Home · 2011 Ford F-250 Sd · Complaints

What 370 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Ford F-250 Sd

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (370)Crash / fire / injury (19)Suspension (157)Steering (149)Engine (51)Fuel system (30)Wheels (28)Transmission & drivetrain (23)Electrical system (17)Tires (14)Brakes (13)Body & structure (12)

Newest first · 370 complaints · page 1 of 15

Oct 31, 2025Electrical system

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 163,000; however, after obtaining the Carfax Report on the vehicle, it was discovered that the mileage was 204,000.

NHTSA ODI 11696727

Sep 24, 2025Tires

The tires were installed on 8.22.2025 and on the following Thursday, August 28, 2025, all of the tires had low pressure. I returned to the Orange City, FL Tire Kingdom per the managers' (Brittany) request and the mechanic filled all of the tires and said that they were not completely filled when they were installed. The following day, Friday, 8/29, I began my return trip to my home in North Carolina. Within a few hours, the driver’s side front tire exploded and my truck was on the rim of the tire, swerving into the adjacent lane on I-95. I was able to get the truck off of the highway, onto the nearest exit ramp without being hit. I have never been that close to being killed on the interstate. [XXX] came and put the spare on and while I was waiting along the highway I called Tire Kingdom and was advised by [XXX] at the Orange City store to take the truck to the nearest Mavis or Tire Kingdom. The nearest one was Mavis in Brunswick, Ga, about 30 minutes north of the incident. The Brunswick store was closing and I was advised to bring my truck in at 8:00 am. I stayed at a hotel nearby and had the truck there at 7:45 am. I was told that they did not have four replacement tires in stock and could probably have them by Tuesday as it was Labor Day Weekend. They stated that they could replace only the blown tire and “take a look” at the other three tires. There was absolutely no concern for my safety or welfare, and no appreciation of the amount of risk I would be undertaking to continue to drive on the other tires. I went to Firestone and replaced all of the tires and returned home safely. I contacted Tire Kingdom three more times and was advised to return the tires to the Asheville, NC Mavis Tire store for evaluation. The manager, [XXX] and a mechanic inspected all of the tires and immediately stated that all of them were defective.The belt had separated, the sidewall was weak, and the rim/beading was bent. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11689314

Jul 22, 2025SteeringSuspension

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving over a bump at a high rate of speed, the contact experienced the death wobble and the contact temporarily lost control of the vehicle. The contact slowed down and the violent shaking ceased. The contact stated that the tie rods, ball joints, and other front-end parts were replaced to reduce the risk of the failure recurring. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH and towing a trailer, the contact experienced the death wobble. The vehicle drifted from the far-left lane over to the far-right lane and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was then referred to the manufacturer and was provided a case number. The manufacturer advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 263,000.

NHTSA ODI 11675333

Jul 21, 2025Engine

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle vigorously shuddered. In addition, the contact allowed the vehicle to decelerate independently to come to a stop. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ODI 11675094

Mar 24, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while making a turn in either direction, there was an abnormal crunching sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the sound was caused by a misalignment between the cab and the bed of the truck. Due to the failure the cab mount bushings became worn and needed to be replaced or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN. The contact was provided a case number and was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

NHTSA ODI 11650227

Mar 5, 2025AirbagsCrash

I was recently hit in the drivers door causing the door, the cab, and the running board to be damaged. The side impact air bag did not deploy. the entire drivers door is damaged and the cab of the truck behind the door is damaged. the running board was completely under the cab of the truck.

NHTSA ODI 11646585

Mar 4, 2025Fuel system

Truck started leaking fuel and then the engine shut down the next day it was drove, while driving! I’ve received 2 quotes and need the whole fuel system replaced due to CP4 pump failing which will cost about $13,000! This is the same issue as the 24S78 Ford recall but my truck doesn’t fall in the correct year! I still owe 10k on this vehicle so it’s basically totaled now.

NHTSA ODI 11646200

Jan 23, 2025SteeringSuspension

When driving over 55mph and hitting a bump, pothole, etc....the death wobble starts taking excessive force to keep the truck on the road with the steering wheel nowhere aligned to where the tires are aimed. Dealership stated they wouldn't take the vehicle on trade due to the steering box needing to be addressed first. no warning lamps illuminate. Happens every time while driving from mileage 170K - 189K.

NHTSA ODI 11637880

Oct 8, 2024SteeringSuspension

We have experienced the well-reported Death Wobble multiple times - beginning approx in 2020 - going approx 55 mph on a one-lane highway and hit a slight bump in the road. Could not control the vehicle, the steering wheel started shaking violently as we headed for a concrete bridge. Had to stop the vehicle completely. Then we experienced the same Incident on different roads. We had the vehicle front end fixed by a reputable mechanic, and we’ve ended up having the front end suspension rebuilt, so far 3 times. The latest incident was in 2024, we experienced it again driving about 60 mph. This truck is standard stock - has not been lifted or modified in any way. We do not drive it very often as it is used as a farm vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11618620

Sep 30, 2024Engine & cooling

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11617277

Sep 25, 2024Suspension

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front of the vehicle was shaking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering column had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11616403

Jun 21, 2024Airbags

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that after parking and exiting the vehicle, an alarm sounded, and the front driver's side air bag deployed simultaneously without impact. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven to another destination. The contact stated that after parking and exiting the vehicle, an alarm sounded, and the driver's side curtain air bags deployed simultaneously without impact. The contact stated that the two failures occurred within 10 minutes. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for the repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11595774

Jun 16, 2024SteeringSuspension

This truck consistently gets the death wobble even after having several things repaired on It to fix the problem. This needs to be looked into. This has happened several times with this truck

NHTSA ODI 11594609

Oct 10, 2023

When driving it looses power. Had diagnostic scan it came up with code for injector 6 misfire and cylinder 8 conttribution. 6 cylinder is a little weak, monitor misfires and notice 6 cuts out.

NHTSA ODI 11549256

Aug 30, 2023SteeringCrash1 injury

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 68-70 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump and experienced a death wobble. The contact attempted to turn the steering wheel with force, but the vehicle crashed into a guardrail. The contact developed blisters on the palms of his hands from gripping the steering wheel, but medical attention was not received. Police arrived on the scene; however, no police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the contact was informed that he needed to pay for the diagnostic. The vehicle was then towed to the residence, where the contact replaced the steering gearbox, ball joints, tie rod ends, track bar, shocks, front springs, and wheel bearings. The failure recurred. The vehicle was later taken to three different independent mechanics; however, the cause of failure was not found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

NHTSA ODI 11541734

Aug 27, 2023SteeringSuspension

Keeps having a death wobble when I hit a bump going faster than 50 miles per hour that can't be controlled or stopped without pulling over to a stop or near stop.

NHTSA ODI 11540987

Apr 1, 2023Engine

Valve cover bolts keep bracken (32) and leaves oil running all over the motor and transmission

NHTSA ODI 11514950

Mar 21, 2023SteeringWheels

YOU ARE DRIVING ALONG AT ANY SPEED ABOVE 45 OR ABOVE AND HIT A BUMP OF ANY KIND OR ROUGH PAVEMENT ON ROADWAY.IT WOBBLES AND SHAKE LIKE A DEATH WOBBLE OF WHAT IS REFERRED BY SOME MECHANICS .WE BELIEVE ITS POSSIBLE TO BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH STEERING BUT IT WILL SHAKE RATTLE LIKE A YOU BLEW OUT A TIRE

NHTSA ODI 11513120

Mar 8, 2023Brakes

The brake lines located above the fuel tank rub and burst. This seems to be a very common issue related to a poor design. Ford will not discuss the issue when questioned about it.

NHTSA ODI 11510815

Jan 31, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated while her husband was driving at an unknown speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The driver was able to continue driving to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) heater and the sending unit to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle back to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the DEF heater to be replaced for the second time. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure for a third time. The contact took the vehicle back to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the DEF heater to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure for a fourth time. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the DEF heater, the DEF pump, and the sending unit to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure for a fifth time. The contact stated while towing a trainer, the vehicle lost acceleration and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the back local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the DEF heater, the DEF pump, the injector, and the sending unit to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11504730

Jan 4, 2023SteeringSuspension

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and switching lanes and depressing the brake, the vehicle started to shake abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after decelerating, the vehicle stopped shaking. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted and informed about the failure. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11500183

Nov 19, 2022SteeringSuspension

Going over unsmooth roads ,or very little change in road height,vehicle shakes violently have to come to complete stop and risk getting ran over in middle of highway interstate or whatever couple close calls but no accident,YET

NHTSA ODI 11494258

Nov 17, 2022

At 122,000 miles the vehicle no has begun to have the "death wobble." Extreme shaking at 40mph+. Ford has no recall for this issue. My local dealer/service center is charging full price to remedy the issue. However, the exact repair is unclear to them (e.g. steering dampener, shocks, u-joints, ???, etc). I suspect this will become a "throw parts at it" strategy and very expensive. Ford should back this issue up, based on so many reports of occurrences online from owners.

NHTSA ODI 11494010

Sep 18, 2022SteeringSuspension

I own a properly maintained 2011 Ford F-250. Today, 14 instances of what is commonly know as "Ford Death Wobble" occurred to me on the interstate highway while I drove 250 miles. Violent front end shaking at speeds over 55mph after driving over rough bridges or bumps in the road. Several times I almost lost control of my truck it shook so badly. I had to sharply decrease speed below 35 mph before shaking would stop and I could regain control. I can easily reproduce this problem, but I learned to drive no faster than 50 mph the rest of the way home on the interstate in order to mostly avoid further cases of violent shaking. In addition to almost losing control of my truck, having to slam on my brakes to reduce speed put myself and other vehicles at risk on a highway with fast-moving vehicles. I will be taking it to a Ford dealer tomorrow to see if they can resolve this very dangerous defect.

NHTSA ODI 11485109

Jul 25, 2022Body & structure

The frame rails that hold and support the bed/box rotted prematurely. Box could fly off while driving and cause accident

NHTSA ODI 11475646

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Working with the data? Download all 370 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 10, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2011 Ford F-250 Sd verdict →