2006 Ford F-450 SD: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 35 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel system, diesel (37% of complaints); the 2007 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2011
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“"delamination of fuel tank" after only having the vehicle for shortly over four months, the truck would not crank. The truck was parked on a city street in washington, dc where I racked up 2 parking tickets. I had it towed to the dealer and they said that the tank is corroding. I've had issues with the truck since I purchased it. The gas gauge would go out periodically along with the power. I called the dealer and had it checked out, and they said they couldn't find any issues. Now that the 90 day warranty is over, the goes out completely in 120 days. It took the dealer a month to deliver the truck to me after I purchased it.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford f-450 sd. The contact stated that the inner lining of the fuel tank would flake causing the fuel system to become clogged. As a result, the vehicle would lose power while driving. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the injectors and front fuel tank had to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford f450 sd. The contact stated that while driving 20 mph, smoke emerge from the exhaust as the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while traveling uphill. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where it was stated that the fuel tank was corroded and the fuel tank system and module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 56,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
“2006 ford 6.0 diesel engine. Engine head is cracked, need to replace head gaskets, oil cooler in question. These are common problems with this engine. Ford refuses to pay or help pay for any repairs. Out of warranty because of time not miles. I am a good ford customer and currently own 10 ford vehicles. I think it is time for ford to step up and take care of these issues on a national level. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford f-450 sd. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving 55 mph. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after waiting a few minutes. The failure had since recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the contact was informed that the fuel tank was deteriorating. The contact was also informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2012
“Tl*the contact owns a 2006 ford f-450. The contact stated that the fuel tank began to deteriorate due to corrosion from the diesel fuel; the contact was informed during a routine oil change. The mechanic stated that the lining was being eaten through by the fuel. The manufacturer offered no assistance. The current and failure mileages were approximately 21,000. The consumer was informed there was condensation in the fuel tank causing it to rust.”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Jan 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford f-450. While the vehicle was parked it would not start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated the fuel filter had to be replaced. The technician stated the failure was caused by bad fuel. After the vehicle was repaired the failure continued to occur. The contact drained the diesel fuel tank and noticed flakes in the fuel. The contact stated the fuel tank was delaminating causing silver flakes to enter the fuel system and clog the fuel filter. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not provide assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 2006 ford f-450 diesel tow truck. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle stalled and was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop where the contact was informed that the failure occurred because the fuel tank had delaminated. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Nov 2010
“Letter from congressman noem on behalf of constituent re his difficulties with the warranty on his 2007 winnebago motor home (dot/I# h 2012 242 ) *tgw 2006 ford 4-450 sd chassis. The consumer stated he purchased the motorhome in april of 2008. The warranty started in 2008 as it was a model year carry over unit. The warranty is set to expire in april 2013. The consumer stated the ignition coils were bad. On several occasions, through correspondence and phone calls, he requested the ford replace the ignition coils. Six out of ten coils have failed. So far, ford has refused.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 2006 ford 450. He stated that the fuel tank had delaminated, causing shards of the tank to break off into the fuel line. The vehicle was diagnosed by a local dealer who confirmed repairs would need to be made to the fuel tank, at the owner's expense. The contact was concerned with the defective fuel tank affecting the fuel injectors and the motor. Repairs were made to the vehicle by the owner and an independent mechanic. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000 and the current mileage was 135,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
Remedy: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
How other years compare
Check your exact F-450 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-450 SD reliable?
NHTSA has 35 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 Ford F-450 SD. The most complained-about area is fuel system, diesel (37% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2006 Ford F-450 SD problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 50,492 miles or less.
Does the 2006 Ford F-450 SD have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:brake lights. 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.