FaultScore

FaultScore report

2010 Ford F-250 problems

Owners have filed 109 complaints about the 2010 Ford F-250 with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026. The largest single group is the steering. Across this model's run it ranks 18 of 22 worst.

B

FaultScore 30/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford F-250.

How this is worked out

The numbers

109

Complaints

2

Crashes reported

3

Fires reported

3

Injuries reported

80,400 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

21%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 22 vs 50 Severity 38 vs 50 Early failure 36 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 22
Against the median year of the Ford F-250. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 38
7.3% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 36
21% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2010 compares with every other Ford F-250

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2010 Ford F-250

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Steering 30 27.5%

Median failure at 85,000 miles

Suspension 29 26.6%

Median failure at 85,500 miles

Other & Unspecified 9 8.3%

Median failure at 53,000 miles

Engine & Cooling 9 8.3%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 102,000 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 7 6.4%

Median failure at 98,000 miles

Wheels 5 4.6%

Median failure at 38,000 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 5 4.6%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 47,821 mi

Electrical System 4 3.7%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 13,500 mi

Acceleration & Cruise Control 3 2.8%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

Tires 2 1.8%

Median failure at 25,800 miles

Body & Structure 2 1.8%

Median failure at 85,665 miles

Brakes 2 1.8%
Equipment & Accessories 1 0.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 66,000 mi

Airbags 1 0.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 45,000 mi

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 7 8.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 3 3.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 14 17.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 15 18.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 20 24.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 15 18.5%
150,000+ miles 7 8.6%

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.

Feb 2012 peak 5 Feb 2026

Recalls on the 2010 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.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2019420 5,327 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 2015081 21 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.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Valrico, FL Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Alternator caught fire.

NHTSA complaint #11437960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100 miles Commerce Township, MI Fire

POWER TRAIN

SINCE I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK FROM 2010 TO CURRENT I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND A TRANSMISSION OVERFLOW RELIEF VALVE. THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS KEEP POPPING THE STUDS WHICH ALLOWS FUMES INSIDE THE TRUCK UPON A $2000.00 BILL EVERY TIME... THIS ISSUE COULD CAUSE THE WHOLE EXHAUST SYSTEM TO FALL RIGHT OUT FROM UNDER THE TRUCK WHILE DRIVING. THE OTHER ISSUE IS THE TRANS OVERFLOW....EVERYTIME IT HAPPENS IT SPITS THE FLUID OUT ALL OVER THE EXHAUST WHICH CAUSES A FIRE EVERYTIME. I HAVE BEEN REPORTING THESE PROBLEMS SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THE TRUCK.THESE PROBLEMS NEED TO BE ADRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR WORSE.

NHTSA complaint #11083745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100 miles Commerce Township, MI Fire

ENGINE

SINCE I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK FROM 2010 TO CURRENT I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND A TRANSMISSION OVERFLOW RELIEF VALVE. THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS KEEP POPPING THE STUDS WHICH ALLOWS FUMES INSIDE THE TRUCK UPON A $2000.00 BILL EVERY TIME... THIS ISSUE COULD CAUSE THE WHOLE EXHAUST SYSTEM TO FALL RIGHT OUT FROM UNDER THE TRUCK WHILE DRIVING. THE OTHER ISSUE IS THE TRANS OVERFLOW....EVERYTIME IT HAPPENS IT SPITS THE FLUID OUT ALL OVER THE EXHAUST WHICH CAUSES A FIRE EVERYTIME. I HAVE BEEN REPORTING THESE PROBLEMS SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THE TRUCK.THESE PROBLEMS NEED TO BE ADRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR WORSE.

NHTSA complaint #11083745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 66,000 miles Hampstead, NC Crash 1 injured

TRAILER HITCHES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE TRAILER HITCH FAILED AND DAMAGED THE VEHICLE CAUSING IT TO TURN OVER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BALL HITCH FRACTURED AND THE TRAILER DETACHED FROM THE TRUCK. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

NHTSA complaint #10733041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 45,000 miles Ringgold, GA Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

MY 30 YEAR OLD SON HIT A. CAR IT WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND THE BAGS DON'T COME OUT HIS FACE HIT THE WALL BROKE HIS NOSE MESSED UP HIS COINS KNOT HIM OUT SENDING THE TRUCK IN COMING AND HITTING A TREE BAG NEVER CAME OUT CAR DRIVER WAS INJURE AND TOTALED BOTH.

NHTSA complaint #10643994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 5 miles Otisville, MI 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE AC UNIT AND MAKING THE CONTACT FEEL SICK. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLES ELECTRONIC SYSTEM WAS DELIBERATELY ALTERED BY THE DEALER . THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WA5 5.

NHTSA complaint #10475592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Winter Haven, FL

TIRES

A shake or shimmy at 49 ,50 mph. Ase mechanic confirmed all four tires belts have shifted.

NHTSA complaint #11715549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,578 miles Albuquerque, NM

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while her husband was driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power, and the message “Service Vehicle Soon” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,578.

NHTSA complaint #11675714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles Soperton, GA

STEERING

The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was play in the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20E090000 (Steering, Suspension, Equipment). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA complaint #11657748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

STEERING

2010 F250 repeatably experienced violent shaking of the front wheels and steering at highway speeds (commonly referred to as "death wobble"). This shaking has been so violent that I had no control of the vehicle steering and had to abruptly brake and slow to a near stop in 75 mph traffic! Vehicle has 71K miles and has been very well maintained and garage kept (single owner). Substantial repairs have been made to replace steering dampener, track bar, drag link, and steering gear. Technician explained that all of these parts were severely damaged from the death wobble.

NHTSA complaint #11657752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

SUSPENSION

2010 F250 repeatably experienced violent shaking of the front wheels and steering at highway speeds (commonly referred to as "death wobble"). This shaking has been so violent that I had no control of the vehicle steering and had to abruptly brake and slow to a near stop in 75 mph traffic! Vehicle has 71K miles and has been very well maintained and garage kept (single owner). Substantial repairs have been made to replace steering dampener, track bar, drag link, and steering gear. Technician explained that all of these parts were severely damaged from the death wobble.

NHTSA complaint #11657752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 143,000 miles Waynesville, NC

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving, at unknown speeds, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the fuel pump. The local dealer was contacted, who referred to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

NHTSA complaint #11619383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

NEW ULM, TX

STEERING

I have a 2010 Ford,F250 Super Duty 4wd. After hitting a "transition" bump on a feeder road to a hiway I encountered violent shaking of my front end. I was accelerating to hiway speed of 70mph but I was almost forced off the road at 60 so I slowed to 50mph. The front end was still shaking so I pulled over to inspect the wheels because it felt like they were loose. Nothing was obvious so I got back on the freeway and could not drive over 40 then. Even still it shook. I was about 60 miles from home on Saturday. I took the truck to my local shop and he informed me that it was the "death wobble"! I was unaware of this "safety issue" until then. There were 3 components on the front end that were replaced and the cost was $811.50!! There were no warning lights or buzzers before the incident and if I was not a cautious driver I would have certainly run off the road and, or, injured. No photos were taken or police reports but I do have an invoice. I feel something should be done about this especially if Ford is aware of the issue. If safety is a concern of theirs, they certainly do not live up to it! Along with the money and stress it is costing people. Ive called Ford CS and they told me there's nothing they can do.

NHTSA complaint #11598247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

NEW ULM, TX

SUSPENSION

I have a 2010 Ford,F250 Super Duty 4wd. After hitting a "transition" bump on a feeder road to a hiway I encountered violent shaking of my front end. I was accelerating to hiway speed of 70mph but I was almost forced off the road at 60 so I slowed to 50mph. The front end was still shaking so I pulled over to inspect the wheels because it felt like they were loose. Nothing was obvious so I got back on the freeway and could not drive over 40 then. Even still it shook. I was about 60 miles from home on Saturday. I took the truck to my local shop and he informed me that it was the "death wobble"! I was unaware of this "safety issue" until then. There were 3 components on the front end that were replaced and the cost was $811.50!! There were no warning lights or buzzers before the incident and if I was not a cautious driver I would have certainly run off the road and, or, injured. No photos were taken or police reports but I do have an invoice. I feel something should be done about this especially if Ford is aware of the issue. If safety is a concern of theirs, they certainly do not live up to it! Along with the money and stress it is costing people. Ive called Ford CS and they told me there's nothing they can do.

NHTSA complaint #11598247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rome, GA

STEERING

When driving and hitting small cracks/holes/rough road the whole front of truck bounce and causes steering issues and also rough riding and also causes a really bad vibration.

NHTSA complaint #11588228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rome, GA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When driving and hitting small cracks/holes/rough road the whole front of truck bounce and causes steering issues and also rough riding and also causes a really bad vibration.

NHTSA complaint #11588228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rome, GA

SUSPENSION

When driving and hitting small cracks/holes/rough road the whole front of truck bounce and causes steering issues and also rough riding and also causes a really bad vibration.

NHTSA complaint #11588228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tulsa, OK

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA complaint #11585755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tulsa, OK

SERVICE BRAKES

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA complaint #11585755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Independence, MO

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I bought this truck 03/24/203 and driving next and the truck shook like serious crazy like violently crazy .I called Executive Auto Sales and he said it’s what you called death wobble… wtf. But he insisted it’s and easy fix, I changed what he said and slow down. This morning it almost cause a trained wrecked on rush scared the shit trying to slow down and moved to side… Freaking scary Hope didn’t re injured my neck and back … smh. Freaking scary for me and everyone else….

NHTSA complaint #11578733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 69,000 miles Conway, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the battery needed to be replaced. The contact connected the battery to a battery charger to charge the battery so that he could drive the vehicle to the local auto store to purchase a new battery. The contact stated when he connected the new battery, he noticed there was no electrical power. The contact stated that the power switch for the windows and the doors were inoperable. The contact also stated the turn signals, and all the lights were inoperable. The contact stated that the ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed electrical junction box and corroded wires. The contact was informed that the electrical junction box and wires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle due to an electrical fire risk. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

NHTSA complaint #11558286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 101,000 miles Napa, CA

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and stalled, but independently regained motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with fuel system failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

NHTSA complaint #11529394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tubmbling Shoals, AR

STEERING

At about 45 mph front end will start shakin and have to come almost a stop then resume down road I havesteering arn, tierod ends replace, front end align by front specialist and still doing this also tires were rotated.Ford did all work except independent wheel alignment. No insurane notified.

NHTSA complaint #11511048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

san Clemente, CA

STEERING

The vehicle has been experiencing a death wobble in the front suspension for about 2 years. I have had regular maintenance of the vehicle at a local ford dealership. The first incident occurred shortly after I had the vehicle serviced for oil change and tire rotation. I was driving about 75 mph on the I-5 freeway and ran over a transition in the road from blacktop to cement, the entire front end began to violently shake. I slowed down and pulled over and didnt notice anything out of the ordinary, so I continued on. About 30 miles further, I hit a small pothole in the road with the driver side front tire, and the entire front end again began to violently shake. I slowed down and moved to the right, and when I reached about 40 mph, the shaking stopped. I took the vehicle to capistrano ford and they said some bushings were worn, so they replaced them. When I picked the vehicle up and started driving on the freeway, the violent shaking occurred again. I returned the vehicle to capistrano ford, and they said they could not duplicate the problem. I had them rotate the tires back to their original positions and did not have another incident for several months. Then, the violent shaking occurred once again, so I returned the vehicle to capistrano ford, and had the shocks replaced. They inspected the suspension but did not recommend any other parts be replaced. The violent shaking has continued to occur, and has recently become more frequent. The vehicle has about 106,000 miles, is in excellent condition and has been regularly maintained only at capistrano ford. I am inputting the date of the most recent incident, although it first occurred about 2 years ago.

NHTSA complaint #11484885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

san Clemente, CA

SUSPENSION

The vehicle has been experiencing a death wobble in the front suspension for about 2 years. I have had regular maintenance of the vehicle at a local ford dealership. The first incident occurred shortly after I had the vehicle serviced for oil change and tire rotation. I was driving about 75 mph on the I-5 freeway and ran over a transition in the road from blacktop to cement, the entire front end began to violently shake. I slowed down and pulled over and didnt notice anything out of the ordinary, so I continued on. About 30 miles further, I hit a small pothole in the road with the driver side front tire, and the entire front end again began to violently shake. I slowed down and moved to the right, and when I reached about 40 mph, the shaking stopped. I took the vehicle to capistrano ford and they said some bushings were worn, so they replaced them. When I picked the vehicle up and started driving on the freeway, the violent shaking occurred again. I returned the vehicle to capistrano ford, and they said they could not duplicate the problem. I had them rotate the tires back to their original positions and did not have another incident for several months. Then, the violent shaking occurred once again, so I returned the vehicle to capistrano ford, and had the shocks replaced. They inspected the suspension but did not recommend any other parts be replaced. The violent shaking has continued to occur, and has recently become more frequent. The vehicle has about 106,000 miles, is in excellent condition and has been regularly maintained only at capistrano ford. I am inputting the date of the most recent incident, although it first occurred about 2 years ago.

NHTSA complaint #11484885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Edmond, OK

STEERING

Driving down the road, hit a bump in road, and front end began to shake so hard that I lost control of the truck and ended up on side of the road. Began to try and drive the truck home (less than 5 miles away), it began to shake 2 more times. Called dealership, they stated it was a "Death Wobble"...but they don't fix them or correct the issue. I would have to pay for it myself.

NHTSA complaint #11475748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Edmond, OK

SUSPENSION

Driving down the road, hit a bump in road, and front end began to shake so hard that I lost control of the truck and ended up on side of the road. Began to try and drive the truck home (less than 5 miles away), it began to shake 2 more times. Called dealership, they stated it was a "Death Wobble"...but they don't fix them or correct the issue. I would have to pay for it myself.

NHTSA complaint #11475748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lometa, TX

STEERING

When driving at highway speeds, the front end steering wheels will violently begin wo wobble and shake to a severe level that will cause the truck to loss control if the driver does not immediately slow its speed by braking. This action that must be taken to bring the truck back into control is dangerous at highway speeds as other traffic is behind or next to your truck. This has occurred numerous times, with the first time replacing all four tires and over the past several years has created dis-pleasurable driving. This manufacture defect by FORD must be corrected as many lives are a risk due to an engineering problem with the front suspension.

NHTSA complaint #11466799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lometa, TX

SUSPENSION

When driving at highway speeds, the front end steering wheels will violently begin wo wobble and shake to a severe level that will cause the truck to loss control if the driver does not immediately slow its speed by braking. This action that must be taken to bring the truck back into control is dangerous at highway speeds as other traffic is behind or next to your truck. This has occurred numerous times, with the first time replacing all four tires and over the past several years has created dis-pleasurable driving. This manufacture defect by FORD must be corrected as many lives are a risk due to an engineering problem with the front suspension.

NHTSA complaint #11466799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 46,000 miles Rosedale, MD

SUSPENSION:FRONT

The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway and shook violently almost causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The brake pedal was depressed and the contact pulled off the roadway. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then driven to the residence. The local dealer was contacted but an appointment was not yet scheduled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000.

NHTSA complaint #11462418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Catonsville, MD

STEERING

When driving over 50 miles per hour, on highways especially, the front end of the truck and steering wheel starts to shake uncontrollably and I have to immediately slow down and/or pull off the road. This is very dangerous considering there are numerous tractor trailers and other vehicles on the highway. It's often impossible to pull over when needed and I am fearful for my life. It has been happening for at least 6 months if not longer.

NHTSA complaint #11451316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.