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ProblemsByVinFile / 2011-FORD-F-250NHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Ford
2011 Ford F-250 problems
The 2011 Ford F-250 has 370 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 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 2011 Ford F-250 has 370 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 149 complaints, typically surfacing around 66,104 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2011 F-250?
Avoid — the steering
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced.
1 fatality report and 2 crash-related complaints on the steering
Engine: 50 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 29,000–103,034 mi
Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average
2 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.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
Rollover★★★★★3/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2011 Ford F-250 Super Crew PU/CC 4x4. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2011 Ford F-250? 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 — 149 owner reports
· tends to show around 66,104 mi · ~$700 to fix
suspension — 51 owner reports
· tends to show around 82,565 mi · ~$900 to fix
engine — 50 owner reports
· tends to show around 73,716 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
powertrain — 17 owner reports
· tends to show around 89,151 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged
critical on this model
, showing up around 66,104 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 2 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
2011 F-250· steering
When traveling above 50mph and hitting minor transitions, holes, imperfections in the roadway the front goes into a sever vibration causing a out of control experience. Must slow down below 40 MPH to get under control. I think this is referred to the "death wobble" continue to…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford f-250. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the instrument panel indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to lone star Ford (8477 north fwy, houston, tx 77037) where it was diagnosed that the high injection fuel…
I was traveling south on highway 99 in the central valley of california north of visalia, ca. I was maintaining my speed in the fast (second lane) lane between 65 and 70 MPH on a portion of the highway that was recently laid with fresh asphalt. This of course, made the road…
I get a violent shake or wobble from front end when I hit small to large bumps in the road. I have checked tire pressure and front end parts. Nothing has been wrong or abnormal. I researched a bit and found this to be a common problem with these trucks. *tr
Had a problem with your 2011 Ford F-250?
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 Ford f-150, f-250, f-350, f-450, f-550, edge, and Lincoln mkx trucks manufactured from october 25, 2010, through november 20, 2010
If an electrical short develops, an overheating condition may occur which could result in a vehicle fire.
Fix: Dealer will inspect the body control module and if necessary replace it free of charge. The safety recall began on march 7, 2011. Owners may contact Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 f-150, f-250, f-350, f-450, f-550, edge and Lincoln mkx vehicles
If an electrical short develops, an overheating condition may occur which can result in an unattended vehicle fire.
Fix: Dealer will replace the body control module if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on january 11, 2011. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Common questions
Is the 2011 Ford F-250 reliable?
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 370 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Ford F-250 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 2011 Ford F-250?
On the NHTSA data, the 2011 Ford F-250 is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 1 fatality report and 2 crash-related complaints on the steering; Engine: 50 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 29,000–103,034 mi; Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average; 2 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 2011 Ford F-250?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 149 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 66,104 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 2011 Ford F-250 a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 370 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 66,104 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 2011 Ford F-250?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 149 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 66,104 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 66,104 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Ford F-250 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 2011 Ford F-250?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 370 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, 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/2011/Ford/F-250.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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