2011 Ford F-250

Above average

Owners filed 248 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the suspension. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
70,000 milesMedian miles at failure

212 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering84
101
Suspension48
000
Engine24
010
Fuel/Propulsion System16
100
Power Train10
200
Unknown or Other8
000
Electrical System7
010
Structure › Body6
010
Service Brakes6
100
Tires5
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Software11V128000
Filed Feb 24, 20118,022 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 FORD F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, EDGE, AND LINCOLN MKX TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 25, 2010, THROUGH NOVEMBER 20, 2010. THESE VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED USING INTEGRATED DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (IDS) THAT HAD A CUSTOM SOFTWARE ROUTINE TO READ THE SUSPECT BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) SERIAL NUMBER. BASED ON THE SERIAL NUMBER THE BCM WAS EITHER NOT AFFECTED OR REPLACED. THE CUSTOM SOFTWARE ROUTINE WAS NOT READING THE CORRECT SET OF CHARACTERS, AND WAS NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY A BCM THAT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AFFECTED BCMS MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INTERNAL SHORT.

Risk. IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT DEVELOPS, AN OVERHEATING CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy. DEALER WILL INSPECT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Structure › Body10V659000
Filed Dec 29, 201014,737 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, EDGE AND LINCOLN MKX VEHICLES. DURING A SIX-DAY PRODUCTION PERIOD, THE SUPPLIER OF THE BODY CONTROL MODULE MANUFACTURED MODULES THAT MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INTERNAL SHORT.

Risk. IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT DEVELOPS, AN OVERHEATING CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN UNATTENDED VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy. DEALER WILL REPLACE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Oct 31, 2025204,000 milesFL

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 163,000; however, after obtaining the Carfax Report on the vehicle, it was discovered that the mileage was 204,000.

Tires › Bead
Filed Sep 24, 2025NC

The tires were installed on 8.22.2025 and on the following Thursday, August 28, 2025, all of the tires had low pressure. I returned to the Orange City, FL Tire Kingdom per the managers' (Brittany) request and the mechanic filled all of the tires and said that they were not completely filled when they were installed. The following day, Friday, 8/29, I began my return trip to my home in North Carolina. Within a few hours, the driver’s side front tire exploded and my truck was on the rim of the tire, swerving into the adjacent lane on I-95. I was able to get the truck off of the highway, onto the nearest exit ramp without being hit. I have never been that close to being killed on the interstate. [XXX] came and put the spare on and while I was waiting along the highway I called Tire Kingdom and was advised by [XXX] at the Orange City store to take the truck to the nearest Mavis or Tire Kingdom. The nearest one was Mavis in Brunswick, Ga, about 30 minutes north of the incident. The Brunswick store was closing and I was advised to bring my truck in at 8:00 am. I stayed at a hotel nearby and had the truck there at 7:45 am. I was told that they did not have four replacement tires in stock and could probably have them by Tuesday as it was Labor Day Weekend. They stated that they could replace only the blown tire and “take a look” at the other three tires. There was absolutely no concern for my safety or welfare, and no appreciation of the amount of risk I would be undertaking to conti

Suspension
Filed Jul 22, 2025263,000 milesAR

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving over a bump at a high rate of speed, the contact experienced the death wobble and the contact temporarily lost control of the vehicle. The contact slowed down and the violent shaking ceased. The contact stated that the tie rods, ball joints, and other front-end parts were replaced to reduce the risk of the failure recurring. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH and towing a trailer, the contact experienced the death wobble. The vehicle drifted from the far-left lane over to the far-right lane and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was then referred to the manufacturer and was provided a case number. The manufacturer advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 263,000.

Engine
Filed Jul 21, 2025200,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle vigorously shuddered. In addition, the contact allowed the vehicle to decelerate independently to come to a stop. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 24, 20257,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while making a turn in either direction, there was an abnormal crunching sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the sound was caused by a misalignment between the cab and the bed of the truck. Due to the failure the cab mount bushings became worn and needed to be replaced or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN. The contact was provided a case number and was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Mar 5, 2025OR

I was recently hit in the drivers door causing the door, the cab, and the running board to be damaged. The side impact air bag did not deploy. the entire drivers door is damaged and the cab of the truck behind the door is damaged. the running board was completely under the cab of the truck.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 4, 2025TX

Truck started leaking fuel and then the engine shut down the next day it was drove, while driving! I’ve received 2 quotes and need the whole fuel system replaced due to CP4 pump failing which will cost about $13,000! This is the same issue as the 24S78 Ford recall but my truck doesn’t fall in the correct year! I still owe 10k on this vehicle so it’s basically totaled now.

Suspension
Filed Jan 23, 2025OH

When driving over 55mph and hitting a bump, pothole, etc....the death wobble starts taking excessive force to keep the truck on the road with the steering wheel nowhere aligned to where the tires are aimed. Dealership stated they wouldn't take the vehicle on trade due to the steering box needing to be addressed first. no warning lamps illuminate. Happens every time while driving from mileage 170K - 189K.

Steering
Filed Oct 8, 2024TX

We have experienced the well-reported Death Wobble multiple times - beginning approx in 2020 - going approx 55 mph on a one-lane highway and hit a slight bump in the road. Could not control the vehicle, the steering wheel started shaking violently as we headed for a concrete bridge. Had to stop the vehicle completely. Then we experienced the same Incident on different roads. We had the vehicle front end fixed by a reputable mechanic, and we’ve ended up having the front end suspension rebuilt, so far 3 times. The latest incident was in 2024, we experienced it again driving about 60 mph. This truck is standard stock - has not been lifted or modified in any way. We do not drive it very often as it is used as a farm vehicle.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 30, 2024AL

See attached document for complaint.

Suspension
Filed Sep 25, 202450,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front of the vehicle was shaking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering column had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 21, 202480,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that after parking and exiting the vehicle, an alarm sounded, and the front driver's side air bag deployed simultaneously without impact. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven to another destination. The contact stated that after parking and exiting the vehicle, an alarm sounded, and the driver's side curtain air bags deployed simultaneously without impact. The contact stated that the two failures occurred within 10 minutes. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for the repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Steering
Filed Jun 16, 2024TN

This truck consistently gets the death wobble even after having several things repaired on It to fix the problem. This needs to be looked into. This has happened several times with this truck

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 10, 2023CO

When driving it looses power. Had diagnostic scan it came up with code for injector 6 misfire and cylinder 8 conttribution. 6 cylinder is a little weak, monitor misfires and notice 6 cuts out.

SteeringCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 30, 2023167,000 milesWA

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 68-70 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump and experienced a death wobble. The contact attempted to turn the steering wheel with force, but the vehicle crashed into a guardrail. The contact developed blisters on the palms of his hands from gripping the steering wheel, but medical attention was not received. Police arrived on the scene; however, no police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the contact was informed that he needed to pay for the diagnostic. The vehicle was then towed to the residence, where the contact replaced the steering gearbox, ball joints, tie rod ends, track bar, shocks, front springs, and wheel bearings. The failure recurred. The vehicle was later taken to three different independent mechanics; however, the cause of failure was not found. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 167,000.

Steering
Filed Aug 27, 2023KS

Keeps having a death wobble when I hit a bump going faster than 50 miles per hour that can't be controlled or stopped without pulling over to a stop or near stop.

Engine
Filed Apr 1, 2023TX

Valve cover bolts keep bracken (32) and leaves oil running all over the motor and transmission

Steering
Filed Mar 21, 2023SD

YOU ARE DRIVING ALONG AT ANY SPEED ABOVE 45 OR ABOVE AND HIT A BUMP OF ANY KIND OR ROUGH PAVEMENT ON ROADWAY.IT WOBBLES AND SHAKE LIKE A DEATH WOBBLE OF WHAT IS REFERRED BY SOME MECHANICS .WE BELIEVE ITS POSSIBLE TO BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH STEERING BUT IT WILL SHAKE RATTLE LIKE A YOU BLEW OUT A TIRE

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 8, 2023MT

The brake lines located above the fuel tank rub and burst. This seems to be a very common issue related to a poor design. Ford will not discuss the issue when questioned about it.

Engine
Filed Jan 31, 2023150,000 milesID

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated while her husband was driving at an unknown speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The driver was able to continue driving to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) heater and the sending unit to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle back to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the DEF heater to be replaced for the second time. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure for a third time. The contact took the vehicle back to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the DEF heater to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure for a fourth time. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the DEF heater, the DEF pump, and the sending unit to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure for a fifth time. The contact stated while towing a trainer, the vehicle lost acceleration and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the back local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the DEF heater, the DEF pump, the injector, and the sending unit to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failur

20 of 248 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1999
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2014142010Routine
201395010Routine
2012266150Above average
2011 — this page248230Above average
201073020Routine
200954110Routine
2008195841Fatalities reported
200760700Routine
2006221750Above average
2005144530Routine
2004154740Routine
2003116781Fatalities reported
2002156791Fatalities reported
20012209244Fatalities reported
200032610147Fatalities reported
199958119132Fatalities reported
199856910Routine
199730414190Above average
19961765250High concern
19951844170Routine
199412310230High concern
1993130940Routine
1992119761Fatalities reported
1991107790Routine
19901117140Routine

Compare every F-250 year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 24, 2011. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.