2011 Ford F-250 SD: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 122 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (22% of complaints); the 2009 and 2010 and 2012 and 2013 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 122 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I was travelling down the interstate at approximately 72mph and the vehicle started shaking violent and I almost lost control. My wife drove it and I was beside her on the interstate and it happened to her almost causing her to wreck the vehicle. I had to call her to calm her down. Please help fix this problem before someone gets killed.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2019
“The fuel rail pressure sensor started spraying diesel fuel all over the top of the motor . The fuel is coming out of the top of the sensor .this is on 05/25/19 .. This truck only has 132214 on the mileage . I am getting tired of paying for a broken truck every week . Last week on 05/05/17/19 the inner cooler boot duct blew apart . That was a $480 fix .”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2019
“Truck continues to have the death wobble as I drive at highway speeds and hit a small porthole or bump in the road. The wobble becomes so severe that I have little to no control over the truck. This has been going on after 6months from purchase date (new) but ford says they can not duplicate. It happens about 1-5x a week and I've nearly hit several other vehicles on the highway each time by swirling during the wobble. I loose directional control. I have had a crash as a result of this.”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford f-250 sd. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the 'death wobble' when driving highway speeds and over unleveled land. The vehicle was unsafe to drive over 35 mph due to the violent shaking and vibration. An independent mechanic diagnosed the failure as the 'death wobble' and replaced the tract bar, ball joints, steering stabilizer, steering damper, and performed an alignment; however, the failures continued intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 45,423.”Owner report · Suspension · Dec 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford f-250 sd. While driving over uneven land and bumps in the road, the vehicle shook violently. Also, the steering wheel vibrated and there was a strong vibration felt in the front of the vehicle while driving highway speeds. Germain ford of beavercreek (2356 heller dr, dayton, oh 45434, 1-(937) 429-1300) was notified of the failure and could not determine the cause of the failure without guidelines from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2018
“Michelin ltx ms/s2 275/70 r18 tire with less than 25k had to be replaced because of tread separation. While at discount tire, spoke with another customer with same vehicle - 2012 instead of 2011 f-250 who had 3 tires with tread separation issues.”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2018
“Extreme shaking of the steering wheel when encountering a shift in road surface such as an expansion joint, etc at around 55 mph and turning slightly left. This has occurred on freeways, highways and roads. Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvtuqv60jnu”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2018
“My ford was purchased as a one owner truck with 44,000 miles from a dealership in florida. Owned by a person brand new also in florida. I live in south western va please take a look at my brake calipers. I never seen anything like this. Huge danger especially when this truck is made to pull heavy weight that needs good brakes. My truck has 107,000 miles found out by replacing brake pads for second time”Owner report · Wheels · Apr 2018
“From day 1 I have had issues where the front end would bounce uncontrollably at highway speeds after hitting a pothole or bridge expansion joint. It's getting worse. The dealership cannnot find any problems. They told me at one time to replace my tires but that did not fix the issue. I almost ran off the road 4 times in one trip because of this as I could not maintain control. This will kill someone if not researched and corrected by ford.”Owner report · Suspension · Jan 2018
“While driving at a speed of 50 miles per hour the truck started losing power, was able to get to side of the highway as it lost all power and shut down was unable to restart truck. Got truck towed home and went checking the motor and the antifreeze was completely dry but no leaking under motor and no warnings of lights flashed when truck shut down.. Truck is serviced every 3 months and checked at home regularly. Truck was looked at by a ase mechanic and the motor seized”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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 2011 Ford F-250 SD reliable?
NHTSA has 122 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2011 Ford F-250 SD. The most complained-about area is steering (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2011 Ford F-250 SD problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 35,000 miles or less.
Does the 2011 Ford F-250 SD have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has 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.