2005 Ford F-350 SD: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 217 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (22% of complaints); the 2003 and 2004 and 2007 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 217 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Driving on interstate I-85 in north ga on sunday, february 24th traveling 65mph. Rear driver side tire tread flies off. Truck rocks and makes a lot of noise. Able to maintain control of vehicle and move to emergency lane. Tire appears to have peeled apart like a banana. *dt*jb”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2019
“Driving down the highway I hit a small bump at 65mph and the entire front end started violently shaking like it was going to fall apart. Has happened to me 3 times now and to my pregnant wife 3 times in one trip! Very scary and a serious issue that should be rectified immediately. Extremely dangerous situation at 60mph+ or any speed really.”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2018
“2005 ford f-350. Attorney representing consumer writes in regards to vehicle engine fire. *smd attorney sent additional correspondence. *ld updated 07/18/2017 *js”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Vehicle stall/die while driving without any warning. When the vehicle dies, unable to turn the steering wheel and no power at all. Have a recall number 05s34, but ford dealership won't repair it because my VIN isn't on recall. What should I do next?”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2015
“For the past week my truck has been taking longer to start then normal today it started to stall on my I was able to get it home while it stalled 4 more times on the way. Shopped at a friends shop on the way home and had them scan the computer found out my ficm is no go my ipr is bad and my stc fitting is bad they found the stc when they pulled the turbo aswell as my dummy plugs. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2015
“Tl*the contact owns a 2005 ford f-350 sd. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,723.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2015
“The head bolts have a known defect, which ford filed a class action suit against the engine manufacture novastar for and won. This defect/weakness can cause the bolts to fail/break causing many components to become damaged. This can potentially cause an accident and/or injury to the vehicles occupants. I believe this issue needs to be addressed as a recall because according to my research all of the 6.0 diesel engines in this year/model are affected.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford f-350sd. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted and resumed normally. The failure recurred and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 05v27000 (electrical system) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000. The VIN was unavailable.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2014
“Ford f350 pulling a 31' trailer crashed into rear of a commercial truck/trailer due to icy road conditions. Air bags did not activate on impact. Passenger in right/front seat was crushed due to impact. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2013
“I have a 2005, crew cab, short bed, 6.0 diesel f-350. When driving at 55-75mph on the highway, I passed a small bump triggering a rigorous shaking of the front end. I could not apply brakes rapidly, and the steering wheel began to shake. I barely had control of the vehicle, but after finally slowing down to a stop the shaking stopped. It was very dangerous, and has happened 6 times since at 55-75mph. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND CHASSIS CAB VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L GASOLINE ENGINES, THE FUEL JUMPER LINE MAY HAVE AN INCORRECT END FORM.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN EXTERNAL RETENTION CLIP AT THE FUEL JUMPER LINE TO THE MAIN FUEL BUNDLE CONNECTION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 20, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH 6.0L DIESEL ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE STALLING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AND MAY OR MAY NOT RESTART.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPGRADE THE FUEL INJECTION CONTROL MODULE (FICM) WIRE HARNESS OR REPLACED, AND/OR HAVE A NEW INJECTION CONTROL PRESSURE (ICP)) SENSOR CONNECTOR INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
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-350 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 2005 Ford F-350 SD reliable?
NHTSA has 217 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Ford F-350 SD. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Ford F-350 SD problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 47,323 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Ford F-350 SD have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. 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.