2005 Ford F-350 SD

◆ Worse than typical
2005 Ford F-350 SD
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford F-350 SD Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2005 highlighted. 1995: 2 complaints 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1997: 3 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1999: 142 complaints 1999 2000: 157 complaints 2001: 158 complaints 2002: 124 complaints 2003: 132 complaints 2003 2004: 130 complaints 2005: 217 complaints 2005 2006: 127 complaints 2007: 25 complaints 2007 2008: 101 complaints 2009: 19 complaints 2010: 50 complaints 2011: 43 complaints 2011 2012: 29 complaints 2013: 9 complaints 2014: 7 complaints 2015: 17 complaints 2015 2016: 21 complaints 2017: 92 complaints 2018: 7 complaints 2019: 13 complaints 2019 2020: 5 complaints 2021: 6 complaints 2022: 108 complaints 2023: 40 complaints 2023 2024: 44 complaints 2025: 14 complaints 2026: 6 complaints 2026
2005: 217 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19930
19940
19952
19960
19973
19983
1999142
2000157
2001158
2002124
2003132
2004130
2005217
2006127
200725
2008101
200919
201050
201143
201229
20139
20147
201517
201621
201792
20187
201913
20205
20216
2022108
202340
202444
202514
20266

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 24%

24% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 52 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing diesel and exhaust system.

FIRE
STEERING 18%

18% of complaints: steering — 39 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing linkages and tie rod assembly.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN THE STEERING FAILED CAUSING THE TRUCK TO RUN INTO A POLE. THE TRUCK IS BEING REPAIRED USING A MUCH STRONGER STEERING BOX BY MY FORD DEALER. THIS IS BEING PAID FOR BY MY INSURANCE CO.

NHTSA ODI report, 20060416

DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I HIT A SMALL BUMP AT 65MPH AND THE ENTIRE FRONT END STARTED VIOLENTLY SHAKING LIKE IT WAS GOING TO FALL APART. HAS HAPPENED TO ME 3 TIMES NOW AND TO MY PREGNANT WIFE 3 TIMES IN ONE TRIP!

NHTSA ODI report, 20180902

SUSPENSION 18%

18% of complaints: suspension — 39 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and rear.

CRASH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and instrument cluster/panel.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

I HAVE AN F-350 SUPER DUTY DIESEL. THE TRUCK WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY @ 7:30 PM. AROUND 12:15 AM, MY WIFE HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE AND WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A BANGING TYPE CRASH.

NHTSA ODI report, 20051220

SERVICE BRAKES 11%

11% of complaints: service brakes — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASH FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

2005 — complaint volume: 217
R 20050620 — fuel system, gasoline

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND CHASSIS CAB VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L GASOLINE ENGINES, THE FUEL JUMPER LINE MAY HAVE AN INCORRECT END FORM.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN EXTERNAL RETENTION CLIP AT THE FUEL JUMPER LINE TO THE MAIN FUEL BUNDLE CONNECTION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 20, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Campaign 05V266000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20050722 — electrical system

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH 6.0L DIESEL ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE STALLING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AND MAY OR MAY NOT RESTART.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPGRADE THE FUEL INJECTION CONTROL MODULE (FICM) WIRE HARNESS OR REPLACED, AND/OR HAVE A NEW INJECTION CONTROL PRESSURE (ICP)) SENSOR CONNECTOR INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN

Campaign 05V270000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20071115 — PE (closed 20080314)

VIOLENT FRONT END OSCILLATION

I 20080314 — EA (closed 20090331)

VIOLENT FRONT END OSCILLATION

R 20110815 — exterior lighting

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

R 20201221 — equipment, steering, suspension

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

2005 Ford F-350 SD — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (52 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (39 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (39 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 05V266000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 05V270000 (electrical system) 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

▲ 2023 ▲ 2011 ▲ 2024

WORST YEARS

◆ 2001 ◆ 2000 ● 1999

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2005 Ford F-350 SD reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Ford F-350 SD is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford F-350 SD?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2005 Ford F-350 SD have?

4 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.