Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 31 | 1.6× | — | Engine | Caution |
| 2005 | 27 | 1.1× | — | Steering | Average |
| 2004 | 14 | −77% | — | Engine | Good |
| 2003 | 27 | −41% | — | Engine | Good |
| 2002 | 34 | typical | — | Engine | Average |
| 2001 | 32 | 1.6× | 1 | Engine | Caution |
| 2000 | 63 | 2.8× | 3 | Engine | Avoid |
| 1999 | 93 | 4.1× | 3 | Brake | Avoid |
| 1998 | 14 | −27% | — | Wheel & Tire | Average |
| 1997 | 24 | typical | 3 | Wheel & Tire | Average |
| 1996 | 8 | −64% | 2 | Acceleration | Good |
| 1995 | 12 | −50% | 1 | Suspension | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median F Super Duty year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford F Super Duty problems
Latest Ford F Super Duty recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
Vehicle description: f-super duty crew cab pickup trucks (f-350 short wheelbase trucks equipped with a 6 3/4' pickup box and dual rear wheels) were built after a change was implemented to delete a clamp, and later a bracket that provided a ground for the fuel filler pipe. The pickup box May not have been properly grounded.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fuel filler pipe ground. Owner notification began March 26, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Vehicle description: motor home chassis. These vehicles May have a mis-routed wire harness that attaches to the brake pedal position switch. The wire could rub on the steering column, resulting in a short circuit and a blown fuse, causing a loss of stop lamp function.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair the wire harness to the brake pedal switch. Owner notification began September 25, 2000.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
Vehicle description: f-super duty stripped motor home chassis because they May have a missing or partially installed brake pedal to master cylinder pushrod retaining clip.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the retaining clip installation. Missing or partially installed clips will be properly installed. In addition, dealers will also inspect vehicles for lower than intended wheel lug nut torque;…
Vehicle speed control
Vehicle description: super duty trucks and chassis-cabs equipped with 5.4l manual transmission powertrains. The accelerator cable core wire can wear the cable conduit end fitting due to a fifteen degree angle it makes with the conduit at the throttle body end.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the accelerator cable and throttle body.
Vehicle speed control
Vehicle description: motor home chassis. The accelerator cable is susceptible to freezing. Water can accumulate in the end fitting and can freeze at temperatures of 32 degrees fahrenheit and below. The ice could prevent the accelerator from returning to idle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the accelerator cable with a revised accelerator cable.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford F Super Duty should you avoid?
1999, 2000, 2001 and 2008 — these years have the most complaints relative to other F Super Duty years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 1999.
What is the best year for the Ford F Super Duty?
2004 has the fewest complaints compared with other F Super Duty years at the same age, followed by 1996 and 1995. 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 Super Duty problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (98), wheels & tires (72) and brakes (55). Engine complaints peak in the 2000 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford F Super Duty had?
10 recalls across 1995–2008. The model year with the most is 1997. See all Ford F Super Duty 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.