Ford F-550 problems by model year

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 68 owner complaints and 22 recalls on file for the Ford F-550 (2009–2020). The 2017 F-550 has the most serious complaints, most often about body & structure.

Complaints: 68
Recalls: 22
Model years: 12
Worst year: 2017

Complaints by model year

NHTSA complaints per Ford F-550 model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Ford F-550 years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

2017 Ford F-550 — 10 complaints, 1 crash, 1 fire; top problem: Body & Structure

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2015 (0 complaints).

Every Ford F-550 model year

Year	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top problem
2020 F-550	17	0	1	2	Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2019 F-550	13	1	3	4	Engine
2018 F-550	7	0	0	10	Steering
2017 F-550	10	1	1	5	Body & Structure
2016 F-550	9	1	2	0	Airbags
2015 F-550	0	0	0	1	—
2014 F-550	2	0	1	1	Engine
2013 F-550	3	0	1	1	Engine
2012 F-550	3	0	1	5	Engine
2011 F-550	4	0	0	5	Engine
2010 F-550	0	0	0	1	—
2009 F-550	0	0	0	1	—

Most common Ford F-550 problem areas (all years)

Engine
25 complaints
Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
14 complaints
Body & Structure
13 complaints
Steering
6 complaints
Transmission & Drivetrain
6 complaints
Suspension
6 complaints
Electrical System
5 complaints
Airbags
4 complaints
Wheels & Tires
3 complaints
Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2 complaints

Complaint trend

Complaints about the Ford F-550 received by NHTSA each month.

Ford F-550 recalls

Recall 20V099000Feb 21, 2020319 vehiclesModel years 2020
Risk: If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of drive, increasing the risk of crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur and increase the risk of injury or crash.
Recall 19V633000Aug 28, 2019639,137 vehiclesModel years 2019–2020
Risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Recall 19V414000Jun 5, 20194 vehiclesModel years 2018
Risk: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 19V401000May 29, 201922 vehiclesModel years 2017–2018
Risk: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 19V398000May 29, 201913 vehiclesModel years 2018–2019
Risk: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 19V358000May 13, 20194 vehiclesModel years 2017–2018
Risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 19V342000May 3, 201917 vehiclesModel years 2017–2018
Risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 19V269000Apr 3, 20191 vehiclesModel years 2018
Risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 19V254000Mar 28, 20191 vehiclesModel years 2018
Risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 19V251000Mar 28, 20192 vehiclesModel years 2018
Risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 19V236000Mar 26, 201936 vehiclesModel years 2018
Risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 19V226000Mar 22, 20198 vehiclesModel years 2019
Risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 18V894000Dec 18, 2018410,289 vehiclesModel years 2017–2019
Risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
Recall 17V331000May 22, 201714,410 vehiclesModel years 2017
Risk: If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Recall 15V371000Jun 15, 20158 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015
Risk: Engine shut down and a subsequent cool down period may delay medical treatment or assistance to those needing it, increasing their risk of injury.
Recall 15V052000Jan 30, 20151 vehiclesModel years 2011
Risk: The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
Recall 14V498000Aug 13, 20143 vehiclesModel years 2009–2013
Risk: The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
Recall 14V411000Jul 8, 20142 vehiclesModel years 2011
Risk: The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
Recall 14V040000Feb 6, 201418 vehiclesModel years 2011–2012
Risk: If the brackets break, the CNG tank may separate from the vehicle frame increasing the risk of a crash or possible fire.
Recall 13V535000Oct 30, 20132,951 vehiclesModel years 2011–2012
Risk: An unexpected engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, if this were to occur when the ambulance is transporting a patient, there is an increased risk of injury to the patient.
Recall 13V380000Aug 23, 201337 vehiclesModel years 2012
Risk: Excessive heat build up in rear compartment could result in fire.
Recall 11V582000Dec 8, 201116,091 vehiclesModel years 2012
Risk: This will allow the operator to inadvertently shift the vehicle into gear without the brake pedal being depressed, increasing the risk of a crash or injury to a nearby pedestrian.

Other Ford models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology