Owners have filed 92 complaints
about the 2009 Ford F-250 with NHTSA between 2011 and 2024.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 21 of 22 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 19
Against the median year of the Ford F-250. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 6
1.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 31
18% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
33.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
45.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1621.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1722.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1215.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1215.8%
150,000+ miles
1215.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2011peak 6Sep 2024
Recalls on the 2009 Ford F-250
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
11T002000
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
CONTINENTAL TIRE IS RECALLING CERTAIN CONTITRAC TR TIRES, SIZE LT275/70R18 125/122S OUTLINE WHITE LETTERS AND BLACK SIDEWALL, AND CONTITRAC, SIZE LT275/70R18 125/122S, BLACK SIDEWALL, PRODUCED FROM MAY 6, 2007, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 20, 2008, SOLD AS AFTERMARKET AND INSTALLED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON SOME MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 FORD F-250 AND F-350 TRUCKS. SOME OF THESE TIRES MAY EXPERIENCE UNEVEN WEAR, VIBRATION, OR PARTICULARLY UNDER CONDITIONS OF OVERLOADING OR UNDER INFLATION IN HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE USAGE, SEPARATION BETWEEN THE BELT EDGES.
Risk: SEPARATION OF THE BELT EDGES COULD LEAD TO TREAD BELT SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20194205,327 units in Canada
Other
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Recall 201508121 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles equipped with diesel engines, service replacement steering gears, installed after June 30, 2014, may not properly mount to the frame rail due to insufficient clearance. This could result in insufficient clamp load on the joints, which over time may cause fatigue of one or more of the steering gear retention bolts. If the steering gear bolts were to fatigue, one or more of the bolts could fracture, which could result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install spacers between the gear and the frame rail to add clearance and ensure adequate clamp load to the joints.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 26,500 milesHamersville, OHFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE FIRE IN MY 2009 F250. I WAS DRIVING ALONG AND STARTED TO SEE SMOKE AND WENT TO STOP AND PULL OVER. WHEN I WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES THEY WERE HARD TO PUSH AND BARELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE BACK TIRE LOCKED UP AND SKIDDED ON THE GRASS, BUT THE FRONT TIRE DID NOTHING EVIDENT. THERE WERE BURNING FLAMES DROPPING DOWN FROM THE FIREWALL ON THE GROUND AS WE EXITED THE VEHICLE. MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS INVESTIGATING A CAUSE, BUT THE FIRE CHIEF COULD NOT DETERMINE ANYTHING. THE ONLY FAILURE I HAD IN THE TRUCK WAS THE BRAKES AND SMOKE. MY WIFE AND I HAD 4 KIDS IN THE TRUCK WITH US AND GOT OUT JUST ON TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10399889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 128,484 milesAmity, AR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the cruise control was inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The dealer changed the filters and sensors. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the fuel tank was contaminated. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 128,484.
NHTSA complaint #11612535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,484 milesAmity, AR
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the cruise control was inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The dealer changed the filters and sensors. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the fuel tank was contaminated. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 128,484.
NHTSA complaint #11612535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vashon, WA
STEERING
While driving at freeway speeds (typically above 50mph) the vehicle will have extended steering oscillation (violent shaking of the steering wheel) after going over normal expansion joints in the roadway and other roadway bumps. It is impossible to control the vehicle steering when oscillations start. Sometimes the only thing that stops the oscillations is slowing, and leaving the freeway. No warning messages or lamps appear. When brought to dealership for repair, was told to contact manufacturer customer service.
NHTSA complaint #11600339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vashon, WA
SUSPENSION
While driving at freeway speeds (typically above 50mph) the vehicle will have extended steering oscillation (violent shaking of the steering wheel) after going over normal expansion joints in the roadway and other roadway bumps. It is impossible to control the vehicle steering when oscillations start. Sometimes the only thing that stops the oscillations is slowing, and leaving the freeway. No warning messages or lamps appear. When brought to dealership for repair, was told to contact manufacturer customer service.
NHTSA complaint #11600339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yuma, AZ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Driving and suddenly the entire vehicle will start to shake until slow or near complete stop. I think it’s called a death wobble
NHTSA complaint #11505711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yuma, AZ
STEERING
Driving and suddenly the entire vehicle will start to shake until slow or near complete stop. I think it’s called a death wobble
NHTSA complaint #11505711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yuma, AZ
SUSPENSION
Driving and suddenly the entire vehicle will start to shake until slow or near complete stop. I think it’s called a death wobble
NHTSA complaint #11505711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Porterville, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Motor gaskets leak oils and cracked and the other one is that when driving the truck it begins to shake aggressively and dangerously to where you can lose control
NHTSA complaint #11482841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Porterville, CA
ENGINE
Motor gaskets leak oils and cracked and the other one is that when driving the truck it begins to shake aggressively and dangerously to where you can lose control
NHTSA complaint #11482841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Humble, TX
SUSPENSION
Was driving on the highway when my truck started shaking violently, had to pull over and check what was wrong, but no did not see anything wrong. Took it to the Ford dealership near me. Was told the tires were my problem had them replaced but the shaking continues. Ford does not have an explanation for me. What are my options?
NHTSA complaint #11445418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tyro, VA
STEERING
Death Wobble. Hit a dip in the road steering wheel and whole truck Shakes out of control until you slow WAY down or stop.
NHTSA complaint #11438657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tyro, VA
SUSPENSION
Death Wobble. Hit a dip in the road steering wheel and whole truck Shakes out of control until you slow WAY down or stop.
NHTSA complaint #11438657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yakima, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle shakes violently at highway speeds. Suspected "death wobble."
NHTSA complaint #11431499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yakima, WA
SUSPENSION
Vehicle shakes violently at highway speeds. Suspected "death wobble."
NHTSA complaint #11431499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesCarmi, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN PUTTING FUEL INTO THE CAR, IT WAS CUT OFF AS IF IT IS FULL, AND NOWHERE NEAR BEING A FULL TANK.
NHTSA complaint #11386018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesRaleigh, NC
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET AND MY 2009 F250 STARTED TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND I COULD BARELY CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL, IT WAS LIKE I HAD BLOWN ALL 4 TIRES OR THE SUSPENSION HAD FALLEN APART. I WAS TALKING TO MY SISTER ON THE CAR SPEAKER WHEN IT HAPPENED AND SHE COULD EVEN HEAR THE SHAKING AND STARTED YELLING TO MAKE SURE I HAD NOT WRECKED MY VEHICLE. I PULLED OVER IN A PARKING LOT AND EVERYTHING LOOKED FINE, ALL TIRES IN TACT, SUSPENSION STILL ON THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 MORE TIMES WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND ALSO ONCE ON A PACKED INTERSTATE. I CALLED A FORD DEALER AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THIS WAS KNOWN AS THE "DEATH WOBBLE" BUT WOULD NEED TO CHARGE ME $120 TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. THIS IS NOT ONLY SCARY BUT ALSO VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE INJURY OR EVEN DEATH. I CHECKED GOOGLE AND SEE LAWSUITS AND FORD ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE BUT NO RECALLS AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE REPAIRS AND SAVE MY RECEIPTS! FORD NEEDS TO FIX THIS! THAT IS TOO BIG OF A VEHICLE TO HAVE THIS KIND OF KNOWN ISSUE AND NO RECALL TO REPAIR!
NHTSA complaint #11340838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesRaleigh, NC
SUSPENSION
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET AND MY 2009 F250 STARTED TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND I COULD BARELY CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL, IT WAS LIKE I HAD BLOWN ALL 4 TIRES OR THE SUSPENSION HAD FALLEN APART. I WAS TALKING TO MY SISTER ON THE CAR SPEAKER WHEN IT HAPPENED AND SHE COULD EVEN HEAR THE SHAKING AND STARTED YELLING TO MAKE SURE I HAD NOT WRECKED MY VEHICLE. I PULLED OVER IN A PARKING LOT AND EVERYTHING LOOKED FINE, ALL TIRES IN TACT, SUSPENSION STILL ON THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 MORE TIMES WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND ALSO ONCE ON A PACKED INTERSTATE. I CALLED A FORD DEALER AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THIS WAS KNOWN AS THE "DEATH WOBBLE" BUT WOULD NEED TO CHARGE ME $120 TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. THIS IS NOT ONLY SCARY BUT ALSO VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE INJURY OR EVEN DEATH. I CHECKED GOOGLE AND SEE LAWSUITS AND FORD ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE BUT NO RECALLS AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE REPAIRS AND SAVE MY RECEIPTS! FORD NEEDS TO FIX THIS! THAT IS TOO BIG OF A VEHICLE TO HAVE THIS KIND OF KNOWN ISSUE AND NO RECALL TO REPAIR!
NHTSA complaint #11340838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesPorter, TX
STEERING
WHEN DRIVING SPEED BETWEEN 35 AND 40 MPH, THE STEERING STARTS WOBBLING BACK AND FORTH. HAVE TO SLOW DOWN AND PULL OVER. ROAD IS A 4 LANE STRAIGHT STREET. HAS HAPPENED TWICE. TRUCK AS 43,000 MILES. TAKING TO A MECHANIC TODAY FOR ASSISTANCE IN DIAGNOSES. LOOKED UP ON THE INTERNET AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL. HAVING THE STABILIZERS CHECKED.
NHTSA complaint #11331677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesEuharlee, GA
STEERING
I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE EPISODE OF DEATH WOBBLE. I HAVE HAD THE FRONT END SUSPENSION REBUILT TWICE AND HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM RETURN, MECHANICS SAY ITS THE WORSE THEY HAVE EVER SEEN. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE BODY MOUNTS BECAUSE THEY WERE DESTROYED BY THE VIOLENT WOBBLE. THIS HAPPENS AT SPEEDS OVER 45 MILES AN HOUR AND ONLY STOPS WHEN SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 35 MILES AN HOUR, WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS ON THE INTERSTATE
NHTSA complaint #11308419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesEuharlee, GA
SUSPENSION
I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE EPISODE OF DEATH WOBBLE. I HAVE HAD THE FRONT END SUSPENSION REBUILT TWICE AND HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM RETURN, MECHANICS SAY ITS THE WORSE THEY HAVE EVER SEEN. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE BODY MOUNTS BECAUSE THEY WERE DESTROYED BY THE VIOLENT WOBBLE. THIS HAPPENS AT SPEEDS OVER 45 MILES AN HOUR AND ONLY STOPS WHEN SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 35 MILES AN HOUR, WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS ON THE INTERSTATE
NHTSA complaint #11308419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesCarnegie, OK
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT 65-70 MILES PER HOUR, IF YOUR FRONT TIRES HIT A SMALL BUMP, ESPECIALLY ON CURVES, THE PICKUP FRONT END WIL GO INTO AN UNCONTOLLABLE WOBBLE AND YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY HIT YOUR BRAKES TO GET IT TO COME TO AN ALMOST DEAD STOP BEFORE IT WILL QUIT. YOU CAN END UP IN THE OTHER LANE OR CAUSE THE PERSON FOLLOWING YOU TO REAREND YOU OR END UP IN THE DITCH. SO FAR, WE HAVE BEEN LUCKY WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED AS WE LIVE IN A FARMING AREA AND NOT HEAVILY POPULATED BUT ARE AFRAID TO HAUL CATTLE TO SALE WITH THIS PICKUP WHICH IS WHAT WE NEED IT FOR. THIS STARTED AROUND AT AROUND 88,000 MILES ON SPEEDOMETER. WE HAVE RESEACHED THIS AND TALLED TO OTHERS AND FOUND IT IS CALLED THE "DEATH WOBBLE".
NHTSA complaint #11286388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesCarnegie, OK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT 65-70 MILES PER HOUR, IF YOUR FRONT TIRES HIT A SMALL BUMP, ESPECIALLY ON CURVES, THE PICKUP FRONT END WIL GO INTO AN UNCONTOLLABLE WOBBLE AND YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY HIT YOUR BRAKES TO GET IT TO COME TO AN ALMOST DEAD STOP BEFORE IT WILL QUIT. YOU CAN END UP IN THE OTHER LANE OR CAUSE THE PERSON FOLLOWING YOU TO REAREND YOU OR END UP IN THE DITCH. SO FAR, WE HAVE BEEN LUCKY WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED AS WE LIVE IN A FARMING AREA AND NOT HEAVILY POPULATED BUT ARE AFRAID TO HAUL CATTLE TO SALE WITH THIS PICKUP WHICH IS WHAT WE NEED IT FOR. THIS STARTED AROUND AT AROUND 88,000 MILES ON SPEEDOMETER. WE HAVE RESEACHED THIS AND TALLED TO OTHERS AND FOUND IT IS CALLED THE "DEATH WOBBLE".
NHTSA complaint #11286388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesCarnegie, OK
SUSPENSION
WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT 65-70 MILES PER HOUR, IF YOUR FRONT TIRES HIT A SMALL BUMP, ESPECIALLY ON CURVES, THE PICKUP FRONT END WIL GO INTO AN UNCONTOLLABLE WOBBLE AND YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY HIT YOUR BRAKES TO GET IT TO COME TO AN ALMOST DEAD STOP BEFORE IT WILL QUIT. YOU CAN END UP IN THE OTHER LANE OR CAUSE THE PERSON FOLLOWING YOU TO REAREND YOU OR END UP IN THE DITCH. SO FAR, WE HAVE BEEN LUCKY WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED AS WE LIVE IN A FARMING AREA AND NOT HEAVILY POPULATED BUT ARE AFRAID TO HAUL CATTLE TO SALE WITH THIS PICKUP WHICH IS WHAT WE NEED IT FOR. THIS STARTED AROUND AT AROUND 88,000 MILES ON SPEEDOMETER. WE HAVE RESEACHED THIS AND TALLED TO OTHERS AND FOUND IT IS CALLED THE "DEATH WOBBLE".
NHTSA complaint #11286388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesRose BUD, AR
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THE TRUCK SHUT OFF AND WOULDN'T COME BACK ON. HAD TO DRIFT INTO A PARKING LOT TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME. AFTER MONTHS AND SEVERAL MECHANICS LATER, CHANGING OUT DIFFERENT FUEL PARTS, ENGINE COMPONENTS, BATTERIES, ETC. WE FOUND OUT IT WAS THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL INJECTION PUMP. THE PUMP "EXPLODED" FOR LACK OF BETTER WORD, INSIDE AND SENT METAL SHAVINGS THROUGHOUT THE FUEL RAIL AND ENGINE ITSELF. WE SPENT 12,000 TO PUT A USED MOTOR AND ALL NEW FUEL COMPONENTS. IT TOOK US A YEAR TO SAVE UP BECAUSE WE HAD TO MAKE A PAYMENT ON A VEHICLE THAT COULDN'T BE USED.
NHTSA complaint #11270406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesEL Dorado Hills, CA
STEERING
TRACK BAR FAILING. CAUSING 'DEATH WOBBLE' WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DURING BRAKING AND WHEN HITTING SMALL BUMPS
NHTSA complaint #11253711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.