2005 Ford F-350 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2005 Ford F-350 has a complaint index of 70 and ranks 7th worst out of 21 model years tracked, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems lead with 96 complaints (29% share), followed by suspension and steering issues, plus 5 recalls including a 6.0L diesel stalling issue.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 70/100
- #7 of 21 F-350 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 331
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 12
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 11
- Injuries
- 6
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2005 Ford F-350 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine96 (29%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires80 (24%)
- Steering66 (20%)
- Fuel System65 (20%)
- Electrical System46 (14%)
- Brakes34 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain18 (5%)
- Other6 (2%)
- Structure & Body5 (2%)
- Airbags4 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine catches fire or overheats with white smoke from the exhaust, sometimes stranding the vehicle for hours.
- Steering box fails suddenly during turns, in one case causing a collision at low mileage.
- Rear axle or suspension failure occurs at low mileage and has led to crashes.
- Fuel system leaks at the banjo fitting on the fuel filter, dripping onto hot engine surfaces and starting fires.
- Trucks develop a violent shake or shimmy at highway speed even after tire pressure is checked.
- Brakes fail to engage on inclines, particularly when towing a trailer.
2005 Ford F-350 recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 11V352000Jul 13, 2011Electrical System26,715 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights
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 through 2011 model year ranger trucks, 2002 through 2005 model year excursion vehicles, and 2002 through 2007 model year f-250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 trucks for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the multi-function switch was shipped with a subcomponent (slider) that may experience deformation. A multi-function switch with a deformed slider may malfunction causing the turn signal, tail lights, hazard warning signal flashers and/or brake lights not to activate.
Risk: Non-functioning lights could increase the risk of a crash.
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.
- NHTSA 09V026000Jan 26, 2009Other108 vehicles
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Comm trans is recalling 108 my 2005-2008 ford e250 and e350 vans built on ford chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift system accessible for motor vehicles." the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. The pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. The lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift.
Risk: A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
Remedy: Comm trans is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or comm trans at 901-726-9394.
- NHTSA 09V025000Jan 23, 2009Other111 vehicles
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Comm trans is recalling 111 my 2005-2008 ford e250 and e350 vans built on ford chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations on motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.
Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
Remedy: Comm trans is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or comm trans at 901-726-9394.
2005 compared with other F-350 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Ford F-350 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 F-350 carries a complaint index of 70 and ranks 7th worst of 21 model years, so it earns a Caution verdict relative to other F-350 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford F-350?
- Engine problems make up 29% of complaints (96 total, median failure mileage 59,000), followed by suspension, wheels and tires at 24% and steering at 20%.
- Does the 2005 Ford F-350 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2005 F-350, including a 2005 campaign for 6.0L diesel engines that could stall without warning and a fuel jumper line issue on 5.4L or 6.8L gas engines.
- How does the 2005 F-350 compare to other years?
- The 2005 model's complaint index of 70 is worse than 2007 (0, Good) and 2014 (20, Best) but better than 2019 (100, Avoid) and 2017 (95, Avoid).