CSR

Ford · NHTSA safety record

2023 Ford F-250 SD

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

43

Complaints

2

Crashes

3

Fires

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2023 Ford F-250 SD have filed 43 safety complaints with NHTSA between September 2023 and June 2026. The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 13 of them (30%). The typical failure was reported at 4,500 miles, the median across the 7 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 16 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (16)

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

26V489000 · July 28, 2026

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 and 2023-2026 F-250 SD vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to be obstructed by the infotainment home screen menu when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk
An obstructed rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 7, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C37. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 31, 2026.

Ford Motor Company · up to 47,587 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

26V204000 · March 31, 2026

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2022-2023 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, and F-600 SD vehicles. The windshield wiper arms may break, causing the wipers to fail.
The risk
Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper arms, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S24.Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 1, 2026.

Ford Motor Company · up to 422,613 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL

26V104000 · February 20, 2026

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk
Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.

Ford Motor Company · up to 4,381,878 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

25V455000 · July 7, 2025

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
The risk
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

Ford Motor Company · up to 850,318 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

25V315000 · May 9, 2025

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
The risk
A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.

Ford Motor Company · up to 1,076,138 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

25V157000 · March 14, 2025

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Super Duty F-250 and F-350 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-507. The driver and front passenger windows may fail to detect an obstacle while closing and not reverse direction as intended.
The risk
A window that does not automatically reverse when an obstruction is encountered increases the risk of injury.
The remedy
Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S25.

Ford Motor Company · up to 9 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

25V134000 · February 28, 2025

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, and F-450 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-573. The default rearview camera image may not be displayed when using the Pro Trailer Hitch Assist feature.
The risk
An incorrect rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy
Dealers will update the Advanced Drive Assistance System (ADAS) module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S17.

Ford Motor Company · up to 355 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

24V806000 · October 25, 2024

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 F-250, F-350, and F-450 vehicles. Water may enter the Tailgate Park Assist Sensor Interface Module (TPASIM) and cause the rearview camera image to display intermittently or appear blue or black.
The risk
A rearview camera image that does not display can decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the tailgate top camera, wire harness, TPASIM module, and update the Image Processing Module A (IPMA) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 6, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S66.

Ford Motor Company · up to 24,950 vehicles across all model years covered

STEERING:COLUMN

23V847000 · December 15, 2023

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150 and Ford SD F250, F350, F450, F550, and F600 vehicles. The steering wheel clock spring may have an insufficient weld, causing a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
The risk
A deactivated air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the clock spring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Ford Motor Company · up to 17,970 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

23V595000 · August 25, 2023

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Super Duty F250 and F350 vehicles equipped with single rear wheels and a 10.5-inch rear axle shaft. The left rear axle shaft may have been improperly heat-treated during manufacturing and may break.
The risk
A broken rear axle shaft can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect the left rear axle shaft date code and replace the axle shaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S49.

Ford Motor Company · up to 41,555 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

23V573000 · August 11, 2023

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-Super Duty F250, F350, and F450 vehicles equipped with the Pro Trailer Hitch Assist feature. The default rearview camera image may not be displayed when using the Pro Trailer Hitch Assist feature.
The risk
An incorrect rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy
Dealers will update the Advanced Drive Assistance System (ADAS) module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S46.

Ford Motor Company · up to 18,513 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

23V507000 · July 21, 2023

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Super Duty F250, F350, F450, and F550 vehicles. If the driver and front passenger door module experiences a low power condition and resets while the window is moving, the anti-pinch function may not detect an obstacle near the top edge and may not automatically reverse direction.
The risk
A window that does not automatically reverse when an obstruction is encountered increases the risk of injury.
The remedy
Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S37.

Ford Motor Company · up to 1,339 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

23V506000 · July 21, 2023

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Escape, Super Duty F-250, Super Duty F-350, Super Duty F-450, and Super Duty F-550 vehicles equipped with a digital instrument panel cluster. The module may have been improperly soldered, preventing the instrument panel from illuminating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
The risk
An inoperable instrument panel cannot show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, which may increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the module or instrument panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 4, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C25.

Ford Motor Company · up to 38,695 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

23V420000 · June 9, 2023

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
The risk
Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The remedy
Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.

Ford Motor Company · up to 691,133 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

23V379000 · May 26, 2023

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco, 2023 Super Duty F-250, and 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles. The Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
The risk
An overloaded vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Ford will mail a new TREAD label to install over the existing label, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the new label installed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C18.

Ford Motor Company · up to 29,607 vehicles across all model years covered

STEERING:COLUMN

23V344000 · May 12, 2023

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Super Duty F-250, F-350, and F-450 vehicles. The steering column upper shaft bolts may be missing or improperly tightened, resulting in possible separation of the steering column from the adjoining components.
The risk
A disconnected steering column can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and tighten the steering column upper shaft coupler bolts, or install any missing bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 1, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S22.

Ford Motor Company · up to 19 vehicles across all model years covered

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 43.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13 30%
ENGINE 8 19%
POWER TRAIN 7 16%
SERVICE BRAKES 7 16%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 5 12%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 5 12%
STEERING 4 9%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 4 9%
LANE DEPARTURE 3 7%
AIR BAGS 2 5%
BACK OVER PREVENTION 2 5%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2 5%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2023 at 13.

2023 2026
2023 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

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

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 injured · crash

My Ford brake malfunction when i was applied the brake while towing a UHaul trailer. It locked up and warning light showed up on the dashboard. The trailer got away from my truck, hit the rear of my truck and went on the other side of road and hit an oncoming car

NHTSA complaint 11734879. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

fire · towed · 44,000 miles

The contact owned a 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the engine seized. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed flames were emitting from under the hood and wheel well. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The police and fire department were called to the scene. The fire department extinguished the flames. The contact suspected that the fire started near the fuel pump. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The contact attempted to tow the vehicle out of the towing yard, and the towing company refused to release the vehicle to the contact. The

NHTSA complaint 11719232, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

fire

The engine had a life threatening malfunction. Currently, there are arrangements being made to move the truck to my insurance company's property. I'm sure my insurance company would allow and arrange a site visit to inspect the truck. It happened so fast and without warning, we were blessed that we were able to escape the truck without losing our lives or getting severely burned. Anyone who helped or passed by was put at risk due to the fire or possible explosion that could have accrued from the truck fuel tank or trailer propane bottles. The fire inspector and insurance company have conducted there preliminary inspections and are in the process of writing up their reports. There was no

NHTSA complaint 11612050, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

fire

As I was driving, the truck stopped running and then under the engine compartment it started on fire and fully engulfed the engine compartment in front half of the truck

NHTSA complaint 11655548. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING
I bought this truck and its got 50000 miles on it and it has a clunking noise c coming from the steering shaft took it to ford to have trailer module recall fixed and had them inspect the noise and they said the whole steering shaft needs replaced and I have co workers with f250s and they have the same noise... something comes apart in steering shaft could cause a wreck and even death... dealer said its a common issue in the f250s they replace the whole shaft to fix the issue!

NHTSA complaint 11741744. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SEAT BELTS
Rear passenger seatbelt came UNSECURED from the rear seat mounting bracket. Unknowingly ENDANGERED my child by becoming dislodged therefore leaving her WITHOUT any restraint mechanism in the event of a crash! The incident happened at evening after hours and NOT been reported to manufacturer, dealership, law enforcement, or any other as of present. There were no warning signs or indicators other than the safety belt just freely coming up into her hand when we parked and she unbuckled.

NHTSA complaint 11725974. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
I was on an overpass in the left hand lane doing 40-45mpg getting ready to make a left hand turn on an expressway on ramp. I coasted for just a bit and applied the brakes gently, then a little more. The truck was not slowing down like it should have so I applied alot more brake pedal pressure and it slowed down some then it down shifted several times and the engine was roaring, I'm guessing around 3K rpms or more and pulling me forwards. I put as much pressure as I could on the brake pedal and got it down to 4-5 mph and then as it was almost at a stop, still with the motor roaring, I slammed it into park and turned the key off. The motor turned off thank goodness. I sat there for about 20

NHTSA complaint 11717225, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SCREEN DASHBOARD ( INSTRUMENT CLUSTER) BLANK/BLACK AT STARTUP. OCCURRED DEC 20. DEALER CLOSED AND XMAS HOLIDAY CAUSED INABILTY TO MAKE APPOINTMENT.

NHTSA complaint 11706333. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Ford F-250 SD

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2025 15 7
2024 37 4
2022 119 17
2021 162 12
2020 260 14
2019 1,161 11
2018 397 9
2017 1,155 14
2016 287 3
2015 296 2
2014 26 0
2013 21 0
2012 57 0
2011 122 0 1
2010 32 0

Other 2023 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