RoadVitals

2017 Ford F-550 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
9
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Ford F-550, 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

  • Engine318.8%
  • Body & structure318.8%
  • Fuel system212.5%
  • Suspension212.5%
  • Brakes212.5%
  • Tires & wheels16.3%
  • Other / unspecified16.3%
  • Powertrain (other)16.3%
  • Steering16.3%

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

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 11, 2026

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

NHTSA ID 11626951 · filed Nov 22, 2024

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 3, 2026

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 · filed May 9, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Mar 6, 2026

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 · filed Jul 25, 2025

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 9, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD F-550. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT UNDISCLOSED SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER FREEWAY FORD TRUCK SALES (8445 45TH ST, LYONS, IL 60534, (708) 442-9000) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.

NHTSA ID 11394818 · filed Feb 5, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

FORD PUT A 2 RUBBER BRAKE HOSES WITH OUTER BRAIDED STEEL OUTER CASING ON THE BUILD AROUND THE A.B.S. UNIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ONE OF THESE HOSES FAILED INSTANTLY RESULTING IN A LOW SPEED COLLISION WITH NO BRAKES.WITH NO PREVIOUS WARNING OF ANY KIND IE SOFT PEDAL ETC. NO KIND LIGHT CAME ON. THIS MUST BE CORRECTED BEFORE THIS STARTS HAPPENING ALL OVER THE U.S.A. THE TRUCK IS BEING REPAIRED AT AN AUSTIN,TX FORD DEALER WITH THE SAME PART THAT JUST HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THE HOSE SHOWS NO RUBBING OR OUTSIDE CONTAMINATION IE DIRT DEBRIS ETC. THE CRASH HAPPENED AT ABOUT 30 MPH, AND MODERATE BRAKING.

NHTSA ID 11183253 · filed Feb 28, 2019

FROM THE DAY I TOOK IT OFF THE LOT TRUCK PULLS LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKES SQUEAK VIBRATION STARTS AT 55MPH FILLS LIKE REAR ENDED IS LOSS TRUCK SWERVES . I WAS DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY WHEN REAR SLIDING WINDOW BLEW OUT FROM INSIDE OF CAB OUT SOUNDING LIKE A GUN SHOT OR TIRE BLEW UP INSIDE THE CAB AND BLEW GLASS ALL OVER MY 4 YEAR OLD IN BACK SEAT . I HAVE HAD THIS TRUCK INTO FORD FOR A NUMBER OF THINGS BUT WON'T FIX VIBRATION OR THE WAY TRUCK DRIVES DOWN THE ROAD

NHTSA ID 11073606 · filed Feb 19, 2018

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (Safety Act), S571.120 Tire/Rim Selection, S5.1.2, requires the sum of the maximum load ratings of the tires fitted to the axle shall be not less than the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of the axle system specified on the vehicle's certification label required by 49 CFR part 567. 567.77 requires any alterer of the vehicle to continue conformity with these requirements and assumes legal liability for certification under the Safety Act. The Siberian RV (see pic) is a customized off-road expedition vehicle manufactured by ProVan Industries, West Columbia South Carolina. They utilize a Ford F550 Super Duty 4x4 as the chassis and customize the RV to travel into off-grid extreme environments and road conditions. Provan alters the standard Ford F550 dual rear wheel to a single rear wheel The altered Certification Label affixed to the vehicle (see pic) establishes the rear axle GAWR at 14,706 pounds. The Tire/Wheel (Rim) assembly chosen by Provan as their alteration is listed as a TOYO M608Z 285/70R 19.5" on a Hutchinson Beadlock Wheel. ProVan neglected to list the capacity of this tire on the Certification Label, instead filling "X" in this spot (VIOLATION). TOYO Inflation Chart determines the MAX load capacity of this tire to be 6395# at 125 MAX Inflation (see chart). The Hutchinson Wheel has a stamped MAX inflation capacity of 120psi which lowers the load capacity of the tires to 6185# per tire. Either way the sum of the maximum capacity of the tires is either 12,790# or 12,270# safely. The tires are far short of the 14,706# required by the Safety Act. At 22,500 miles and roughly 50% tread wear the rear tire sidewalls developed a split in the bead seam near the rim (see pics). This unsafe tire condition was noticed and immediately pulled out of service. Toyo states this is an overload condition. ProVan refuses to take responsibility for their defective design in violation of the Safety Act. Please Help

NHTSA ID 11421714 · filed Jun 21, 2021

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (Safety Act), S571.120 Tire/Rim Selection, S5.1.2, requires the sum of the maximum load ratings of the tires fitted to the axle shall be not less than the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of the axle system specified on the vehicle's certification label required by 49 CFR part 567. 567.77 requires any alterer of the vehicle to continue conformity with these requirements and assumes legal liability for certification under the Safety Act. The Siberian RV (see pic) is a customized off-road expedition vehicle manufactured by ProVan Industries, West Columbia South Carolina. They utilize a Ford F550 Super Duty 4x4 as the chassis and customize the RV to travel into off-grid extreme environments and road conditions. ProVan alters the standard Ford F550 dual rear wheel to a single rear wheel. The altered Certification Label affixed to the vehicle (see pic) establishes the rear axle GAWR at 14,706 pounds. The Tire/Wheel (Rim) assembly chosen by ProVan as their alteration is listed as a TOYO M608Z 285/70R 19.5" on a Hutchinson Beadlock Wheel. ProVan neglected to list the capacity of this tire on the Certification Label, instead filling "X" in this spot (VIOLATION). TOYO Inflation Chart determines the MAX load capacity of this tire to be 6395# at 125 psi MAX inflation (see chart). The Hutchinson Wheel has a stamped MAX inflation capacity of 120psi which lowers the load capacity of the tires to 6185# per tire. Either way the sum of the maximum capacity of the tires is either 12,790# or 12,270#. The tires are far short of the 14,706# rear axle GAWR required by the Safety Act. At 22,500 miles and roughly 50% tread wear the rear tire sidewalls developed a split in the bead seam near the rim (see pics). This unsafe tire condition was noticed and immediately pulled out of service. TOYO states this is an overload situation. ProVan refuses to take responsibility for their defective design in violation of the Safety Act. PLEASE HELP Consumer stated rear tire blewout on July 29t

NHTSA ID 11422616 · filed Jun 28, 2021

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD F-550. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SHULTS FORD (10401 PERRY HWY, WEXFORD, PA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPONENTS CONNECTED TO THE DRIVESHAFT WERE DAMAGED DUE TO THE DRIVELINE VIBRATING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST BECAUSE THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17212000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,705.

NHTSA ID 11103422 · filed Jun 22, 2018

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

FROM THE DAY I TOOK IT OFF THE LOT TRUCK PULLS LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKES SQUEAK VIBRATION STARTS AT 55MPH FILLS LIKE REAR ENDED IS LOSS TRUCK SWERVES . I WAS DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY WHEN REAR SLIDING WINDOW BLEW OUT FROM INSIDE OF CAB OUT SOUNDING LIKE A GUN SHOT OR TIRE BLEW UP INSIDE THE CAB AND BLEW GLASS ALL OVER MY 4 YEAR OLD IN BACK SEAT . I HAVE HAD THIS TRUCK INTO FORD FOR A NUMBER OF THINGS BUT WON'T FIX VIBRATION OR THE WAY TRUCK DRIVES DOWN THE ROAD

NHTSA ID 11073606 · filed Feb 19, 2018

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

Data on this page last refreshed .