VehicleVerdict

2006 Ford F-250 Sd problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 353 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 10.1 times the median F-250 Sd year — the 2006 model ranks #2 of 36 F-250 Sd years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: suspension issues account for 42% of all reports (148 of 353), far ahead of steering at 102.

353

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other F-250 Sd years?

F-250 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted381 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 3 complaints1993: 4 complaints1994: 2 complaints1995: 12 complaints1996: 11 complaints1997: 52 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 304 complaints2000: 277 complaints2001: 331 complaints2002: 282 complaints2003: 229 complaints2004: 345 complaints2005: 381 complaints2006: 353 complaints2007: 85 complaints2008: 175 complaints2009: 33 complaints2010: 48 complaints2011: 189 complaints2012: 97 complaints2013: 32 complaints2014: 37 complaints2015: 31 complaints2016: 15 complaints2017: 119 complaints2018: 23 complaints2019: 13 complaints2020: 4 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 5 complaints2023: 76 complaints2024: 52 complaints2025: 19 complaints2026: 13 complaints
F-250 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-250 Sd years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Ford F-250 Sd problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension14842%
Steering10229%
Engine278%
Tires & Wheels257%
Brakes165%
Electrical System113%
Visibility & Wipers51%
Fuel System51%
Speed Control31%
Other31%
Body & Structure31%
Airbags21%
Seats10%
Transmission10%
Lighting10%

Does the 2006 Ford F-250 Sd have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20E090000OtherDecember 9, 2020 · 102 units

Defect

Icon Vehicle Dynamics, LLC (Icon) is recalling all 05-UP FSD 2.5 Centerline Stabilizer Kits with part number 65050. The kits were sold as an accessory for certain 2005-2021 Ford F-250 4X4 and F-350 4X4 pickup trucks. The foam ring inside the stabilizer "through shaft" may block the piston ports, possibly causing the steering to lock up.

Consequence

If the steering locks, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Icon will notify owners, and dealers will install a new shock assembly with a revised foam ring and steel support disc, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Icon customer service at 1-951-689-4266.

11V352000LightingJuly 13, 2011 · 26,715 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.

Consequence

NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

08E026000OtherMarch 27, 2008 · 338 units

Defect

TRUXXX IS RECALLING 338 AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT WELDED 3" LIFT BLOCKS FOR REAR SUSPENSIONS, PART NO. 206073, INCLUDED IN SUSPENSION KIT NOS. 108035 AND 108036, SOLD BETWEEN JULY 26, 2007 AND MARCH 4, 2008, FOR USE ON FORD MY 2005-2008 F-250 SUPERDUTY 4X4 LIGHT TRUCKS. COMPRESSIVE FORCES OF THE WELDED LIFT BLOCKS RESULTING FROM FORESEEABLE AND EXCESS VEHICLE PAYLOADS AS WELL AS OVER-TIGHTENING OF THE U-BOLTS DURING INSTALLATION MAY DISTORT THE BLOCKS, REDUCING THE INTENDED CLAMPING FORCE OF THE U-BOLTS.

Consequence

THIS COULD ALLOW POSSIBLE SHIFTING AND DAMAGE TO THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT AND AXLE.

Remedy

TRUXXX WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS/INSTALLERS AND WILL REPLACE AFFECTED WELDED LIFT BLOCKS WITH EITHER NON-WELDED ALUMINUM OR CAST IRON BLOCKS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT APRIL 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRUXXX AT 1-800-381-8320.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AT APPROXIMATELY 40K ON THE VEHICLE, A PROBLEM BEGAN TO OCCUR WHEN A BUMP IN THE ROAD WAS HIT, RESULTING IN THE FRONT WHEELS SHIMMYING LEFT TO RIGHT FOR ABOUT A SECOND. OVER THE NEXT FOUR MONTHS, THE PROBLEM INTENSIFIED, LEADING TO A SEVERE SHAKE EMITTING FROM THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL. FORD RECOMMENDED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 15, 2008 · crash

“ WE WERE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED WHEN THE STEERING LET LOOSE AND WE HAD NO CONTROL OF THE TRUCK. THE TRUCK CRASHED INTO A POLE IN THE LOT, AND WAS UNABLE TO BE MOVED DUE TO LOSS OF STEERING. IT HAD TO BE TOWED AWAY. HAD THIS BEEN A PARKING LOT WITH CARS AND OR PEOPLE THERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 22, 2013 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD OVER HEAT AND SMOKE WOULD COME FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTACT NEEDED TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 1, 2011 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE RIM. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST THE CONTACT WITH THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 27, 2011

“DROVE HOME FROM THE STORE ABOUT 10 MILES RIGHT REAR BRAKE CALIPER FAILED AND SEIZED. WHEN WE GOT HOME SMOKE WAS POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE TRUCK, WHEN WE DISCOVERED IT. BURNED THE PAINT OFF THE BRAKE DUST SHIELD. FORD DEALER SAID IT WAS A DEFECTIVE CALIPER BUT I HAVE TO PAY $750.00? THAT'S NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 2, 2010 · fire

2006 Ford F-250 Sd — common questions

Is the 2006 Ford F-250 Sd reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 353 complaints put the 2006 model at #2 of 36 F-250 Sd years. It is one of the F-250 Sd years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 F-250 Sd problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (148 complaints), steering (102 complaints), engine (27 complaints).

Does the 2006 Ford F-250 Sd have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Ford F-250 Sd. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 Ford F-250 Sd under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford F-250 Sd years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-250 Sd years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2004, 2001, 1999, 2002, 2000, 2003, 2011, 2008, 2017, 2012, 2007, 2023, 2015, 2018, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021. The cleanest record among F-250 Sd years belongs to 1998.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.