VehicleVerdict

2019 Ford F-250 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2019 Ford F-250 carries two red flags at once: 1,919 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 13.2× the F-250 norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak). It is one of the F-250 years to avoid. Complainants reported 23 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 40% of all reports (768 of 1,919), far ahead of suspension at 673.

1,919

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

3

Investigations · 1 open

25

Crash-involved

16

Fires reported

23

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other F-250 years?

F-250 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 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, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-250 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Ford F-250 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering76840%
Suspension67335%
Other1126%
Tires & Wheels905%
Electrical System493%
Fuel System483%
Transmission442%
Driver Assistance392%
Engine211%
Body & Structure201%
Speed Control141%
Brakes111%
Visibility & Wipers101%
Latches & Locks90%
Airbags40%
Lighting40%
Seats20%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2019 Ford F-250 have recalls?

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

20V576000TransmissionSeptember 23, 2020 · 9,628 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 F-250 and F-350, single rear wheel and dual rear wheel, 4X4 vehicles. The front axles may contain a wheel end yoke that was not properly welded to the axle tube end.

Consequence

An improperly welded axle may affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners and dealers will inspect the front axle wheel yoke weld location. If the weld is found to be inaccurately located, the axle assembly will be replaced free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S56.

19V688000TransmissionSeptember 30, 2019 · 28,579 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 F-250 and F-350 vehicles equipped with electronically locking rear differentials. The passenger side rear axle shaft may fail prematurely due to a material issue.

Consequence

A broken passenger side rear axle could result in a loss of drive power and the inability to hold the vehicle still when in Park. If the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger side rear axle shaft, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S31.

19V633000SeatsAugust 28, 2019 · 639,137 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

Consequence

A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.

18V894000EngineDecember 18, 2018 · 410,289 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.

Consequence

When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S45.

Open NHTSA investigations

PE24014

Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak

The Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) has received 27 complaints alleging diesel fuel leaks due to a fracture in the secondary fuel filter housing in model year (MY) 2015-2021 Ford Motor Company (Ford) F-250, 350, 450, and 550 Super Duty vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. Of these complaints, 12 describe an engine compartment fire. The proximity of the secondary fuel filter to high heat sources creates a potential for autoignition thermal events and fires. ODI has contacted the vehicle manufacturer, Ford, and the filter manufacturer, Allevard Sogefi USA (Sogefi), and learned that the low-pressure fuel system is capable of a maximum operating pressure of 8.5 Bar, while the secondary fuel filter is only tested to seven (7) Bar during the manufacturing process. Additionally, changes starting in 2022 by both Ford and Sogefi align with a lack of similar complaints on MY 2022 and newer vehicles. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to evaluate the severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related problems. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“VEHICLE STARTS TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY AFTER HITTING MINOR BUMPS IN ROAD WHEN TRAVELING AT ANYTHING EXCESS 25MPH. DEALER REFUSES TO FIX ACTIVE RECALL FOR STEERING DAMPENER BLAMING FEATHERED TIRES WHICH WE BELIEVE ARE A DIRECT RESULT FROM THE EXCESSIVE SHAKING OF STEERING.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 4, 2020 · crash

“MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO THE STORE AND HIT A SMALL POTHOLE CAUSING THE ENTIRE TRUCK TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE SO BADLY SHE COULD NOT CONTROL THE TRUCK. SHE HAD TO BRAKE VERY QUICKLY AND TRIED TO GET OFF ROAD CAUSING HER TO HIT A TREE BRANCH AND DENTING TRUCK AND CRACKING WINDOW. I HAVE SINCE COME TO FIND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 2, 2020 · crash

“VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES ON INTERSTATE WITH NO WARNING. VEHICLE WAS COMPLETLEY COMSUMED IN FIRE WITHIN SECONDS AND REDUCED TO A PILE OF STEEL AND ASHES. ODOMETER READ 10500 MILES”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 13, 2020 · fire

“VEHICLE STARTS TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY AFTER HITTING MINOR BUMPS IN ROAD WHEN TRAVELING AT ANYTHING EXCESS 25MPH. DEALER REFUSES TO FIX ACTIVE RECALL FOR STEERING DAMPENER BLAMING FEATHERED TIRES WHICH WE BELIEVE ARE A DIRECT RESULT FROM THE EXCESSIVE SHAKING OF STEERING.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 4, 2020 · crash

“2019 Ford F250. Consumer writes regarding low fuel pressure gauge. THAT CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE BECAME FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND WAS DESTROYED. WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER SAW SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 17, 2021 · fire

2019 Ford F-250 — common questions

Is the 2019 Ford F-250 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,919 complaints put the 2019 model at #1 of 55 F-250 years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the F-250 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 F-250 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (768 complaints), suspension (673 complaints), other (112 complaints).

Does the 2019 Ford F-250 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 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 2019 Ford F-250 under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

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.