Owners have filed 19 complaints
about the 2019 Ford F-550 with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 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 — 53
Against the median year of the Ford F-550. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
36.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 21
13% 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 2019 Ford F-550
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
631.6%
0 crashes, 3 fires · median 100,000 mi
Body & Structure
421.1%
Median failure at 130,000 miles
Electrical System
315.8%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 50,600 mi
Fuel & Propulsion
210.5%
0 crashes, 2 fires
Steering
210.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 116,563 mi
Equipment & Accessories
15.3%
Transmission & Drivetrain
15.3%
Median failure at 100,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
112.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
112.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
675.0%
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 2019peak 3Aug 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Sanford, FLFire
ENGINE
While driving down the road a passerby got our drivers attention to tell them the truck was on fire. When he pulled over and got out the truck went up in flames fast from under the hood. Due to the heavy damage we are unsure where the fire started. It has not been inspected by anyone yet. It was towed to our shop. The driver reported there was an odd smell but that was it.
NHTSA complaint #11672519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sanford, FLFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving down the road a passerby got our drivers attention to tell them the truck was on fire. When he pulled over and got out the truck went up in flames fast from under the hood. Due to the heavy damage we are unsure where the fire started. It has not been inspected by anyone yet. It was towed to our shop. The driver reported there was an odd smell but that was it.
NHTSA complaint #11672519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesCarlsborg, WAFire
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2019 Ford F-550. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, turned on, and unoccupied, there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the front of the engine compartment had caught fire. The vehicle was extinguished by the Fire Department. A fire report was filed however, the cause for the failure was not yet determined. A police report was filed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was destroyed and towed back to the contact's work location. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
NHTSA complaint #11635660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coventry, CTFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A clogged fuel filter caused an engine fire. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure. The fuel filter has been known to be problematic for these trucks, in yet there has been no recall. A simple google search shows these fires are common. The vehicle has been in for service at the dealership many times but no one checked on the faulty fuel filter positioned above the hot engine components.
NHTSA complaint #11625217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coventry, CTFire
ENGINE
A clogged fuel filter caused an engine fire. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure. The fuel filter has been known to be problematic for these trucks, in yet there has been no recall. A simple google search shows these fires are common. The vehicle has been in for service at the dealership many times but no one checked on the faulty fuel filter positioned above the hot engine components.
NHTSA complaint #11625217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coventry, CTFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
A clogged fuel filter caused an engine fire. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure. The fuel filter has been known to be problematic for these trucks, in yet there has been no recall. A simple google search shows these fires are common. The vehicle has been in for service at the dealership many times but no one checked on the faulty fuel filter positioned above the hot engine components.
NHTSA complaint #11625217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 116,563 milesWatsonville, CA
STEERING
The complaint was filed on behalf of the contact's employer. The contact's employer owns a 2019 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while the driver was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was swerving from side to side. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The failure was a persistent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,563.
NHTSA complaint #11757739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesAlcalde, NM
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-550. The contact stated that upon noticing an abnormal burning odor, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the wiring underneath the driver's side of the dashboard was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The mechanic replaced the wiring a second time; however, the failure persisted. The power train and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V894000 (Engine). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11680198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesAlcalde, NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-550. The contact stated that upon noticing an abnormal burning odor, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the wiring underneath the driver's side of the dashboard was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The mechanic replaced the wiring a second time; however, the failure persisted. The power train and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V894000 (Engine). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11680198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesAlcalde, NM
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-550. The contact stated that upon noticing an abnormal burning odor, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the wiring underneath the driver's side of the dashboard was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The mechanic replaced the wiring a second time; however, the failure persisted. The power train and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V894000 (Engine). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11680198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sanford, FLFire
ENGINE
While driving down the road a passerby got our drivers attention to tell them the truck was on fire. When he pulled over and got out the truck went up in flames fast from under the hood. Due to the heavy damage we are unsure where the fire started. It has not been inspected by anyone yet. It was towed to our shop. The driver reported there was an odd smell but that was it.
NHTSA complaint #11672519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sanford, FLFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving down the road a passerby got our drivers attention to tell them the truck was on fire. When he pulled over and got out the truck went up in flames fast from under the hood. Due to the heavy damage we are unsure where the fire started. It has not been inspected by anyone yet. It was towed to our shop. The driver reported there was an odd smell but that was it.
NHTSA complaint #11672519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesCarlsborg, WAFire
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2019 Ford F-550. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, turned on, and unoccupied, there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the front of the engine compartment had caught fire. The vehicle was extinguished by the Fire Department. A fire report was filed however, the cause for the failure was not yet determined. A police report was filed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was destroyed and towed back to the contact's work location. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
NHTSA complaint #11635660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coventry, CTFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A clogged fuel filter caused an engine fire. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure. The fuel filter has been known to be problematic for these trucks, in yet there has been no recall. A simple google search shows these fires are common. The vehicle has been in for service at the dealership many times but no one checked on the faulty fuel filter positioned above the hot engine components.
NHTSA complaint #11625217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coventry, CTFire
ENGINE
A clogged fuel filter caused an engine fire. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure. The fuel filter has been known to be problematic for these trucks, in yet there has been no recall. A simple google search shows these fires are common. The vehicle has been in for service at the dealership many times but no one checked on the faulty fuel filter positioned above the hot engine components.
NHTSA complaint #11625217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coventry, CTFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
A clogged fuel filter caused an engine fire. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure. The fuel filter has been known to be problematic for these trucks, in yet there has been no recall. A simple google search shows these fires are common. The vehicle has been in for service at the dealership many times but no one checked on the faulty fuel filter positioned above the hot engine components.
NHTSA complaint #11625217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensboro, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY
Purchased truck used and discovered frame was cracked shortly after I had taken it in to Ford several times because alignment wouldn’t keep vehicle from feeling bouncy (hopping) going down the road. At no point did anyone tell me of a customer satisfaction program that was in place for my vehicle for a frame repair/replacement. Instead they strung me along telling me to take it to a frame shop. 2 days after the program expired I was told that there was a program for the issues which I no longer qualified for. Then they told me to reach out to corporate who said there was nothing they could do.
NHTSA complaint #11620282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesCalumet City, IL
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-550. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the subframe. The contact stated that the failure recurred increasingly while driving on a bumpy road surface. The contact stated that while inspecting the frame, he noticed that the frame rail behind the cab was fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the frame needed to be reinforced or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the dealer to be repaired under Ford Campaign Number: GB2021003; however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not experiencing the failure at the time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11605627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Davis, CA
ENGINE
Our company has been proactively replacing some of the older fuel filters in our fleet as part of a safety campaign. A fuel filter on VIN [XXX] was replaced yesterday (XXX) with a Ford Motocraft filter. Today (XXX), the operator was driving the unit when they started to smell smoke in the cab. By the time they pulled over, the cab had smoke inside and the operator had to get out. The operator opened the hood to let it vent and called the garage to have the unit towed. After inspection by the garage, they found that the secondary fuel filter was leaking extensively from the seam. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11592496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crewe, VA
STRUCTURE:BODY
The contact's company owns a 2019 Ford F-550. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, an employee noticed that the cab and chassis was in a V-shape. The contact stated that a mechanic arrived at the location; upon inspection, the mechanic stated that the frame rail was fractured. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact spoke to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11526933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crewe, VA
STRUCTURE:BODY
The contact's company owns a 2019 Ford F-550. The contact stated that the vehicle was inspected by a mechanic, and the contact was informed that the frame rail was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11526935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, OR
TRAILER HITCHES
Trailer hitch is forming cracks around hitch receiver, Backing plate that the hitch is welded to is separating from the body of the utility box. this truck tows a trailer with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds.
NHTSA complaint #11506381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FLCrash
STEERING
Vehicle was being driven at 50MPH when truck encountered pothole in road. Steering wheel began to shake back and forth violently and vehicle was uncontrollable. Truck veered to left and crashed into guardrail while being slowed to a stop.
NHTSA complaint #11496379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,151 milesTallahassee, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-550. The contact stated that two to three minutes after the engine was revved, a ticking noise was heard in the engine. The sound would stop then a rattling noise was heard. The contact stated that he works as an independent mechanic and diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the #3 cylinder had a low oil pressure. Additionally, the camshaft and follower needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,151.
NHTSA complaint #11478168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,200 milesPalmyra, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TRAILER CONNECTION WIRING FAULT CAUSES DASH BOARD TO FLASH MULTIPLE TIMES INDICATING TRAILER DISCONNECTED OR TRAILER LIGHT BULBS ARE NOT WORKING AND WILL REPEATEDLY FLASH ON DASH MAKING DINGING SOUNDS. THIS IS HAPPENING WITHOUT A TRAILER CONNECTED AS WELL. (TAKE NOT PREVIOUS YEARS OF FORD VEHICLES HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE)
NHTSA complaint #11175026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.