA ID
11587797
Incident
Oct 1, 2023
Body & structure
Filed Apr 23, 2024

See attached letter

NHTSA ID
11584754
Incident
Apr 21, 2024
Filed Nov 14, 2022

THE FRAME CRACKED, BECAUSE OF "CUSTOMER SATIISFACTION PROGRAM" 21B04 WE INSPECTED OUR FRAME ON A REGULAR BASIS. WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. WE SENT PICTURES TO FORD AND THEY SAID WRONG TYPE OF CHASSIS TO BE COVERED. IF YOU LOOK BACK AT a "TEREX" SAFETY NOTICE "SN-610-14" FORD HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE 2006.

NHTSA ID
11493434
Incident
Aug 10, 2022

Manufacturer communications

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

25N10S1

STRUCTURE:BODY

Certain 2017-2025 F-450 – F-600 Chassis Cab Upfitted with an Aerial Bucket Frame Rail Crack

SSM 52787

Some 2017-2020 F-150 and 2017-2019 F-Super Duty vehicles may not successfully complete the Transmission Characterization/Solenoid IDN procedure using the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool. This may be due to the IDS not being at the latest software level

SAN-Vol1 I1

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

The Service Awareness Newsletter is an informal communication that contains information that may not be presently available in a TSB, SSM, GSB, or other electronic communication. This article includes information on warranty, technical service tips and other service information.

20N04 S2

EQUIPMENT; POWER TRAIN

Certain 2017-2019 MY F250/F350 and all F450/550 vehicles Steering Linage Damper replacement. Reason for this supplement: Updated program terms, includes new mobile service repair assessment and updated owner letters with revised program terms.

21B04 S4

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Certain 2017 through 2020 Model Year F550 Equipped with Payload Plus Upgrade Package Frame Rail Crack Program Terms: Program will be extended for an additional year; Urgency/Expiration Date: Program will be extended for an additional year Owner Refunds: Refunds have been extended to December 31, 2022, for owner paid repairs completed prior to owner notification date

21B04-S1

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; STRUCTURE

Certain 2017 through 2020 Model Year F550 Equipped with Payload Plus Upgrade Package Frame Rail Crack REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT • Technical Instructions: Updated to clarify amount of use for Rotobroach cutter.• Attachment V: Updated list of trucks that will not require bracket installation.

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-550 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2020172159.0
2019134056.9
20188100—
2017Viewing156063.1
2016900—
2015010—
2014210—
2013611—
2012135260.1
2011125255.0
2010010—
2009010—
2008010—
2007010—

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.