VehicleVerdict

2011 Ford F-350 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 204 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.2 times the median F-350 year — the 2011 model ranks #12 of 53 F-350 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (50), suspension (45), and engine (28), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

204

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other F-350 years?

F-350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted729 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 0 complaints1969: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 2 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 3 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 2 complaints1985: 4 complaints1986: 17 complaints1987: 8 complaints1988: 34 complaints1989: 55 complaints1990: 63 complaints1991: 34 complaints1992: 74 complaints1993: 129 complaints1994: 126 complaints1995: 191 complaints1996: 167 complaints1997: 188 complaints1998: 16 complaints1999: 531 complaints2000: 367 complaints2001: 181 complaints2002: 140 complaints2003: 100 complaints2004: 216 complaints2005: 170 complaints2006: 206 complaints2007: 56 complaints2008: 176 complaints2009: 55 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 204 complaints2012: 252 complaints2013: 110 complaints2014: 150 complaints2015: 289 complaints2016: 290 complaints2017: 729 complaints2018: 304 complaints2019: 721 complaints2020: 234 complaints2021: 119 complaints
F-350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-350 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Ford F-350 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering5025%
Suspension4522%
Engine2814%
Fuel System2010%
Electrical System136%
Tires & Wheels126%
Transmission94%
Other94%
Speed Control52%
Brakes42%
Body & Structure31%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Lighting10%
Trailer Hitch10%
Latches & Locks10%
Airbags10%

Does the 2011 Ford F-350 have recalls?

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

14V498000OtherAugust 13, 2014 · 3 units

Defect

PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.

Consequence

The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.

Remedy

PJ's has notified owners and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2014. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.

13V535000EngineOctober 30, 2013 · 2,951 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 F-350/450/550 Ambulance Package vehicles manufactured February 22, 2010, through October 19, 2012 and equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine. Due to an exhaust sensor problem, the vehicles may experience loss of power followed by an engine stall.

Consequence

An unexpected engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, if this were to occur when the ambulance is transporting a patient, there is an increased risk of injury to the patient.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the exhaust gas temperature sensor, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S10.

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.

“VEHICLE HIT A POTHOLE ON INTERSTATE 75 NORTH NEAR DALTON GEORGIA AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MILES PER HOUR. THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL AND FRONT END VIOLENTLY SHOOK AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK SO BAD CONTROL OF THE F350 BECAME AN ISSUE. I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE UNTIL I SLOWED TO BELOW 20 MILES PER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 7, 2020

“VEHICLE HIT A POTHOLE ON INTERSTATE 75 NORTH NEAR DALTON GEORGIA AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MILES PER HOUR. THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL AND FRONT END VIOLENTLY SHOOK AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK SO BAD CONTROL OF THE F350 BECAME AN ISSUE. I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE UNTIL I SLOWED TO BELOW 20 MILES PER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 7, 2020

“VEHICLE PARKED AT APPROXIMATELY 10:50 AM AFTER BEING DRIVEN, WITHIN 15 MINUTES SMOKE WAS NOTICED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THEN OWN FORCES WERE USED TO TRY TO EXTINGUISH WHAT HAD NOW BECOME A FLAMING FIRE. AS FIRE WAS GOING, ELECTRICAL ITEMS SUCH AS LIGHTS,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 27, 2012 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 62 MPH, THEIR WIFE WAS IN THE VEHICLE AND HEARD A POP NOISE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE WHEN HIS WIFE NOTICED FROM THE REAR VIEW WINDOW THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAB OF THE TRUCK. THE CONTACT PULLED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 2, 2021 · fire

“WHEN DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND HITTING A POT HOLE, THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK SHAKES VIOLENTLY UNTIL THE SPEED OF THE TRUCK IS REDUCED TO ALMOST A STOP. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY DANGEROUS BECAUSE, NOT ONLY DO I LOOSE CONTROL TEMPORARILY, BUT THE CARS BEHIND ME CAN HIT ME. MANY PEOPLE ON LINE HAVE EXPRESSED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 2, 2014

2011 Ford F-350 — common questions

Is the 2011 Ford F-350 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 204 complaints put the 2011 model at #12 of 53 F-350 years. It is one of the F-350 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2011 F-350 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (50 complaints), suspension (45 complaints), engine (28 complaints).

Does the 2011 Ford F-350 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Ford F-350. 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-350 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Ford F-350 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-350 years to avoid are 2017, 2019, 1999, 2000, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2020, 2004, 2006, 2011, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2008, 2005, 1996, 2014, 2002, 1993, 1994, 2021, 2013, 2003. The cleanest record among F-350 years belongs to 2010.

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.