2006 Ford F-250 SD: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 274 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is suspension (44% of complaints); the 2007 and 2008 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 274 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Cpsc: the right front tire developed a terrible bounce atspeeds less than 30 mph. I returned the truck to rick's tires and he contacted freeservice tires. *bf the consumer was advised the belts separated on the left. The tire was replaced. The right rear tire exploded while towing a boat. The tired had a large hole and part of the tread separated from the inner tire. This caused damage to the right pick up bed outer wall and bracing supports. Updated 06/28/2017*js”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2017
“Front end vibration while driving around 60mph which turns into a real bad shimmy sometimes. Steering wheel shakes violently. Have received a couple of notices from ford motor co. That tell me they are aware and to just slow down when it happens. This has happened several times since I had the truck since 2011. No specific dates.”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2016
“While driving and going over a bump between 60 and 70 mph on the highway, the trucks front end starts to violently shake causing the truck to lose control. Note only driving posted speed limit. This has happened on three (3) occasions mostly recently 7/17/16 and 7/19/16 while traveling s/b on interstate 95 and traveling n/b on interstate 95. The defect causes you to drive at reduced speeds on the highway. Have done research and it is a common problem with ford truck with straight front axles. Ford is aware of the problem.”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Heads went bad now I have to replace the heads and new head studs because the old head studs stretched and the heads warped , also had to do an egr delete . I was told it was built proofing and it has to be done to all 6.0 ltrs.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford f-250 sd. The contact stated that the cab of the truck did not line up with the bed of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was determined that the bed rails for the truck were rusted and started to separate from the frame. The contact spoke with the manufacturer and they were told that the frame was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 82,000. Updated 6/17/15*cn updated 10/12/2017*cn”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2015
“I purchased this vehicle with a full set of the exact same tire brand, type, size, and load range. The new tires were to replace the defective tires which had the exact same problem as these: belt failure. Tire failure: belts began to separate leading to uneven wear and eventually failure of the sidewall. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2014
“I purchased this vehicle with a full set of the exact same tire brand, type, size, and load range. The new tires were to replace the defective tires which had the exact same problem as these: belt failure. Tire failure: belts began to separate leading to uneven wear and eventually failure of the sidewall. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2014
“I purchased this vehicle with a full set of the exact same tire brand, type, size, and load range. The new tires were to replace the defective tires which had the exact same problem as these: belt failure. Tire failure: belts began to separate leading to uneven wear and eventually failure of the sidewall. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2014
“I purchased this vehicle with a full set of the exact same tire brand, type, size, and load range. The new tires were to replace the defective tires which had the exact same problem as these: belt failure. Tire failure: belts began to separate leading to uneven wear and eventually failure of the sidewall. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford f-250 sd. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle decelerated and the service engine soon and the engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the oil cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
TRUXXX IS RECALLING 338 AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT WELDED 3" LIFT BLOCKS FOR REAR SUSPENSIONS, PART NO. 206073, INCLUDED IN SUSPENSION KIT NOS. 108035 AND 108036, SOLD BETWEEN JULY 26, 2007 AND MARCH 4, 2008, FOR USE ON FORD MY 2005-2008 F-250 SUPERDUTY 4X4 LIGHT TRUCKS. COMPRESSIVE FORCES OF THE WELDED LIFT BLOCKS RESULTING FROM FORESEEABLE AND EXCESS VEHICLE PAYLOADS AS WELL AS OVER-TIGHTENING OF THE U-BOLTS DURING INSTALLATION MAY DISTORT THE BLOCKS, REDUCING THE INTENDED CLAMPING FORCE OF THE U-BOLTS.
Remedy: TRUXXX WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS/INSTALLERS AND WILL REPLACE AFFECTED WELDED LIFT BLOCKS WITH EITHER NON-WELDED ALUMINUM OR CAST IRON BLOCKS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT APRIL 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRUXXX AT 1-800-381-8320.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact F-250 SD by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Ford F-250 SD reliable?
NHTSA has 274 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 Ford F-250 SD. The most complained-about area is suspension (44% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2006 Ford F-250 SD problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 40,000 miles or less.
Does the 2006 Ford F-250 SD have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.