Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Ford F-250 SD owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford f-250 SD. The contact stated that the vehicle would over heat and smoke would come from underneath the hood. The dealer diagnosed that the contact needed to replace the head gasket. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 125,000 and the current mileage was 130,000.
Heads went bad now I have to replace the heads and new head studs because the old head studs stretched and the heads warped , also had to do an EGR delete . I was told it was built proofing and it has to be done to all 6.0 ltrs.
After letting 2006 f250 diesel warm up for approximately 5mins, proceed to get onto I-35, about 5 miles from the house when I set the cruise control for 70mph everything was fine. Within a mile of getting on the highway, truck hesitated and completely stalled. I move the vehicle onto the shoulder of the highway to await a tow. I took it to a Ford dealership where they found that the ficm was bad. A day after I picked up the truck, again, the vehicle hesitated for a second before stalling in city traffic. I lost power brakes and power steering and was very difficult to get off of the city streets. Currently towed to the dealership again, where the issue is under investigation. Concern that if someone other than a 6'4" person was driving this 7500lb vehicle, they May not have been able to steer this vehicle out of the traffic. …
I have a new 2006 Ford f-250 SD diesel 6.0l. The first year I owned it 7,000 miles I blew a head gasket. It took Ford more than 5 weeks to fix it and 2 different dealerships of hassle. 6 months later the problem has happened again. I spoke with Ford they gave me an appointment 1 month after I called to set the appointment. After that month dealership took 4 weeks of my time with my truck and didn't fix a thing. Told me they were to busy to deal with me and I should take it to another dealership to get fixed. Got Ford customer relations involved and they have done nothing. I now have my "unfixed" truck in my driveway with another appointment 2 weeks away and that dealership says it will be some time before they can get to it. No customer service plus they haven't offered me any money for car rental fees nothing. Please advise. Updated 01/11/08. A complaint was filed with the police. …
Ford 6.0l diesel EGR and oil cooler issues. How many millions of dollars are the owners of these engines going to have to shell out before Ford recalls this motor. When these components go out, there is a total loss of throttle response, and large clouds of white smoke that pour out of the exhaust which poses a huge safety concern. When mine failed, I was able to limp through an intersection just before an 18 wheeler broadsided me. I had my wife and kids in the vehicle with me and we almost lost an entire family. Get it fixed Ford!!! NHTSA has to pressure Ford into getting this recall started. This is an ongoing issue with these motors, and it needs to be corrected on Ford's account.
Any time I get on the interstate pulling my 7000 gvw trailer, the check engine light comes on. The code is always the same, under/over boost and then you limp along for a few miles and it will start working again. During this time it's hard to maintain a constant speed. The check engine light will come on within 10-15 miles of highway use at around 60 - 65 MPH. Every owner that I talk to that has the 6.0 litre diesel tells me that they all do this and the only way to fix it is to install a EGR delete kit at around $1,200.00. This will cure the problem but will pollute the air more. It's just a bad design and Ford's not going to do anything about it unless the NHTSA steps in.
2006 Ford f250 super duty, diesel, 6.0 l, 4x4, crew cab, short bed: total loss of throttle response while driving. The engine runs, but the truck completely stops and will not move when the accelerator is pressed. There is no advance warning. It just stops moving right where it is. This has happened on several occassions over the last few months. The EGR valve has been replaced several times or cleaned the other times, but the vehicle is unsafe on the road because it stops suddenly right in the middle of the traffic lane. Why hasn't a recall been made on the EGR and related parts....everytime we take it to the shop that's all that's in there for the same reasons!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford f250 super duty. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled numerous without warning and while driving at any speed. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the head gasket, EGR valve, and the go plug box were replaced. The failure was not corrected. The vehicle continued to stall without warning and the engine could no longer be started. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and denied assistance with the repair. The failure mileage was 130,000 and the current mileage was 140,000.
Engine complaints in other F-250 SD years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Ford F-250 SD?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Ford F-250 SD, 9% of the model year's 274 complaints. The component named most often is engine (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Ford F-250 SD engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Ford F-250 SD, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Ford F-250 SD engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.