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Exterior lightingPart report

2017 Ford F-250 SD Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
1%of 1,155 total for the year
Median mileage
14,425miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2017 Ford F-250 SD, 1% of the 1,155 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 14,425 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The issue started with the automatic tailgate deploying or opening during transit. I was hauling cargo and the at highway speed the tailgate opened and the load ejected from the the bed of truck onto the highway. Fortunately there was no accident or damage to anyone else property. After this occurrence over a period of weeks the issue continues to get worse. It happens now regularly and numerous times during a day. I do not haul cargo now because of this. Now the truck electrical system seems to be involved. The windows, radio and lights have issues. …”

NHTSA complaint #11206443, filed 2019-05, 28,000 miles

“Led headlight adjustment screw does not work. When adjusting the headlights because they are shining too high. The headlight adjustment screw turns but the headlights do not adjust up and down. The headlight are too high and blinding other drivers and there is no way to adjust them. Contacted the dealer and manufacturer and they will not warranty the problem.”

NHTSA complaint #11058520, filed 2018-01, 850 miles

“I went to adjust the Headlights. The screws started spinning with no adjustments. Apparently their is a plastic connecting piece between the metal rusted or locked up screw and the Headlight adjustment gear. The plastic piece sheers not allowing adjustment. All internal to the Headlight. It happened on both lights. They are the LED lights. I took it to the dealer. They could not adjust either and said it would be 2000 in parts not including labor per Headlight to repair. The extended warranty which said it covered led lights would not cover. A Google search showed this is a recurring problem. …”

NHTSA complaint #11466488, filed 2022-05

“Dash instruments, radio, compass, overhead console, all blank and inoperable. Was told by for service that many vehicles 2017 to 2019 are having same problem. Told the instrument cluster module powers multiple areas of truck and will need a new module. Was told there is a glitch in the design.”

NHTSA complaint #11511309, filed 2023-03

“The cab roof clearance lights leak water when it rains. The water leaks into the electronics in the overhead console and down the A-pillar. Dealer advises it is a nonwarranty issue under extended warranty and a commonly known issue on these. trucks.”

NHTSA complaint #11578000, filed 2024-03

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026111%
202516%
202438%
202222%
202153%
202052%
201930%
201841%
201761%
201631%
201510%
201315%
201111%
200914%
200610%
200521%
200421%
200321%
200231%
200010%
199921%

Other parts of the 2017 Ford F-250 SD

Steering
717 complaints
Suspension
587 complaints
Other or unknown
110 complaints
Wheels
69 complaints
Body and structure
66 complaints
Electrical system
54 complaints
Fuel system
54 complaints
Engine
37 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
25 complaints
Brakes
18 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
15 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
15 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2017 Ford F-250 SD

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology