2005 Ford F-350 Problems
- Complaints
- 114filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 81,000miles, 93 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2005 Ford F-350 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2005 Ford F-350 most often describe a violent front-end shake at highway speed after hitting a bump, and a range of diesel fuel-system problems that leave the truck stalling or running rough. Complaints span very low miles on nearly new trucks to well past 200,000 miles, and several reports describe repeat repairs without a lasting fix.
- Steering
Front-end shake ("death wobble") at highway speed
- 33 complaints (29%)
- median 39,682 mi at 3.6 yrs old (26 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2007–2024
Owners describe the steering wheel and whole front end shaking violently after hitting a bump, expansion joint or rough pavement, typically at 45-70 mph. Many say the shake only stops after slowing to roughly 35-40 mph or stopping entirely. Complaints mention replaced shocks, ball joints, tie rods, track bar, stabilizer links and gear box, sometimes helping only temporarily; several owners report dealers calling the truck's shake normal for a heavy-duty truck or attributing it to tire pressure. Reported from under 1,000 miles to about 275,000 miles, most often at highway speeds over rough surfaces.
What to check: Drive the truck at highway speed over bumps and bridge joints before buying, and inspect front-end parts (track bar, ball joints, tie rods, stabilizer) for wear. Ask whether any steering or suspension work has already been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2005 has a violent front end wobble if I hit a bump while turning right. When I took it to the dealer, I was told to over inflate my tires. He also said that it was a common complaint with this model. The dealer called it a death wobble and told me to make sure that I was holding the steering wheel tight when it happens. This is a regular occurrence.”
NHTSA complaint #10825093, filed 2016-02, 250 miles“I was driving my truck normally like any other day, was going down the road around 45mph when all of the sudden the front end shook so violently, that it pulled so hard to where I had to brake very quickly and stop the truck immediately. This problem that exist has not been determined yet. I have it at a mechanic, I also can not drive it, very dangerous. I got online and other people are having the same trouble and have labeled it the Ford death wobble. …”
NHTSA complaint #10440214, filed 2011-12, 156,000 miles - Fuel system
Stalling or loss of power while driving (diesel fuel and
- 27 complaints (24%)
- median 99,000 mi at 8.0 yrs old (25 state mileage)
- filed 2009–2024
Complaints describe the engine shutting off or losing power without warning at highway or city speeds, which owners note also removes power steering and brake assist. Reported findings include failed injectors, high-pressure oil and fuel pumps, a failed fuel rail, and injector control components. Some dealers replaced injectors or pump parts; others told owners no cause could be found. Reported from roughly 9,000 to 195,000 miles, often while towing or under load.
What to check: Ask for service records on injectors, the high-pressure oil pump and fuel filters, and have a diesel shop scan for stored codes. Note engine surging, rough idle or extended cranking on a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2005 f350 has a fuel failure and when I took it to the dealer they said that 5 injectors had failed and I needed they blame it on biofuel, I have only used on road diesel and I have owned this truck since it had 25,000 miles on it. At this point it is $6000 to repair and of course there is no warranty on it. This is a major concern because this truck carries extreme loads at high speeds and a fuel failure at 65 or 70 will cause you to lose power steering and braking ability. …”
NHTSA complaint #10450832, filed 2012-03, 139,041 miles“While pulling a 30 foot travel trailer tuck suddenly died causing immediate loss of steering and braking power on a very busy highway nearly causing an accident. Had it towed to a diesel shop who scanned to find it to be the high pressure oil and fuel pumps. They said they have done repeated repairs on the same engine with the same problems in the past. Very costly repair over $3000 and 5 days to do.”
NHTSA complaint #10452770, filed 2012-03, 125,688 miles - Fuel system
Fuel tank liner breaking down and clogging fuel system
- 17 complaints (15%)
- median 75,114 mi at 6.4 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- filed 2008–2017
Owners report the tank's internal coating or liner coming apart, sending debris into the fuel filters, pump and injectors, which leads to loss of power or stalling. Complaints describe the tank being replaced along with filters and injectors, with repair estimates ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Some owners say fuel filters clog repeatedly after the tank is cleaned or replaced. Mostly reported between about 24,000 and 156,000 miles, sometimes recurring after an earlier tank replacement.
What to check: Check the fuel filters and, if possible, look inside the tank for flaking coating or debris. Ask whether the tank, filters or injectors have been replaced, and whether the truck has sat for long periods.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving on the highway pulling a trailer my 2005 f -350 diesel quit running and almost got run over by a semi. After pulling off to the side of the road and restarted the truck it ran rough. Was able to get it back to the shop with the hazards on. To find out from the dealer that the fuel tank is delaminating which cause debris to get into the fuel pump and injectors causing it to stall. Ford has know about this problem and they change there fuel tank design but did not inform any owners of this safety defect that could have killed me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10225370, filed 2008-04, 104,050 miles“Merged on to mcfarland blvd. With south bound traffic truck lost power could not control vehicle other traffic almost ran into the truck.had truck towed to diesel shop.columbus diesel service found paint chips in filter removed fuel tank ,coating of the tank was coming off and entering the fuel system this is the factory tank that came with the truck..”
NHTSA complaint #10534606, filed 2013-08, 76,667 miles - Engine cooling
Overheating and EGR/oil cooler work on the 6.0L diesel
- 15 complaints (13%)
- median 73,233 mi at 5.8 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2007–2022
Owners report the engine overheating, white smoke and coolant loss, with dealers recommending head gaskets, oil cooler and EGR cooler replacement. Several complaints describe turbocharger failure and repeat repairs for the same symptoms. A few owners report the engine shutting down after overheating, leaving the truck on the roadside. Reported from about 27,000 to 157,000 miles, often while towing or climbing grades.
What to check: Look for coolant residue, white exhaust smoke or low coolant, and ask whether head gaskets, EGR cooler or oil cooler have been replaced. A coolant-pressure or combustion-gas test can help show whether the head gaskets are sealing.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“White heavy spoke, loss of power, performance, engine stalled on major highway an extremely dangerous situation. Dealer stated not Ford or their problem. Charges close to $1,500 to repair. Dealer claims failed EGR valve.”
NHTSA complaint #10465002, filed 2012-07, 149,406 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated that the head gasket, oil cooler, and EGR cooler would have to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 73,233.”
NHTSA complaint #10535311, filed 2013-08, 73,233 miles
Buying note. On a truck this old, the two things worth verifying in person are the front end at highway speed over bumpy road and the diesel fuel system's service history. Records of tank, injector and cooling-system repairs and an independent inspection are more useful than the odometer alone.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 114 consumer complaints for the 2005 Ford F-350. 93 of the complaints include a mileage, and 29% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 81,000 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 8 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system36 32%
- Steering28 25%
- Suspension25 22%
- Engine18 16%
- Engine cooling17 15%
- Electrical system15 13%
- Brakes7 6.1%
- Air bags2 1.8%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (2), Other or unknown (2), Tires (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Wheels (2), Equipment (1), Body and structure (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “Came up with a code to replace t.p.s. I replaced tps now vehicle is having problems idling . I contacted Ford explained to them my situation. I was told by 3 different people that whenever people with a 6.8 v10 have the code to replace t.p.s they end up replacing the whole e.t.b. Is there a recall for the throttle body ?”
NHTSA complaint #10992214, filed 2017-05, 120,000 milesSteering: “When ever this truck hits a bumpy part of road (e.g. Pot hole, crack in pavement, or debris) the vehicle (and steering wheel) will shake violently back and forth for several seconds (4 to 5 seconds) or until I slow to speeds around 35mph or below. This happens on a regular basis and has happened since I bought the vehicle two years ago. The tires are like new, and the front suspension components have been checked and determined to be in good usable condition. …”
NHTSA complaint #10694792, filed 2015-03, 275,000 milesSuspension: “While traveling on the highway at 65-70 MPH my vehicle will go into a violent shimmy if it hits any sort of road bump (such as bridge expansion). This happens everyday in this vehicle. It will not go away until I slow the vehicle down to 45 MPH.”
NHTSA complaint #10464515, filed 2012-07, 52,000 milesEngine: “I have a 2005 Ford f350 diesel powerstroke that has the fuel tank lining falling off and its gotten to my fuel lines and fuel pump causing the truck to come to a complete stop while I was driving down the freeway hauling a 12ft trailer with a 10000 lbs tractor on it. I had to get it towed to a shop where they replaced the fuel pump and filters. …”
NHTSA complaint #10676166, filed 2015-01, 50,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
29% of the 93 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 43,365 and 125,900 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 11V352000Jul 13, 2011Exterior lighting › Tail lightsCovers: Ford F-350 2002–2007, Ranger 2004–2011, F-250 2002–2007 +5 more
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…
- 09V026000Jan 26, 2009Equipment adaptive/mobilityCovers: Ford F-350 2005–2008, F-250 2005–2008
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…
- 09V025000Jan 23, 2009Equipment adaptive/mobilityCovers: Ford F-350 2005–2008, F-250 2005–2008
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…
Recall details for the 2005 Ford F-350 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 8 on record; the latest 8 are shown.
- 10179912Jan 12, 2016Steering. In monitoring our technical service inquiries and technical service bulletins from Ford, there is the potential for moderate to severe steering wheel oscillation (wobble) to occur. After extensive…
- 10027985Sep 1, 2008Engine cooling. Ford truck: some trucks equipped with a 6.0l diesel engine may exhibit a hard start/long crank or no start condition due to low injection control pressure (icp).
- 10024824Mar 1, 2008Fuel system. Slow fuel fill--mil on with dtc p0191.
- 10021281Dec 1, 2007Fuel system. Water in the fuel tank behind rear axle - 6.0l, 6.4l and 7.3l diesel engine. *kb updated 2/29/08.
- 10022676Sep 19, 2007Engine cooling. Vehicles equipped with a 5.4l 3v or 6.8l 3v engine built on or before 09/08/06 may exhibit an exhaust system noise often described as a snap/pop/tick/ping noise.
- 10021591Jun 8, 2007Fuel system. SLOW FUEL FILL.
- 10022233Dec 1, 2006Engine cooling. Misfire and dtc p0300.
- 10020520Oct 1, 2006Brakes. Brake line modification needed due to front wheels coming into contact with the brake lines.
Other model years of the Ford F-350
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 91 | 73,000 | 0 | — | — | 9 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2013 | 76 | 79,000 | 1 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 149 | 90,000 | 4 | — | — | 71 · More | Stable |
| 2011 | 136 | 60,000 | 4 | — | — | 92 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 28 | 104,000 | 2 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2008 | 131 | 67,532 | 9 | — | — | 90 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 36 | 54,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 145 | 60,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 114 | 81,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 159 | 50,047 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 90 | 42,044 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 116 | 65,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 160 | 72,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 304 | 81,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 413 | 106,925 | 12 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 12 | 75,158 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 155 | 110,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 130 | 103,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 134 | 130,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 95 | 145,900 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 101 | 111,330 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 52 | 87,500 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 31 | 89,450 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 39 | 44,470 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 42 | 116,250 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 29 | 150,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 8 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 14 | 106,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford F-350 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford F-350?
Owners of the 2005 Ford F-350 most often describe a violent front-end shake at highway speed after hitting a bump, and a range of diesel fuel-system problems that leave the truck stalling or running rough. The issues reported most often: Front-end shake ("death wobble") at highway speed; Stalling or loss of power while driving (diesel fuel and; Fuel tank liner breaking down and clogging fuel system.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005 Ford F-350 have?
NHTSA recorded 114 consumer complaints for the 2005 Ford F-350 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2005 Ford F-350 is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 36 complaints (32% of the total), followed by steering with 28.
Has the 2005 Ford F-350 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2005 Ford F-350 reported?
Among the 93 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 81,000 miles and the middle half falls between 43,365 and 125,900 miles; 29% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.