When connecting the Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) and Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) or Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) to the DLC located on the driver side under the steering column at the GWM, make sure that the ignition is off before connecting the VCM. If the ignition is on or the engine is running during the connection, it can result in various warning lights being illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), no start or no crank conditions or the IPC inoperative. For Lincoln vehicles, this information is now listed in the Technical Inspection and Post Road Test Sections of ePDI on the PTS website. If a vehicle displays these issues, disconnect the equipment from
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Ford F-350 electrical problems
moderate 23 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
What stands out
Of the 18 model years of Ford F-350 we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 23.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
OEM Security system interface with aftermarket lock systems.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 F-250 - F-550 WITH THE OPTIONAL LANE KEEPING SYSTEM MAY DISPLAY LANE KEEPING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WITH NO DTCS PRESENT. ENGINEERING IS AWARE OF THIS CONCERN AND WILL RELEASE SOFTWARE VIA IDS TO UPDATE THE IMAGE PROCESSING MODULE A (IPMA)WHEN AVAILABLE. NO REPAIR ATTEMPTS SHOULD BE MADE AT THIS TIME. MONITOR OASIS FOR UPDATES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The standout problem in this truck is the remote/power tailgate opening on its own—a defect that spans from low mileage to several years of ownership. Owners describe the tailgate dropping at highway speeds, while parked, during turns with trailers hooked up, and without any warning to the driver. One owner saw 16 drops in four months; another tracked 40-50 random opens since purchase. The pattern is erratic: some openings happen at speed, others at standstill. Ford issued recall NHTSA 19V864 for unintended tailgate opening tied to wet electrical parts, but multiple owners report the tailgate continued opening after recall service. Dealers often blame fob activation or operator error, refuse service when they cannot replicate the fault, and deny warranty coverage for damage after recall completion.
Owners also report a door ajar warning light that stays illuminated despite all doors being closed, plus cabin lights that remain on while driving city streets—issues clearing only at highway speeds. One owner battled this for three years while warranty expired. Water intrusion from sunroofs and rear windows has damaged radios, with sparking reported. The rear view camera degrades to unusable cloudiness, and one ignition switch stuck, trapping the key. Block heater cords are hanging loose and corroded. Dealerships consistently cite inability to duplicate faults and refuse troubleshooting or repair without the defect occurring during service.
Same Ford F-350 electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Remote/Power Tailgate Unintended Opening
Electric tailgate opens without driver action, either while driving, stationary, or parked. Owners report tailgate dropping randomly at highway speeds, low speeds, or while vehicle is in park. Some incidents occur after recall service. Pattern suggests electrical or control module fault affecting the solenoid or release mechanism.
When: Various conditions—while driving at highway speeds (55-65+ mph), while parked, while reversing, while towing trailers. Some owners report incidents as early as 5,000 miles; most chronic cases develop over months to years of ownership. One owner reports 40-50 incidents since August 2017 purchase; another 16 drops since November.
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate drops open unexpectedly while vehicle is in motion; Tailgate unlatches while parked or stationary; Tailgate opens during turns while towing trailers; No audible warning or dashboard indicator to driver; Opening occurs randomly, often without pattern; Occurs regardless of vehicle speed initially, though some note it stops above ~10 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealers replacing wire harnesses, latches, and solenoid components. Recall service (NHTSA 19V864) performed on multiple vehicles with mixed results—some tailgates continue opening after recall. One owner modified truck wiring to disconnect tailgate power as workaround. Camper shell installed on one truck prevented full drop but did not stop electrical actuation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 19V864 issued for unintended tailgate opening (especially when electrical parts become wet). Ford TSB-2196 referenced by one owner but reportedly does not apply to vehicles produced after June 2017. Many dealers cite inability to duplicate issue or blame operator activation of fob button. Some dealers refuse repair if problem cannot be verified during service visit. Dealers have denied warranty coverage for damage caused after recall completion.
Door Ajar Warning Light Malfunction
Door ajar light remains illuminated and cabin dome light stays on while vehicle is in motion, even after doors are confirmed closed before departure. Light typically extinguishes at highway speeds (around 55 mph). Associated door lock and unlock functions fail to operate as designed.
When: Continuous issue since purchase. Occurs in park and while driving at city speeds; clears at highway speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Door ajar warning light remains on after engine start despite all doors closed; Cabin dome lights remain on while driving; Audible beeping while vehicle is in motion; Door locks fail to engage; unlock occurs even when lock is commanded; Doors will not auto-lock at speeds up to 45 mph; Warning light resolves only at speeds above 55 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealerships unable to troubleshoot without reproducing fault during service appointment. Videos submitted by owners were dismissed. No repairs completed; problem persists.
Ignition Switch Stuck Key
Key remains stuck in ignition switch and cannot be released after engine is turned off. Dealer diagnosis attributed to ignition failure but cause was unknown and vehicle was not repaired.
When: At 10,422 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Key unable to be removed from ignition switch after engine shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealership. Diagnosed as ignition failure, unknown cause. Not repaired.
Water Intrusion and Electrical Short—Radio/Audio
Water leaks into truck cabin during rain from multiple points (rear window, sunroof, other locations). Water entered radio unit, causing touchscreen to malfunction and produce crackling sound described as fire hazard. Owner notes other Ford models had recall for same issue but this model was excluded.
When: After heavy rain/thunderstorm.
Symptoms owners cite: Water leaks into cabin during rain; Water entry points: rear window, sunroof, other unknown locations; Water enters radio unit; Radio touchscreen non-functional; Radio produces crackling sound suggestive of short circuit/fire risk
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall for water intrusion exists on other Ford models but reportedly not applied to this 2017 F-350.
Engine Block Heater Cord Defect
Block heater cord malfunctions, does not stay in stowed position, and exhibits corrosion. Cord sparked when plugged in, creating safety hazard.
Symptoms owners cite: Cord hangs down rather than staying in stowed/stored position; Cord exhibits corrosion; Cord sparked when plugged in
Rear View Camera Cloudy/Obstructed Lens
Rear view camera image is cloudy and progressively worsening, rendering camera useless for practical use. Owner notes that 360-camera-equipped trucks have a recall for same issue, but this truck—without 360 system—experiences identical problem with no recall coverage.
When: Progressive degradation over ownership period.
Symptoms owners cite: Camera image cloudy/fogged; Image quality degrades progressively; Camera becomes unusable
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for 360-camera models; standard rear-view-camera trucks reportedly excluded.
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2017 Ford F-350?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 23 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 5,200 and 44,400 miles, with the median around 11,800. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,200; a quarter make it past 44,400. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.