Some 2015-2018 F-150, 2017-2018 F-Super Duty, 2018 Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with a vista roof opening panel may exhibit binding while opening or closing of the movable glass panel. The roof opening panel glass brackets are available for service. Both brackets must be replaced, FL3Z-1651070-A right side and FL3Z-1651071-A left side. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-17 for removal and installation procedure. For claiming, use causal part 1651070 and applicable labor operations in section 12 of the service labor time standards (SLTS) manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Ford F-350 body problems
moderate 27 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500 · see body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
27
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
When does it fail?
Of the 27 body complaints filed for the 2017 Ford F-350, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 10 model years of Ford F-350 we track for body problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 27.
Owners have filed 27 body complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Door latch freezing is a recurring cold-weather problem. When the temperature drops below 32°F, the driver's door either won't open, opens but won't latch closed, or swings open while the truck is moving. Owners work around it by repeatedly cycling the lock/unlock button, slamming the door, or letting the truck warm up. Ford rolled out Customer Service Program 18N03, but owners say the fix lasts only weeks before the problem returns—and Ford will not repeat it. Recall 17S33 does not cover all VINs.
The powered tailgate opening on its own is far more serious and widespread. Owners report it dropping unexpectedly dozens of times across the fleet, often while towing trailers or driving at highway speed. Several tailgates opened with the truck in gear, doors locked, and reverse engaged—all features that should prevent operation. Damage to trailers, lost cargo, and injury risk are real. Dealers often cannot reproduce the failure and decline warranty repair.
Water leaks into doors and cabin areas occur regularly. One owner reported water pooling in the passenger footwell and saturating carpet; another described leaks from the roof and roof marker light. A panoramic sunroof owner faced a $6,000+ frame rail replacement due to substandard plastic in the track design. Driver's door rattles and wind noise recur after repair, and extended warranties do not cover them. Rapid tire pressure loss from rear aluminum rims required multiple dealership visits. One rear window exploded outward while driving. A front-end shake persisted even after steering shock stabilizer replacement.
Same Ford F-350 body reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Door latch freezing in cold weather
Below 32°F, driver's door will not open, latch sticks in the open position preventing closure, or door swings open while driving due to incomplete latching. Owners manually warm or exercise the latch mechanism by slamming the door, working the lock/unlock button repeatedly, or waiting for the latch to warm up.
When: Below 32°F; one owner reported ongoing issue since 2019
Symptoms owners cite: Door will not open when handle is pulled; Door opens but latch sticks in open position and cannot close; Door opens or swings open while driving; Requires manual exercising of latch (slamming, lock/unlock cycling) to function
Repairs/costs cited: Customer Service Program 18N03 performed by one owner in 2022; lasted approximately one month before problem recurred. Ford designates 18N03 as 'One Time Only' repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17S33 does not cover all VINs. Customer Service Program 18N03 available but limited to one-time repair; dealers cite 'One Time Only' clause to deny further warranty coverage.
Power tailgate opening unexpectedly while driving
Powered tailgate opens or falls on its own during operation, particularly while towing or reversing. Failures occur despite truck being in gear, doors locked, and transmission in reverse—features that should prevent tailgate actuation. Occurs multiple times per truck across the fleet. One owner reports failures even when key fob is not in pocket.
When: Most often while driving or towing; failures reported as early as 7,000 miles and continuing through 103,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate opens/falls unexpectedly while in motion; Tailgate opens while towing (gooseneck, 5th wheel, bumper-pull trailers); Tailgate opens while reversing or in gear; Tailgate opens while parked; No warning prior to failure; Occurs multiple times on same vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced tailgate and repaired latch; failures recur. One dealer found straps and air mattress jammed in latch. Some owners left with no repair performed ('unable to duplicate, unable to repair').
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner had tailgate recall performed months before failure; dealer declined warranty coverage. Most complaints reference no recall coverage or manufacturer referral to NHTSA.
Water intrusion into door or cabin
Water leaks into passenger-side front door footwell, driver's side door water accumulation, and water leaking from roof and roof marker light into cabin. Passengers report saturated carpet and mold/mildew risk.
When: Occurs after rain; failure mileage around 41,000–55,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Water pools in door footwell; Carpet becomes saturated after rain; Untraceable leak source; Water leaks from roof and roof marker light; Risk of mold, mildew, and electrical short circuit
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had not taken vehicle to dealer or independent mechanic for diagnosis/repair at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted by one owner and referred complaint to NHTSA. One owner reported vehicle out of warranty and referred to NHTSA.
Panoramic sunroof frame rail failure
Sunroof track severely damaged, causing jamming and inability to operate. Diagnosis identified substandard plastic material in frame rail design that fractures easily. Full frame rail replacement required at $6,000+. Owner reports this is a known issue affecting many Ford vehicles with panoramic sunroofs.
When: Problem manifested after months of jamming; complete failure after sunroof was tilted up
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof jams when attempting to slide or tilt; Sunroof unable to return to closed/sealed position; Water damage due to inability to close sunroof; Sunroof track severely damaged
Repairs/costs cited: Entire panoramic sunroof frame rail replacement needed at cost of $6,000+. Owner forced to have dealer perform expensive repair to prevent water damage.
Driver's side door rattle/wind noise
Persistent audible wind/rattling noise from driver's side door when vehicle is in motion. Problem recurs after previous repair. Extended warranty does not cover the issue despite owner's coverage.
When: Recurred 2 years after initial repair; ongoing at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Audible wind/rattling noise from driver's side door during driving; Noise very audible at highway speeds; Issue persists or recurs after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Third-party Ford dealership diagnosed and replaced door seal/gasket liner. Problem returned within 2 years. Current dealership quoted $500 to correct; extended warranty declined coverage.
Tire pressure loss (aluminum rim issue)
Rear outer aluminum rims fail to maintain tire pressure seal, allowing rapid air loss. Owner reports losing 30 pounds of tire pressure over two weeks. Multiple visits to dealership required; eventual correction unknown.
When: Purchased March 2018; issue present from purchase; ongoing after multiple dealership visits
Symptoms owners cite: Tires lose air pressure rapidly (30 psi over two weeks); Difficulty maintaining correct tire pressure levels; No warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Required four or five dealership visits; owner purchased portable pump to manage pressures while traveling. Final status of repair unclear.
Rear window explosive failure (glass)
Tempered glass rear window of standard cab blew out explosively while driving on highway, startling driver and nearly causing accident. Owner notes tempered glass application is problematic; dealers believe Lexan is illegal alternative.
When: While driving on federal highway
Symptoms owners cite: Rear window exploded outward; No collision or external impact reported; Driver startled, near accident
Front-end shake after pothole impact
Entire front end shook uncontrollably after hitting pothole at highway speed. Braking slowed the shaking. Steering shock stabilizer was replaced but problem persisted. Vehicle not covered by recall.
When: At 21,356 miles; while driving 60 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Uncontrollable front-end shaking after pothole impact; Shaking reduced with gradual brake pressure; Shaking continued after steering shock stabilizer replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Steering shock stabilizer replaced; repair unsuccessful. Vehicle not repaired again.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and referred contact to NHTSA. Vehicle not included in recall.
Synthesized from 27 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The tailgate opens intermittently even when locked, especially when you hit a bump in the road. It is like the latch it not working correctly. Also, the radiator keeps leaking on the left upper hose on the drivers side.
Had body trouble with your 2017 Ford F-350?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2017 Ford F-350?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 27 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 17,000 and 55,000 miles, with the median around 25,700. A quarter of owners report trouble before 17,000; a quarter make it past 55,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Ford/F-350.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.