VehicleVerdict

2019 Ford F-550 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 2019 Ford F-550 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

18

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other F-550 years?

F-550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted23 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 17 complaints2012: 20 complaints2013: 6 complaints2014: 2 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 14 complaints2017: 19 complaints2018: 9 complaints2019: 18 complaints2020: 23 complaints
F-550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-550 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Ford F-550 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine633%
Body & Structure422%
Electrical System317%
Fuel System211%
Steering16%
Trailer Hitch16%
Transmission16%

Does the 2019 Ford F-550 have recalls?

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

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.

19V398000OtherMay 29, 2019 · 13 units

Defect

LGE Coachworks, Inc. (LGE Coachworks) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ford E-450, F-550, and Freightliner M2-based vehicles equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager back-up camera displays. The displays may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversed.

Consequence

The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

ASA will notify LGE Coachworks owners, and dealers will replace the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA customer service at 1-800-384-4400 or LGE Coachworks at 1-800-209-3985.

19V226000LightingMarch 22, 2019 · 8 units

Defect

Watts Manufacturing, LLC (Watts Manufacturing) is recalling certain 2019 First responder vehicles built on Ford F-550 chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Watts Manufacturing will notify owners and Whelen dealers will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Watts Manufacturing customer service at 1-785-404-6003.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“While driving down the road a passerby got our drivers attention to tell them the truck was on fire. When he pulled over and got out the truck went up in flames fast from under the hood. Due to the heavy damage we are unsure where the fire started. It has not been inspected by anyone yet. It was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 19, 2025 · fire

“The contact's company owns a 2019 Ford F-550. The contact stated that the vehicle was inspected by a mechanic, and the contact was informed that the frame rail was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 1, 2023

“A clogged fuel filter caused an engine fire. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure. The fuel filter has been known to be problematic for these trucks, in yet there has been no recall. A simple google search shows these fires are common. The vehicle has been in…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 1, 2024 · fire

“While driving down the road a passerby got our drivers attention to tell them the truck was on fire. When he pulled over and got out the truck went up in flames fast from under the hood. Due to the heavy damage we are unsure where the fire started. It has not been inspected by anyone yet. It was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 19, 2025 · fire

“The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-550. The contact stated that upon noticing an abnormal burning odor, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the wiring underneath the driver's side of the dashboard was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The mechanic replaced the wiring a second…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 12, 2025

2019 Ford F-550 — common questions

Is the 2019 Ford F-550 reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2019 F-550 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (6 complaints), body & structure (4 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 2019 Ford F-550 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Ford F-550. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford F-550 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-550 years to avoid are 2020. The cleanest record among F-550 years belongs to 2015.

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.