Owners have filed 14 complaints
about the 2017 Ford F-550 with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 6 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 — 39
Against the median year of the Ford F-550. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
21.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 28
17% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2017 Ford F-550
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
321.4%
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 136,552 mi
Body & Structure
214.3%
Brakes
214.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 118,000 mi
Other & Unspecified
17.1%
Wheels
17.1%
Tires
17.1%
Fuel & Propulsion
17.1%
Median failure at 123,483 miles
Suspension
17.1%
Median failure at 80,000 miles
Steering
17.1%
Transmission & Drivetrain
17.1%
Median failure at 24,705 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
116.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
116.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
116.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
233.3%
150,000+ miles
116.7%
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 2018peak 3Feb 2026
Recalls on the 2017 Ford F-550
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 2017276304 units in Canada
Accessories
Certain decorative chrome door handle covers, sold as aftermarket accessories through Ford dealers, may affect compliance to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 206 – Door Lock and Door Retention Components. These accessories may cause the door handles to fail to conform to the inertial load requirements of the standard. A door handle fitted with a chrome cover could unlatch due to inertial loads during a side impact crash if the door were unlocked, which would increase the risk of injury. Correction: Covers will be removed from vehicles and owners will be reimbursed for parts and labour.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Crete, ILCrashFire
ENGINE
My truck exploded on the expressway on 11-21-24 due to a manufacturer default.
NHTSA complaint #11626951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesMagnolia, TXCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
FORD PUT A 2 RUBBER BRAKE HOSES WITH OUTER BRAIDED STEEL OUTER CASING ON THE BUILD AROUND THE A.B.S. UNIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ONE OF THESE HOSES FAILED INSTANTLY RESULTING IN A LOW SPEED COLLISION WITH NO BRAKES.WITH NO PREVIOUS WARNING OF ANY KIND IE SOFT PEDAL ETC. NO KIND LIGHT CAME ON. THIS MUST BE CORRECTED BEFORE THIS STARTS HAPPENING ALL OVER THE U.S.A. THE TRUCK IS BEING REPAIRED AT AN AUSTIN,TX FORD DEALER WITH THE SAME PART THAT JUST HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THE HOSE SHOWS NO RUBBING OR OUTSIDE CONTAMINATION IE DIRT DEBRIS ETC. THE CRASH HAPPENED AT ABOUT 30 MPH, AND MODERATE BRAKING.
NHTSA complaint #11183253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 59,384 milesVancouver, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2017 Ford F550. The contact stated that while one of the employees was driving at highway speeds, a diesel fuel-burning odor was coming from the engine and entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. No warning lights were illuminated. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The driver exited the vehicle and noticed oil dripping from underneath the vehicle. The driver opened the hood and noticed diesel fuel all over the engine compartment. Upon further investigation, the driver noticed that the plastic drain valve on the bottom of the water separator had cracked, and oil was spewing upwards. The driver called the company mechanic, and the mechanic went to the site of the failure. The mechanic repaired the vehicle on-site by replacing the filter. The driver was able to continue driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,384.
NHTSA complaint #11717381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, AZ
STRUCTURE:BODY
The front cab over is getting loose and separating worried it will fall off, have huge water leak coming into the cab from the top through auxiliary buttons and driver side. Have been reading forums and lots of people have the same issues this is very concerning that it's not being taken seriously.
NHTSA complaint #11715341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,483 milesLakeland, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-550. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that occasionally, when the vehicle was started, the vehicle would idle roughly. The contact used a diagnostic machine and retrieved a fault code related to the fuel pump module. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with fuel pump module failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that when the fuel pump module was removed, there were metal shavings inside. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,483.
NHTSA complaint #11676148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crete, ILCrashFire
ENGINE
My truck exploded on the expressway on 11-21-24 due to a manufacturer default.
NHTSA complaint #11626951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenburg, PA
STRUCTURE
See attached letter
NHTSA complaint #11584754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 213,720 milesTallahassee, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-550. The contact stated that after two to three minutes after the engine was idled, a ticking noise was heard in the engine. The noise would dissipate however, a rattling noise was heard next. The contact stated works as an independent mechanic and diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the #3 cylinder had a low oil pressure and that the camshaft and follower needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 213,720.
NHTSA complaint #11478173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Porter Ranch, CA
WHEELS
National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (Safety Act), S571.120 Tire/Rim Selection, S5.1.2, requires the sum of the maximum load ratings of the tires fitted to the axle shall be not less than the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of the axle system specified on the vehicle's certification label required by 49 CFR part 567. 567.77 requires any alterer of the vehicle to continue conformity with these requirements and assumes legal liability for certification under the Safety Act. The Siberian RV (see pic) is a customized off-road expedition vehicle manufactured by ProVan Industries, West Columbia South Carolina. They utilize a Ford F550 Super Duty 4x4 as the chassis and customize the RV to travel into off-grid extreme environments and road conditions. ProVan alters the standard Ford F550 dual rear wheel to a single rear wheel. The altered Certification Label affixed to the vehicle (see pic) establishes the rear axle GAWR at 14,706 pounds. The Tire/Wheel (Rim) assembly chosen by ProVan as their alteration is listed as a TOYO M608Z 285/70R 19.5" on a Hutchinson Beadlock Wheel. ProVan neglected to list the capacity of this tire on the Certification Label, instead filling "X" in this spot (VIOLATION). TOYO Inflation Chart determines the MAX load capacity of this tire to be 6395# at 125 psi MAX inflation (see chart). The Hutchinson Wheel has a stamped MAX inflation capacity of 120psi which lowers the load capacity of the tires to 6185# per tire. Either way the sum of the maximum capacity of the tires is either 12,790# or 12,270#. The tires are far short of the 14,706# rear axle GAWR required by the Safety Act. At 22,500 miles and roughly 50% tread wear the rear tire sidewalls developed a split in the bead seam near the rim (see pics). This unsafe tire condition was noticed and immediately pulled out of service. TOYO states this is an overload situation. ProVan refuses to take responsibility for their defective design in violation of the Safety Act. PLEASE HELP Consumer stated rear tire blewout on July 29t
NHTSA complaint #11422616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Porter Ranch, CA
TIRES
National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (Safety Act), S571.120 Tire/Rim Selection, S5.1.2, requires the sum of the maximum load ratings of the tires fitted to the axle shall be not less than the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of the axle system specified on the vehicle's certification label required by 49 CFR part 567. 567.77 requires any alterer of the vehicle to continue conformity with these requirements and assumes legal liability for certification under the Safety Act. The Siberian RV (see pic) is a customized off-road expedition vehicle manufactured by ProVan Industries, West Columbia South Carolina. They utilize a Ford F550 Super Duty 4x4 as the chassis and customize the RV to travel into off-grid extreme environments and road conditions. Provan alters the standard Ford F550 dual rear wheel to a single rear wheel The altered Certification Label affixed to the vehicle (see pic) establishes the rear axle GAWR at 14,706 pounds. The Tire/Wheel (Rim) assembly chosen by Provan as their alteration is listed as a TOYO M608Z 285/70R 19.5" on a Hutchinson Beadlock Wheel. ProVan neglected to list the capacity of this tire on the Certification Label, instead filling "X" in this spot (VIOLATION). TOYO Inflation Chart determines the MAX load capacity of this tire to be 6395# at 125 MAX Inflation (see chart). The Hutchinson Wheel has a stamped MAX inflation capacity of 120psi which lowers the load capacity of the tires to 6185# per tire. Either way the sum of the maximum capacity of the tires is either 12,790# or 12,270# safely. The tires are far short of the 14,706# required by the Safety Act. At 22,500 miles and roughly 50% tread wear the rear tire sidewalls developed a split in the bead seam near the rim (see pics). This unsafe tire condition was noticed and immediately pulled out of service. Toyo states this is an overload condition. ProVan refuses to take responsibility for their defective design in violation of the Safety Act. Please Help
NHTSA complaint #11421714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesChicago, IL
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD F-550. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT UNDISCLOSED SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER FREEWAY FORD TRUCK SALES (8445 45TH ST, LYONS, IL 60534, (708) 442-9000) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11394818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesMagnolia, TXCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
FORD PUT A 2 RUBBER BRAKE HOSES WITH OUTER BRAIDED STEEL OUTER CASING ON THE BUILD AROUND THE A.B.S. UNIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ONE OF THESE HOSES FAILED INSTANTLY RESULTING IN A LOW SPEED COLLISION WITH NO BRAKES.WITH NO PREVIOUS WARNING OF ANY KIND IE SOFT PEDAL ETC. NO KIND LIGHT CAME ON. THIS MUST BE CORRECTED BEFORE THIS STARTS HAPPENING ALL OVER THE U.S.A. THE TRUCK IS BEING REPAIRED AT AN AUSTIN,TX FORD DEALER WITH THE SAME PART THAT JUST HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THE HOSE SHOWS NO RUBBING OR OUTSIDE CONTAMINATION IE DIRT DEBRIS ETC. THE CRASH HAPPENED AT ABOUT 30 MPH, AND MODERATE BRAKING.
NHTSA complaint #11183253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,705 milesSaltsburg, PA
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD F-550. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SHULTS FORD (10401 PERRY HWY, WEXFORD, PA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPONENTS CONNECTED TO THE DRIVESHAFT WERE DAMAGED DUE TO THE DRIVELINE VIBRATING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST BECAUSE THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17212000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,705.
NHTSA complaint #11103422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atascadero, CA
STEERING
FROM THE DAY I TOOK IT OFF THE LOT TRUCK PULLS LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKES SQUEAK VIBRATION STARTS AT 55MPH FILLS LIKE REAR ENDED IS LOSS TRUCK SWERVES . I WAS DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY WHEN REAR SLIDING WINDOW BLEW OUT FROM INSIDE OF CAB OUT SOUNDING LIKE A GUN SHOT OR TIRE BLEW UP INSIDE THE CAB AND BLEW GLASS ALL OVER MY 4 YEAR OLD IN BACK SEAT . I HAVE HAD THIS TRUCK INTO FORD FOR A NUMBER OF THINGS BUT WON'T FIX VIBRATION OR THE WAY TRUCK DRIVES DOWN THE ROAD
NHTSA complaint #11073606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atascadero, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FROM THE DAY I TOOK IT OFF THE LOT TRUCK PULLS LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKES SQUEAK VIBRATION STARTS AT 55MPH FILLS LIKE REAR ENDED IS LOSS TRUCK SWERVES . I WAS DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY WHEN REAR SLIDING WINDOW BLEW OUT FROM INSIDE OF CAB OUT SOUNDING LIKE A GUN SHOT OR TIRE BLEW UP INSIDE THE CAB AND BLEW GLASS ALL OVER MY 4 YEAR OLD IN BACK SEAT . I HAVE HAD THIS TRUCK INTO FORD FOR A NUMBER OF THINGS BUT WON'T FIX VIBRATION OR THE WAY TRUCK DRIVES DOWN THE ROAD
NHTSA complaint #11073606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atascadero, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
FROM THE DAY I TOOK IT OFF THE LOT TRUCK PULLS LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKES SQUEAK VIBRATION STARTS AT 55MPH FILLS LIKE REAR ENDED IS LOSS TRUCK SWERVES . I WAS DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY WHEN REAR SLIDING WINDOW BLEW OUT FROM INSIDE OF CAB OUT SOUNDING LIKE A GUN SHOT OR TIRE BLEW UP INSIDE THE CAB AND BLEW GLASS ALL OVER MY 4 YEAR OLD IN BACK SEAT . I HAVE HAD THIS TRUCK INTO FORD FOR A NUMBER OF THINGS BUT WON'T FIX VIBRATION OR THE WAY TRUCK DRIVES DOWN THE ROAD
NHTSA complaint #11073606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.