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ProblemsByVinFile / 2006-FORD-F-350NHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Ford
2006 Ford F-350 problems
The 2006 Ford F-350 has 145 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2006 Ford F-350 has 145 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 50 complaints, typically surfacing around 71,811 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2006 F-350?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Steering: 50 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 30,000–99,987 mi
Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average
4 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2006 Ford F-350? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
steering — 50 owner reports
· tends to show around 71,811 mi · ~$700 to fix
engine — 29 owner reports
· tends to show around 76,095 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
suspension — 22 owner reports
· tends to show around 59,020 mi · ~$900 to fix
fuel system — 16 owner reports
· tends to show around 79,600 mi · ~$1,200 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 71,811 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 4 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2006 F-350· engine
My 2006 Ford crew cab powerstroke turbo diesel has an engine oil cooler and EGR/EGR cooler problems that keeps the truck from full power up hills and with loads. Extremely dangerous pulling trailer up grade's, it loses power, blows white smoke and becomes unstable. The temp.…
The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the front of the vehicle started to wobble. While driving over a pothole, the vehicle wobbled violently. The contact was unable to control the vehicle while driving over 35 MPH. While driving at an…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford f-350. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle would shake violently when driving over any road bump. The contact was told by the manufacturer that the failure could likely be caused by improper tire inflation and that the contact…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford f-350. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the contact drove over an uneven road surface and the front end of the vehicle began to shake vigorously. The vehicle would also shake abnormally when decelerating. The contact stated that in addition,…
Had a problem with your 2006 Ford F-350?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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
Non-functioning lights could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 harsco wheel modification groups containing accuride steel rims, p/nos
Brake failure can occur, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Fix: Harsco will notify owners and provide a repair kit along with repair instructions free of charge. The recall began in september 2006. Owners may contact harsco at 507-235-7112.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 145 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Ford F-350 has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2006 Ford F-350?
The 2006 Ford F-350 is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Steering: 50 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 30,000–99,987 mi; Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average; 4 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2006 Ford F-350?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 50 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 71,811 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2006 Ford F-350 a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 145 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 71,811 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2006 Ford F-350?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 50 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 71,811 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 84,689 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Ford F-350 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2006 Ford F-350?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 145 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Ford/F-350.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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