Most common 2006 Ford F-350 SD problems
Share of the 127 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 →
2006 Ford F-350 SD recalls (1)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2006 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 2006 Ford F-350 SD owners say
Steering all 45 →
I was in oakland california i880 north number four lane pulling my car trailer with a load when the "death wobble" occurred, before I could grab the trailer brakes to slow the vehicle, the rig started a whip and the trailer struck the "k" rail. I slowed to about 10mph before the shimmy stopped. The fender on the right side of the trailer was destroyed and blew both tires on the tandem axle trailer. Luckily no one else was involved and no one was hurt. This truck now is on it's third set of the factory b.f. Goodrich rugged trail t/a radials on the front. I have had this vehicle aligned with each tire change and have experimented with tire pressures, it does not matter, after about ten thousand miles on a set of tires it shimmies again. I have resorted to the safety and reliability of my 30 year old Chevy half ton and overloading it by up to 50% out of fear for this truck. …
I have a 2006 Ford f350 4 wheel drive single wheel long bed king ranch. I will be driving down the road or interstate anywhere between 30 and 80 miles an hour, and if you hit the smallest imperfections in the road the truck will start shaking violently, uncontrollable, the steering wheel moves about 14 inches side to side so fast and hard, that it takes ill I've got to hold on to the wheel. You can hear the tires chirp side to side on the pavement it wobbles so severely. I've replaced the steering dampener, the power steering pump, had it aligned 4 times, brand new tires, I have adjusted the castor accordingly to fords TSB forum, had my rotors turned, and wheels and tires balanced so many times. Its so bad, it shakes the stuff in the bed of my truck onto the highway. My truck only has 92,000 miles on it. Im afraid to drive it. …
Suspension all 43 →
I was in oakland california i880 north number four lane pulling my car trailer with a load when the "death wobble" occurred, before I could grab the trailer brakes to slow the vehicle, the rig started a whip and the trailer struck the "k" rail. I slowed to about 10mph before the shimmy stopped. The fender on the right side of the trailer was destroyed and blew both tires on the tandem axle trailer. Luckily no one else was involved and no one was hurt. This truck now is on it's third set of the factory b.f. Goodrich rugged trail t/a radials on the front. I have had this vehicle aligned with each tire change and have experimented with tire pressures, it does not matter, after about ten thousand miles on a set of tires it shimmies again. I have resorted to the safety and reliability of my 30 year old Chevy half ton and overloading it by up to 50% out of fear for this truck. …
I have a 2006 Ford f350 4 wheel drive single wheel long bed king ranch. I will be driving down the road or interstate anywhere between 30 and 80 miles an hour, and if you hit the smallest imperfections in the road the truck will start shaking violently, uncontrollable, the steering wheel moves about 14 inches side to side so fast and hard, that it takes ill I've got to hold on to the wheel. You can hear the tires chirp side to side on the pavement it wobbles so severely. I've replaced the steering dampener, the power steering pump, had it aligned 4 times, brand new tires, I have adjusted the castor accordingly to fords TSB forum, had my rotors turned, and wheels and tires balanced so many times. Its so bad, it shakes the stuff in the bed of my truck onto the highway. My truck only has 92,000 miles on it. Im afraid to drive it. …
Engine & cooling all 21 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford f-350 SD. The contact stated that several failures occurred with the vehicle regarding the engine and electrical computer. The vehicle was taken to shamaley Ford (11301 gateway blvd w, el paso, tx 79936) where the turbo, glow plugs, head gaskets, and the computer were replaced. Despite the repairs, the vehicle failed to start-up after multiple attempts. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Ford f-350 SD. While driving 35 MPH, the contact noticed a large amount of blue smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was previously serviced for the failure, but it still persists. Prior to the failure, he noticed that the vehicle would drive very sluggish. The current mileage was 27,853 and failure mileage was 16,000.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Ford F-350 SD a good car?
Based on 127 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 F-350 SD rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the F-350 SD 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 2006 Ford F-350 SD?
The steering — 45 complaints, 35% of all complaints for this model year, most often about linkages › tie rod assembly. Next are the suspension (43) and engine & cooling (21).
How many recalls does the 2006 Ford F-350 SD have?
There is 1 recall for the 2006 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 2006 Ford F-350 SD problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 38,000 miles; 56% 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.