2005 Ford F-250
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Ford › F-250 › 2005
These records cover every 2005 Ford F-250. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2005 Ford F-250. Newest first.
Ford IS recalling certain model year 2011 ranger trucks built from january 25, 2011, through april 25, 2011 at the twin cities assembly plant, and service parts distributed to dealers for certain 2004 through 2011 model year ranger trucks, 2002 through 2005 model year excursion vehicles, and 2002 through 2007 model year F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Non-functioning lights could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the switches free of charge. the safety recall began on august 15, 2011. owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Comm trans IS recalling 108 my 2005-2008 ford E250 and E350 vans built on ford chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. these lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift system accessible for motor vehicles." the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
Remedy
Comm trans IS working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or comm trans at 901-726-9394.
Comm trans IS recalling 111 my 2005-2008 ford E250 and E350 vans built on ford chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations on motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
Remedy
Comm trans IS working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or comm trans at 901-726-9394.
Certain harsco wheel modification groups containing accuride steel rims, p/nos. 203237 and 203738; accuride aluminum rims, p/n 203712; and gkn steel rims, p/n 203688, sold as modification equipment for certain 2005-2007 ford f-250/f-350 4X4 pickup trucks to modify track width of front and rear axles. the rims provided in these wheel modification groups…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Brake failure can occur, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Harsco will notify owners and provide a repair kit along with repair instructions free of charge. the recall began in september 2006. owners may contact harsco at 507-235-7112.
Owner complaints
144 complaints3 involved a crash3 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-250. The contact purchased the vehicle from a private seller on social media. The contact stated that the sellers advertisement indicated the odometer mileage was 96,000. The contact later purchased a new vehicle and decided to sell the existing…
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-250. The contact purchased the vehicle from a private seller on social media. The contact stated that the sellers advertisement indicated the odometer mileage was 96,000. The contact later purchased a new vehicle and decided to sell the existing vehicle. The existing vehicle was posted on social media for sale. A potential buyer noticed the vehicle and obtained a Carfax report. The potential buyer then sent a copy of the Carfax report to the contact. The Carfax report indicated that the odometer was reported at 303,000 in 2023. The contact then contacted the seller and informed the seller of the discrepancy. The contact was informed that the odometer had been swapped prior to the sale. The contact stated that seller then deleted the advertisement from social media and rejected all further communications with the contact.
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
Electrical system fails every day. It affects the engine, transmission, radio, windows, gauges. Wiring issue causes the radio to just go out, windows stop working, all gauges stops working, the transmission doesn't shift right, engine doesn't run right. Yes vehicle is available for inspecting.…
Electrical system fails every day. It affects the engine, transmission, radio, windows, gauges. Wiring issue causes the radio to just go out, windows stop working, all gauges stops working, the transmission doesn't shift right, engine doesn't run right. Yes vehicle is available for inspecting. Engine cuts off and won't start back, leaves you stranded side the road. Truck stalls in front of other vehicles. Windows won't roll down when it's 100 degrees inside truck. Fuel gauge doesn't let you know when there's no fuel again leaving you stranded beside the road. Other gauge don't work could cause more damage. Yes it has been inspected my mechanic and he said there are wiring issues. No warning lamps or anything now but the wrench light has came on allot. There is a wiring recall on this year truck but said mine doesn't fall under that recall and I don't know why because I'm having this issue
- Steering · Suspension
While driving at 65 Mph, towing a fifth wheel camper, encountered a mildly rough section of highway when entire front end began to wobble and shake violently. Slowed the vehicle, maintaining control. When going back up to speed, the same shaking occured again. Also noted a less violent shaking…
While driving at 65 Mph, towing a fifth wheel camper, encountered a mildly rough section of highway when entire front end began to wobble and shake violently. Slowed the vehicle, maintaining control. When going back up to speed, the same shaking occured again. Also noted a less violent shaking at 45 mph. Took vehicle to have new tires rebalanced but did not change condition much. Inspected front end components. Currently replacing steering damper and shocks in hopes of correcting issue. All other components new or nearly new (3 years) with no issues. Vehicle and components can be inspected, and all replaced parts will be kept for inspection if required. Safety of my vehicle and others on busy highway could have been compromised had I not slowed and maintained control. The problem is being dealt with by me, as I do most maintenance on vehicle. The vehicle has not been seen or inspected by others except by tire mechanic who noted no obvious issues but did re-balance all tires. There was NO advance warning of a failure or compromise.
- Engine
The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud rumbling noise that sounded like rocks in the engine. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle was parked and the engine was turned off, the vehicle was started…
The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud rumbling noise that sounded like rocks in the engine. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle was parked and the engine was turned off, the vehicle was started, however, the vehicle did not start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that her husband was an independent mechanic and had recently replaced several unknown parts, however the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 246,808.
- Electrical system · Power train · Steering
Wrench light comes on, but truck goes into limp loses power very dangerous don't know if it's going to cause me to be rear-ended, steering goes back and forth right to left can't hardly hold it in road
- Electrical system · Steering · Structure › Body
The back bed rails rot/rust very quickly and trying to buy new beds run 4500$ along with o2 sensors ir intake sensors go out of blue no reasoning let alone the power steering lines rusting very very quickly
- Tires
The tire is a Cooper (Discoverer/Rigged Trek) 35x12.50R20LT. The tire is unreadable as it ripped off the bead. While driving, a sudden pop suddenly occurred and smoke began to appear. I pulled over and realized the entire tire popped/blew up. No accident, it was at 35mph approximately. The vehicle has not been inspected yet as I am typing this while waiting for a tow truck.
- Steering · Suspension · Wheels
In 2014, I got the “Ford death wobble” in the right front. VERY scary and dangerous. Trying to quickly slow down to stop it in traffic is almost as dangerous as the wobble itself. You have very little to no control with the steering when it happens. I had to repair the problem out of pocket because…
In 2014, I got the “Ford death wobble” in the right front. VERY scary and dangerous. Trying to quickly slow down to stop it in traffic is almost as dangerous as the wobble itself. You have very little to no control with the steering when it happens. I had to repair the problem out of pocket because Ford won’t do anything about it. Now, two weeks ago, I had the same death wobble happen at 70 mph on the left front. So frightening. My passengers thought we had a blowout and we’re about to crash. I successfully slowed it down but this problem is a road hazard to me and everyone else on the road. So now, once again, it’s on me to shell out to fix a problem that should have been a recall a long time ago but Ford won’t step up and do the right thing. Please give us some relief here.
- Steering · Suspension
towing a trailer, traveling at 70 mph, I hit a pothole and vehicle violently shook. The episode lasted for approx 30 seconds. It was very Difficult to maintain control and I almost ran off the road. It happened several times before I took it for repairs. The stabilizer bar was replaced, however the violent shaking has still continued.
- Steering · Suspension
Front end suspension shimmy> My granddaughter and I were driving at 60mpa and hit a bump and could not control shaking of truck until pulling over to stop. This happened without warning. Had to drive back roads to get home.
- Suspension
The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the front suspension started to bounce and vibrate, causing the vehicle to shift independently to the right lane. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact slowed the vehicle and the…
The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the front suspension started to bounce and vibrate, causing the vehicle to shift independently to the right lane. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact slowed the vehicle and the failure stopped. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
- Power train
Transmission has a hole in it. Linkage inside broke and caused hole on case. Can’t use item for a core due to this. Happened while driving home from just across town.
- Unknown or other
Death wobbles at random
- Steering · Suspension
Driving on the freeway at apps 65 miles per hour, the truck hit a numb in the road and started to shaking causing the truck to shake violently. I was able to get to the side of the road and slow down which eased the shaking. I started driving again and after reaching speeds this happened two more times, then I got off the freeway and drove backroads home under 40 miles per hour.
- Suspension
The steering is extremely lose and has a shimmy or “death wobble” when going over any type of bumps or other issues and at speed on the highway. Similar to recall 09L02
- Electrical system · Engine
The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle loss motive power. The vehicle was later restarted and the vehicle operated as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the fuel injection control module however, the failure…
The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle loss motive power. The vehicle was later restarted and the vehicle operated as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the fuel injection control module however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number 05V270000 (Electrical System). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 36,000.
- Steering · Suspension
A scary and serious wobble at 35 mph. Had to creep home. Almost lost control.
- Unknown or other
In the middle of the night, the horn started going off and and wouldn't stop until the batteries were disconnected. Took to the dealership, but they couldn't reenact the problem. They said that the air bag expands and can push on the horn. The only way to fix IS remove the air bag which IS behind…
In the middle of the night, the horn started going off and and wouldn't stop until the batteries were disconnected. Took to the dealership, but they couldn't reenact the problem. They said that the air bag expands and can push on the horn. The only way to fix IS remove the air bag which IS behind the horn to fix whatever the problem IS. We were told that we would have to pay for that. I think this IS a ford issue and a horn IS a safety issue and a very much needed part of a vehicle. So they took the fuse out of the horn so the horn wouldn't blare in the middle of the night. tried putting the fuse back in when the temperature isn't cold, but the horn immediately starts to blare and won't stop. Therefore, the truck has no horn. This IS a big safety issue.
- Electrical system · Engine
When driving, the truck will die. sometimes truck can be restarted other times had to have it tolled. we have replaced fuel pressure regulator, regulator, start switch r&r instrument cluster, alternator, batteries and the problem still exist. have taken it to a ford dealer and they can not find the problem. They say it IS not covered on recall 05v270000
- Unknown or other
Cruise control would not disengage. when my husband pressed the brakes, the car sped up. we had to pass 5 vehicles, barely enough room. he finally turned the motor off and was able to pull off the freeway (I70). but for the grace not god, we would have died of injured ourselves and others. brakes should never make your car speed up.
- Steering · Suspension
My truck violently shake at any time between 30 an 70 mph I have to slow down to make it stop which could cause a accident it happens in the city an highway
- Steering
The ford 250 initiates a 'death wobble' or intense shimmy in the front wheels at speeds greater than 50 mph anytime any small bump IS encountered on road. this instance initiated 5 times in a 500 mile highway trip at such an intense rate that the vehicle lost significant steering control and had…
The ford 250 initiates a 'death wobble' or intense shimmy in the front wheels at speeds greater than 50 mph anytime any small bump IS encountered on road. this instance initiated 5 times in a 500 mile highway trip at such an intense rate that the vehicle lost significant steering control and had to be immediately decelerated to nearly 20 mph for it to stop. Initial speed was close to 63 mph. The shimmy initiated when a small bump IS passed over and on three of these instances it initiated with the crossing of a expansion gap or transition from the highway to a bridge or bridgelike structure. the wobble shook truck so much that directional control was lost. approaching (traffic from the rear) had to swerve out of they way to avoid a rear collision. if deceleration IS not immediately imposed the vehicle maintains the shimmy and directional control IS severely compromised. in two instances on this trip I was able to nurse the wobbling vehicle off the road to the shoulder to then brake till control could be retrieved. However, there are many instances when access to the right side IS impeded such as when passing in left lane. the same issue has happened before on a highway trip to another state 6 months before.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
Vehicle randomly dies while driving down road does not matter speed or what road you are on happens to the point we almost expect it now everytime we drive. It will act fine no warning then in middle of driving it just shuts off very dangerous. It also, will randomly loss power not all the time but…
Vehicle randomly dies while driving down road does not matter speed or what road you are on happens to the point we almost expect it now everytime we drive. It will act fine no warning then in middle of driving it just shuts off very dangerous. It also, will randomly loss power not all the time but occasionally if going over 45mph, the a/c works until you drive over 45mph then just stops until you get to a stop sign. Take off again its fine til that 45mph mark then blows hot. Had truck since sept. 2018 & have had the problem since at least 1 out of 4X driving this will all happen. Truck also has problems with fueling up the tank it shuts the pump off constantly. Main problem & most worrisome IS the shutting off randomly while driving.
- Steering · Suspension · Wheels
2005 ford F250 with approximately 19,100 miles. original factory tires, suspension- no modifications. tire pressure set to factory door label specs. on monday, 8-19-2019 while on I-95, travel speed at about 60 m.p.h., I drove over a bridge expansion joint & the entire truck started shaking…
2005 ford F250 with approximately 19,100 miles. original factory tires, suspension- no modifications. tire pressure set to factory door label specs. on monday, 8-19-2019 while on I-95, travel speed at about 60 m.p.h., I drove over a bridge expansion joint & the entire truck started shaking violently. steering wheel was vibrating/shaking making it difficult for me to maintain control of the truck in my established lane and nearly took out several cars in the adjacent lanes nearly causing multi-vehicle collision. went on the internet & found thousands of similar complaints regarding this same issue I just experienced. later found out it IS called harmonic resonance a.k.a. The death wobble. this dangerous situation affects not only the driver and the passengers in the defective vehicle, but to other unsuspecting motorist's and their passengers whom share the same roadways.
- Suspension
My 2005 ford F250 super duty truck exhibits a condition referred to in forums as 'death wobble', in which the truck's front suspension shakes violently at highway speeds above 50 mph. This condition IS generally brought on by either of the front wheels hitting any deviation in the road surface such…
My 2005 ford F250 super duty truck exhibits a condition referred to in forums as 'death wobble', in which the truck's front suspension shakes violently at highway speeds above 50 mph. This condition IS generally brought on by either of the front wheels hitting any deviation in the road surface such as bridge expansion joints, potholes, etc. The condition IS so bad that immediate loss of control can only be controlled by jerking of the steering wheel or an immediate reduction in speed, generally to 25 mph. I have experienced this condition several times over the past 9 years since purchasing this vehicle, most recently on july 12TH while traveling on the 57 freeway in southern california at 65 mph. I was travelling in the left hand lane next to the carpool lane (in moderate traffic) when I rolled over a bridge expansion and the left front wheel started shaking violently and causing me to immediately apply my brakes to regain control. the severity seems to be greatly reduced when hauling a substantial load in the truck bed, but I did experience this twice while hauling a 20' cargo trailer across the country. I understand that a class action suit was filed against ford in june/2019 and that ford has been aware of this issue with other truck owners filing complaints regarding this condition. I personally have not gone to ford regarding this as it IS a waste of my time. The components they replace do not cure the problem, as many truck owners will attest. In my research, I found a company in utah that provides an aftermarket kit that appears to fix the issue. As I am about to embark on another 6000 mile journey with my wife and family, I intend to purchase and install this kit on my vehicle. If I find upon returning that this kit has alleviated my truck's issue, I will re-contact nhtsa with my results.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Violent front end oscillation
This investigation was opened based on 78 consumer complaints of severe suspension and steering wheel oscillations after the subject vehicles traveled over an uneven surface.odi was concerned about these complaints because many of them alleged loss of control and the loss of control occurredat speeds above 50 miles…
This investigation was opened based on 78 consumer complaints of severe suspension and steering wheel oscillations after the subject vehicles traveled over an uneven surface.odi was concerned about these complaints because many of them alleged loss of control and the loss of control occurredat speeds above 50 miles per hour.at the time these complaints were received, odi was also aware of the tsb 07-10-10 and early warning field reports that discussed the shimmy condition on the subject vehicles.since opening this investigation, odi has confirmed, based on consumer complaints, warranty data, testing conducted by vrtc, and odi inspection of complaint vehicles, that the owners of the subject vehicles are experiencing shimmy events on their vehicles.however, odi has also confirmed that owners typically do not maintain their tires at the pressures recommended by ford on the tire label.further, odi has found that in order for shimmy to occur, tire pressures must be substantially below (at least 20%) those specified on the vehicle tire label.odi considers these unsafe tire conditions to be the result of one of three typical situations.the tires are being improperly maintained, the owners are intentionally setting the tire pressures low to enhance ride quality, or aftermarket tires (not designed for use on the vehicle) are installed to change the appearance or function of the vehicle.the subject vehicles are intended and designed to be used as heavy duty vehicles and as such require that the tires be capable of handling the loads for which the vehicle IS designed and marketed.in order for the tires to be capable of handling these loads, the proper tire pressure must be maintained.in light of the information gathered in this investigation and ford's agreement to notify subject vehicle owners (now and every two years until the vehicles reach ten years from their production date) about the importance of maintaining proper tire pressures on their vehicles, further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
- Violent front end oscillation
Odi has received 78 consumer complaints of severe suspension and steering wheel shimmy and oscillations commencing after the subject vehicles traveled over an uneven road surface. The majority of these incidents occurred at speeds of 50 mph or greater.thirteen of the complaints received by odi allege loss of steering…
Odi has received 78 consumer complaints of severe suspension and steering wheel shimmy and oscillations commencing after the subject vehicles traveled over an uneven road surface. The majority of these incidents occurred at speeds of 50 mph or greater.thirteen of the complaints received by odi allege loss of steering control and that the vehicle changed driving lanes uncontrollably.four of the complaints received by odi allege that the vehicle left the road surface as a result of the violent suspension and steering wheel oscillations.in one case the consumer alleges that after the vehicle left the road surface, it crashed into a wooded area.additionalfactors contributing to the opening of this ea were early warning field reports,submitted by ford, describing suspension shimmy / oscillationsand a ford tsb (07-10-10) describing the suspension shimmy issue and how to repair the problem.ford has described shimmy as self-excited oscillation of the steering wheels with accompanying wheel tramp.this pe has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea) to determine if the shimmy condition that occurs on the subject vehicles creates a condition where the vehicle becomes difficult to control or startles the driver, thus presenting a safety risk.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10179912In monitoring our technical service inquiries and technical service bulletins from Ford, there is the potential for moderate to severe steering wheel oscillation (wobble) to occur. After extensive testing and outside feedback, the following details have been established to correct or prevent steering wheel oscillation occurrences in lifted 05-16 Ford Super Duty 4wd pickups.
- 10038949Ford: 2005-2011 f250/f350. The fuel fill nozzle may automatically shut off too early.
- 10024824Slow fuel fill--mil on with dtc p0191.
- 10022676Vehicles equipped with a 5.4L 3V or 6.8L 3V engine built on or before 09/08/06 may exhibit an exhaust system noise often described as a snap/pop/tick/ping noise.
- 10021591Slow fuel fill.
- 10020520Brake line modification needed due to front wheels coming into contact with the brake lines.
Every Ford F-250 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.