Most common 2005 Ford F-350 problems
Share of the 114 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford F-350 complaints by model year
Best F-350 years: 2009, 2007, 2013. Years to avoid: 1999, 2000, 1997. Compare all years →
2005 Ford F-350 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 2005 Ford F-350:
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 owners say
Fuel & propulsion system all 36 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford f-350. While attempting to start the vehicle, it failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel injection control module, sensor, and turbo hoses failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Also, while driving 30 MPH, the engine began to rev and the contact had to brake to stop the vehicle from surging forward and colliding with the preceding vehicle. The vehicle continued to surge as the contact drove. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the injection control pressure sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. A dealer was not contacted. …
I have a 2005 Ford f350 diesel powerstroke that has the fuel tank lining falling off and its gotten to my fuel lines and fuel pump causing the truck to come to a complete stop while I was driving down the freeway hauling a 12ft trailer with a 10000 lbs tractor on it. I had to get it towed to a shop where they replaced the fuel pump and filters. One month later it did the same thing while on the highway again it just died the mechanic says my fuel tank is the problem the lining inside the fuel tank is chipping away and it has gotten to the fuel system again this is a frequent problem with Ford diesel tanks and they wont take responsibility. This second time around I am having to replace fuel injectors and the filters again.
Engine & cooling all 35 →
[redacted] approx age 40 lives and works at [redacted].[redacted] can also control the computers to cancel out and delete the use of catalytic converters, delete the use of DEF intake, delete the use of DPF particulate filters, and not react to controls such as manual braking or acceleration because the computer is controlling when and not the driver. [redacted] strictly states that he cannot have any emissions controls such as EGR, DEF, DPF, catalyst, or any pollutant controls. [redacted] intentionally set it up to have flaws and be dangerous for one reason: to get the customer to keep returning again and again with vehicle problems, wiring electrical problems, performance problems, overheating problems, and never ending engine problems not to mention transmission problems because the transmission could not handle the increased output of the engine. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford f-350. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle wobbled. The steering veered to the left when the wheel was turned to the right and vice versa. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front tie rods, front stabilizer bars, gear box, and multiple parts on the front of the vehicle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the injectors, cam shaft sensor, and the wiring harness for the injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Steering all 28 →
The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started to shimmy. The contact stated that at the time of failure the steering wheel was very difficult to turn. The contact stated that after slowing down the vehicle operated normally. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she received notification in the mail of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20E090000 (Steering, Suspension, Equipment) however, her vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact stated that neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
When driving 50 mph or above and hitting a bump in the road such as a bridge apron the truck develops an uncontrollable shimmy in the front end. It requires a firm grip from both hands to control the steering and lasts until the truck is slowed to under 20 mph and often until it is completely stopped. Luckily there hasn't been another vehicle in the lanes next to me when this has occurred. If there had been it may have caused an accident. Tires are relatively new and the alignment is spot on. It feels like the same problem I had as a teenager in my 1959 Ford F100 when the king pins were worn.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Ford F-350 a good car?
Based on 114 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 F-350 rates average: 26% fewer complaints than a typical year of the F-350 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-350?
The fuel & propulsion system — 36 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about storage › tank assembly. Next are the engine & cooling (35) and steering (28).
How many recalls does the 2005 Ford F-350 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2005 Ford F-350, 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?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2007 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999, 2000 and 1997. See the full Ford F-350 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Ford F-350 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 81,000 miles; 29% 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.