VehicleVerdict

2006 Ford F-350 Sd problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 192 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.3 times the median F-350 Sd year — the 2006 model ranks #2 of 34 F-350 Sd years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 5 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 48 reports (25% of the total).

192

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

5

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other F-350 Sd years?

F-350 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted269 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 5 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 3 complaints1998: 4 complaints1999: 169 complaints2000: 188 complaints2001: 188 complaints2002: 145 complaints2003: 164 complaints2004: 159 complaints2005: 269 complaints2006: 192 complaints2007: 35 complaints2008: 146 complaints2009: 25 complaints2010: 79 complaints2011: 63 complaints2012: 50 complaints2013: 12 complaints2014: 12 complaints2015: 26 complaints2016: 26 complaints2017: 118 complaints2018: 6 complaints2019: 13 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 6 complaints2022: 158 complaints2023: 54 complaints2024: 61 complaints2025: 20 complaints2026: 12 complaints
F-350 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-350 Sd years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Ford F-350 Sd problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering4825%
Suspension4423%
Engine2513%
Tires & Wheels2312%
Fuel System2312%
Electrical System105%
Transmission53%
Speed Control42%
Brakes42%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Body & Structure11%
Seats11%
Lighting11%
Airbags11%

Does the 2006 Ford F-350 Sd have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THROUGH A CURVE, THE STEERING SUDDENLY AND COMPLETELY FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASH. THERE WAS NO ADVANCE WARNING. AN INSPECTION AT THE SCENE REVEALED THAT PARTS OF THE VEHICLE'S STEERING SYSTEM HAD NOT BEEN INSTALLED AT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 20, 2007 · crash

“I HAVE A 2006 FORD F350 4 WHEEL DRIVE SINGLE WHEEL LONG BED KING RANCH. I WILL BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD OR INTERSTATE ANYWHERE BETWEEN 30 AND 80 MILES AN HOUR, AND IF YOU HIT THE SMALLEST IMPERFECTIONS IN THE ROAD THE TRUCK WILL START SHAKING VIOLENTLY, UNCONTROLLABLE, THE STEERING WHEEL MOVES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 22, 2010 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350 SD. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF BLUE SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TURBO CHARGER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED FOR THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 16, 2007 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350 SD. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN LOSING POWER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE INNER LINING OF THE FUEL TANK WAS RUSTED AND FOUR INJECTORS WERE DAMAGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 6, 2011

“I PURCHASED A NEW SET OF CONTINENTAL TIRES FROM COLONY TIRE LOCATED IN RALEIGH NC IN LATE 2012 EARLY 2014. I DRIVE A F-350 SD. IN AUGUST 2013 I WAS TRAVELING WITH MY SON ON NC I 40 E BOUND AROUND 400 ML MARKER WHEN 1 OF THE TIRES BLEW OUT. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT, 1ST BLOW OUT ON THAT TRUCK IN 8…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 1, 2013 · crash

2006 Ford F-350 Sd — common questions

Is the 2006 Ford F-350 Sd reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 192 complaints put the 2006 model at #2 of 34 F-350 Sd years. It is one of the F-350 Sd years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 F-350 Sd problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (48 complaints), suspension (44 complaints), engine (25 complaints).

Does the 2006 Ford F-350 Sd have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Ford F-350 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-350 Sd under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Ford F-350 Sd years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-350 Sd years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2001, 2000, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2022, 2008, 2002, 2017, 2010, 2011, 2024, 2023, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2018, 2020. The cleanest record among F-350 Sd years belongs to 1996.

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.