VehicleVerdict

2011 Ford F-250 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 384 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.7 times the median F-250 year — the 2011 model ranks #9 of 55 F-250 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Suspension leads the complaint categories with 111 reports (29% of the total).

384

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other F-250 years?

F-250 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted1,919 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 1 complaints1969: 0 complaints1970: 1 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 2 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 3 complaints1978: 3 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 2 complaints1984: 11 complaints1985: 33 complaints1986: 42 complaints1987: 51 complaints1988: 85 complaints1989: 141 complaints1990: 134 complaints1991: 145 complaints1992: 149 complaints1993: 183 complaints1994: 156 complaints1995: 238 complaints1996: 212 complaints1997: 348 complaints1998: 76 complaints1999: 702 complaints2000: 417 complaints2001: 269 complaints2002: 189 complaints2003: 151 complaints2004: 201 complaints2005: 207 complaints2006: 332 complaints2007: 84 complaints2008: 255 complaints2009: 92 complaints2010: 109 complaints2011: 384 complaints2012: 423 complaints2013: 153 complaints2014: 236 complaints2015: 426 complaints2016: 427 complaints2017: 1,718 complaints2018: 616 complaints2019: 1,919 complaints2020: 351 complaints2021: 205 complaints2022: 152 complaints
F-250 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-250 years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension11129%
Steering10227%
Engine4111%
Tires & Wheels257%
Fuel System236%
Other185%
Electrical System174%
Transmission133%
Body & Structure82%
Brakes72%
Speed Control62%
Airbags41%
Visibility & Wipers41%
Seat Belts21%
Lighting10%
Latches & Locks10%
Seats10%

Does the 2011 Ford F-250 have recalls?

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

11V128000Electrical SystemFebruary 24, 2011 · 8,022 units

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.

Consequence

IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT DEVELOPS, AN OVERHEATING CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

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.

10V659000Body & StructureDecember 29, 2010 · 14,737 units

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.

Consequence

IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT DEVELOPS, AN OVERHEATING CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN UNATTENDED VEHICLE FIRE.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A BUMP AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE SHAKING BECAME WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · December 9, 2014

“The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 68-70 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump and experienced a death wobble. The contact attempted to turn the steering wheel with force, but the vehicle crashed into a guardrail. The contact developed blisters…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 30, 2021 · crash

“OUR LADY OF THE LAKES ROAD IN ST. MARTIN PARISH, LOUISIANA, IS A CURVY ROAD. THE "SERVICE ADVANCE TRACK AND HILL DESCENT CONTROL, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BREAK LIGHT" CAME ON. THE "!" AND THE "ABS" LIGHT CAME ON. BREAK PEDAL WAS HARD TO DEPRESS, WHILE IN MOTION. FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD AND BURNT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 14, 2016 · fire

“DEATH WOBBLE, WE ALMOST DIED ON 395, HAD TO STOP FAST AND IT HAPPED TWICE. WITH IN 10 MIN OF EACH OTHER, HE GOT NEW TIRES, AND ALIGNMENT A MONTH AGO. TOWING HORSE TRAILER. PLEASE HELP WITH THIS ISSUE. THIS IS OUR SECOND FORD TRUCK, WE HAVE A154,000. MILES. WE ARE NOT GOING TO BUY ANOTHER FORD IF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 4, 2018

“STARTED ENGINE AND PUT VEHICLE IN DRIVE. ENGINE ACCELERATED TO MAX RPMS AND VEHICLE RAN INTO A TREE APPROX. 20 FEET IN FRONT OF VEHICLE. ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN AT WOT UNTIL I TURNED IGNITION OFF. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 25, 2014 · crash

2011 Ford F-250 — common questions

Is the 2011 Ford F-250 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 384 complaints put the 2011 model at #9 of 55 F-250 years. It is one of the F-250 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2011 F-250 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (111 complaints), steering (102 complaints), engine (41 complaints).

Does the 2011 Ford F-250 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Ford F-250. 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 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford F-250 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-250 years to avoid are 2019, 2017, 1999, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2000, 2011, 2020, 1997, 2006, 2001, 2008, 1995, 2014. The cleanest record among F-250 years belongs to 1982.

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.