Is the 2006 Ford F-350 SD reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Ford F-350 SD is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Ford F-350 SD?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2006 Ford F-350 SD have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

2006 Ford F-350 SD

● Typical for this model

2006 Ford F-350 SD
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:55:24.800Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 127
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Steering

Complaints per year

2006: 127 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1993	0
1994	0
1995	2
1996	0
1997	3
1998	3
1999	142
2000	157
2001	158
2002	124
2003	132
2004	130
2005	217
2006	127
2007	25
2008	101
2009	19
2010	50
2011	43
2012	29
2013	9
2014	7
2015	18
2016	22
2017	94
2018	11
2019	14
2020	5
2021	8
2022	112
2023	41
2024	44
2025	14
2026	8

Known problem areas

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

Steering

38% · 48 reports

Most commonly citing tie rod assembly and arm.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I was in oakland California I880 north number four lane pulling my car trailer with a load when the "Death wobble" Occurred, before I could grab the trailer brakes to slow the vehicle, the rig started a whip and the trailer struck the "K" Rail.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-01-06

Also filed under Suspension

While traveling at approximately 30 MPH through a curve, the steering suddenly and completely failed causing the vehicle to go out of control and crash. There was no advance warning.

NHTSA ODI report, 2007-09-12

Suspension

35% · 44 reports

Most commonly citing front and stabilizer bar.

CRASH

Engine and engine cooling

16% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing diesel and engine.

FIRE

Fuel system, diesel

12% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing tank assembly.

Tires

12% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing sidewall and tread/belt.

CRASH

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2007-11-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-03-14 Violent front end oscillation
I
2008-03-14Engineering analysisClosed 2009-03-31 Violent front end oscillation
R

2011-08-15Exterior lighting11V352000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-12-21Equipment, steering, suspension20E090000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2006 Ford F-350 SD — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Steering: 48 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 44 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 20 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 11V352000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 20E090000 · Equipment, steering, suspension

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2006 Ford F-350 SD reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Ford F-350 SD is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Ford F-350 SD?: The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Ford F-350 SD have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.