2011 Ford F-550: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 12 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-550. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a failure in cylinder #8 and with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2024
“Truck will shake uncontrollably at highway speeds. We have had the front end/drive shaft/new tires/wheels either replaced or gone through. Nothing has improved.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2019
“Engine shutting off & will not re-start after. Will restart after it sits for a couple hours. Has been into tuttleclick ford several times for repair of this issue. Still not fixed.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2017
Show 5 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford f-550. The contact stated he received a notice that the vehicle had two linings in the internal part of the vehicle which both unexpectedly detached and contaminated the fuel in fuel tank. The contact stated the failure caused the engine to fail. The vehicle was towed to a unknown local dealer for a diagnostic testing which took three months. The diagnosis results was contamination from the fuel tank. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 24,000. *bf*jb”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford f-550. While at a stop sign, the vehicle stalled and the low power warning message displayed across the message board. The contact was able to restart the vehicle which was then towed to a dealer. The technician stated that there was contamination in the fuel line and that the fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,633. Updated 11/06/15*lj *cn”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2014
“Tl*the contact owns a 2011 ford f-550. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart after multiple attempts. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for diagnostic testing the mechanic diagnosed contamination in the fuel. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 13v535000 (engine). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 19,000. Ma 07/30/15 updated 9/19/2017*cn”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2014
“Ford has a tsb on a cylinder #5 glowplug failure that causes engine failure. Coincidentally, their warranty on a 6.7 diesel is to 100,000 miles. Mine failed at 104,000. Ford is not covering it. This is going to cost me $13,000. The item should be a recall. *tr”Owner report · Engine · May 2014
“[xxx] this is a commercial vehicle with a dot registration as a gross weight vehicle. Please inform me of any special endorsements a driver of this vehicle must have, if any, in order to drive. This vehicle was involved in an accident. The driver stated he was not licensed to drive it. Thank you information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 F-350/450/550 Ambulance Package vehicles manufactured February 22, 2010, through October 19, 2012 and equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine. Due to an exhaust sensor problem, the vehicles may experience loss of power followed by an engine stall.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the exhaust gas temperature sensor, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S10.
J.C. Madigan, Inc. (J.C. Madigan) is recalling one model year 2011 Ford F-550, and one model year 2013 Ford F-450 chassis with a 6.8L gasoline engine dump trucks equipped with certain PTO Assembly Pressure Switches, part number 30T37594, manufactured June 2009 through June 2013, used in power take off (PTO) assemblies. The switch may begin leaking oil.
Remedy: J.C. Madigan will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact J.C. Madigan customer service at 1-978-847-2900.
All Wheel Drive Equipment Mfg., Inc. (All Wheel) is recalling one model year 2011 Ford F-550 truck with a 6.8L gasoline engine manufactured May 14, 2010, to May 28, 2010. The affected vehicle is equipped with a PTO Assembly Pressure Switch, part number FR67, used with power take off (PTO) assemblies for Ford F-550 chassis. The PTO switch may leak oil onto the thermal blanket.
Remedy: All Wheel has notified the owner and will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. Owners may contact All Wheel customer service at 1-800-311-4778.
Almared, Inc., dba A-1 Alternative Fuel Systems, is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-550 transit buses manufactured May 2011 through April 2013, altered to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG). In the affected vehicles, the brackets securing the passenger side CNG fuel tank may break.
Remedy: Almared, Inc. has notified owners and all affected vehicles have been remedied, free of charge. Owners may contact Almared at 1-559-485-4427.
PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
Remedy: PJ's has notified owners and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2014. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.
How other years compare
Check your exact F-550 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2011 Ford F-550 reliable?
NHTSA has 12 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Ford F-550. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2011 Ford F-550 have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine. 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.