2017 Ford F-550 problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Ford F-550, most often about body & structure. There are 5 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 10
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Median mileage
- 80,000 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 3 of 10 complaints (30%).
- Body & Structure (3) and wheels & tires (2) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 80,000 mi.
- Owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries.
- The 2017 Ford F-550 has 5 recalls on file.
- It ranks 4th of 9 Ford F-550 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
2017 Ford F-550 problems by category
- Engine · 1 crash3 complaints
- Body & Structure3 complaints
- Wheels & Tires2 complaints
- Suspension1 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion1 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Structure | 2 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling:engine:crank/camshaft position sensor | 1 |
| Fuel system, diesel | 1 |
| Structure:body | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 |
| Tires | 1 |
| Engine | 1 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2017 Ford F-550 recalls (5)
- EQUIPMENT
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.
Risk: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
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.
Risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Taylor Made Ambulances is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford E-350, F-450, E-450, F-550, and GMC G3500-based ambulances 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.
Risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Taylor Made will notify owners and Whelen will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2019. Owners may contact Taylor Made Ambulances customer service at 1-800-468-1310.
- ENGINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.
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.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S45.
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles originally produced with black or body colored exterior door handles that may have been subsequently equipped with a chrome exterior door handle cover accessory kit purchased from a Ford dealer. These accessory door handle covers may cause the doors to unlatch in a side impact collision. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Risk: If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the accessory covers and refund the purchase price. The recall began July 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for the recall is 17C09.
Recent 2017 Ford F-550 complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Oct 5, 202670,000 miFLTowedBody & Structure
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the brake dust cover, but the sound persisted. The vehicle was taken to EarthRoamer (5073 Silver Peak Ave, Dacono, CO 80514), who replaced the suspension bushing and shock mount; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to EarthRoamer, who determined that the frame was…
NHTSA complaint #11769011 · source - Filed Feb 11, 202659,384 miWAEngine
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…
NHTSA complaint #11717381 · source - Filed Feb 3, 2026AZBody & Structure
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 complaint #11715341 · source - Filed Jul 25, 2025123,483 miFLTowedFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
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…
NHTSA complaint #11676148 · source - Filed Aug 8, 2022213,720 miFLEngine
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-550. The contact stated that after two to three minutes after the engine was idled, a ticking noise was heard in the engine. The noise would dissipate however, a rattling noise was heard next. The contact stated works as an independent mechanic and diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the #3 cylinder had a low oil pressure and that the camshaft and follower needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not…
NHTSA complaint #11478173 · source - Filed Jun 28, 2021CAWheels & Tires
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…
NHTSA complaint #11422616 · source - Filed Jun 21, 2021CAWheels & Tires
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…
NHTSA complaint #11421714 · source - Filed Feb 5, 202180,000 miILSuspension
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, [phone removed]) however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11394818 · source
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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology