Most common 2005 Ford F-250 SD problems
Share of the 295 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford F-250 SD complaints by model year
Best F-250 SD years: 2013, 2014, 2012. Years to avoid: 2019, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2016. Compare all years →
2005 Ford F-250 SD recalls (3)
Exterior lighting › Brake 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 through 2007 model year f-250,…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the switches free of charge. The safety recall began on August 15, 2011. Owners May contact Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
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.
Remedy: Dealers will upgrade the fuel injection control module (ficm) wire harness or replaced, and/or have a new injection control pressure (icp)) sensor connector installed free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 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.
Remedy: Dealers will install an external retention clip at the fuel jumper line to the main fuel bundle connection. The recall began on June 20, 2005. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2005 Ford F-250 SD:
Violent front end oscillation
Odi has received 78 consumer complaints of severe suspension and steering wheel shimmy and oscillations commencing after the subject vehicles traveled over an uneven road surface. The majority of these incidents occurred at speeds of 50 MPH or greater.thirteen of the complaints received by odi allege loss of steering control and that the vehicle changed driving lanes uncontrollably.four of the complaints received by…
Violent front end oscillation
This investigation was opened based on 78 consumer complaints of severe suspension and steering wheel oscillations after the subject vehicles traveled over an uneven surface.odi was concerned about these complaints because many of them alleged loss of control and the loss of control occurredat speeds above 50 miles per hour.at the time these complaints were received, odi was also aware of the TSB 07-10-10 and early…
What 2005 Ford F-250 SD owners say
Suspension all 118 →
I was heading down my street in my neighborhood and just before the street bends to the left my truck stalled and I lost my power brakes and power steering. Doing the best I could I turned the wheel just enough to avoid the car parked on the side of the street then I proceeded to run through my neighbor's wrought iron gate and plaster coming to rest on the hill in his front yard. After assessing the damage, I tried to start my truck to see if I could move it. It started and I moved it to my driveway. After the repairs were done at the body shop I then took it to my mechanic where he discovered a faulty wire in the wire harness causing the engine to stall without any notice or signs of trouble. Later I learned from my insurance company that there was a recall for the 2004-2005 models for the wire harness specifically, that I never received any information on.
While driving home from work, just leaving town I hit 50 MPH and the truck starts to wobble from side to side and vibrate till I slow down to under 40 MPH. I got the notice from Ford telling me it all had to do with tire pressure. I inflated the tires to the required pressure and it only made things worse. I have contacted them the first time this happened only for them to tell me there is nothing wrong. Clearly there is a problem. I have spent so much money replacing parts in the front end of this truck. Tires are now junk on the front end. The only thing I could do is under inflate the front tires to gain better control and drive slower. Still wobbles just not as bad. This is an on going problem I have everyday.
Steering all 67 →
I was heading down my street in my neighborhood and just before the street bends to the left my truck stalled and I lost my power brakes and power steering. Doing the best I could I turned the wheel just enough to avoid the car parked on the side of the street then I proceeded to run through my neighbor's wrought iron gate and plaster coming to rest on the hill in his front yard. After assessing the damage, I tried to start my truck to see if I could move it. It started and I moved it to my driveway. After the repairs were done at the body shop I then took it to my mechanic where he discovered a faulty wire in the wire harness causing the engine to stall without any notice or signs of trouble. Later I learned from my insurance company that there was a recall for the 2004-2005 models for the wire harness specifically, that I never received any information on.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford f-250 SD. While driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel became very loose. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated that this was an ongoing failure with the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and to billingsley Ford Lincoln of lawton (8209 nw quanah parker trailway bldg. 1, lawton, OK 73505, [phone]) on several occasions, but the failure was unable to be duplicated or diagnosed. The contact stated that the manufacturer was also notified many times and advised him to leave a message and speak with the owner of the dealer. The contact received Ford action bulletin number: 09l02 (steering: wheel and handle bar, tires). The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Engine & cooling all 46 →
5/13/06 I came home from about a 75 mile drive, pulling a horse trailer in my 2005 f250 6.0 power stroke. I went in the house and less than 10 minutes later, my girlfriend asked why is your truck steaming? I could tell it was smoke. I was able to get a few items out and noticed the paint bubbling on the hood. I unhooked the trailer and was able to move the truck about 100 feet, less than a minute later the truck was totally engulfed in flames. A total loss. It had less than 8000 miles. I had tools, toolbox, car seat, and over $2800 in tires wheels and lift that were 2 months old. I had full coverage insurance. They offered me $12000 less than a new truck, and that included the rest of my property. Today I talked to someone that lives 20 miles from me, they had an 2004 f250 powerstroke. Same thing happened to them 11 months ago, parked the truck a few minutes later it's on fire. …
I have a 2005 Ford f-250 super duty I have been having problems with this truck since jan of 2206 I brought it in for an update and it hasn't run right since then. It first started with speed bucking. So brought it back they said it was fixed on my way home it started again then in has no power than it wont shift .. This has been going on and on .. Then in May of 2007 the motor blew-up after sitting at Ford for 9 week I get in back still doing the same thing I called Ford customer care and they sent me back to the dealership so I am now here writing you help me please I can afford to trade it in ...
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Ford F-250 SD a good car?
Based on 295 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 F-250 SD rates avoid: 2.1× as many complaints as a typical year of the F-250 SD at the same age. It is one of the F-250 SD years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Ford F-250 SD?
The suspension — 118 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front. Next are the steering (67) and engine & cooling (46).
How many recalls does the 2005 Ford F-250 SD have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2005 Ford F-250 SD, the most recent from July 13, 2011 (brake lights). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford F-250 SD?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013, 2014 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2016. See the full Ford F-250 SD years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Ford F-250 SD problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 42,000 miles; 58% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.