64 of the
613 complaints filed about the Ford F-550 SD
are about the transmission —
10% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 1999.
64
Complaints
10%
Share of all complaints
1
Crashes
5
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
Description In some of the affected vehicles, the rear right-hand axle shaft may have been manufactured without properly completing the electromagnetic induction heat treatment process, making the axle shaft susceptible to fracture. Safety Risk A fractured rear axle shaft could result in a loss of motive power while driving, or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park and the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash. Remedy Parts are now available to repair your vehicle. Ford Motor Company has authorized your dealer to inspect and replace your right rear axle shaft free of charge. Next Steps Contact your dealer for more information to schedule the free service.
NHTSA complaint #11744338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have more files and receipts Vehicle Information: •Make: Ford •Model: F-550 Super Duty •Year: 2020 Issue Summary: After a recall service (22E04) for powertrain and transmission software updates, the vehicle experienced a complete power failure within 40 miles, leading to a stall and loss of control, resulting in the vehicle veering into a ditch. Incident Details: •Recall Service Date: ] •Mileage at Service: 63,993 •Incident Mileage: ~64,030 miles •Description: Post-recall, multiple warning lights activated, including powertrain malfunction and traction control off. The vehicle stalled, became unresponsive, and veered off the road. After multiple attempts coming after multiple attempts to call the dealership and corporate with no answer, forced to leave a bad survey and then someone contacted Follow-Up Actions: The dealership attributed the issue to a missing 10-amp fuse. However, prior warnings from the FordPass app indicated powertrain malfunctions since October 2024. A subsequent recall notice (24S78/24V957) in January 2025 highlighted potential high-pressure fuel pump issues leading to power loss. After multiple attempts coming after multiple attempts to call the dealership and corporate with no answer was forced to leave a bad survey and then someone they’ve let me leave the dealership twice now saying that there was nothing wrong with my truck and then to find out that there’s a recall a couple weeks later Safety Concerns: The unexpected power loss and control failure pose significant safety risks. The recurrence of issues post-recall raises concerns about the effectiveness of the initial repair and overall vehicle safety. Requested Action: I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter to ensure driver safety and hold the manufacturer accountable for providing a reliable remedy.
NHTSA complaint #11643042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-550 SD. The contact stated that while his son was driving at unknown speeds and making a right turn, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver’s side rear dual wheel axle had fractured inside the differential housing. The contact stated that the axle shaft had fractured. The contact stated that the wheels were still connected to the hub and the vehicle lowered to the ground. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, there was differential fluid still in the axle housing. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
NHTSA complaint #11631487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-550 SD. The contact stated that while his son was driving at unknown speeds and making a right turn, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver’s side rear dual wheel axle had fractured inside the differential housing. The contact stated that the axle shaft had fractured. The contact stated that the wheels were still connected to the hub and the vehicle lowered to the ground. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, there was differential fluid still in the axle housing. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
NHTSA complaint #11631487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This concerns the International 6.4 Liter Diesel engine used in 2008-2010 Ford Super Duty Trucks. It is common knowledge in the industry that these are "bad" engines however there has been no recall as of date. In my situation, while under warranty, and carrying a load (5,000 lbs), the vehicle when into "limp mode" during an extended trip. After the load was emptied I took the vehicle to the dealer and they found nothing wrong with. Now at 25,000 miles, and out warranty timewise, the turbo(s) blew, evidencing that the truck had weak turbos from the factory. When referenced these occurrences, Ford still will not honor their warranty even though my initial complaint was timely and validly made. Ford misdiagnosed or didn't have the proper equipment to investigate my initial complaint. In any event, considering the widespread knowledge of this particular engine's defects, the entire 6.4 Fleet should be recalled as these engines have been being replaced and repaired on a massive scale.
NHTSA complaint #11565684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A WINDING COUNTRY ROAD WHEN SUDDENLY NOTICE LARGE VOLUME SMOKE COMING FROM TRUCK. IT WAS A SUDDEN CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF A TRANSMISSION COOLANT LINE, FITTING SIMPLY CAME APART, SPEWING TRANSMISSION FLUID ON HOT EXHAUST AND UNDERNEATH VEHICLE, NEARLY CAUSING A FIRE AND DISABLING VEHICLE SUDDENLY ON SIDE OF ROADWAY UNABLE TO MOVE TO SAFETY. FLUID ON ROADWAY COULD CAUSE UPCOMING VEHICLES (TRYING TO AVOID DISABLED VEHICLE) BEING UNABLE TO STOP SAFELY, ESPECIALLY MOTORCYCLES, PART IS POORLY DESIGNED/ENGINEERED AND WOULD/SHOULD NEVER FAIL UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. PART IS NOT A NORMALLY SERVICED OR "WEAR" TYPE PART. NO WARNING OF POTENTIAL OR EMINENT FAILURE. I AM 66 YEARS OLD, BEEN IN TOWING/SERVICE REPAIR BUSINESS FOR 35+ YEARS AND CANNOT RECALL SEEING A PART FAIL SUCH AS THIS. POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD VERY REAL, IF AMBIENT TEMP AND WORK LOAD ON UNIT HAD BEEN HIGHER IT COULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE, OIL SPRAY ON HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD, OH YES, SEEN THAT. BEING A MECHANIC I WAS ABLE TO EFFECT A TEMPORARY REPAIR, REPLACED FLUID AND DROVE IT AWAY. I HAVE FAILED PART TO SUPPLY IF REQUESTED. *BF CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST IS LABEL OF REPLACEMENT PART, SECOND PICTURE OF NEW PART AND BROKEN PART, THEN ANOTHER VIEW OF SAME. I TRIED TO TAKE A PICTURE SHOWING THE CORROSION THAT FORMED IN THE CRACK OF FITTING THAT FORCED IT TO SPLIT APART, KEEPING IN MIND THAT THE NORMALLY WHITE CORRODED ALUMINUM HAD TRANS OIL SPRAYED ONTO IT. THERE IS ALSO A PICTURE OF THE LOCATION ON TRUCK FROM UNDERNEATH RADIATOR AREA, SHOWING MY TEMPORARY REPAIR, THE BLUE HOSE AREA IS WHERE FITTING WAS LOCATED. THE OTHER LINE IS THERE WITH THE SAME TYPE FITTING UNDER THE GRAY PLASTIC RETAINER, READY TO BREAK AT ANY MOMENT.
NHTSA complaint #11220902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY V10 ENGINE ON MY MOTORHOME STALLS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THIS IS DANGEROUS. THE ENGINE REMAINS RUNNING BUT WON'T ACCELERATE. PUMPING THE GAS PEDAL WILL FINALLY MAKE IT GO
NHTSA complaint #11210323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F-550 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE FAILED AND CAUSED THE CARPET TO CATCH FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. MIKE THOMPSON'S RV SUPER STORE (902 RV CENTER DR, COLTON, CA 92324, (909) 318-2175) DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11191689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD F-550 SD. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE, FISHTAIL, AND AN ECHOING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR END. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PASO ROBLES FORD (2401 OAKWOOD ST, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER (MULLAHEY FORD, 330 TRAFFIC WAY, ARROYO GRANDE, CA 93420) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BEARINGS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE A SOLUTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400.
NHTSA complaint #11073798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE TRUCK HAS NOT RUN PROPERLY SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED, AND THE MOTOR WAS REPLACED BACK IN 2013 WITH MILEAGE OF 31,00 DUE TO OIL BEING SPLATTERED ALL OVER AND NO POWER. WE HAD SPEND OVER 10,000.00 TO FIX THE DEFECTIVE ISSUES. NOW ALMOST 2 YEARS TO THE DAY THE ENGINE HAS AGAIN FAILED. FORD OFFERS NO HELP OR EXPLANATIONS AS TO WHY THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN..
NHTSA complaint #10676458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TURBO WILL OVER BOOST TO 31 PSI AND THE ENGINE WILL GO IN TO A FAIL SAFE MODE REDUCING POWER TO 5 MILES AN HOUR WITHOUT WARNING. CAUSING YOU TO HAVE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTART TO CLEAR THE FAIL SAFE MODE. THIS HAS HAPPEN TO ME OVER 12 TIMES. FORD HAS REPLACED THE TURBO TWICE UNDER WARRANTY. THE PROBLEM SEEMS FIXED FOR THE FIRST 30 - 40 THOUSAND MILES. THEN THE SAME PROBLEM RECURS. THE BIGGEST HEADACHE WITH THIS PROBLEM IS IT TAKE WEEKS AND SOME TIMES MONTHS FOR FORD TO DIAGNOSE. DO TO THE FACT THAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS NO ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND NO FAULT CODE IS STORED. FORD WILL NOT WARRANTY THE PART OUT UNTIL THEY GET A FAULT CODE. THE ONLY TIME THE TRUCK WILL THROW A FAULT CODE IS WHEN THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS TWICE ON THE SAME DAY. MOST OF THE TIME IT ONLY HAPPENS ONCE A DAY. I FIND THIS PROBLEM TO BE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. DO TO THE FACT THAT IT HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING AND YOU CAN'T ALWAYS MAKE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD UNDER REDUCED POWER. BE IT HEAVY TRAFFIC OR NO SHOULDER TO PULL OFF ON. THERE HAS BEEN 2 TIMES THAT I HAD TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF MY LANE AND SHUT THE TRUCK OFF AND RESTART IT BEFORE I COULD REGAIN FULL POWER.
NHTSA complaint #10608208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE OVERHEATS AND LOOSES POWER AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS; WE HAD OVER $1100.00 IN REPAIRS DONE AND IT STILL OVERHEATS WITH THE WRENCH LIGHT COMING ON, TOOK IT BACK TO MECHANIC AND HE RAN THE CODES AND NOW SAYS IT IS THE OIL COOLER NOT WORKING. FORD SAID THEY DO NOT HAVE A RECALL ON THIS AND THE HEART OF TEXAS FORD PLACE IN BRADY, TX MECHANIC SAID THERE ARE ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS OIL COOLER PART FOR THE F550 6.4 DIESEL.
NHTSA complaint #10560786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THIS COMPLAINT IS A FOLLOW UP TO YOUR REFERENCE #521328. IT CONCERNS AN UNDELIVERED EMERGENCY VEHICLE THAT PLASTISOL COMPOSITES, NA, 101 GERALD MOSES DRIVE, GROTON, NY IS BUILDING FOR MEREDITH HOSE COMPANY, 100 MAIN ST., CHILDS, PA 18407 AND BEING PAID WITH FEMA FUNDS UNDER A FEDERAL GRANT AND IS TRYING TO FORCE A VIBRATING DRIVE LINE PROBLEM VEHICLE ON MEREDITH OR SELL TO ANOTHER FIRE DEPARTMENT WITHOUT TELLING THAT FIRE DEPARTMENT OF THE DRIVE LINE VIBRATION SO THEY CAN EVADE THE PENALTY CLAUSE OF THE MEREDITH CONTRACT. THE VEHICLE IS NOW OVER 930 DAYS LATE DUE TO POORLY ENGINEERING THE DRIVE LINE AFTER INSTALLING A PTO IN THE DRIVE LINE TO POWER THE REAR MOUNTED PUMP. ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, PLASTISOL WORKERS BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE TO MEREDITH TO BE INSPECTED FOR ACCEPTANCE BUT ON EACH OCCASION NUMEROUS DEFECTS WERE NOTED INCLUDING COLD WELDS, LOOSE PARTS, POOR ASSEMBLY, (I HAVE PICTURES OF ALL THESE PROBLEMS FOR YOUR INVESTIGATOR) AND THE MOST SERIOUS, A DRIVE LINE VIBRATION THAT BEGINS AT 40 MPH AND GETS WORSE. PLASTISOL WORKERS ADMITTED THEYU HAVE NO ENGINEER ASSISTING THEM TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. THEY ASKED MEREDITH MEMBERS IF WE HAD IDEAS HOW TO RESOLVE THE DRIVE LINE VIBRATION. THIS IS EQUIVALENT TO NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID # 10V092000 OF SUTPHEN VEHICLES. I WOULD LIKE YOU TO INVESTIGATE THIS VEHICLE AND DETERMINE IF THE DRIVE LINE VIBRATION IS SAFE AND THE VEHICLE IS ROAD WORTHY AND WON'T CAUSE THE FAILURE OF THE UNIVERSAL JOINTS AND A CRASH WHICH WOULD JEOPARDIZE THE LIVES OF THE FIREMEN OR THE GENERAL PUBLIC. I WOULD LIKE YOU TO INSPECT ALL WELDS OF THE VEHICLE CROSS MEMBER THE PTO IS ATTACHED TO AND DETERMINE IF THEY ARE WITHIN INDUSTRY STANDARDS OR POORLY WELDED AND UNSAFE. I WOULD ALSO LIKE YOU TO INVESTIGATE ALL TRUCKS PRODUCED BY PLASTISOL FOR POOR WELDING AND DRIVE LINE VIBRATION.
NHTSA complaint #10551230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORD 6.4L DIESEL ENGINES (2008-2010) IN F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS CONTAIN RADIATORS THAT WERE IMPROPERLY CONSTRUCTED AND UNABLE TO WITHSTAND ENGINE PRESSURES AND LEAK COOLANT, AND CAN CAUSE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURES DUE TO OVERHEATING. FORD REPLACED COUNTLESS RADIATORS IN ITS 6.4L VEHICLES UNDER WARRANTY AND ISSUED A NUMBER OF SERVICE BULLETINS RELATED TO ITS 6.4L RADIATOR FAILURES. HOWEVER, EVEN ITS REDESIGNED RADIATORS CONTINUE TO FAIL. IN OUR VERY LOW MILEAGE F550 DIESEL, THE RADIATOR FAILED AT 23000 MILES EVEN AFTER BEING INSPECTED BY FORD AND "APPROVED" AS ADEQUATE. FORD REFUSES TO PROVIDE A FIX. THE FORD DEALERSHIP TELLS US THAT SOME CUSTOMERS HAVE REPLACED RADIATORS AS MANY AS 10 TIMES, OR MORE. AN INTERNET SEARCH (E.G., GOOGLE) FOR "FORD 6.4L RADIATOR" SHOWS COUNTLESS OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE RADIATOR FAILURES. AGAIN, FORD IS UNWILLING TO RECALL THE DEFECTIVE ENGINE PARTS OR PROVIDE A WARRANTY REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10536573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THIS BEING 2ND DIESEL FORD TRUCK THAT HAS HAD SAME ISSUE....LOSING POWER , BLOWING SMOKE. ON THIS 2001 , I HAVE REPLACED NUMEROUS FILTERS, DRAINED TANK TO CLEAN ,WIRE HARNESSES,FUEL INJECTORS ONLY TO REPLACE MOTOR WITHIN A MONTH OR SO DUE TO CONTAMINATION TO SYSTEM ALSO TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED BEFORE NEW MOTOR WHICH I FEEL COULD OF BEEN DUE TO STRAIN ON VEHICLE....NEEDLESS TO SAY THE TRUCK HAS STARTED THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN.I HAVE SANK SO MUCH INTO IT I'D NEVER GET MY MONEY OUT OF IT IF SOLD.I FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ISSUE AND ALL THE MONEY PEOPLE HAVE PUT OUT TO CORRECT THE ISSUES OCCURRING, WITH HUNDREDS OF OTHERS. THIS ISSUE IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN YOUR TRYING TO GET HOME AND IT STALLS OUT WHEN DRIVING DUE TO LOSS OF POWER.
NHTSA complaint #10433919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PROBLEM 1: IN 2004 I PURCHASED A NEW FORD F-550 WITH THE GASOLINE V10. ABOUT ONE MONTH AFTER OWNING THE TRUCK THE THROUGH-OUT BEARING ON THE CLUTCH STARTED MAKING NOISE AND HAS DONE SO. THIS YEAR WITH ONLY 49,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK NOW IT DOES NOT WANT TO GO INTO GEAR SOMETIMES.BY THE TIME I CONTACTED MY DEALER HE SAID THAT THE TRUCK WAS OFF WARRANTY. DID THEY SELL CHEAP BEARINGS IN THESE TRUCKS, BECAUSE MY LAST F350 I HAD FOR 14 YEARS WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. PROBLEM 2: EVER SINCE I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK. WHEN YOU ARE SITTING AT A LIGHT AND GET READY TO GO. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS AND THEN GOES.
NHTSA complaint #10419489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F550 SD DIESEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #10394348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
04 FORD F550 SD DUMP TRUCK WAS BOUGHT NEW ON 12/04.. IN APRIL 2005 TRANSMISSION LEAKED FLUID WHILE IN PARK AND TRUCK WAS TOWED TO DEALER. THE DEALER CLAIMED CAUSE OF PROBLEM WAS DUE TO LOOSE BOLTS ON TRANS CASE. TRANSMISSION CONTINUED TO SLIP BUT DEALER COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM. FEBRUARY 2006, APPROXIMATELY 16,000 MILES ON TRUCK, TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILS. TRUCK TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED. ON JUNE 2008 (APPROXIMATELY 56,000 MILES) WHILE DRIVING ON MAJOR HIGHWAY, TRUCK BEGINS TO LOSE POWER AND BLACK SMOKE POURS OUT OF MUFFLER. THE TRUCK WAS DRIVEN TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND DIAGNOSED WITH A BLOWN TURBO. FORD DID NOT COVER COST OF REPAIR. I PAID $4,500.00 OUT OF POCKET TO REPLACE TURBO. AUGUST 2009 (APPROXIMATELY 68,000 MILES) AGAIN WHILE DRIVING ON MAJOR HIGHWAY, TRUCK LOSES POWER AND STALLS. TRUCK WAS TOWED TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND DIAGNOSED WITH CLOGGED INJECTORS DUE TO DETERIORATING GAS TANK. DEALER ADVISED ME THAT ALL 8 INJECTORS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND NEW FUEL PUMP INSTALLED. THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS WOULD BE $4,300.00 AND IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY FORD. I WAS INCENSED TO SAY THE LEAST...AFTER GETTING A SECOND OPINION, I PAID AN ADDITIONAL $475.00 AND HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO ANOTHER FORD DEALERSHIP WHICH MADE THE REPAIRS WITHOUT ANY COST TO ME. THE FUEL TANK WAS NOT REPLACED EVEN THOUGH IT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. I REPLACED THE TANK AND PAID $750.00 OUT OF POCKET...DECEMBER 27, 2010 (96,000 MILES) WITHOUT WARNING, TRANSMISSION BEGINS TO SLIP. I CONTACTED THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT MADE THE LAST REPAIRS. I WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY FORD. IT WOULD COST $4,200.00 TO REPLACE. I TOOK TRUCK TO A LOCAL TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP AND PAID $3,000.00 TO REBUILD TRANSMISSION. ITS OBVIOUS THAT FORD DOES NOT BACK UP THEIR PRODUCT. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD AGAIN!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10374870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.