Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Ford F-250 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2000 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while standing next to the vehicle a burning odor was present coming from under the hood. Upon inspection of the vehicle, it was discovered that several wiring harnesses were saturated with leaking brake fluid. The contact was concerned that the saturated wiring harnessed had caused electrical failures within the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 240,000.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 1999 N/A Ford F-250. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 176,369. The contact stated that the odometer was inoperable. The contact stated that the odometer only operated while the 4WD feature was activated. Upon further investigation, the contact became aware that when the previous owner purchased the vehicle in 2023, the mileage was 167,697. The correct odometer reading was unknown.
Tail light bulb socket burnt. Noticed that bulb acts like it's blown but reseating allows it to function again. This happens about once a month. No fuses are tripped which is odd. However the first time I checked this I noticed the socket was scorched yet wiring looks OK. I assumed it was just my vehicle but since have heard same report from others on their trucks and cars. There is no indication of danger until you remove tail light to check bulb.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Ford f-250. While the vehicle was parked without the key in the ignition, it attempted to start independently. The contact mentioned that the connectors to the battery terminal had to be removed to prevent the vehicle from independently starting. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Since 2006 and before, I have had unexplained incidences of battery failures and dashboard warnings. The windshield was replaced in 2006 at my request. My battery was replaced in 2006. I also had a temporary engine shutdown about this time. I had battery replacement in 2009 and 2012. On 11/02/2012 I attempted to start my f250 only to discover about a pint of water in the floor tray. I jump started, continued the trip only to discover the heater fan still operating! After further checks, my Ford dealer provided a TSB 04-23-9 which had no warning of the potential electronic malfunctions or damages and not mailed to me. I had the defect corrected by a local shop and Ford was mailed my complaint on 11/28/2012 and have received no answer. I have had more than enough mailing for service and Ford should have been required to inform me.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Ford f-250 4x4. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, a loud noise was heard coming from the engine and smoke emitted from the tail pipe. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic, where the diagnostic test indicated that the wiring injector was melted from a fire. The same failure occurred on three separate occasions. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The failure and current mileages were 134,179. Updated 10/31/11 the consumer stated every time the wiring harness failed, there was no warning and the vehicle instantly lost power. Updated 01/18/12
Tl contact owns a 2000 Ford f250. When the contact turns off the vehicle after it has been driven, it will suddenly restart automatically. She must insert the key and turn the ignition switch on and off in order to turn off the vehicle. The contact did not notice any differences in the vehicle prior to the failure. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 150,000.
Traveling south on hwy 78 in sachse, tx my engine stalled at cruising speed if 45 MPH. I lost all power steering and braking control on my 2000 f250 diesel. I partially got my truck into a turn lane, and after 5 minutes of repeated cranking the truck started again only to stall out 15 seconds later. The date below is approximate, but can be verified as the part was changed under warranty, and explained as normal by my dealership.
Vehicle destroyed by fire originating under hood. Exact cause unknown due to extent of heat/damage upon discovery of event. Fire burned through the firewall into the passenger compartment. Vehicle had been parked apx 2 hours with ignition switch off and key out of ignition. Vehicle had had a 5,000 mile service with the next service due at 10,000 miles.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Ford f250. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the instrument panel cluster stopped functioning. The contact nearly crashed, but was able to maneuver off the roadway. He drove to a dealer, but they could not assist. The contact had to purchase a new panel from the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 89,000.
NHTSA investigations
Engine compartment fires
Ea05-005 is closed with Ford?s actions in recalls 05v-017, 05v-388, and 06v-286, recalling approximately 6.7 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).the brake systems in these recalled vehicles generate a vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in certain switch installation orientations, catch fire.Ford is also including the entire population of…
Electrical complaints in other F-250 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2000 Ford F-250?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the electrical system of the 2000 Ford F-250, 7% of the model year's 326 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Ford F-250 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2000 Ford F-250, though it has 5 recalls 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 2000 Ford F-250 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 140,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.