VehicleVerdict

2015 Ford F-550 Sd problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2015 Ford F-550 Sd carries two red flags at once: 18 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 3.6× the F-550 Sd norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak). It is one of the F-550 Sd years to avoid.

18

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations · 1 open

3

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2015 compare to other F-550 Sd years?

F-550 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted92 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 0 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 92 complaints2000: 85 complaints2001: 35 complaints2002: 31 complaints2003: 40 complaints2004: 67 complaints2005: 41 complaints2006: 55 complaints2007: 25 complaints2008: 31 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 2 complaints2011: 4 complaints2012: 8 complaints2013: 3 complaints2014: 10 complaints2015: 18 complaints2016: 4 complaints2017: 5 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 4 complaints2020: 7 complaints2021: 15 complaints2022: 15 complaints2023: 1 complaints2024: 5 complaints2025: 3 complaints2026: 3 complaints
F-550 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-550 Sd years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Ford F-550 Sd problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine422%
Fuel System422%
Other317%
Electrical System211%
Brakes16%
Transmission16%
Body & Structure16%
Suspension16%
Tires & Wheels16%

Does the 2015 Ford F-550 Sd have recalls?

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

15V175000TransmissionMarch 25, 2015 · 6,322 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks manufactured February 22, 2010, to January 30, 2015, and equipped with ambulance or fire engine preparation packages. The affected vehicles may detect an incorrect Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor (EGT) fault indicating that the vehicle is too hot, causing the engine management system to shut down the engine and prevent its immediate restart.

Consequence

Engine shut down and a subsequent cool down period may delay medical treatment or assistance to those needing it, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S09.

15V024000SuspensionJanuary 22, 2015 · 4 units

Defect

Life Line Emergency Vehicles (Life Line) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Life Line-modified Ford F-Series emergency vehicles that are equipped with Liquid Spring-brand aftermarket suspension kits. The mounting bracket that attaches the suspension fluid tank to the frame may fail allowing the fluid tank to separate from the vehicle.

Consequence

If the suspension fluid tank mount fractures and the tank separates from the chassis, the tank may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The remedy for this recall is still under development. The recall began on February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Life Line customer service at 1-563-578-3317.

14V204000TransmissionApril 17, 2014 · 3,973 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks manufactured September 13, 2013, through March 28, 2014, and equipped with 6.2L gasoline or 6.7L diesel engines and 6R140 transmissions. An error with the transmission control software may be such that while shifting from "Park" to "Drive" the vehicle may display "Drive" but possibly engage "Reverse" for 1.5 seconds before engaging "Drive." Therefore, the vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect."

Consequence

If the vehicle is in "Reverse" while the while the gear selection shows "Drive," unexpected movement could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the transmission software, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2014. Owners may contact Fords customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14C04.

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.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD F-550 SD. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST COMPRESSION TO THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE FAST ENOUGH TO ENTER THE HIGHWAY. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 1, 2016

“I'M REPORTING A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT MY 2015 FORD F550 WAS JUST DIAGNOSED WIT. THE DEALER IS ASKING $15,800 TO REPAIR IT. THE FUEL SYSTEM, IS CONTAMINATED, IS HAS A LOT OF OXIDATION, THE FIX INCLUDES REPLACING THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 10, 2020

“2015 FORD F550 V10 GAS MOTOR, THE ENGINE BLOCK HEATER SHORTED OUT AND CAUGHT FIRE. LUCKILY ONLY THE LICENSE PLATE AND AN EXTENSION CORD WERE DAMAGED AS WELL AS THE BLOCK HEATER ITSELF. CONTACTED THE TRUCK DEALER AND FORD FLEET, AND NO ONE CARES. VEHICLE WAS PARKED. I JUST HAPPENED TO WALK PAST AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 9, 2021 · fire

“2015 FORD F550 V10 GAS MOTOR, THE ENGINE BLOCK HEATER SHORTED OUT AND CAUGHT FIRE. LUCKILY ONLY THE LICENSE PLATE AND AN EXTENSION CORD WERE DAMAGED AS WELL AS THE BLOCK HEATER ITSELF. CONTACTED THE TRUCK DEALER AND FORD FLEET, AND NO ONE CARES. VEHICLE WAS PARKED. I JUST HAPPENED TO WALK PAST AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 9, 2021 · fire

“THE VEHICLE IS A MOTOR HOME MANUFACTURED BY THOR MOTOR COACH THAT THEY ADDED TO A MODIFIED 2015 FORD F550 CHASSIS. ALTHOUGH THOR MODIFIED THE CHASSIS, REPLACED THE FRONT BUMPER AND QUARTER PANELS AND ADDED THE COACH BODY TO THE FRAME, THEY FAILED TO DO ANY ALIGNMENT PROCESS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · November 16, 2016

2015 Ford F-550 Sd — common questions

Is the 2015 Ford F-550 Sd reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 18 complaints put the 2015 model at #11 of 34 F-550 Sd years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the F-550 Sd years to avoid.

What are the most common 2015 F-550 Sd problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (4 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints), other (3 complaints).

Does the 2015 Ford F-550 Sd have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Ford F-550 Sd. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2015 Ford F-550 Sd 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-550 Sd years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-550 Sd years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2001, 2002, 2008, 2015, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2019, 2016, 2018. The cleanest record among F-550 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.