Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 9 | 6% | 35,000 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% | 62,000 miles |
| 2012 | 18 | 7% | 113,000 miles |
| 2011 | 11 | 4% | 115,000 miles |
| 2010 | 4 | 5% | 14,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% | 220,000 miles |
| 2008 | 12 | 6% | 96,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 5% | 147,000 miles |
| 2006 | 18 | 8% | 93,000 miles |
| 2005 | 13 | 9% | 109,000 miles |
| 2004 | 36 | 23% | 124,000 miles |
| 2003 | 13 | 11% | 120,000 miles |
| 2002 | 14 | 9% | 88,000 miles |
| 2001 | 12 | 5% | 120,000 miles |
| 2000 | 24 | 7% | 140,000 miles |
| 1999 | 25 | 4% | 97,000 miles |
| 1998 | 2 | 4% | 36,000 miles |
| 1997 | 19 | 6% | 128,000 miles |
| 1996 | 11 | 6% | 200,000 miles |
| 1995 | 12 | 7% | 103,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The MyKey feature was enabled and won't turn off. I took the vehicle to the dealer and had a new key programmed. This fixed the speed regulation but the limited volume feature is still active and I can't increase volume beyond 40%. The touch screen is also not responding correctly. Depending on where I touch the screen, the area of the screen impacted is about an inch or more below where I touch. In some cases, some features can't be accessed anymore because of their location on the screen.
I kept smelling a burnt plastic smell. Eventually my driver side rear door did not lock. Upon inspection of the wiring the wire harness from the door to the truck showed the wires on the truck side had burned/melted the sheathing off the wires and leaving them exposed and touching.
Without any warning, smoke started billowing from the driver's side dash and overhead liner. When looking for the cause, I pulled the solenoid and the smoking stopped. Upon further inspection, I discovered broken, melted wiring in the rear drivers side door jamb. In researching this problem online, I found that other owners had experienced the same problem.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 219,825 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was over 330,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the door ajar warning light illuminated and indicated that the rear passenger's side door was open. The contact checked and confirmed that the door was securely closed. The contact stated that occasionally after closing and locking the door, the alarm would inadvertently activate after approximately an hour. The dealer was contacted and it was suggested that the vehicle be taken to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 234,395.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 163,000; however, after obtaining the Carfax Report on the vehicle, it was discovered that the mileage was 204,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the battery needed to be replaced. The contact connected the battery to a battery charger to charge the battery so that he could drive the vehicle to the local auto store to purchase a new battery. The contact stated when he connected the new battery, he noticed there was no electrical power. The contact stated that the power switch for the windows and the doors were inoperable. The contact also stated the turn signals, and all the lights were inoperable. The contact stated that the ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed electrical junction box and corroded wires. The contact was informed that the electrical junction box and wires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Ford f-250. While driving various speeds fumes were emitted into the vehicle from the ac unit and making the contact feel sick. The contact stated the vehicles electronic system was deliberately altered by the dealer . The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage wa5 5.
Related recalls (3)
Electrical system › Software
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 Ford f-150, f-250, f-350, f-450, f-550, edge, and Lincoln mkx trucks manufactured from October 25, 2010, through November 20, 2010. These vehicles were inspected using integrated diagnostic system (ids) that had a custom software routine to read the suspect body control module (BCM)…
Remedy: Dealer will inspect the body control module and if necessary replace it free of charge. The safety recall began on March 7, 2011. Owners May contact Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery
On certain trucks equipped with a 6.4l diesel engine, insufficient clearance of the battery positive (b+) wire to the right hand splash shield bolt May result in the battery b+ wire contacting the splash shield bolt.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the battery b+ wire location and, if necessary, reposition the wire. The recall began on April 3, 2007. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with 6.0l diesel engines, the engine ground stud that attaches the negative battery terminal eyelet to the engine block May be loose.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine ground stud and the radio suppression strap and adjacent components will be inspected for damage and replaced, if necessary. The recall began on July 23, 2004.
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…
Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford F-250 years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (36), 1999 (25), 2000 (24), 1997 (19) and 2006 (18) model years. Electrical complaints make up 23% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Ford F-250 electrical problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 11V-128 (software, Feb 24, 2011); 07V-140 (12v/24v/48v battery, Mar 26, 2007); 04V-327 (12v/24v/48v battery, Jul 7, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford F-250 electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 110,000 miles; 26% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the wiring (24 mentions), followed by the ignition (16).
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.