VehicleVerdict

2011 Ford F-250 Sd problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 189 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.4 times the median F-250 Sd year — the 2011 model ranks #9 of 36 F-250 Sd years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 9 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (47), suspension (46), and engine (25), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

189

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

9

Injuries

3

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other F-250 Sd years?

F-250 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 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, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-250 Sd years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Ford F-250 Sd problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering4725%
Suspension4624%
Engine2513%
Tires & Wheels1910%
Fuel System158%
Transmission105%
Electrical System84%
Brakes63%
Speed Control42%
Body & Structure42%
Other21%
Seat Belts11%
Lighting11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2011 Ford F-250 Sd have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TRUCK CONTINUES TO HAVE THE DEATH WOBBLE AS I DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND HIT A SMALL PORTHOLE OR BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE WOBBLE BECOMES SO SEVERE THAT I HAVE LITTLE TO NO CONTROL OVER THE TRUCK. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON AFTER 6MONTHS FROM PURCHASE DATE (NEW) BUT FORD SAYS THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE. IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 28, 2019 · crash

“TRUCK CONTINUES TO HAVE THE DEATH WOBBLE AS I DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND HIT A SMALL PORTHOLE OR BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE WOBBLE BECOMES SO SEVERE THAT I HAVE LITTLE TO NO CONTROL OVER THE TRUCK. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON AFTER 6MONTHS FROM PURCHASE DATE (NEW) BUT FORD SAYS THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE. IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 28, 2019 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F250SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE ON, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND REPORT WAS FILED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. NEITHER THE DEALER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 26, 2012 · fire

“TRUCK CONTINUES TO HAVE THE DEATH WOBBLE AS I DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND HIT A SMALL PORTHOLE OR BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE WOBBLE BECOMES SO SEVERE THAT I HAVE LITTLE TO NO CONTROL OVER THE TRUCK. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON AFTER 6MONTHS FROM PURCHASE DATE (NEW) BUT FORD SAYS THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE. IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 28, 2019 · crash

“THE FUEL RAIL PRESSURE SENSOR STARTED SPRAYING DIESEL FUEL ALL OVER THE TOP OF THE MOTOR . THE FUEL IS COMING OUT OF THE TOP OF THE SENSOR .THIS IS ON 05/25/19 .. THIS TRUCK ONLY HAS 132214 ON THE MILEAGE . I AM GETTING TIRED OF PAYING FOR A BROKEN TRUCK EVERY WEEK . LAST WEEK ON 05/05/17/19 THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 25, 2019

2011 Ford F-250 Sd — common questions

Is the 2011 Ford F-250 Sd reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 189 complaints put the 2011 model at #9 of 36 F-250 Sd years. It is one of the F-250 Sd years to avoid.

What are the most common 2011 F-250 Sd problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (47 complaints), suspension (46 complaints), engine (25 complaints).

Does the 2011 Ford F-250 Sd have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 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 2011 Ford F-250 Sd under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.