YearToAvoid

2005 Ford F-550 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Good

Complaint Index

35/100

#14 most-complained of 21 F-550 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2005 Ford F-550 has 32 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 35 out of 100 — #14 highest of 21 F-550 model years (verdict: Good). The most reported problem area is fuel system (20 complaints, 63% of the total).

Complaints
32
Recalls
4
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2005 Ford F-550 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Fuel System20 (63%)
  2. Engine8 (25%)
  3. Electrical System4 (13%)
  4. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (9%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain2 (6%)
  6. Brakes1 (3%)
2005 Ford F-550 complaints: complaints filed per month6Dec 2006May 2008Apr 2009Jan 2010Dec 2010May 2011May 2013
38 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2006 to Nov 2013; peak May 2011 (6).

2005 Ford F-550 recalls

4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

See all 4 recalls for the 2005 Ford F-550 →

2005 compared with other F-550 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2005Good35324—
2006Avoid75441—
2007Good45232—

All Ford F-550 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2005 Ford F-550 a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Ford F-550 ranks #14 of 21 among F-550 model years (Complaint Index 35/100, verdict: Good). It has 32 complaints and 4 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford F-550?
The most reported problem areas are fuel system (20 complaints), engine (8 complaints), and electrical system (4 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 47,500 miles.
Does the 2005 Ford F-550 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2005 Ford F-550, most recently reported 2011, covering electrical system, fuel system, and steering.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.