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ProblemsByVin File / 2011-FORD-F-250 NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2011 · Ford

Ford F-250 problems

370 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
0
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.

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.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
149 reports · fails ~66,104 mi · avg $700
critical
suspension
51 reports · fails ~82,565 mi · avg $900
moderate
engine
50 reports · fails ~73,716 mi · avg $3,100
severe
powertrain
17 reports · fails ~89,151 mi · avg $2,500
severe
tires
14 reports · fails ~31,300 mi · avg $150
moderate
electrical
13 reports · fails ~108,491 mi · avg $850
moderate
body
10 reports · fails ~64,000 mi · avg $1,500
severe
brakes
10 reports · fails ~42,387 mi · avg $450
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2011 F-250's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2011 F-250?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

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…
12/30/2019 · at 85,500 mi · NHTSA ODI #11291957.0 · see steering pattern →
2011 F-250 · fuel system
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…
12/28/2017 · at 84,615 mi · NHTSA ODI #11057084.0 · see fuel system pattern →
2011 F-250 · steering
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…
12/26/2013 · at 66,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10557240.0 · see steering pattern →
2011 F-250 · steering
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
12/24/2013 · at 32,600 mi · NHTSA ODI #10557185.0 · see steering pattern →
View all 370 owner complaints →
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

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Common questions

Is the 2011 Ford F-250 reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 370 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Ford F-250 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

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 7.2/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

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.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days 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. We are not affiliated with Ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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