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 2005 Ford F-250 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Electrical system fails every day. It affects the engine, transmission, radio, windows, gauges. Wiring issue causes the radio to just go out, windows stop working, all gauges stops working, the transmission doesn't shift right, engine doesn't run right. Yes vehicle is available for inspecting. Engine cuts off and won't start back, leaves you stranded side the road. Truck stalls in front of other vehicles. Windows won't roll down when it's 100 degrees inside truck. Fuel gauge doesn't let you know when there's no fuel again leaving you stranded beside the road. Other gauge don't work could cause more damage. Yes it has been inspected my mechanic and he said there are wiring issues. No warning lamps or anything now but the wrench light has came on allot. …
F250 6.0l diesel with 85844 miles had the EGR/oil cooler go bad the repair cost 4744.00 at the dealer. I have an extended warranty but as usual not covered. This a known problem with these 6 liters along with the head bols being substandard and faulty ficm which I replaced at the cost of 525.00 and doing the work myself. I have tried to resolve this with Ford and my warranty company warranty direct to no avail. I did get the warranty company to admit the EGR cooler was covered but they would not cover the other repairs required with this repair so I got 981.00 from them. These problems have been well documented and I feel it is about time the nesta got involved and got recalls established. …
Tl contact owns a 2005 Ford f-250. The contact stated that she smelled a burning odor and noticed that there was no water in the radiator unit. She took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the EGR cooling unit at the cost of $1,100. The technician stated that on this particular model vehicle he makes at least two repairs a day in reference to this component. Immediately after the repair, the contact smelled an odor identical to antifreeze fluid, and noticed that the radiator did not have any water in it once again. She is in the process of having the vehicle re-inspected. The contact emailed the manufacturer and a representative responded by denouncing any responsibility for her failure. The representative also stated that it was not a manufacturer defect. The failure and current mileages were 108,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford f-250. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injector control module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the fuel injector was replaced again. In addition, the vehicle experienced excessive coolant consumption and operated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the EGR valve and oil cooler failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford f-250. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, it would make an abnormal noise and finally restarted after several attempts. The contact stated that vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis; however the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the dealer updated the computer of the vehicle however the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure would occur intermittently. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford f-250. While driving 25 MPH, the engine stalled and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle lost power, rolled back down the hill, and stopped. The vehicle was towed on December 10th to legacy Ford (2906 island lagrande, or 97850). The dealer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle for the ficm. The dealer made two repairs due to an unknown recall regarding the pressure sensor and recalibration. The manufacturer was contacted at [phone] and stated that there were no recalls on the ficm for the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed due to not being able to regain power. The vehicle had not been repaired and remained at the dealer. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 205,000.
While driving my truck it has stopped running and just shut itself off like its not getting fuel. I have read the complaints on the f250 super duty and my truck is responding exactly the same way. I am afraid to drive it due to someone hitting me or it causing an accident so I looked on here today and saw the recall for the super duty. This is a serious and dangerous issue that someone definitely needs to address. I was driving down the road and the vehicle lost power and I tried to push the pedal to get fuel but nothing happened. I am very lucky the vehicle behind me was back far enough that I turned on my flashers and they noticed or I could have caused an accident or worse.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford f-250. While driving at 5 MPH and pulling into traffic, the engine stalled. The vehicle restarted after a few attempts. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the oil pressure sensor and regulator failed. There were no warning indicators illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 199,000.
Engine complaints in other F-250 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Ford F-250?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Ford F-250, 30% of the model year's 144 complaints. The component named most often is engine › diesel (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Ford F-250 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2005 Ford F-250. 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 2005 Ford F-250 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 88,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 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.