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Ford F-250 Problems, Recalls and MPG by Year

What this means

NHTSA lists 87 recall campaigns across the Ford F-250, 1981–2022. Owners have filed 4,649 complaints with NHTSA. Of the last 15 model years with settled counts, the 2012 drew the most (266) and the 2015 the fewest (1).

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls87campaignsCovering 1981–2022 model yearsSource: NHTSA Complaints4,649filedOwner reports across 35 model yearsSource: NHTSA ODI Crash tests5★overall★★★★★2022 model, latest ratedSource: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy14mpg combined1999 model, best configurationSource: EPA

Ford F-250 complaints by model year

4,649 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Red numbers above the columns are recall campaigns for that model year.

ComplaintsStill collecting reports3Recall campaigns

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fewest complaints

  • 2015 · 1 complaints
  • 2009 · 54 complaints
  • 2007 · 60 complaints

Most complaints

  • 2012 · 266 complaints
  • 2011 · 248 complaints
  • 2006 · 221 complaints

Among the last 15 model years at least five years old; newer years are left out because owners are still filing reports. Every year compared →

Problem areas by model year

Complaints that name each component, 2007–2022. Darker cells mean more reports. One complaint can name several components.

Ford F-250 owner complaints by component and model year (NHTSA ODI)
Component2007200820092010201120122013201420152022
Steering 23803230102112377400
Suspension 23352829111125488110
Engine 5185930279800
Unknown or other 1849182581301
Wheels 236517168900
Electrical system 3121411182900
Fuel/propulsion system 230218147902
Power train 1142513151600

Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Ford F-250 recalls (87)

Recall campaigns NHTSA lists for at least one F-250 model year, newest first.

NHTSA recall campaigns for the Ford F-250
CampaignFiledWhatModel yearsRepaired
25V270000Apr 23, 2025Blank or Distorted Rearview Camera Image201522.7%
20V576000Sep 23, 2020Front Axle may be Improperly Welded201986.1%
19V688000Sep 30, 2019Premature Right Rear Axle Shaft Failure201986.7%
19V633000Aug 28, 2019Reduced Seat Back Strength/FMVSS 202 & 2072019, 202077.8%
19V401000May 29, 2019Back Up Camera Display Image may be Reversed2015—
19V238000Mar 26, 2019Seat Back may not Stay Upright200716.7%
18V894000Dec 18, 2018Block Heater Cable Splice Connector May Corrode2017, 2018, 201978.7%
17V331000May 22, 2017Door may Unlatch in a Side Impact Collision201732.2%
11V582000Dec 8, 2011TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER2012—
11V385000Jul 29, 2011FUEL TANK STRAP CORROSION1997, 1998, 1999—
11V352000Jul 13, 2011STEERING COLUMN MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH/FMVSS 1082002–2007—
11V128000Feb 24, 2011BODY CONTROL MODULE2011—
10V659000Dec 29, 2010BODY CONTROL MODULE2011—
09V026000Jan 26, 2009FMVSS 403/ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK/RICON2005–2008—
09V025000Jan 23, 2009THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM/FMVSS 404/RICON2005–2008—

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. Open a model-year page for each campaign's official text, or check your VIN on NHTSA.

Check on NHTSA ↗
All 87 Ford F-250 recalls by model year →

Crash-test stars by model year

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the Ford F-250 (most-tested body style each year)
Model yearOverallFrontalSideRolloverTested as
2022★★★★★5★5★4★pu/cc 2wd
2020★★★★☆4★5★4★pu/rc 2wd
2019★★★★★5★5★4★pu/cc 4x2
2017★★★★★5★5★4★pu/cc 4x2
2015★★★★☆4★5★4★pu/cc 4x2
2014★★★★☆4★5★4★pu/cc 4x2
2013★★★★☆4★5★4★pu/cc 4x2
2012★★★★☆4★5★4★pu/cc 4x2

Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Source: NHTSA NCAP, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy by model year

198611–16 mpg
198711–15 mpg
198811–15 mpg
198911–15 mpg
199012–15 mpg
199111–16 mpg
199212–15 mpg
199312–15 mpg
199413–14 mpg
199513–14 mpg
199613–14 mpg
199713–15 mpg
199811–15 mpg
199912–14 mpg

EPA combined mpg range across engine and transmission configurations. Your mileage will vary. Source: EPA, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Where to next

2022 Ford F-250 report3 complaints · 0 campaigns →2015 Ford F-250 report1 complaints · 2 campaigns →2014 Ford F-250 report142 complaints · 0 campaigns →Every Ford modelFord models →

Ford F-250 FAQ

How many recalls has the Ford F-250 had?

NHTSA lists 87 recall campaigns that cover at least one Ford F-250 model year from 1981 to 2022. Each campaign card on the model-year pages has NHTSA's official text and the repair completion rate. Only NHTSA's VIN lookup can tell you whether a specific car was repaired.

Which Ford F-250 year has the most complaints?

Among the last 15 model years with settled counts, the 2012 drew the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA (266) and the 2015 the fewest (1). Counts are owner reports, not failure rates, and sales volume affects them.

What are the most common Ford F-250 problems?

Across the 2007–2022 model years, owners most often name the steering, suspension, engine in complaints filed with NHTSA.

What mpg does the Ford F-250 get?

EPA rates the 1999 Ford F-250 at 12 to 14 mpg combined, depending on engine and transmission.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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