Total Complaints
14 filings
FORD F-550 · model year
14 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2017FORDF-550 carries 14 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 1 fire, 0 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 2017 F-550 is service brakes with 2 filings, followed by steering (1) and unknown or other (1). 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 5 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 2017 F-550, 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.
Total Complaints
14 filings
Crashes Reported
2 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2 |
| STEERING | 1 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE | 1 |
| SUSPENSION | 1 |
| TIRES | 1 |
| WHEELS | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR | 1 |
| STRUCTURE | 1 |
| ENGINE | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 1 |
EQUIPMENT
VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists (VCI) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550, 2014 E-350 and E-450, 2015 F-250 and F-450, 2016 E-450, 2017 E-350, F-450 and E-450, 2018 F-350, 2010 E-450, 2005-2006 E-450, 2009 E-450 and Chevrolet C4500-based Type I and Type III ambulances equipped with ASA Elect
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles originally produced with black or body colored exterior door handles that may have been subsequently equipped with a chrome exterior door handle cover accessory kit purchased from a Ford
ENGINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causi
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Unruh Fire, Inc. (Unruh Fire) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550-based fire trucks equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Taylor Made Ambulances is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford E-350, F-450, E-450, F-550, and GMC G3500-based ambulances equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
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.
Mileage: 59,384
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.
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.
Mileage: 123,483
My truck exploded on the expressway on 11-21-24 due to a manufacturer default.
See attached letter
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.
Mileage: 213,720
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
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 cho
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.
Mileage: 80,000
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.
Mileage: 118,000
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.
Mileage: 24,705
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
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
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
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Timing Belt Failure
Underbody shields detachment
B-Pillar Trim Detachment
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
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.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.