Most common 2006 Ford F-250 SD problems
Share of the 274 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 →
2006 Ford F-250 SD recalls (1)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2006 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 2006 Ford F-250 SD owners say
Suspension all 144 →
At approximately 40K on the vehicle, a problem began to occur when a bump in the road was hit, resulting in the front wheels shimmying left to right for about a second. Over the next four months, the problem intensified, leading to a severe shake emitting from the front left wheel. Ford recommended an alignment and the steering dampener (which was already installed). I replaced the tires, dampener, track bar and bushing, which solved the issue for several weeks, but soon found that I corrected a symptom and not the true problem. About this time I found out about your investigation and decided to deal with the problem, since no one could diagnose the issue in the shop....hoping your investigation would provide a fix. …
While driving and going over a bump between 60 and 70 MPH on the highway, the trucks front end starts to violently shake causing the truck to lose control. Note only driving posted speed limit. This has happened on three (3) occasions mostly recently 7/17/16 and 7/19/16 while traveling s/b on interstate 95 and traveling n/b on interstate 95. The defect causes you to drive at reduced speeds on the highway. Have done research and it is a common problem with Ford truck with straight front axles. Ford is aware of the problem.
Steering all 102 →
I was taken by extreme shock when this first happened, crossed a paving joint on the highway traveling about 70mph, it felt like the tires were shaking off, no control for a few moments. I pulled off the highway at a safe location to check the lug nuts...they were tight. Now these occurrences are happening at greater frequencies and at lower speeds (45mph) the shaking is severe and uncontrollable until you can slow down enough for it to stop. I almost had a head on collision this last winter. The shimmy started on dry pavement then went to an ice patch. I spent a lot of money on this first diesel I've owned and I'll tell you I never imagined the loss of confidence in driving a vehicle as I have experienced with this one. I am not a not a neophyte to owning and driving trucks, 4 wheel and 2 wheel drive, this one however, is a scary ride. …
2006 Ford f-250 experiences a severe vibration between 50 - 65 MPH. Specifically noticed after hitting a pothole or driving on uneven roads. Truck is completely stock and has had shocks/ steering stabilizer / brakes / tires / alignment / (replaced/completed) at a certified Ford dealer within the past 2 months. Additionally, I had every ball joint, tie rod end, steering component inspected at my cost to investigate the issue. The steering vibration still exists. Forums and other sites have started to call this the "death wobble". Although it can be escaped by slowing down or accelerating through the vibration, it can easily cause loss of control to the unexpected driver. I have driven Ford vehicles (trucks) for the past 20 years and this is the first time I have ventured to file an official complaint. Following the service bulletin to adjust tire pressure did not correct the problem. …
Engine & cooling all 25 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford f-250 SD. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, he noticed that the vehicle was overheating. After pulling over he noticed that there was smoke coming from the engine and that there was no coolant in the reservoir. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that the vehicle would have to be diagnosed at a dealer before going any further. The failure and current mileages were approximately 89,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford f-250 SD. The contact stated that while traveling approximately 5 MPH, smoke emitted from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was moved to the shoulder where it was shut off and towed to the dealer. The technicians determined that the EGR valve, EGR cooler and oil cooler had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 117,624.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Ford F-250 SD a good car?
Based on 274 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 F-250 SD rates use caution: 2.0× 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 2006 Ford F-250 SD?
The suspension — 144 complaints, 53% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front. Next are the steering (102) and engine & cooling (25).
How many recalls does the 2006 Ford F-250 SD have?
There is 1 recall for the 2006 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 2006 Ford F-250 SD problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 40,000 miles; 61% 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.