511 of the
9,504 complaints filed about the Ford F-250 SD
are about the electrical system —
5% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2004.
I am filing a complaint against Capital Auto Mall Premier regarding the sale of a 2019 Ford F\-250 Lariat \(VIN [XXX]\) that I purchased on XXX. The vehicle was represented as being in good working condition at the time of sale. However, almost immediately after taking possession of the vehicle, I began discovering numerous mechanical, electrical, and safety\-related defects. Due to the number of concerns, I had the vehicle independently inspected shortly after purchase. The inspection identified multiple significant issues, including transmission hard shifting, transfer case clunking during shifting, battery failure requiring replacement, steering and suspension concerns, excessive play in front suspension components, and numerous diagnostic trouble codes stored in the vehicle's systems. In addition to these findings, I discovered issues involving vehicle lighting, winch operation, and other features and equipment that were not functioning properly despite being expected to be operational at the time of sale. These issues became apparent within days of purchasing the vehicle. The quantity and severity of the defects lead me to believe that the vehicle was not in the condition represented during the sale and that material defects may not have been properly disclosed before the transaction occurred. As a result of these issues, I have incurred costs associated with inspections and diagnostics and am obtaining additional repair estimates to determine the full cost of necessary repairs. The defects significantly impact the vehicle's safety, reliability, usability, and value. I have supporting documentation, including the purchase agreement, financing documents, independent inspection reports, diagnostic findings, photographs, repair estimates, and records of communications regarding the vehicle. This documentation demonstrates that the concerns were identified almost immediately after purchase and were not the result of normal wear occurring INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)
NHTSA complaint #11757517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A Ford Dealer came on a mobile call the replace the Clock spring in the steering wheel. It was an recall NHTSA # 22V337 ------- Manufactures # 22S35 They replaced it and now nothing works on my steering wheel. Dealer came to pick up my truck and take it to the Dealership. Has not been repaired yet .
NHTSA complaint #11747897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I took a functional vehicle to Swant Graber Ford in Barron, WI in on [XXX] for Recall 24S78 and since then I have had numerous vehicle issues involving the PCM that they flashed. I have up to 16 different codes when the check engine light comes on including numerous communication U-codes indicating faulty software download causing no run/no start problems along with severe safety concerns while driving. I returned the vehicle to Swant Graber today July 1, 2026 after 2 weeks being this was their earliest appointment availability. They then deleted the codes and told me to drive it until there is more issues which is a severe safety concern considering the condition of the PCM of this vehicle they returned to now which is unfunctional and not road worthy INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11747789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The dealer had attempted to repair the recall 26C10 on my truck that tows daily. The team has attempted to fix this problem with 3 service visits and performed multiple software flashes for Recall 26C10 which have failed to fix the safety defect. The trailer module hardware is bricked. Now I’m being told the module is on national back order and they are unsure what to do next.ñ, if this is even the fix. This is a serious safety issue that makes my truck useless for towing which is a major part of our regular use.
NHTSA complaint #11747504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
10 day roundtrip from [XXX] to [XXX]. 5 incidents of catastrophic engine failure on interstates. Truck started to jerk, sputter, lost power at an alarming rate. No engine light until failure ocurred. Very dangerous with heavy holiday traffic. Lives were in danger, us and other vehicles around us. No one expects travel to go from 70 mph,to 50, 30, 15 in such a short period of time. Pulled over to "investigate" code failures we deemed as o2 sensors. Afterwards the truck started back up, no engine lights and drove as normal. Started using premium gasoline, hoping it would help. Started driving in right lane as much as possible but had a failure ocurr right in front of on ramp as well at interstate speeds. Had another family following us so they also witnessed and pulled over all incidents. Brought into Ford 7/18/24 upon return home. Paid $125 inspection fee, concern not present, come back if happens again. Makes no sense that codes not present to pull. 12/13/2024 engine light on, catalytic converter replaced. 06/19/25 truck had catastrophic failure returning from work on hwy. XXX on [XXX], just two miles from leaving home another failure with no warning lights in heavy Friday traffic in construction zone. Couldn't clear the traffic lane completely. Very scary. Waited for clearing and limped it to a nearby off ramp. Same jerking, loss of power. Vehicle towed to shop for 2 weeks, testing, fuel pump replaced. Picked up 07/07/25. Next day received recall notice 25S75 in the mail 7/08/25. Everything made sense. 1/24/26 - Battery failed inspection @ 40% during oil change. Replaced battery ourselves from Costco. 04/23/26- Warning light, P0420 pulled, shop recommended engine tune -up. Paid $175 inspection fee + $671.20 tune up. 5/29/26 engine light on, P0420 pulled, recommend catalytic convertor replaced but not under factory warranty anymore so wants us to pay $4000 bill. Escalated up through Ford. As of 6/5/26 - Ford will pay half. I refuse. Should be covered by recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF I
NHTSA complaint #11742882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After the vehicle was jumpstarted the vehicle failed to correctly enter gear- when shifting into reverse it instead rolled forward downhill. The following systems also displayed failure warnings: ABS Traction Control Parking Brake ( Parking brake also showed as activated when it was not active- it would audibly disengage but the parking brake light stayed lit) Stability Control 4wd. The combination of the parking brake showing as active and the shifter showing the vehicle was in reverse while being able to roll forward freely is dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11742732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trailer Brake Control Module (TRM) Software update for Recall Notice 26C10 failed and caused module to fail. Replacement part attempt #2 also failed. Vehicle has been with dealership service department with no solution for 20 days. Vehicle is currently still at dealership service center. Vin: [XXX] 2026 Ford F250 3,878 miles Autonation Ford Margate [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11731538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Truck lost all electrical power while backing a trailer up. Engine died, no steering, no brakes, no power on dash, no emergence brakes, no power to door locks, no power to windows. If vehicle had been moving any faster no telling what could have been. Vehicle was towed to ford dealership and zero reasons for such a total loss of power. When vehicle was finely stopped and put in park the key was turned off and then when turned back on power was restored. Very disturbing to know a vehicle can lose total electrical power and have no control whatsoever and no one can tell you the cause
NHTSA complaint #11729384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving the truck and suddenly smoke came out from behind the radio. I stopped and checked and saw that the truck was on fire. I immediately tried to turn it off with the few water bottles that I had with me. I had no luck and the entire truck burned up.
NHTSA complaint #11727106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The failure of the APIM has completely disabled the Rearview Backup Camera, which is a federally mandated safety feature (FMVSS No. 111). Operating a heavy-duty F-250 without a functional backup camera creates a significant blind-spot hazard and an immediate safety risk to pedestrians and property. King Ford has confirmed the failure. Service Director Jamie Churchwell has acknowledged the damage as "Consequential Damage" resulting directly from the attempted software update for Safety Recall 22S35. It is currently being reviewed by the Ford District Parts and Service Manager (as reported by the dealer) for a "Related Damage" warranty claim . The vehicle’s screen and backup camera were functioning perfectly prior to the recall service. The failure occurred at the dealership during the application of the manufacturer’s recall software update.
NHTSA complaint #11725818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Good Morning, Ms. Edds My name is [XXX] . I spoke to you a few years back in regards, to a vehicle I had. Well, today I am writing about another situation . I have a 2020 Ford F250 vin [XXX] . Since purchasing this vehicle, I have had recall after recall on it and getting nowhere with Ford Motor Company Customer Service Division. I have a local dealership that I have taken it to Spalding Ford who does not take the time to look at the vehicle when I tell them there is an issue and what it is doing all they do is make 1 excuse after another and then about a week or so goes by and I get a recall letter about the issue I just complained about. The last time it was at this dealership they cracked my windshield and said they get back with me about getting it fixed so far nothing and I have called a number of times and now being told they had no idea about it. It has been several months but guess that is going to have to fall on me because no one wants to take accountability of their own actions. I have 3 outstanding recalls in which I complained about before the recall came into effect. I contacted a dealership located in the next county over who willingly sent a tech to my house for a recall when the tech got here he was unable to fix the recall do to the Ford Motor Company Customer Service Division running errors in their system and was unable to do the update. I have also complained about having steering issues and was told no there is nothing wrong but then all of a sudden, I received a recall letter. I am an average John Doe trying to take care of my [XXX] grandson and my [XXX} husband this is supposed to be my dependable vehicle for us I cannot just go out and trade it in and lose all the money I have placed into it already I don't have the funds or means to do that. I called and talked with the recall department and the gentleman i spoke with was really concerned and tansfered me to someone who didnt want to fix it INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11720861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The truck will shut off a short period of time after starting and often won't restart. It displays a message stating "Vehicle may not start/restart. Service now". Sometimes this message will pop up even without the vehicle shutting off. This has occurred in park, drive, and reverse. My wife was backing out of a parking spot when the vehicle shut off, leaving her in the middle of the parking lot unable to restart the vehicle. It was already at a dealer once for repairs and they claimed to have performed the work called out on a service bulletin. The issues have persisted even after these repairs. The vehicle is now back to the dealer to see if they can figure out what is going on.
NHTSA complaint #11720534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Front camera malfunctions and goes black and stops working. Ford refuses to acknowledge this issues and prevents forward collision alert system from working. The refuse to fix the issue or look into a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11718198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a 2026 F-250 diesel with 6K miles on it that caught fire about 3-5 minutes after using it to jumpstart a UTV. I ensured to cook all cables up correctly, as I've jumpstarted many times, but the first time with this vehicle, utilizing the drivers side battery. Jumping the UTV went just fine as expected, and I disconnected the cables and shut the truck hood with no sparks, smoke, or flames at the time. Within 3-5 minutes, I noticed there were flames coming from inside my truck at the center dashboard area. We attempted to extinguish the fire ourselves, but the fire department was ultimately called. If my son had not gotten out of the truck to get into the UTV with me, he would have been in the back seat when the fire started. The truck was pulled close to my barn when the fire started, which caused damage to the barn. A fire investigator hired by my insurance, and the fire marshal came out to my home to inspect the truck, and both determined it was not my fault the truck caught fire. There were no warning labels indicating the drivers side battery should not be used to jump start vehicles. The fire investigator stopped at a local ford house, and none of the employees were aware the drivers side battery should not be used to jumpstart vehicles either. I found information online that mentions fires occurring in 2025 & 2026 due to cracked fuel return lines, and engine heater block problems. The fire investigator stated if I was able to find that information online, that the manufacturer likely knows there are problems, and chose to sell the vehicles anyways. My truck is currently waiting to be inspected by a Ford Engineer to try and determine the cause. This fire put myself, my son, barn, and animals at risk. If Ford knows about any potential fire hazards, they should have never released the truck for sale. Due to the fire, I had smoke inhalation, and visited my PCP a few days after. I'm still waiting for the fire departments report.
NHTSA complaint #11715611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The info system (Bluetooth) is not working and makes a high piercing noise. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The safety of others is at risk due to the fact that you can only use your phone in your hand in this vehicle. The state of South Carolina where this vehicle was purchased and used passed a law on September 1, 2025 (Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act) banning handheld cell phone use. The vehicle has been to two different Ford dealerships and has been at the most recent since December 3, 20025 until present. The vehicle has been inspected with several attempts to repair without success.The problems started the first week of ownership with no prior warning.
NHTSA complaint #11712143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle: 2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty Component: Door latch / door ajar sensor system This complaint concerns a latent manufacturing defect involving the door latch / door ajar sensor system on a 2022 Ford F-250. The defect causes the vehicle to falsely indicate that doors are open when they are fully closed, triggering alarms and safety warnings and impairing normal vehicle operation. This failure was detectable during the warranty period and manifested shortly after expiration of the bumper-to-bumper warranty, consistent with a latent defect rather than wear or maintenance. The same defect has occurred on multiple Ford vehicles purchased by the same family, including an identical repair performed on another Ford truck for the same door latch sensor failure. This demonstrates a patterned manufacturing issue, not an isolated incident. Numerous owner reports document this same failure mode on 2022 Ford F-250 vehicles, frequently occurring immediately following warranty expiration. The dealership declined to classify the failure as a defect and limited review to warranty dates only, refusing to provide a written determination or pursue goodwill consideration. Because this defect affects vehicle security systems and driver safety alerts, it warrants investigation as a systemic manufacturing defect. The dealership has also failed to repair recalls on the vehicle due to part shipment delays per their service team.
NHTSA complaint #11711930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
All of my rear lights stopped working with no warning. My blind spot monitoring and cross traffic detection also stopped working. This is a serious issue as the light go out intermittenly without warning. Especially dangerous at night. Dealership thinks it might be a faulty harness. Dealership thought they fixed it by cleaning contacts but the very next day they went out again while driving in a snow storm. Luckily no one was behind me because they would not have been able to see me.
NHTSA complaint #11706808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.