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 2011 Ford F-350 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the mechanic replaced the EGR cooler; however, the failure recurred. The contact linked the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21M04 (Exhaust Gas Recirculation Cooler). The vehicle was taken to a secondary dealer, Heartland Ford (5979 US Hwy 136, Covington, IN 47932) however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. During the failure, diesel fuel and oil spilled from the engine. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the strap that secured the fuel injectors had failed, causing the fuel injectors to eject from the engine. The contact was advised that the fuel injector straps, fuel injectors, and several fuel hoses needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 40,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle began to vibrate abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on backorder. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
On this day, I financed the vehicle and was promised that it was safe to be on the road. This is the second vehicle. He's done this to me with. He gets these vehicles and just put stickers in the windows and then people break down or their lives are in jeopardy so I left there After I purchased the truck the following day I was driving and I noticed a bunch of defects which included a death wobble, front end parts being bad and engine light being on I took it to another shop and they said that it should've never even gotten an inspection sticker I also went on [redacted] and found out that the vehicle did not go through any emissions test and being a diesel it's supposed to that's why the engine lights are on on the third day of owing it. The driveshaft snapped right off this Dealership has multiple reviews and reports of being shady and just putting inspection stickers in the windows. …
While traveling north bound on the maine turnpike at mm 34 I experienced a loss of power. I was in the left lane with heavy traffic. I made my way safely to the right hand breakdown lane. I noticed white smoke coming from under the hood. I heard a popping sound. After I stopped, the engine was still running, but smoke was coming from under the hood and starting to enter the cab on the right side. I shut the engine off and but on my emergency flashers. Traffic was very heavy. I exited the cab and looked under the hood. There was no fire, but I could smell diesel fuel. The truck has the 6.7 liter Ford diesel. I noticed fuel leaking onto the frame on the right side behind the front tire. I called Ford roadside assistance and was towed to the Ford dealer in portsmouth, nh where I bought the truck. …
While drivingmy Ford f350 crew cab longbed diesel 4x4 at 70 MPH on interstate 10, a 4 lane hwy in each direction, the truck lost all engine power and power assist to the brakes and power steering. Luckily the traffic was light and I was able to maneuver the off the hwy without coming in contact with another vehicle. The truck was towed to a Ford dealership and it was determined that the high pressure fuel pump came apart and put metal shaving everywhere throughout the fuel system. Ford recommended replacing all of the high pressure system this included all new fuel injectors. This repair cost $9,000.. A search of the internet revealed that this is a known failure. I had an independent lab test the fuel. There were no contaminants in the fuel except the metal shaving from the pump. ( the Ford fuel system recirculates the excess fuel back to the tank) the truck has 115000 miles. …
Driving on highway at 70 MPH, hit bump in the road and the whole front end starts wobbling so bad and had to slow way down to get it to stop. Was almost rear ended by vehicle behind me and car pulled beside me and was pointing at front of truck, so I thought I had a flat. Pulled off road and no flat, scared me so waited a few minutes and proceeded on. This has happened on a couple occasions, always when hit a by spot in road, once going over smooth railroad tracks. Also will be driving and foot on gas pedal and all of sudden have no power. Truck will loose all power out of nowhere while driving and other times will drive just fine. Have had trouble in the electrical system with it starting, have replaced batteries twice and periodically will not turn over, it's like the batteries are completely dead when they are not.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford f-350. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was included in a recall involving the sensors with the exhaust system. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact informed the dealer who scheduled another repair. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact found that NHTSA action number: rq14005 (electrical system, engine, and engine cooling) directly related to the recalls received and included the vehicle's year, make, model, and engine referenced in the investigation. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The NHTSA campaign number was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Started the truck and was running odd. Decided to start driving to see if the problem would work it self out and started to smell lots of diesel fuel. Pulled over and fuel was everywhere under the hood and on the ground and also a very strong diesel smell inside the cab. Had it towed to the deal and turns out that a fuel injector clamp failed. We also found out Ford has already identified these parts as defective, and have started using a new part with a new part number. This should be a recall. This truck only has 61,000 miles on it. The fuel is atomized in the spray from the injector, this is a serious safety issue that could have resulted in a fire, or worse.
Vehicle parked at approximately 10:50 am after being driven, within 15 minutes smoke was noticed coming from under the hood. Fire department was called and then own forces were used to try to extinguish what had now become a flaming fire. As fire was going, electrical items such as lights, windshield wipers, and dump bed started operating on their own. Fire was extinguished with both water and extinguishers before fire department arrived. Complete engine and engine compartment destroyed as a result of fire. Manufacturer was notified.
Related recalls
Engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 F-350/450/550 Ambulance Package vehicles manufactured February 22, 2010, through October 19, 2012 and equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine. Due to an exhaust sensor problem, the vehicles may experience loss of power followed by an engine stall.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the exhaust gas temperature sensor, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013.
Engine complaints in other F-350 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2011 Ford F-350?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 Ford F-350, 20% of the model year's 136 complaints. The component named most often is engine › diesel (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Ford F-350 engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 13V-535 (engine, Oct 30, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 Ford F-350 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.