Most common 2005 Ford F-350 SD problems
Share of the 217 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford F-350 SD complaints by model year
Best F-350 SD years: 2014, 2013, 2012. Years to avoid: 2017, 2019, 2020, 2018, 2022. Compare all years →
2005 Ford F-350 SD recalls (3)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 ranger trucks built from January 25, 2011, through April 25, 2011 at the twin cities assembly plant, and service parts distributed to dealers for certain 2004 through 2011 model year ranger trucks, 2002 through 2005 model year excursion vehicles, and 2002 through 2007 model year f-250,…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the switches free of charge. The safety recall began on August 15, 2011. Owners May contact Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Electrical system › Wiring
Certain pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles and vans equipped with 6.0l diesel engines May experience stalling without warning while driving and May or May not restart.
Remedy: Dealers will upgrade the fuel injection control module (ficm) wire harness or replaced, and/or have a new injection control pressure (icp)) sensor connector installed free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2005.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
On certain pickup trucks and chassis cab vehicles equipped with 5.4l or 6.8l gasoline engines, the fuel jumper line May have an incorrect end form.
Remedy: Dealers will install an external retention clip at the fuel jumper line to the main fuel bundle connection. The recall began on June 20, 2005. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2005 Ford F-350 SD:
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-350 SD owners say
Engine & cooling all 56 →
The head bolts have a known defect, which Ford filed a class action suit against the engine manufacture novastar for and won. This defect/weakness can cause the bolts to fail/break causing many components to become damaged. This can potentially cause an accident and/or injury to the vehicles occupants. I believe this issue needs to be addressed as a recall because according to my research all of the 6.0 diesel engines in this year/model are affected.
For the past week my truck has been taking longer to start then normal today it started to stall on my I was able to get it home while it stalled 4 more times on the way. Shopped at a friends shop on the way home and had them scan the computer found out my ficm is no go my ipr is bad and my stc fitting is bad they found the stc when they pulled the turbo aswell as my dummy plugs.
Suspension all 38 →
I was driving on a two lane back road around 45 to 50 MPH, and my truck started violently shaking and I lost all control of steering. I went into the oncoming lane, luckily no one was coming, and had to hit my brakes hard to get the shaking to stop. It has also happened while driving at speeds of 35-40 on a city street and 60 MPH on a highway. This is known as death wobble. The wobble was so bad that it loosened the track bar and the bolt holding the power steering hard line. I lost all power steering fluid within seconds. I have researched it, tried replacing several parts, like tie-rods, and it has lessened a little bit, but if I hit a bumpy road or even just a patch of new pavement, it starts shaking. I have read a lot of other Ford owners are experiencing this same issue with their trucks.
To bruce york and richard boyd I am so thankful someone is doing something about this problem. I know for a fact this situation with this steering problem far exceeds anything Ford is willing to admit. My case; I have owned my 2005 Ford f-350 king ranch 4x4, VIN #, sense February 11, 2005. This truck has earned its two nicknames, rhubarb express and #!*% piece of #@^%$. This truck has been nothing but a nightmare for our family. My wife and I can't begin to count how many times this truck has gone out of control and left us in the ditch. We have lost control of this truck nearly every time either one of us has driven it. Typical situation, we are driving along the freeway at a safe speed. We might feel a little bump on the road then the steering wheel starts to shimmy then begins to pull from your hands in a hard shimmy. …
Steering all 38 →
I was driving on a two lane back road around 45 to 50 MPH, and my truck started violently shaking and I lost all control of steering. I went into the oncoming lane, luckily no one was coming, and had to hit my brakes hard to get the shaking to stop. It has also happened while driving at speeds of 35-40 on a city street and 60 MPH on a highway. This is known as death wobble. The wobble was so bad that it loosened the track bar and the bolt holding the power steering hard line. I lost all power steering fluid within seconds. I have researched it, tried replacing several parts, like tie-rods, and it has lessened a little bit, but if I hit a bumpy road or even just a patch of new pavement, it starts shaking. I have read a lot of other Ford owners are experiencing this same issue with their trucks.
Making a left hand turn the steering failed causing the truck to run into a pole. The truck is being repaired using a much stronger steering box by my Ford dealer. This is being paid for by my insurance co. Even thow the truck has only 26000 miles on it and is under factory warrenty. I will get the undersize broken steering box. The truck has the original suspension,wheels,and tires it came with. Thanks Ford.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Ford F-350 SD a good car?
Based on 217 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 F-350 SD rates avoid: 2.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the F-350 SD at the same age. It is one of the F-350 SD years we suggest avoiding. 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-350 SD?
The engine & cooling — 56 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › diesel. Next are the suspension (38) and steering (38).
How many recalls does the 2005 Ford F-350 SD have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2005 Ford F-350 SD, the most recent from July 13, 2011 (brake lights). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford F-350 SD?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2013 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2017, 2019, 2020, 2018 and 2022. See the full Ford F-350 SD years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Ford F-350 SD problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 45,000 miles; 54% 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.