2017 Ford F-550: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 12 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2019
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 front cab over is getting loose and separating worried it will fall off, have huge water leak coming into the cab from the top through auxiliary buttons and driver side. Have been reading forums and lots of people have the same issues this is very concerning that it's not being taken seriously.”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2022
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-550. The contact stated that after two to three minutes after the engine was idled, a ticking noise was heard in the engine. The noise would dissipate however, a rattling noise was heard next. The contact stated works as an independent mechanic and diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the #3 cylinder had a low oil pressure and that the camshaft and follower needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 213,720.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2022
“Tl* the contact owns a 2017 ford f-550. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle failed to drive in a straight line. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer freeway ford truck sales (8445 45th st, lyons, il 60534, (708) 442-9000) however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Jan 2021
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“Ford put a 2 rubber brake hoses with outer braided steel outer casing on the build around the a.b.s. Unit on the driver side engine compartment. One of these hoses failed instantly resulting in a low speed collision with no brakes.with no previous warning of any kind ie soft pedal etc. No kind light came on. This must be corrected before this starts happening all over the u.s.a. The truck is being repaired at an austin,tx ford dealer with the same part that just had a catastrophic failure. The hose shows no rubbing or outside contamination ie dirt debris etc. The crash happened at about 30 mph, and moderate braking.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2019
“From the day I took it off the lot truck pulls left and right brakes squeak vibration starts at 55mph fills like rear ended is loss truck swerves . I was driving down freeway when rear sliding window blew out from inside of cab out sounding like a gun shot or tire blew up inside the cab and blew glass all over my 4 year old in back seat . I have had this truck into ford for a number of things but won't fix vibration or the way truck drives down the road”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2017 ford f-550. While driving 70 mph, the vehicle made an abnormal noise and lost power. The vehicle was towed to shults ford (10401 perry hwy, wexford, pa) where it was diagnosed that the components connected to the driveshaft were damaged due to the driveline vibrating. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist because the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 17212000 (power train). The failure mileage was approximately 24,705.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
Taylor Made Ambulances is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford E-350, F-450, E-450, F-550, and GMC G3500-based ambulances equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
Remedy: Taylor Made will notify owners and Whelen will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2019. Owners may contact Taylor Made Ambulances customer service at 1-800-468-1310.
Unruh Fire, Inc. (Unruh Fire) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550-based fire trucks equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
Remedy: Unruh Fire has notified owners and will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began in May 20, 2019. Owners may contact Unruh Fire customer service at 1-800-856-7080.
VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists (VCI) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550, 2014 E-350 and E-450, 2015 F-250 and F-450, 2016 E-450, 2017 E-350, F-450 and E-450, 2018 F-350, 2010 E-450, 2005-2006 E-450, 2009 E-450 and Chevrolet C4500-based Type I and Type III ambulances equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The monitors may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversed.
Remedy: VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists will work with ASA to notify the owners, and remedy the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics at 1-800-384-4400.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles originally produced with black or body colored exterior door handles that may have been subsequently equipped with a chrome exterior door handle cover accessory kit purchased from a Ford dealer. These accessory door handle covers may cause the doors to unlatch in a side impact collision. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the accessory covers and refund the purchase price. The recall began July 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for the recall is 17C09.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S45.
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.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Ford F-550 reliable?
NHTSA has 12 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2017 Ford F-550. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 2017 Ford F-550 have open recalls?
5 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.