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ProblemsByVin File / 2011-FORD-F-550
2011 · ford

ford F-550 problems

2 safety recalls. 12 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.4 / 10

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

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints

engine
7 reports · avg $3,100
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2011 F-550 · body Crash
[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…
12/14/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10556076.0
2011 F-550 · engine
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…
12/06/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11629240.0
2011 F-550 · engine
The contact's local fire department owns a 2011 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled out as several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact made multiple attempts to restart the engine but the failure persisted.…
12/04/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11628877.0
2011 F-550 · other
THIS COMPLAINT IS A FOLLOW-UP TO YOUR REF# 521328. IT CONCERNS AN UN-DELIVERED EMERGENCY VEHICLE THAT PLASTISCOL COMPOSITES, THAT IS BEING PAID WITH FEMA FUNDS UNDER A FEDERAL GRANT AND IS TRYING TO FORCE A VIBRATING DRIVE LINE PROBLEM VEHICLE TO OTHER COMPANIES WITHOUT TELLING…
11/18/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10556709.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 15V052000 30/01/2015

All Wheel Drive Equipment Mfg

The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 14V411000 08/07/2014

J

The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2011 Ford F-550 reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.4 out of 10 based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Ford F-550 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2011 Ford F-550?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 7 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Ford F-550 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-550?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 12 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, 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 aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 10 hours ago. 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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