Is the 2011 Ford F-450 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Ford F-450?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2011 Ford F-450 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

2011 Ford F-450

○ Not enough data

2011 Ford F-450
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:35:07.959Z

Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

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.

Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 9
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 1
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2011: 9 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2003	0
2004	0
2005	0
2006	0
2007	0
2008	0
2009	0
2010	0
2011	9
2012	14
2013	6
2014	3
2015	6
2016	4
2017	21
2018	10
2019	20
2020	25

Known problem areas

Only 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine

3 of 9 total reports mention: engine.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

While driving at 45 MPH on a highway the engine blew up. Ford reported the problem was a faulty glow plug which fell into the cylinder causing the connecting rod to break and exit the side of the engine block. Fire ensued but was short lived.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-04-12

Blown motor. Bad lifters and valves. Exhaust temperature sensor check engine light. No warranty, I had to replace entire engine at my cost of…

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-26

Also filed under Power train

Steering

2 of 9 total reports mention: steering.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford F-450. While driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle experienced the death wobble and the steering became uncontrollable. There were no warning indicators illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-02-06

Engine and engine cooling

2 of 9 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing exhaust system and diesel.

Show complaint excerpts

Engine logo light came on; then red sign came on " Stop safely now". I pulled to the shoulder and the engine stopped. I waited 30 minutes or so and the engine started again. I drove starting and stopping to a Ford dealer in clarion, pa.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-28

Wheels

1 of 9 total reports mentions: wheels.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

This vehicle is shuttle bus, transport passengers from chicago o'hare airport to four points hotels and back 24/7. This vehicle is owned by four points hotel at schiller park, il and I work as driver.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-10-09

Power train

1 of 9 total reports mentions: power train.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

R

2013-11-25Engine13V535000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 F-350/450/550 Ambulance Package vehicles manufactured February 22, 2010, through October 19, 2012 and equipped with a 6.7L diesel…

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the exhaust gas temperature sensor, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-11-12Equipment14V498000 PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies.

Remedy: PJ's has notified owners and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2014. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2015-01-13Recall queryClosed 2016-03-15 Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown

Buy-smart checklist

2011 Ford F-450 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 3 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 2 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V535000 · Engine
Recall 14V498000 · Equipment

FAQ

Is the 2011 Ford F-450 reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Ford F-450?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Ford F-450 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.