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 2006 Ford F-350 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the front of the vehicle started to wobble. While driving over a pothole, the vehicle wobbled violently. The contact was unable to control the vehicle while driving over 35 MPH. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact detected smoke coming from the vehicle. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who informed him there were no recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 99,856.
2006F-350 super duty 5.4engine,,had to be replaced two and a half years ago the Ford dealer at cirroca of York,,told me that the new motor was improved that the new motors valve train was improved,,why wasn't it a recall,, if it would affect emissions and overall performance and reliability
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford f-350. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the exhaust pipe smoked and/or steamed and the engine overheated. The check temperature light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact filled the engine with water and drove home. The dealer diagnosed that the EGR cooler leaked; therefore, the EGR cooler and the oil cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000. The manufacturer was not notified.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford f-350. The contact stated that when the ignition was turned to the on position, the engine did not start. After several attempts, the engine started. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. Updated 08/02/16 updated 08/09/16.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford f-350. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact stated that exhaust fumes were emitting from the exhaust manifold in front of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that there were exhaust fumes in the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000.
The above mentioned truck which has 11,750 miles on it. Since it was purchased at the end of 2005, the turbocharger has been replaced five times or at approximately 2000 mile intervals. The vehicle is well maintained with oil and filter changes more frequent than Ford recommends. Due to a previous complaint regarding faulty turbos, Ford extended my warranty until 2011 through an oasis service contract. Ford acknowledged problems with faulty turbos through the issuance of six or more technical service bulletins. A faulty turbo causes the truck to run poorly and fail connecticut emissions tests and risks further engine damage. I have contacted Ford customer service. I had sent them repair records, photos and documentation. They never responded in writing, but phoned and said there was nothing further that they would do. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford f-350. The contact stated that the vehicle was started and while accelerating, blue smoke was seen coming from the vehicle and the tachometer indicated that the vehicle had not responded. There was a loud roar from the engine that would become progressively louder as the accelerator was depressed. The contact was able to accelerate after several minutes however, the vehicle did not exhibit enough power to accelerate uphill. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and the contact was advised that the head gaskets, turbo and two fuel injectors would need replacing. In addition, the EGR would need to be bypassed with a kit in order to correct the engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the issue but offered little assistance. The failure and the current mileages were 227,000. …
This vehicle since new has had numerous incidents with a severe uncontrollable shimmy in front end and steering wheel.I have had it to the dealer numerous times and they tell me there is nothing wrong with it. Ford has sent a few notifications stating that they are aware of the problem,but that it is just caused from improper inflation.I have set the tires to manufacturers recommended psi weekly,and doesn't make a bit of difference.Ford is closing their eyes on this one, and it is going to cost lives!!!.when this occurs you have absolutely no control of the vehicle.another problem with this vehicle is the engine is junk. My vehicle has 43000 miles currently,and has had the motor taken out of it twice already for repairs!!!,and has been to dealer at least 6 or 7 times.I own a small tree care company and really cant afford a $45000 mistake to a multi billion dollar company.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford f-350. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the contact drove over an uneven road surface and the front end of the vehicle began to shake vigorously. The vehicle would also shake abnormally when decelerating. The contact stated that in addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated, the vehicle would erratically shift, and the fuel tank was delaminating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics but the technicians were unable to determine the cause of the shaking. The technicians were able to determine that the transmission shift sensor and the fuel tank would have to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the transmission was rebuilt. And the transmission shift sensor was replaced. The fuel tank was not replaced. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Ford f350. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost power with the exception of the instrument panel lights. The vehicle could not be restarted and was towed to the dealer. The dealer kept the vehicle for seven days and stated that the failure was due to low oil pressure. They further stated that the failure was very common and that there were no recalls available. The failure recurred ten months later at 36,000 miles. The vehicle has been in and out of the shop since October of 2007 and the cause of failure has yet to be determined. The vehicle has lost power at least three times since the initial repair. The vehicle is currently in the shop and has been for the past 60 days. The failure mileage was 8,200 and current mileage was 41,000.
Engine complaints in other F-350 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Ford F-350?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Ford F-350, 23% of the model year's 145 complaints. The component named most often is engine (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Ford F-350 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Ford F-350, though it has 1 recall for other components. 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 2006 Ford F-350 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 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.