Most common 2011 Ford F-450 problems
Share of the 9 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford F-450 complaints by model year
Best F-450 years: 2013, 2015. Years to avoid: 2020, 2017, 2019, 2012. Compare all years →
2011 Ford F-450 recalls (2)
Equipment
PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
Remedy: PJ's has notified owners and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2014.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2011 Ford F-450:
Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect.
What 2011 Ford F-450 owners say
Engine & cooling
While driving at 45 MPH on a highway the engine blew up. Ford reported the problem was a faulty glow plug which fell into the cylinder causing the connecting rod to break and exit the side of the engine block. Fire ensued but was short lived.
Driving on freeway at 75 m.p.h. (speed limit 75) the motor stalled and would not restart., luckily made it to shoulder after dodging traffic. After tow to the dealership, found out it was malfunctioning egt exhaust sensor.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Ford F-450 a good car?
Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 F-450 rates average: 13% fewer complaints than a typical year of the F-450 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 2011 Ford F-450?
The engine & cooling — 4 complaints, 44% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › diesel. Next are the steering (2) and fuel & propulsion system (1).
How many recalls does the 2011 Ford F-450 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2011 Ford F-450, the most recent from August 13, 2014 (equipment). 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-450?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2020, 2017, 2019 and 2012. See the full Ford F-450 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Ford F-450 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 79,000 miles; 0% 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.