FORD F-350 · model year

2005 FORD F-350

170 NHTSA complaints, 8 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2005FORDF-350 carries 170 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 8 crashes, 8 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2005 F-350 is steering with 28 filings, followed by suspension (20) and engine (18). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 177 investigation files overlapping the 2005 F-350, and 8 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

170
Complaints
8
Crashes
8
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

170 filings

Crashes Reported

8 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING28
SUSPENSION20
ENGINE18
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM14
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM12
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING7
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL6
SUSPENSION:FRONT5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE4
POWER TRAIN4
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)4
AIR BAGS2
PARKING BRAKE2

Recalls (3)

07E06600028/08/2007

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.

06E08700017/10/2006

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

CERTAIN HARSCO WHEEL MODIFICATION GROUPS CONTAINING ACCURIDE STEEL RIMS, P/NOS. 203237 AND 203738; ACCURIDE ALUMINUM RIMS, P/N 203712; AND GKN STEEL RIMS, P/N 203688, SOLD AS MODIFICATION EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN 2005-2007 FORD F-250/F-350 4X4 PICKUP TRUCKS TO MODIFY TRACK WIDTH OF FRONT AND REAR AXLES

11V35200013/07/2011

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 TH

Recent Complaints

20250401CrashAIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving approximately 60-65 MPH and coming up to a bridge, the contact stated that the roadway was a bit wet from ice and rain, and the contact stated that the vehicle ahead entered the bridge and started skidding, so the contact let up off the accelerator pedal; however, when the vehicle entered the bridge, the vehicle started sliding and the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed head-on into the concrete barrier surrounding the bridge and broke the two picking eyes that was welded unto the front sub frame of the vehicle. The contact stated that the front bumper was severely damaged, and he was concerned that that the air bags had failed to deploy. The contact stated that his chin struck the steering wheel, and his neck was hyper-extended. The contact sustained neck and shoulder injuries. The contact had not received medical treatment at the scene and was not transported to the local medical center for treatment. T

Mileage: 228,000

20240614ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle stalls while driving and wont start again suddenly while operating. Fuel injectors won’t feed fuel line to restart or operate. Occasional start but then stalls continuously until battery dies from trying. Will start when priming the carburetor however will not stay running and stalls out.

20240229STEERING

Twice today, traveling at 75mph on highway [XXX] (northbound and then several hours later southbound) just north of Ardmore OK, I experienced a violent shaking of the steering wheel/front wheel shimmy. The vehicle was difficult to control due to the violent shaking that did not stop until the vehicle slowed to approximately 20mph. Once the shaking stopped the vehicle was okay to drive. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20240229SUSPENSION

Twice today, traveling at 75mph on highway [XXX] (northbound and then several hours later southbound) just north of Ardmore OK, I experienced a violent shaking of the steering wheel/front wheel shimmy. The vehicle was difficult to control due to the violent shaking that did not stop until the vehicle slowed to approximately 20mph. Once the shaking stopped the vehicle was okay to drive. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20230704STEERING

My 2005 F350 Diesel Pick up has suffered from the Ford death wobble on and off for the last 15 years. While navigating a left hand corner at speeds over 40 it begins to shake uncontrollably after hitting a small bump or pot hole until speed is reduced to 30mph or less. I have replaced bearings, uppper & lower ball joints, torque arms and other suspension parts without finding a cure.

20230704SUSPENSION

My 2005 F350 Diesel Pick up has suffered from the Ford death wobble on and off for the last 15 years. While navigating a left hand corner at speeds over 40 it begins to shake uncontrollably after hitting a small bump or pot hole until speed is reduced to 30mph or less. I have replaced bearings, uppper & lower ball joints, torque arms and other suspension parts without finding a cure.

20220530SUSPENSION

Multiple times driving the truck at speed limit and hit small bump or a little bumpy part of road triggers the death wobble. Have to almost come to complete stop on highway to stop wobble.

20220530STEERING

Multiple times driving the truck at speed limit and hit small bump or a little bumpy part of road triggers the death wobble. Have to almost come to complete stop on highway to stop wobble.

20220512STEERING

The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started to shimmy. The contact stated that at the time of failure the steering wheel was very difficult to turn. The contact stated that after slowing down the vehicle operated normally. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she received notification in the mail of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20E090000 (Steering, Suspension, Equipment) however, her vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact stated that neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

20220512SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started to shimmy. The contact stated that at the time of failure the steering wheel was very difficult to turn. The contact stated that after slowing down the vehicle operated normally. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she received notification in the mail of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20E090000 (Steering, Suspension, Equipment) however, her vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact stated that neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

20220429ENGINE

The all very common issues with the year f350 and the 6.0 l. Engines, are as such. The malfunctioning FICM. THE high and low oil coolers, the inter coolers and head studs. Also leaking break fluid .

20220429ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The all very common issues with the year f350 and the 6.0 l. Engines, are as such. The malfunctioning FICM. THE high and low oil coolers, the inter coolers and head studs. Also leaking break fluid .

20220429FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The all very common issues with the year f350 and the 6.0 l. Engines, are as such. The malfunctioning FICM. THE high and low oil coolers, the inter coolers and head studs. Also leaking break fluid .

20220111UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Oil leaking from more than 4 parts of the engine and was told it’s normal for this model. Also, when driving over a bump or uneven pavement the trucks steering and suspension drives out of control.

20211221UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Once I get up to 55-60 mph it just shakes really bad, I have had ball joints replaced bought new tires and it still shakes

20211017CrashFirePOWER TRAIN

[XXX] who performs automotive work out of his residence [XXX] and [XXX] of [XXX] have worked on this vehicle to spite the customer and to gouge the customer in unnecessary fraudulent repairs. They have deliberately set this vehicle up to fail with the braking system, the 6.0 engine being rebuilt to no avail, and constant driving problems such as pulling to the right and the left when brakes applied, constant overheating, constant oil temperature overheating, shuttering at highway speed, transmission failure, air conditioning failure, coolant system failure, electrical system failure, and every system that they have repaired, continues to fail. They specifically performed work on the electrical wiring and truck keeps blowing fuses. They performed work on the transmission and the transmission failed shortly after. They performed work on the engine and deleted illegally all the emissions EGR pollutant controls. They installed faulty wiring for the electric trailer brake controls and the e

20211017CrashFireSUSPENSION

[XXX] who performs automotive work out of his residence [XXX] and [XXX] of [XXX] have worked on this vehicle to spite the customer and to gouge the customer in unnecessary fraudulent repairs. They have deliberately set this vehicle up to fail with the braking system, the 6.0 engine being rebuilt to no avail, and constant driving problems such as pulling to the right and the left when brakes applied, constant overheating, constant oil temperature overheating, shuttering at highway speed, transmission failure, air conditioning failure, coolant system failure, electrical system failure, and every system that they have repaired, continues to fail. They specifically performed work on the electrical wiring and truck keeps blowing fuses. They performed work on the transmission and the transmission failed shortly after. They performed work on the engine and deleted illegally all the emissions EGR pollutant controls. They installed faulty wiring for the electric trailer brake controls and the e

20211017CrashFireSERVICE BRAKES

[XXX] who performs automotive work out of his residence [XXX] and [XXX] of [XXX] have worked on this vehicle to spite the customer and to gouge the customer in unnecessary fraudulent repairs. They have deliberately set this vehicle up to fail with the braking system, the 6.0 engine being rebuilt to no avail, and constant driving problems such as pulling to the right and the left when brakes applied, constant overheating, constant oil temperature overheating, shuttering at highway speed, transmission failure, air conditioning failure, coolant system failure, electrical system failure, and every system that they have repaired, continues to fail. They specifically performed work on the electrical wiring and truck keeps blowing fuses. They performed work on the transmission and the transmission failed shortly after. They performed work on the engine and deleted illegally all the emissions EGR pollutant controls. They installed faulty wiring for the electric trailer brake controls and the e

20211017CrashFireENGINE

[XXX], [XXX] approx age 40 lives and works at [XXX].[XXX] can also control the computers to cancel out and delete the use of catalytic converters, delete the use of DEF intake, delete the use of DPF particulate filters, and not react to controls such as manual braking or acceleration because the computer is controlling when and not the driver. [XXX] strictly states that he cannot have any emissions controls such as EGR, DEF, DPF, catalyst, or any pollutant controls. [XXX] intentionally set it up to have flaws and be dangerous for one reason: to get the customer to keep returning again and again with vehicle problems, wiring electrical problems, performance problems, overheating problems, and never ending engine problems not to mention transmission problems because the transmission could not handle the increased output of the engine. The hydroboost and ABS module and master cylinder that controls the brakes can be easily rigged so that when the driver stomps on the brakes, there is no b

20211017CrashFireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

[XXX], [XXX] approx age 40 lives and works at [XXX].[XXX] can also control the computers to cancel out and delete the use of catalytic converters, delete the use of DEF intake, delete the use of DPF particulate filters, and not react to controls such as manual braking or acceleration because the computer is controlling when and not the driver. [XXX] strictly states that he cannot have any emissions controls such as EGR, DEF, DPF, catalyst, or any pollutant controls. [XXX] intentionally set it up to have flaws and be dangerous for one reason: to get the customer to keep returning again and again with vehicle problems, wiring electrical problems, performance problems, overheating problems, and never ending engine problems not to mention transmission problems because the transmission could not handle the increased output of the engine. The hydroboost and ABS module and master cylinder that controls the brakes can be easily rigged so that when the driver stomps on the brakes, there is no b

Compare 2005FORDF-350 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 8 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2005 FORD F-350 have?
The 2005 FORD F-350 has 170 NHTSA complaints, 8 crashes, 8 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2005 FORD F-350?
Yes, the 2005 FORD F-350 has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 FORD F-350?
The most-complained component for the 2005 FORD F-350 is STEERING with 28 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SUSPENSION and ENGINE.
Is the 2005 FORD F-350 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.