2005 Ford F-250
This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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 |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 4 |
| 1991 | 107 |
| 1992 | 119 |
| 1993 | 130 |
| 1994 | 123 |
| 1995 | 184 |
| 1996 | 176 |
| 1997 | 304 |
| 1998 | 56 |
| 1999 | 581 |
| 2000 | 326 |
| 2001 | 220 |
| 2002 | 156 |
| 2003 | 116 |
| 2004 | 153 |
| 2005 | 144 |
| 2006 | 221 |
| 2007 | 60 |
| 2008 | 195 |
| 2009 | 54 |
| 2010 | 73 |
| 2011 | 248 |
| 2012 | 266 |
| 2013 | 95 |
| 2014 | 142 |
| 2015 | 273 |
| 2016 | 275 |
| 2017 | 1082 |
| 2018 | 382 |
| 2019 | 1151 |
| 2020 | 253 |
| 2021 | 158 |
| 2022 | 116 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
26% of complaints: steering — 38 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I STARTED THIS TRIP AT THE KENTUCKY HORSE PARK, I-75 AT EXIT 120. I HAD BEEN DRIVING AN HOUR, HEADING NORTH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120918
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE CONTACT SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN AND THE TIRES BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080829
20% of complaints: suspension — 29 distinct reports on file.
18% of complaints: engine — 26 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT UPON START-UP. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE STARTER WOULD TURN OVER BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED TWICE BUT TO NO AVAIL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140417
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180509
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, ROLLED BACK DOWN THE HILL, AND STOPPED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171214
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 12 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE SMELLED A BURNING ODOR AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS NO WATER IN THE RADIATOR UNIT. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE EGR COOLING UNIT AT THE COST OF $1,100.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080723
8% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT UPON START-UP. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE STARTER WOULD TURN OVER BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED TWICE BUT TO NO AVAIL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140417
The back bed rails rot/rust very quickly and trying to buy new beds run 4500$ along with o2 sensors ir intake sensors go out of blue no reasoning let alone the power steering lines rusting very very quickly
NHTSA ODI report, 20240410
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 FO
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.
Campaign 06E087000 — check if this car was fixed
VIOLENT FRONT END OSCILLATION
VIOLENT FRONT END OSCILLATION
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Ford F-250 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (38 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E087000 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Ford F-250 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Ford F-250 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford F-250?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Ford F-250 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.