2006 Ford F-550 SD: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 44 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel system, diesel (55% 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 44 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-550 Stripped Chassis. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the windshield wiper became inoperable. The contact stated there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the windshield wiper motors were inadequate for the vehicle, causing the wiper motors to strain while in operation. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Jun 2022
“While driving the vehicle on the expressway in michigan, it suddenly began losing power. After frequently stopping and restarting the engine, the truck stopped completely. When the dealership investigated the cause, they found specks of paint in the diesel fuel. When the factory installed gas tank was dropped, it was discovered that the coating inside the fuel tank was flaking off and had plugged the fuel filters, contaminated the fuel as well as damaging 3 inverters.. When investigating if others have same complaint, we found many others have had the same problem. Luckily we were not pulling our rv.”Owner report · Engine · May 2016
“My truck was parked for an hour and a half in 55 degree raining weather. I was unloading my show horses and had my three dogs in the cab of the truck. Suddenly someone alerted me that the cab was filled with smoke. We were able to get the three dogs out. They had to be treated for smoke inhalation via hyperbaric chamber treatment. Unfortunately one dog died 24 hours later due to brain damage from lack of oxygen. According to the fire department, my car seat heater malfunctioned and ignited. My car seat was part of the longhorn king ranch custom interior that ford had installed before selling me the truck. Please feel free to contact me if I can provide any more information. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
“2006 ford f550. Consumer states problem with turbo chargers and fuel tank liners *tgw the consumer stated the turbo was replaced twice and the fuel tank was replaced once. The fuel tank lining broke down and clogged the fuel filters as well as the fuel injectors. Ford informed the consumer, the problem with the fuel tank was due to the additives in the northeast diesel fuel. *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Aug 2012
“I have a ford f550 that stalled in traffic when I check the fuel filter it was full of gray particles from the fuel tank. I checked online it looks like the diesel tank is delaminating it only has 53,000 miles on it. *js”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford f-550 sd. The contact stated while driving various speeds , without any warnings the vehicle would stall. The contact had to turn the vehicle off and then on in order for the vehicle to function normally. The failure was diagnosed by the contact who stated the fuel tank delaminated causing the fuel filters to clog up with the laminates. The failure was not diagnosed nor repaired by the dealer. The contact also has another vehicle experiencing the same failure. The failure and current mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford f-550. The contact stated that when driving the vehicle for a short period of time and shutting off the engine, the vehicle fail to start or would stall once restarted. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer and they advised her that there was a loud knocking noise from the engine caused by a malfunction in cylinder number eight. In addition, the rolling barrier had also failed. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford f-550. The contact stated that the fuel injectors malfunctioned. The corrosion clogged the fuel injectors and caused a lack of power while driving. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to have the fuel injectors replaced. The dealer stated that the fuel tank also needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 98,254.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2011
“Vehicle fordf550 diesel stalled on road. Problem diesel fuel tank delamination clogged filter and fuel pump. Fix was replace fuel tank and replace fuel pump. Have never used bio diesel fuel. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Apr 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 2006 ford f-550. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the vehicle began to stall and shake as if it had run out of fuel. The contact pulled over and the vehicle suddenly shut off. The fuel gauge indicated that the vehicle contained a half tank of fuel. The contact restarted the vehicle which shut off again. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer but the vehicle had not been inspected. Prior to the failure, the fuel tank had been replaced three times. The failure mileage was 48,318.”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Jan 2011
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-550 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-550 SD reliable?
NHTSA has 44 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 Ford F-550 SD. The most complained-about area is fuel system, diesel (55% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2006 Ford F-550 SD problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 43,982 miles or less.
Does the 2006 Ford F-550 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.