2005 Ford F-550 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2005 Ford F-550 has a complaint index of 35, ranking 14th out of 21 model years, and carries a Good verdict relative to other F-550 years. Owners mainly reported fuel system issues (63% of complaints), with a median failure mileage of 47,500 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 35/100
- #14 of 21 F-550 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 32
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Fuel System
Top 2005 Ford F-550 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System20 (63%)
- Engine8 (25%)
- Electrical System4 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (6%)
- Brakes1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Fuel tank material delaminates and pieces clog fuel injectors, leading to stalling or complete loss of power while driving.
- Engine loses power suddenly on the highway, sometimes triggering the check engine light just before stalling in traffic.
- Diesel-equipped trucks stall intermittently, linked to a camshaft position sensor that owners say functions erratically.
- Rear axle seal leaks allow gear oil to coat the brakes, with owners reporting repeated failed repair attempts.
- Rear dual tires have come loose due to broken lug bolts on trucks with an eight-bolt wheel pattern.
- Transmission clutch has been reported to lock to the floor during shifting, preventing normal gear changes.
2005 Ford F-550 recalls
4 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 05V270000Jun 10, 2005Electrical System180,104 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
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.
Risk: Should the engine stall, a vehicle crash could occur.
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 on july 22, 2005. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
- NHTSA 05V266000Jun 9, 2005Fuel System78,675 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
Risk: The fuel line may separate at the connection to the main fuel bundle. If the fuel line separates, an operator may notice a gasoline odor and/or fuel on the ground, loss of power, and the engine will eventually stall. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
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.
2005 compared with other F-550 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Ford F-550 reliable?
- NHTSA lists 32 complaints for the 2005 F-550, giving it a complaint index of 35, the 14th worst out of 21 model years tracked. Compared to other F-550 years, it carries a Good verdict.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2005 Ford F-550?
- Fuel system complaints account for 63% of all reports for this year, mostly involving fuel tank delamination and stalling, with a median failure mileage of 50,000.
- Does the 2005 Ford F-550 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2005 F-550, covering the electrical system, fuel system, and steering, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.
- Which Ford F-550 model years should be avoided?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2006, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 F-550 model years are rated Avoid, with the 2022 having the highest complaint index of 100 among all years listed.
- How does the 2005 F-550 compare to the 2006 F-550?
- The 2005 model has a lower complaint index of 35 versus 75 for 2006, and 2005 is rated Good while 2006 is rated Avoid.