Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 17 | 2.0× | 2 | Fuel System | Caution |
| 2019 | 14 | 1.5× | 4 | Engine | Caution |
| 2018 | 8 | typical | 10 | Suspension | Average |
| 2017 | 13 | 1.4× | 5 | Engine | Caution |
| 2016 | 9 | −25% | — | Airbag | Average |
| 2013 | 6 | −58% | 1 | Engine | Good |
| 2012 | 13 | 1.3× | 5 | Engine | Average |
| 2011 | 12 | typical | 5 | Engine | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median F-550 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford F-550 problems
Latest Ford F-550 recalls
Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-550 and 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. The rear axle differential fluid may be below the minimum level, possibly resulting in a failure of the rear axle assembly and driveshaft separation.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle differential fluid level and adjust it, or replace the rear axle as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2020.
Seats › Mid/rear assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019.
Equipment
Farber Specialty Vehicles (Farber) is recalling certain 2018 Ford F-550 vehicles equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The affected monitors may revert back to the factory default settings which can cause the camera image to be reversed.
Remedy: Farber will notify owners, and dealers will add a harness relay capacitor module, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019.
Equipment
VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists (VCI) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550, 2014 E-350 and E-450, 2015 F-250 and F-450, 2016 E-450, 2017 E-350, F-450 and E-450, 2018 F-350, 2010 E-450, 2005-2006 E-450, 2009 E-450 and Chevrolet C4500-based Type I and Type III ambulances equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used…
Remedy: VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists will work with ASA to notify the owners, and remedy the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics at 1-800-384-4400.
Equipment
LGE Coachworks, Inc. (LGE Coachworks) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ford E-450, F-550, and Freightliner M2-based vehicles equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager back-up camera displays. The displays may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversed.
Remedy: ASA will notify LGE Coachworks owners, and dealers will replace the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA customer service at 1-800-384-4400 or LGE Coachworks at 1-800-209-3985.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford F-550 should you avoid?
2020, 2019 and 2017 — these years have the most complaints relative to other F-550 years at the same age, led by fuel & propulsion system problems in the 2020.
What is the best year for the Ford F-550?
2013 has the fewest complaints compared with other F-550 years at the same age, followed by 2016. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Ford F-550 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (35), fuel & propulsion system (20) and body & structure (13). Engine complaints peak in the 2012 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford F-550 had?
21 recalls across 2011–2020. The model year with the most is 2018. See all Ford F-550 recalls by year.
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.