Owners have filed 55 complaints
about the 2009 Ford F-350 with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 21 of 21 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 — 15
Against the median year of the Ford F-350. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 28
5.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 10
6% 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
12.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
12.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
411.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
514.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
514.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
514.3%
150,000+ miles
1440.0%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2009 Ford F-350 Supercab
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2009 Ford F-350 Regular Cab
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2009 Ford F-350 Supercrew 4-DR.
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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 2012peak 4May 2026
Recalls on the 2009 Ford F-350
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
14V498000
EQUIPMENT
PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
Risk: The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
14V070000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Monroe Truck Equipment (Monroe) is recalling certain model year 2006, 2008 and 2009 Chevrolet C7500 vehicles, 2005-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles, and 2009 Ford F-350, and F-450 vehicles, equipped with Sure Power-brand battery equalizers or DC-DC converters containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specific potting compound used in the subject products for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.
Risk: Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.
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 53,000 milesCrystal River, FLCrash
SEAT BELTS
CAR PULLED OUT OF SIDE ROAD CROSSING MY PATH. I STRUCK HIS CAR BROADSIDE IN DRIVER DOOR. MY AIR BAG RESTRAINTS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 AT POINT OF IMPACT. FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT INJURED, BUT MY AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED!
NHTSA complaint #10567704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesCrystal River, FLCrash
AIR BAGS
CAR PULLED OUT OF SIDE ROAD CROSSING MY PATH. I STRUCK HIS CAR BROADSIDE IN DRIVER DOOR. MY AIR BAG RESTRAINTS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 AT POINT OF IMPACT. FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT INJURED, BUT MY AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED!
NHTSA complaint #10567704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesCrystal River, FLCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
CAR PULLED OUT OF SIDE ROAD CROSSING MY PATH. I STRUCK HIS CAR BROADSIDE IN DRIVER DOOR. MY AIR BAG RESTRAINTS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 AT POINT OF IMPACT. FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT INJURED, BUT MY AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED!
NHTSA complaint #10567704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
High Shoals, NC
STEERING
Yes the steering wheels are coming loose on all these trucks. Customers are having to fix their own steering wheels because there are no recalls. I don't believe steering wheels should be coming loose. The only thing they've done to fix it is make it easier to fix on the newer models.
NHTSA complaint #11740789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
STEERING
My truck has the death wobble for the second time. I took it to Red McCombs Ford in San Antonio, Texas and they charged me to fix what is an inherently bad design flaw in the F350 that I own. The wobble stopped and has now reappeared. The death wobble is real. I want it fixed for free or I want Ford to buy my truck for top dollar.
NHTSA complaint #11627806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
SUSPENSION
My truck has the death wobble for the second time. I took it to Red McCombs Ford in San Antonio, Texas and they charged me to fix what is an inherently bad design flaw in the F350 that I own. The wobble stopped and has now reappeared. The death wobble is real. I want it fixed for free or I want Ford to buy my truck for top dollar.
NHTSA complaint #11627806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
TIRES
My truck has the death wobble for the second time. I took it to Red McCombs Ford in San Antonio, Texas and they charged me to fix what is an inherently bad design flaw in the F350 that I own. The wobble stopped and has now reappeared. The death wobble is real. I want it fixed for free or I want Ford to buy my truck for top dollar.
NHTSA complaint #11627806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canadensis, PA
WHEELS
When I hit a bump at between 55 and up, the Truck develops a death wobble even after having all the steering components, including ball joints, tie, rod ends, stabilizer, bar, shocks, replaced
NHTSA complaint #11607069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canadensis, PA
STEERING
When I hit a bump at between 55 and up, the Truck develops a death wobble even after having all the steering components, including ball joints, tie, rod ends, stabilizer, bar, shocks, replaced
NHTSA complaint #11607069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canadensis, PA
SUSPENSION
When I hit a bump at between 55 and up, the Truck develops a death wobble even after having all the steering components, including ball joints, tie, rod ends, stabilizer, bar, shocks, replaced
NHTSA complaint #11607069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Peters, MO
STEERING
While traveling at 65 mph, the truck crossed a separator strip resulting in loss of steering control. Vehicle steering wheel began violently "shaking" left to right and began to swerve violently in an area of heavy traffic. The vehicle was towing a 37 ft. 5th wheel at the time of the incident and I had to use a combination of braking and defensive steering to slow/stop the vehicle in the right side ditch of the road. Incident resulted in extreme wear to braking components, and minor alighnment issues due to leaving the roadway. Upon inspection by a certified mechanic, the issue was determined to be, "death wobble" and multiple components were replaced with OEM parts. Parts, services, inspection all paid for by me, yet the vehicle continues to shake violelently at random. New tires an quarterly alignments have not resolved this issue and 3 different Ford mechanics have advised removing the vehicle from service to avoid further accident or injury. Ford Motor has repeatedly denied assistance in any capacity concerning this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11538141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Peters, MO
SUSPENSION
While traveling at 65 mph, the truck crossed a separator strip resulting in loss of steering control. Vehicle steering wheel began violently "shaking" left to right and began to swerve violently in an area of heavy traffic. The vehicle was towing a 37 ft. 5th wheel at the time of the incident and I had to use a combination of braking and defensive steering to slow/stop the vehicle in the right side ditch of the road. Incident resulted in extreme wear to braking components, and minor alighnment issues due to leaving the roadway. Upon inspection by a certified mechanic, the issue was determined to be, "death wobble" and multiple components were replaced with OEM parts. Parts, services, inspection all paid for by me, yet the vehicle continues to shake violelently at random. New tires an quarterly alignments have not resolved this issue and 3 different Ford mechanics have advised removing the vehicle from service to avoid further accident or injury. Ford Motor has repeatedly denied assistance in any capacity concerning this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11538141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cedarville, OH
WHEELS
Death wobble when hitting any bump whilr going over 55
NHTSA complaint #11532486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cedarville, OH
STEERING
Death wobble when hitting any bump whilr going over 55
NHTSA complaint #11532486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cedarville, OH
SUSPENSION
Death wobble when hitting any bump whilr going over 55
NHTSA complaint #11532486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesLake Charles, LA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving approximately 50-55 MPH, there was a winding sound detected. The code P0088 was displayed. The contact pulled over and the vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed, causing metal fragments to enter the engine. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #11515513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesLake Charles, LA
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving approximately 50-55 MPH, there was a winding sound detected. The code P0088 was displayed. The contact pulled over and the vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed, causing metal fragments to enter the engine. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #11515513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cross Plains, TN
STEERING
Was operating vehicle on I-65 traveling at interstate speeds. Hit a bump and vehicle started shaking and violently vibrating. Had to slam on my breaks to get the vehicle to stop shaking and back under control. Feared for my life and my son from being rear ended due to it being a busy highway. The vehicle has done it several times and this is my second complaint due to not hearing anything back.
NHTSA complaint #11445995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cross Plains, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Was operating vehicle on I-65 traveling at interstate speeds. Hit a bump and vehicle started shaking and violently vibrating. Had to slam on my breaks to get the vehicle to stop shaking and back under control. Feared for my life and my son from being rear ended due to it being a busy highway. The vehicle has done it several times and this is my second complaint due to not hearing anything back.
NHTSA complaint #11445995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cross Plains, TN
SUSPENSION
Was operating vehicle on I-65 traveling at interstate speeds. Hit a bump and vehicle started shaking and violently vibrating. Had to slam on my breaks to get the vehicle to stop shaking and back under control. Feared for my life and my son from being rear ended due to it being a busy highway. The vehicle has done it several times and this is my second complaint due to not hearing anything back.
NHTSA complaint #11445995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cross Plains, TN
STEERING
Hit a bump on the highway while driving. Vehicle started vibrating and shaking uncontrollably. Heavy traffic with Tractor Trailer behind on me was barely able to get vehicle stopped and to the shoulder of the highway. Was in fear for my life and haven’t had the vehicle a month yet after purchasing it from a cord dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11439776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cross Plains, TN
SUSPENSION
Hit a bump on the highway while driving. Vehicle started vibrating and shaking uncontrollably. Heavy traffic with Tractor Trailer behind on me was barely able to get vehicle stopped and to the shoulder of the highway. Was in fear for my life and haven’t had the vehicle a month yet after purchasing it from a cord dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11439776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albin, WY, WY
WHEELS
On September 4th & 5th two separate occasions I was driving on US 85 in WY when I hit a bump in the road and my truck started shaking violently and was hard to control. I immediately pulled over and slowed down until the shaking stopped but was almost rear ended by the truck behind me on one occasion.
NHTSA complaint #11431845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albin, WY, WY
STEERING
On September 4th & 5th two separate occasions I was driving on US 85 in WY when I hit a bump in the road and my truck started shaking violently and was hard to control. I immediately pulled over and slowed down until the shaking stopped but was almost rear ended by the truck behind me on one occasion.
NHTSA complaint #11431845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albin, WY, WY
SUSPENSION
On September 4th & 5th two separate occasions I was driving on US 85 in WY when I hit a bump in the road and my truck started shaking violently and was hard to control. I immediately pulled over and slowed down until the shaking stopped but was almost rear ended by the truck behind me on one occasion.
NHTSA complaint #11431845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,428 milesMenlo, GA
STEERING
SUDDEN EXTREME WOBBLE OF FRONT END WHILE DRIVING (KNOWN AS DEATH WOBBLE) HAPPENED MANY TIMES IN PAST TWO YEARS
NHTSA complaint #11413325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,428 milesMenlo, GA
SUSPENSION
SUDDEN EXTREME WOBBLE OF FRONT END WHILE DRIVING (KNOWN AS DEATH WOBBLE) HAPPENED MANY TIMES IN PAST TWO YEARS
NHTSA complaint #11413325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesLiberty, SC
WHEELS
I OWN A 2009 FORD F350 KING RANCH THAT I PURCHASED USED 2 YEARS AGO FROM A NISSAN DEALERSHIP. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE FRONT END VIOLENTLY SHAKES WHEN IT ENCOUNTERS ANY DEFORMITY ON THE ROAD. THE SHAKES ARE SO INTENSE AND UNCONTROLLABLE THE I HAVE TO TRY AND PULL OFF THE ROAD TO NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE SHAKING DOES NOT STOP UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY STOPPED. I HAVE HAD THE BODY MOUNTS REPLACED, AN ALIGNMENT- BECAUSE I WAS TOLD PROPER TIRE INFLATION WOULD FIX IT- THE SHOCKS REPLACED, AND STEERING STABILIZER REPLACED. NONE OF THESE REMEDIED THE SITUATION. I AM TRYING TO SELL THE VEHICLE BUT SINCE THE DIFFERENT MECHANICS WE HAVE USED DON'T SEEM TO BE ABLE TO DIAGNOSE/FIX THE PROBLEM, I AM UNABLE IT TO SELL IT WITH THIS COMMONLY KNOWN 'DEATH WOBBLE' THAT FORD IS AWARE OF. I ALSO CAN'T SAFELY DRIVE IT. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE, IN THE LAST MONTH, A COMPLETE FAULTY FUEL SYSTEM ($9,000) AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER, IN 2011, HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE MOTOR-WHICH WE WERE UNAWARE OF.
NHTSA complaint #11327545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.