2006 Ford F-250 SD
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 4 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 9 |
| 1996 | 11 |
| 1997 | 39 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 249 |
| 2000 | 233 |
| 2001 | 288 |
| 2002 | 245 |
| 2003 | 178 |
| 2004 | 254 |
| 2005 | 295 |
| 2006 | 274 |
| 2007 | 54 |
| 2008 | 141 |
| 2009 | 23 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2011 | 122 |
| 2012 | 57 |
| 2013 | 21 |
| 2014 | 26 |
| 2015 | 23 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 37 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
54% of complaints: suspension — 148 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and rear.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AT APPROXIMATELY 40K ON THE VEHICLE, A PROBLEM BEGAN TO OCCUR WHEN A BUMP IN THE ROAD WAS HIT, RESULTING IN THE FRONT WHEELS SHIMMYING LEFT TO RIGHT FOR ABOUT A SECOND.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080331
MY 2006 FORD F250 HIT A POT HOLD IN I-15 NEAR KAYSVILLE, SOUTHBOUND ON THURS. OCTOBER 4, 2007. I WAS TRAVELING AT 65 MPH IN THE MIDDLE LANE WHEN IT STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND ALL I HEARD WAS CAR TIRES SCREECHING. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20071005
MY 2006 F-250 SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHEN HITTING A POT HOLE THIS OCCURS ABOUT ONCE EVERY COUPLE OF WEEKS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070822
37% of complaints: steering — 102 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing linkages and gear box (other than rack and pinion).
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WE WERE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED WHEN THE STEERING LET LOOSE AND WE HAD NO CONTROL OF THE TRUCK. THE TRUCK CRASHED INTO A POLE IN THE LOT, AND WAS UNABLE TO BE MOVED DUE TO LOSS OF STEERING. IT HAD TO BE TOWED AWAY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131231
7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.
FIRE6% of complaints: tires — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing valve and pressure monitoring and regulating systems.
6% of complaints: service brakes — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
EMERGENCY BRAKES DO NOT HOLD. HAVE HAD THEM CHECKED FOR ADJUSTMENT SEVERAL TIMES. IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AS IT HAS NO PARK PINS. ALTHOUGH MY INSURANCE COVERED IT, IT ACTUALLY ROLLED INTO ANOTHER BUILDING ON MY PROPERTY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170415
SAFETY TIMELINE
VIOLENT FRONT END OSCILLATION
VIOLENT FRONT END OSCILLATION
TRUXXX IS RECALLING 338 AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT WELDED 3" LIFT BLOCKS FOR REAR SUSPENSIONS, PART NO. 206073, INCLUDED IN SUSPENSION KIT NOS. 108035 AND 108036, SOLD BETWEEN JULY 26, 2007 AND MARCH 4,
Remedy: TRUXXX WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS/INSTALLERS AND WILL REPLACE AFFECTED WELDED LIFT BLOCKS WITH EITHER NON-WELDED ALUMINUM OR CAST IRON BLOCKS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT AP
Campaign 08E026000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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.
Campaign 11V352000 — check if this car was fixed
Icon Vehicle Dynamics, LLC (Icon) is recalling all 05-UP FSD 2.5 Centerline Stabilizer Kits with part number 65050. The kits were sold as an accessory for certain 2005-2021 Ford F-250 4X4 and F-350 4X4 pickup trucks.
Remedy: Icon will notify owners, and dealers will install a new shock assembly with a revised foam ring and steel support disc, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Icon customer service at 1-951-689-4266.
Campaign 20E090000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Ford F-250 SD — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (148 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (102 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08E026000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V352000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20E090000 (equipment, steering, suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2006 Ford F-250 SD reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Ford F-250 SD is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Ford F-250 SD?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 54% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Ford F-250 SD have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.