CSR

Ford · NHTSA safety record

2011 Ford F-350

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

136

Complaints

4

Crashes

3

Fires

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2011 Ford F-350 have filed 136 safety complaints with NHTSA between January 2011 and December 2025. The most complained-about system is the steering, named in 50 of them (37%). The typical failure was reported at 60,000 miles, the median across the 112 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 4 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (4)

EQUIPMENT

14V498000 · August 13, 2014

The defect
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.
The risk
The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
The 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. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.

PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co. · up to 3 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE

13V535000 · October 30, 2013

The defect
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.
The risk
An unexpected engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, if this were to occur when the ambulance is transporting a patient, there is an increased risk of injury to the patient.
The remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the exhaust gas temperature sensor, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S10.

Ford Motor Company · up to 2,951 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

11V128000 · February 24, 2011

The defect
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 FORD F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, EDGE, AND LINCOLN MKX TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 25, 2010, THROUGH NOVEMBER 20, 2010. THESE VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED USING INTEGRATED DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (IDS) THAT HAD A CUSTOM SOFTWARE ROUTINE TO READ THE SUSPECT BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) SERIAL NUMBER. BASED ON THE SERIAL NUMBER THE BCM WAS EITHER NOT AFFECTED OR REPLACED. THE CUSTOM SOFTWARE ROUTINE WAS NOT READING THE CORRECT SET OF CHARACTERS, AND WAS NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY A BCM THAT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AFFECTED BCMS MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INTERNAL SHORT.
The risk
IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT DEVELOPS, AN OVERHEATING CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
The remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

FORD MOTOR COMPANY · up to 8,022 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY

10V659000 · December 29, 2010

The defect
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, EDGE AND LINCOLN MKX VEHICLES. DURING A SIX-DAY PRODUCTION PERIOD, THE SUPPLIER OF THE BODY CONTROL MODULE MANUFACTURED MODULES THAT MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INTERNAL SHORT.
The risk
IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT DEVELOPS, AN OVERHEATING CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN UNATTENDED VEHICLE FIRE.
The remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

FORD MOTOR COMPANY · up to 14,737 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (1)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown

RQ14005

Closed recall query · opened January 13, 2015 · closed March 15, 2016 · led to recall 15V175000

the electrical system, the engine, the engine and its cooling

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. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 136.

STEERING 50 37%
SUSPENSION 45 33%
ENGINE 21 15%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 13 10%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11 8%
POWER TRAIN 9 7%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 8 6%
WHEELS 7 5%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 6 4%
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL 5 4%
TIRES 5 4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 5 4%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2020 at 16.

2011 2020 2025
2011 to 2025

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

2 injured · crash · 28,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F350 WITH CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC TIRES, LINE SIZE LP275/65R18. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT AFTER TIRED TREAD SEPARATED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A TREE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000. ...UPDATED 10/17/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED TEN MILES BEFORE THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT , THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED AND WAS REPLACED WITH A SPARE TIRE. THE PICK UP (2011) AND THE FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER (2012) THAT IT WAS TOWING WERE BOTH TOTALED. THE DRIVER HAD

NHTSA complaint 10472561, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SUSPENSION

2 injured

While traveling down the highway at the speed limit, the truck hit a bump and started to shake violently. I slowed down and pulled over to resecure a freezer that was shook loose. We continued on and when I went to make the next right turn, one of the straps, which was sliced during the death wobble, snapped. The freezer slid and seesawed over a cooler. The corner of the freezer came through the rear window striking my wife in the arm and head. I have brought the truck to multiple shops, replaced steering stabilizer, shock, and tires to no avail.

NHTSA complaint 11541661. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed · 38,000 miles

THE VEHICLE WA IN MOTION, RAN OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD , CLIPPED A FEW TREES, LANDED IN A POND. FORCE OF IMPACT HITTING WATER CRACKED WINDSHIELD. PASSENGER SIDE OF TRUCK WAS MAULED.TRUCK WAS TOTALED.... AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, HAD THERE BEEN A PASSENGER, IN ALL LIKELY HOOD WOULD HAVE BEEN DEAD.

NHTSA complaint 11104230. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

fire · towed · 288,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 62 MPH, THEIR WIFE WAS IN THE VEHICLE AND HEARD A POP NOISE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE WHEN HIS WIFE NOTICED FROM THE REAR VIEW WINDOW THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAB OF THE TRUCK. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE THE ROAD. THE CONTACT AND HIS WIFE GRABBED THEIR BELONGINGS AND EXIT OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO MOVE A GREAT DISTANCE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. NO ONE WAS INJURED AND NO MEDICAL TREATMENT WAS NEEDED AT THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED AS A LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS

NHTSA complaint 11415101, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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 [XXX] 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

NHTSA complaint 11706909, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

345,000 miles

Odometer Fraud. The contact called on behalf of his client, who purchased a 2011 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while the client was in the process of selling the vehicle to a dealer, the dealer retrieved the Carfax report and informed the client that the odometer had been rolled back and that the vehicle could not be sold. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 128,530, and a dealer later informed the client that the mileage on the Carfax report was 345,000. The current mileage displayed on the odometer was 147,000. No other agency was contacted.

NHTSA complaint 11700270. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

towed · 200,000 miles

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-350. The contact stated while reversing, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic arrived at the residence however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed, and the fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance in covering the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was

NHTSA complaint 11665134, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

towed · 40,000 miles

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.

NHTSA complaint 11643309. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel pump failed and self destructed internal parts of the pump in turn putting metal into the fuel lines resulting in a $15,000 repair bill. The vehicle is available for inspection and has not been repaired. This occurred in November 2024 and has not been driven since due to the costly repair bill. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership and independent service center. The only indication of the issue was when the check engine light illuminated. No other preemptive warning.

NHTSA complaint 11637202. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING

230,000 miles

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced a Death Wobble. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle and the steering wheel were shuddering violently from the right to the left, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The contact stated that he was able to regain control of the vehicle upon decelerating to 10 MPH. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to Litchfield Auto Repair, where the axle track bar ball joint, the steering damper, the drag link, and the tie rod or the tie rod end were replaced. Additionally, the mechanic performed the front alignment; however, the

NHTSA complaint 11619897, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Ford F-350

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2014 91 0
2013 76 1
2012 149 4

Other 2011 Ford models

Every Ford on this site — 348 vehicles, 1210 recall campaigns and 10 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst