Most common 2005 Ford F-250 problems
Share of the 144 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford F-250 complaints by model year
Best F-250 years: 2010, 2009, 2007. Years to avoid: 1999, 2000, 2012, 2011, 2006. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2005 Ford F-250:
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 owners say
Engine & cooling all 43 →
The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud rumbling noise that sounded like rocks in the engine. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle was parked and the engine was turned off, the vehicle was started, however, the vehicle did not start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that her husband was an independent mechanic and had recently replaced several unknown parts, however the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 246,808.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle loss motive power. The vehicle was later restarted and the vehicle operated as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the fuel injection control module however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number 05V270000 (Electrical System). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 36,000.
Steering all 39 →
While driving at 65 Mph, towing a fifth wheel camper, encountered a mildly rough section of highway when entire front end began to wobble and shake violently. Slowed the vehicle, maintaining control. When going back up to speed, the same shaking occured again. Also noted a less violent shaking at 45 mph. Took vehicle to have new tires rebalanced but did not change condition much. Inspected front end components. Currently replacing steering damper and shocks in hopes of correcting issue. All other components new or nearly new (3 years) with no issues. Vehicle and components can be inspected, and all replaced parts will be kept for inspection if required. Safety of my vehicle and others on busy highway could have been compromised had I not slowed and maintained control. The problem is being dealt with by me, as I do most maintenance on vehicle. …
In 2014, I got the "Ford death wobble" in the right front. VERY scary and dangerous. Trying to quickly slow down to stop it in traffic is almost as dangerous as the wobble itself. You have very little to no control with the steering when it happens. I had to repair the problem out of pocket because Ford won't do anything about it. Now, two weeks ago, I had the same death wobble happen at 70 mph on the left front. So frightening. My passengers thought we had a blowout and we're about to crash. I successfully slowed it down but this problem is a road hazard to me and everyone else on the road. So now, once again, it's on me to shell out to fix a problem that should have been a recall a long time ago but Ford won't step up and do the right thing. Please give us some relief here.
Suspension all 37 →
The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the front suspension started to bounce and vibrate, causing the vehicle to shift independently to the right lane. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact slowed the vehicle and the failure stopped. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
While driving at 65 Mph, towing a fifth wheel camper, encountered a mildly rough section of highway when entire front end began to wobble and shake violently. Slowed the vehicle, maintaining control. When going back up to speed, the same shaking occured again. Also noted a less violent shaking at 45 mph. Took vehicle to have new tires rebalanced but did not change condition much. Inspected front end components. Currently replacing steering damper and shocks in hopes of correcting issue. All other components new or nearly new (3 years) with no issues. Vehicle and components can be inspected, and all replaced parts will be kept for inspection if required. Safety of my vehicle and others on busy highway could have been compromised had I not slowed and maintained control. The problem is being dealt with by me, as I do most maintenance on vehicle. …
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Ford F-250 a good car?
Based on 144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 F-250 rates average: 30% fewer complaints than a typical year of the F-250 at the same age. 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?
The engine & cooling — 43 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › diesel. Next are the steering (39) and suspension (37).
How many recalls does the 2005 Ford F-250 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2005 Ford F-250. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford F-250?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2009 and 2007. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999, 2000, 2012, 2011 and 2006. See the full Ford F-250 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Ford F-250 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 37% 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.