Ford F-350 Reliability by Year
6,503 NHTSA complaints (1989–2021). Complaint rate: 104.9 per 1,000 vehicles.
Ford F-350 reliability varies significantly by model year. Based on 6,503 NHTSA complaints (1989–2021), the most problematic years are 2017, 2019, with high complaint volumes linked to steering defects. Better choices include 2013, 2021, 2014, which show significantly fewer reported problems.
Why these years are worse
The most common issues driving the complaint spikes:
- steering defects — 1,201 complaints (2.6% involved a crash)
- suspension failures — 940 complaints (1.2% involved a crash)
- engine problems — 270 complaints (1.5% involved a crash)
- unknown or other — 234 complaints (3.4% involved a crash)
- tire defects — 225 complaints (7.1% involved a crash)
Which Years to Buy & Avoid
Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.
Bottom line: Avoid the 2015–2019 Ford F-350. The 2009 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: STEERING.
Avoid These Years
Average
Better Years
A model's reputation is just the start.
Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
Complaints by Model Year
NHTSA complaint count per model year
Common Ford F-350 Problems
Most reported component complaints to NHTSA
| Component | Complaints | Crash % |
|---|---|---|
| STEERING | 1,201 | 2.6% |
| SUSPENSION | 940 | 1.2% |
| ENGINE | 270 | 1.5% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 234 | 3.4% |
| TIRES | 225 | 7.1% |
| WHEELS | 216 | 4.2% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 187 | 3.7% |
| POWER TRAIN | 169 | 5.9% |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 155 | 0.6% |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 154 | 18.8% |
Year-by-Year Breakdown
NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.
| Year | Generation | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989GOOD | — | 2 | 0 | — | View → |
| 1991GOOD | — | 34 | 3 | 5 | View → |
| 1992GOOD | — | 74 | 1 | 7 | View → |
| 1993 | — | 129 | 6 | 6 | View → |
| 1994 | — | 126 | 6 | 6 | View → |
| 1995 | — | 191 | 9 | 18 | View → |
| 1996 | — | 167 | 10 | 16 | View → |
| 1997 | — | 188 | 14 | 15 | View → |
| 1998GOOD | — | 16 | 1 | — | View → |
| 1999AVOID | — | 531 | 60 | 12 | View → |
| 2000AVOID | — | 367 | 45 | 9 | View → |
| 2001 | — | 181 | 24 | 14 | View → |
| 2002 | — | 140 | 19 | 11 | View → |
| 2003GOOD | — | 100 | 12 | 8 | View → |
| 2004 | — | 216 | 17 | 7 | View → |
| 2005 | — | 170 | 8 | 8 | View → |
| 2006 | — | 206 | 13 | 6 | View → |
| 2007GOOD | — | 56 | 2 | 1 | View → |
| 2008 | — | 176 | 12 | 12 | View → |
| 2009GOOD | — | 54 | 3 | — | View → |
| 2011 | — | 204 | 4 | 5 | View → |
| 2012 | — | 252 | 9 | 5 | View → |
| 2013 | — | 110 | 2 | 4 | View → |
| 2014 | — | 150 | 8 | 1 | View → |
| 2015AVOID | — | 287 | 5 | 7 | View → |
| 2016AVOID | — | 287 | 4 | 8 | View → |
| 2017AVOID | — | 729 | 7 | 5 | View → |
| 2018AVOID | — | 304 | 2 | 6 | View → |
| 2019AVOID | — | 716 | 15 | 6 | View → |
| 2020 | — | 223 | 8 | 3 | View → |
| 2021 | — | 117 | 2 | 5 | View → |
Year-by-Year Breakdown
Tap any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.
See also: Ford F-350accident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.
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