FORD F-350 SD · model year

2005 FORD F-350 SD

269 NHTSA complaints, 9 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2005FORDF-350 SD carries 269 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 9 crashes, 8 fires, 4 injuries, and 1 fatality. 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 SD is steering with 34 filings, followed by engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel (23) and suspension:front (22). 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 4 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 SD, 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.

269
Complaints
9
Crashes
8
Fires
4
Injuries
1
Deaths

Total Complaints

269 filings

Crashes Reported

9 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING34
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL23
SUSPENSION:FRONT22
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL21
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16
TIRES14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING11
SUSPENSION10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING10
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION9
ENGINE8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP6
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC4

Recalls (4)

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

05V27000010/06/2005

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH 6.0L DIESEL ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE STALLING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AND MAY OR MAY NOT RESTART.

20E09000009/12/2020

STEERING

Icon Vehicle Dynamics, LLC (Icon) is recalling all 05-UP FSD 2.5 Centerline Stabilizer Kits with part number 65050. The kits were sold as an accessory for certain 2005-2021 Ford F-250 4X4 and F-350 4X4 pickup trucks. The foam ring inside the stabilizer "through shaft" may block the piston ports, p

05V26600009/06/2005

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND CHASSIS CAB VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L GASOLINE ENGINES, THE FUEL JUMPER LINE MAY HAVE AN INCORRECT END FORM.

Recent Complaints

20190227TIRES

DRIVING ON INTERSTATE I-85 IN NORTH GA ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH TRAVELING 65MPH. REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE TREAD FLIES OFF. TRUCK ROCKS AND MAKES A LOT OF NOISE. ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND MOVE TO EMERGENCY LANE. TIRE APPEARS TO HAVE PEELED APART LIKE A BANANA. *DT*JB

Mileage: 230,000

20180902STEERING

DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I HIT A SMALL BUMP AT 65MPH AND THE ENTIRE FRONT END STARTED VIOLENTLY SHAKING LIKE IT WAS GOING TO FALL APART. HAS HAPPENED TO ME 3 TIMES NOW AND TO MY PREGNANT WIFE 3 TIMES IN ONE TRIP! VERY SCARY AND A SERIOUS ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE RECTIFIED IMMEDIATELY. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION AT 60MPH+ OR ANY SPEED REALLY.

Mileage: 143,000

20170718FireENGINE

2005 FORD F-350. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ENGINE FIRE. *SMD ATTORNEY SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *LD UPDATED 07/18/2017 *JS

20160208STEERING

I WAS DRIVING ON A TWO LANE BACK ROAD AROUND 45 TO 50 MPH, AND MY TRUCK STARTED VIOLENTLY SHAKING AND I LOST ALL CONTROL OF STEERING. I WENT INTO THE ONCOMING LANE, LUCKILY NO ONE WAS COMING, AND HAD TO HIT MY BRAKES HARD TO GET THE SHAKING TO STOP. IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 35-40 ON A CITY STREET AND 60 MPH ON A HIGHWAY. THIS IS KNOWN AS DEATH WOBBLE. THE WOBBLE WAS SO BAD THAT IT LOOSENED THE TRACK BAR AND THE BOLT HOLDING THE POWER STEERING HARD LINE. I LOST ALL POWER STEERING FLUID WITHIN SECONDS. I HAVE RESEARCHED IT, TRIED REPLACING SEVERAL PARTS, LIKE TIE-RODS, AND IT HAS LESSENED A LITTLE BIT, BUT IF I HIT A BUMPY ROAD OR EVEN JUST A PATCH OF NEW PAVEMENT, IT STARTS SHAKING. I HAVE READ A LOT OF OTHER FORD OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR TRUCKS.

Mileage: 170,000

20160208SUSPENSION

I WAS DRIVING ON A TWO LANE BACK ROAD AROUND 45 TO 50 MPH, AND MY TRUCK STARTED VIOLENTLY SHAKING AND I LOST ALL CONTROL OF STEERING. I WENT INTO THE ONCOMING LANE, LUCKILY NO ONE WAS COMING, AND HAD TO HIT MY BRAKES HARD TO GET THE SHAKING TO STOP. IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 35-40 ON A CITY STREET AND 60 MPH ON A HIGHWAY. THIS IS KNOWN AS DEATH WOBBLE. THE WOBBLE WAS SO BAD THAT IT LOOSENED THE TRACK BAR AND THE BOLT HOLDING THE POWER STEERING HARD LINE. I LOST ALL POWER STEERING FLUID WITHIN SECONDS. I HAVE RESEARCHED IT, TRIED REPLACING SEVERAL PARTS, LIKE TIE-RODS, AND IT HAS LESSENED A LITTLE BIT, BUT IF I HIT A BUMPY ROAD OR EVEN JUST A PATCH OF NEW PAVEMENT, IT STARTS SHAKING. I HAVE READ A LOT OF OTHER FORD OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR TRUCKS.

Mileage: 170,000

20160208UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I WAS DRIVING ON A TWO LANE BACK ROAD AROUND 45 TO 50 MPH, AND MY TRUCK STARTED VIOLENTLY SHAKING AND I LOST ALL CONTROL OF STEERING. I WENT INTO THE ONCOMING LANE, LUCKILY NO ONE WAS COMING, AND HAD TO HIT MY BRAKES HARD TO GET THE SHAKING TO STOP. IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 35-40 ON A CITY STREET AND 60 MPH ON A HIGHWAY. THIS IS KNOWN AS DEATH WOBBLE. THE WOBBLE WAS SO BAD THAT IT LOOSENED THE TRACK BAR AND THE BOLT HOLDING THE POWER STEERING HARD LINE. I LOST ALL POWER STEERING FLUID WITHIN SECONDS. I HAVE RESEARCHED IT, TRIED REPLACING SEVERAL PARTS, LIKE TIE-RODS, AND IT HAS LESSENED A LITTLE BIT, BUT IF I HIT A BUMPY ROAD OR EVEN JUST A PATCH OF NEW PAVEMENT, IT STARTS SHAKING. I HAVE READ A LOT OF OTHER FORD OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR TRUCKS.

Mileage: 170,000

20151027ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE STALL/DIE WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT ANY WARNING. WHEN THE VEHICLE DIES, UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND NO POWER AT ALL. HAVE A RECALL NUMBER 05S34, BUT FORD DEALERSHIP WON'T REPAIR IT BECAUSE MY VIN ISN'T ON RECALL. WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?

Mileage: 263,755

20151027ENGINE

THE HEAD BOLTS HAVE A KNOWN DEFECT, WHICH FORD FILED A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST THE ENGINE MANUFACTURE NOVASTAR FOR AND WON. THIS DEFECT/WEAKNESS CAN CAUSE THE BOLTS TO FAIL/BREAK CAUSING MANY COMPONENTS TO BECOME DAMAGED. THIS CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND/OR INJURY TO THE VEHICLES OCCUPANTS. I BELIEVE THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AS A RECALL BECAUSE ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH ALL OF THE 6.0 DIESEL ENGINES IN THIS YEAR/MODEL ARE AFFECTED.

Mileage: 52,000

20150917CrashTIRES

TIRE FAILURE CAUSING ACCIDENT WITH PROPERTY DAMAGE AND MINOR INJURIES. TIRE WAS THE FRONT LEFT TIRE ON A 2005 FORD F350 4X4 SRW. TIRE HAD APPROXIMATELY 25,000 MILES. ACCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE TOWING A FIFTH WHEEL TOY HAULER TRAILER. TRAILER IS 25' LONG WITH AN APPROXIMATE EMPTY WEIGHT OF 5500 LBS. ALSO IN THE TRAILER WERE PERSONAL EFFECTS INCLUDING ONE MOTORCYCLE WITH AN APPROXIMATE WEIGHT OF 550 LBS. TIRE PRESSURE WAS CHECKED AT 76 PSI COLD 3 DAYS PRIOR TO INCIDENT. ACCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. THE WEATHER WAS SUNNY WITH TEMPERATURES IN THE 70S TO LOW 80S. SPEED OF VEHICLE AT TIME OF INCIDENT WAS 60-65 MPH. APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES PRIOR TO INCIDENT, A STOP WAS MADE FOR FUEL WITH DRIVER DOING A WALK AROUND VISUAL INSPECTION WITH NO DEFECTS NOTED. LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEW WITH NO ADVANCED WARNING. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO PULL HARD TO THE LEFT. VEHICLE LEFT THE ROADWAY INTO THE MEDIAN. VEHICLE JACK-KNIFED AND OVERTURNED TO ITS RIGHT SIDE. GUARD RAIL STOPPED V

Mileage: 94,585

20150820WHEELS

THIS HAS TO DO WITH 19.5" WHEELS MANUFACTURED BY VISION WHEEL,SPECIFICALLY WHEEL # 81A-9770MBO. ON THE BACK OF THE WHEEL THERE IS A RELIEF MACHINED AROUND EACH LUG HOLE THAT IS ABOUT 1/8"DEEP X 3/4" IN DIA. WHETHER THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DESIGN OR A FLAW I AM NOT SURE,BUT PREVIOUS WHEELS OF THE SAME MODEL NO. DO NOT HAVE THIS AND ARE FLAT ON THE BACK. SHOULD THE LUGS NUTS BE OVER TIGHTENED IT CRACKS THE RIM AROUND THE LUG HOLE AND STARTS TO PULL THROUGH. I FOUND THIS SHORTLY AFTER I GOT MY TRUCK BACK FROM THE TIRE SHOP AND WAS LOOKING AT THE NEW WHEELS.IT IS NOT READILY NOTICEABLE AND WAS JUST LUCK THAT I SAW IT. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN ANY TIME A WHEEL IS TAKEN OFF FOR SOME SERVICE OR ANOTHER. IF THE WHEEL LUG NUTS GET OVER TORQUED THIS OCCURS. THESE WHEELS ARE USED PRIMARILY BY PEOPLE THAT CARRY HEAVY LOADS AS THE 19.5 TIRES AFFORD BETTER STABILITY. SHOULD SOMEONE NOT BE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY OF LOOSING A TIRE. THIS COULD BE RESOLVED SIMPLY BY NOT

Mileage: 57,000

20150301ENGINE

FOR THE PAST WEEK MY TRUCK HAS BEEN TAKING LONGER TO START THEN NORMAL TODAY IT STARTED TO STALL ON MY I WAS ABLE TO GET IT HOME WHILE IT STALLED 4 MORE TIMES ON THE WAY. SHOPPED AT A FRIENDS SHOP ON THE WAY HOME AND HAD THEM SCAN THE COMPUTER FOUND OUT MY FICM IS NO GO MY IPR IS BAD AND MY STC FITTING IS BAD THEY FOUND THE STC WHEN THEY PULLED THE TURBO ASWELL AS MY DUMMY PLUGS. *TR

Mileage: 143,000

20150301FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FOR THE PAST WEEK MY TRUCK HAS BEEN TAKING LONGER TO START THEN NORMAL TODAY IT STARTED TO STALL ON MY I WAS ABLE TO GET IT HOME WHILE IT STALLED 4 MORE TIMES ON THE WAY. SHOPPED AT A FRIENDS SHOP ON THE WAY HOME AND HAD THEM SCAN THE COMPUTER FOUND OUT MY FICM IS NO GO MY IPR IS BAD AND MY STC FITTING IS BAD THEY FOUND THE STC WHEN THEY PULLED THE TURBO ASWELL AS MY DUMMY PLUGS. *TR

Mileage: 143,000

20150203ENGINE

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,723.

Mileage: 124,723

20140708SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE BRAKE LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHENEVER THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. ALSO, THE TBC WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONNECTOR TO THE BREAK LIGHT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

20140617ENGINE

APPROXIMATELY 16,000 MILES PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT (96,450) THE VEHICLE HAD A LACK OF TOWING POWER. I TOOK IT TO FORD, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE EGR COOLER AND OIL COOLER. THE SERVICE MANAGER ADVISED ME THAT THIS HAPPENS TO EVERY 6.0 LITER DIESEL. HE STATED THEY UPDATED THE COOLERS TO FIX THE PROBLEM (PRETTY MUCH ADMITTING THAT THEY DID NOT BUILD IT RIGHT). I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THIS TO BE TRUE, BUT FOR SOME REASON THERE IS NO RECALL. $4,730.78 LATER, MY VEHICLE WAS FIXED. ALTHOUGH I DO TOW WITH THE VEHICLE (THAT'S WHAT ITS MADE FOR), I BABY THE VEHICLE. I DO OIL CHANGES EVERY 3000 (RECOMMENDED AT 5000) AND CHANGE THE FUEL FILTER 2 TIMES A YEAR (RECOMMENDED EVERY 12,000). THREE YEARS LATER AND ONLY 16,000 MILES LATER (113,239) THE VEHICLE AGAIN HAD A LACK OF POWER. I TOOK IT TO FORD AGAIN, AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE EGR COOLER, OIL COOLER, AND HEAD GASKETS. I TOLD THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT I JUST HAD THE EGR COOLER AND OIL COOLER REPLACED, BUT IT WAS OUT OF THE

Mileage: 113,000

20140205ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-350SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V27000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 137,000

20140125STEERING

I HAVE A 2005, CREW CAB, SHORT BED, 6.0 DIESEL F-350. WHEN DRIVING AT 55-75MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, I PASSED A SMALL BUMP TRIGGERING A RIGOROUS SHAKING OF THE FRONT END. I COULD NOT APPLY BRAKES RAPIDLY, AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE. I BARELY HAD CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, BUT AFTER FINALLY SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP THE SHAKING STOPPED. IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS, AND HAS HAPPENED 6 TIMES SINCE AT 55-75MPH. *TR

Mileage: 59,675

20140125SUSPENSION

I HAVE A 2005, CREW CAB, SHORT BED, 6.0 DIESEL F-350. WHEN DRIVING AT 55-75MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, I PASSED A SMALL BUMP TRIGGERING A RIGOROUS SHAKING OF THE FRONT END. I COULD NOT APPLY BRAKES RAPIDLY, AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE. I BARELY HAD CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, BUT AFTER FINALLY SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP THE SHAKING STOPPED. IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS, AND HAS HAPPENED 6 TIMES SINCE AT 55-75MPH. *TR

Mileage: 59,675

20140103CrashFatalAIR BAGS

FORD F350 PULLING A 31' TRAILER CRASHED INTO REAR OF A COMMERCIAL TRUCK/TRAILER DUE TO ICY ROAD CONDITIONS. AIR BAGS DID NOT ACTIVATE ON IMPACT. PASSENGER IN RIGHT/FRONT SEAT WAS CRUSHED DUE TO IMPACT. *TR

Mileage: 101,000

20131015ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE FUEL INJECTION CONTROL MODULE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V270000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,300.

Mileage: 97,300

Compare 2005FORDF-350 SD to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 8 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2005 FORD F-350 SD have?
The 2005 FORD F-350 SD has 269 NHTSA complaints, 9 crashes, 8 fires, 4 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2005 FORD F-350 SD?
Yes, the 2005 FORD F-350 SD has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 FORD F-350 SD?
The most-complained component for the 2005 FORD F-350 SD is STEERING with 34 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL and SUSPENSION:FRONT.
Is the 2005 FORD F-350 SD 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.