The 2017 Ford F-550 has 12 NHTSA owner complaints and 5 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 3 complaints, typically surfacing around 136,552 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
5
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2017 F-550?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average
5 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.
Buying a used 2017 Ford F-550? 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
engine — 3 owner reports
· tends to show around 136,552 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 136,552 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 5 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.8/10 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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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2017 F-550· engine
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-550. The contact stated that after two to three minutes after the engine was idled, a ticking noise was heard in the engine. The noise would dissipate however, a rattling noise was heard next. The contact stated works as an independent mechanic and…
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-550. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start as…
National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (Safety Act), S571.120 Tire/Rim Selection, S5.1.2, requires the sum of the maximum load ratings of the tires fitted to the axle shall be not less than the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of the axle system specified on the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Ford f-550. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal noise and lost power. The vehicle was towed to shults Ford (10401 perry hwy, wexford, pa) where it was diagnosed that the components connected to the driveshaft were damaged due to the…
Had a problem with your 2017 Ford F-550?
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.
VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists (VCI) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550, 2014 E-350 and E-450, 2015 F-250 and F-450, 2016 E-450, 2017 E-350, F-450 and E-450, 2018 F-350, 2010 E-450, 2005-2006 E-450, 2009 E-450 and Chevrolet C4500-based Type I and Type III ambulances equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image
The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists will work with ASA to notify the owners, and remedy the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics at 1-800-384-4400.
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Unruh Fire has notified owners and will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began in May 20, 2019. Owners may contact Unruh Fire customer service at 1-800-856-7080.
Taylor Made Ambulances is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford E-350, F-450, E-450, F-550, and GMC G3500-based ambulances equipped with Whelen brake lights
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Taylor Made will notify owners and Whelen will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2019. Owners may contact Taylor Made Ambulances customer service at 1-800-468-1310.
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 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.
Should you avoid the 2017 Ford F-550?
The 2017 Ford F-550 is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average; 5 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 2017 Ford F-550?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 3 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 136,552 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 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 2017 Ford F-550 a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 12 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 136,552 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 2017 Ford F-550?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 3 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 136,552 miles. 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. Typical failure occurs around 136,552 miles. 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 2017 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 are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 5 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Ford/F-550.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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