2000 Ford F-550 SD Problems
- Complaints
- 72filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 51,500miles, 28 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns 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 2000 Ford F-550 SD (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe tire and valve-stem problems on the 19.5-inch dual-wheel tires, frequently while towing heavy trailers, with complaints filed across a wide mileage range including low-mileage trucks. A smaller but recurring set covers fuel tank liner or coating coming apart and stalling the engine, brakes and steering faults, and occasional frame cracks.
- Tires
Tire valve stem failure and flat tires
Mentioned in 29 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe rubber valve stems on the 19.5-inch dual tires failing or blowing out, letting air escape suddenly, and in some cases the tire then separating or the sidewall being destroyed before the driver notices. Several owners mention pulling heavy fifth-wheel trailers when it happened, and some say the dealer replaced only the stems and declined to replace a damaged tire. Others report failures after the stem recall work had already been done. Filed across a wide span of miles, from under 15,000 to around 25,000 in the low-mileage reports, often while towing or at highway speed.
What to check: Inspect the valve stems on all dual wheels and ask whether the 01V046000 stem remedy was performed and when; consider whether metal stems have been fitted. Check inner dual tires for sidewall damage or run-flat marks.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Valve stem failures on four tires while in transit. Three of the tires I have as evidence plus valve stem and photographs of tires. Tire #1 12,000 miles, #2 13,000 miles, #3 14,500 miles. I went for valve stem recall about 14-17 months prior to all tire failures at sayville Ford. I have all documentation, bills for road service repairs, etc. They told me the zipper failure on the sidewall is due to uninflated tires not the faulty valve stems that failed . …”
NHTSA complaint #10024425, filed 2003-06, 12,000 miles“I own a 2000 Ford f550 modified by fontaine modification company, louisville, ky to tow a fifth wheel trailer, gvr 15,900 lbs. This was a demo vehicle for fontaine and had 2598 miles on the odometer. It was delivered to me as a new vehicle with a 3 year 36,000 miles warranty on 9-29-2002. Prior to purchasing this vehicle, the dealer, cunningham campers had two blow outs on the right rear dual 225/70r-19.5/f general tires on 8-6-2002. Two more blow outs, (explosions) occurred in of june 2003, while the vehicle was parked. …”
NHTSA complaint #10037399, filed 2003-09, 13,645 miles - Brakes
Brake and steering hydraulic faults
- 7 complaints (10%)
- median 89,991 mi at 13.4 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2021
Complaints describe a hard or low brake pedal, a brake line developing a hole, and in one case power steering and brake lines leaking together so that both systems lost function. Several owners report the dealer could not duplicate the problem, and one describes repeated brake system replacement without a clear explanation of the work. Spread from low mileage to well over 60,000 miles; one report at about 53,000 miles and another around 90,000.
What to check: Inspect brake and power steering lines for leaks, cracks, or corrosion, and check pedal feel and parking brake hold on a test drive. Ask for service records showing what brake work was done and why.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving the brake line developed a hole which caused the vehicle to experience extended stopping distance. The driver applied the brake as he was going off ramp and the pedal had gone to the floor. The consumer noticed a hole had blown through the metal flex line.”
NHTSA complaint #10020144, filed 2003-06, 89,991 miles“Consumer states that the brakes on the vehicle have failed twice within the last two weeks, the brake pedal will go all the way to the floor and the vehicle will continue to go forward with out slowing down and other times it will slow down. Contacted dealer and the dealer is not willing to do anything. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #8007971, filed 2002-04 - Fuel system
Fuel tank liner or coating coming apart
- 5 complaints (7%)
- median 55,000 mi at 9.5 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2002–2011
Owners describe material inside the fuel tank detaching from the tank wall, plugging the fuel system, and causing loss of power or stalling while driving; one report describes the truck unable to climb a hill in cold weather. Repairs in the complaints typically involved replacing or relining the tank along with the fuel pump, filters, and sometimes injectors. Mostly reported between roughly 50,000 and 110,000 miles, with one case at about 11,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the fuel tank has ever been replaced or relined and whether fuel filters have been changed regularly. A fuel smell, debris in the filter, or a history of repeated filter changes are worth following up.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2000 Ford f-550 fuel tank liner failures. Tank liner coming apart causing the fuel tank needing to be relined, and replacing the fuel pump and fuel filter.”
NHTSA complaint #10274253, filed 2009-06, 50,000 miles“2000 Ford f-550 fuel tank liner failures. Tank liner coming apart causing the fuel tank needing to be relined, and replacing the fuel pump and fuel filter.”
NHTSA complaint #10274251, filed 2009-06, 50,000 miles - Steering
Steering box shaft breaking
- 5 complaints (7%)
- median 69,000 mi at 6.4 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2000–2021
A small group of complaints describes the steering box shaft breaking, once during a low-speed turn and once in a parking lot, leaving the wheel spinning freely and the truck unable to steer. Another owner reports the steering wheel shaking uncontrollably and being told the steering box shaft needed replacement. Reported between roughly 26,000 and 85,000 miles, at low speed in the breakage cases.
What to check: Check for play, vibration, or wander in the steering and inspect the steering box and shaft area for leaks or looseness during a pre-purchase inspection.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving, the steering wheel started shaking uncontrollably without warning. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the steering box shaft needed replacement. Please fill in additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #10096598, filed 2004-10, 85,000 miles“- the contact stated that the driver of a 2000 f550 super duty truck was traveling less than 5 MPH when the driver made a hard left u-turn and then a hard right and the steering shaft snapped, causing a loss of control. The failure mileage was 26,188. The vehicle was towed back to an independent facility. The independent facility diagnosed the failure as the steering box shaft breaking. The dealer has been contacted and the general manager was aware of this failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10180813, filed 2007-01, 26,188 miles
Buying note. Check the tire valve stems and inner dual tires closely, and ask for records of fuel tank and brake line service. A pre-purchase inspection that looks at the frame and steering box is worthwhile on a truck this old and often heavily used.
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 72 consumer complaints for the 2000 Ford F-550 SD. 28 of the complaints include a mileage, and 43% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 51,500 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 12 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.
- Tires32 44%
- Brakes8 11%
- Fuel system7 9.7%
- Engine cooling5 6.9%
- Wheels5 6.9%
- Steering4 5.6%
- Engine2 2.8%
- Other or unknown2 2.8%
- Body and structure2 2.8%
Also reported: Suspension (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Tires: “1. Traveling east on I-88 in ny. Load 6500 lbs. At 60 MPH. . Sudden loss of air in front left tire, was able to pull over to brake down lane without incident. . Road service replaced tire, could find no defects or punctures in flat. Was sugested valve stem safety margin to close to tire inflation. Rubber stem replaced with a metal one.”
NHTSA complaint #10089081, filed 2004-09, 24,500 milesBrakes: “The contact owns a 2000 Ford F-550. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the power steering and brake lines were leaking causing the brakes and steering to become inoperable. The contact pulled over and topped off the power steering fluid reservoir and drove to the residence. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11427133, filed 2021-07, 53,000 milesFuel system: “Ford truck began loosing power. Became unable to climb hill and continue up road. Driver was in very remote alaska in subzero temperatures in work truck (as most f550s are) miles from help. Plowing a firewood road for the state of alaska. We maintain our trucks to the best of our ability to prevent such a life threatening circumstance. Driver called me for help. I was able to go online and find enough information (knowing it was not a filter or pump or maintenance issue I dug deeper) to deduce the fuel tank had delaminated as lately has become common with these trucks. …”
NHTSA complaint #10563547, filed 2014-02, 110,000 milesEngine cooling: “Was driving along in my Ford f550 psd when the engine quit. Lost power steering and brakes. Pulled over the side of the road for five min. And restarted truck. Next day it did the same thing this time as we were pulling into a parking lot. Restarted and drove back to camp ground and changed the cps (cam position sensor) the problem never happened again. Glad I was not towing the fifth-wheel at the time.”
NHTSA complaint #10184485, filed 2007-03, 149,256 milesMileage when problems were reported
43% of the 28 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 24,500 and 89,991 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
- 09V399000Oct 13, 2009Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford F-550 SD 1993–1997, 1999–2003, E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +12 more
Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and…
- 07V553000Dec 5, 2007Engine and engine cooling › Engine › DieselCovers: Ford F-550 SD 1997–2003, F-450 SD 1997–2003, E Series 1997–2003 +3 more
On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with 7.3l diesel engines, the camshaft position sensor located on the engine of the vehicle may function intermittently, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
- 06V286000Aug 1, 2006Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford F-550 SD 1994–2002, F-250 1994–2002, F-350 1994–2002 +10 more
On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
- 01V258000Aug 8, 2001Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › MotorCovers: Ford F-550 SD 2000–2001, F-250 2000–2001, Focus 2000–2001 +12 more
Vehicle description: passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and light and medium duty pickup trucks. A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper…
- 01V046000Feb 14, 2001Tires › ValveCovers: Ford F-550 SD 1999–2001, F-450 SD 1999–2001
Vehicle description: trucks equipped with commercial truck tires that have steel cords in the tire sidewall. The valve stems may have been torn or damaged during assembly and could leak causing sidewall damage.
Recall details for the 2000 Ford F-550 SD → · 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. 12 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10171326Jan 13, 2020Equipment. This SKU is a Spare Tire Hoist. Test results identified that the pull force parameter was not within specification, as a precautionary measure unsold inventory was requested to be returned for…
- 10171325Jan 13, 2020Equipment. This SKU is a Spare Tire Hoist. Test results identified that the pull force parameter was not within specification, as a precautionary measure unsold inventory was requested to be returned for…
- 10023653Nov 1, 2007Transmission and drivetrain. 1999-2008 f250-f550 super duty 4x4 with electronic shift transfer case not engaging 4x4.
- 10018067Oct 7, 2005Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Vacuum pump inoperative or runs continuously - climate control defaults to defrost mode.
- 10013402Oct 7, 2005Transmission and drivetrain. Drive away shudder or vibration.
- 10017865Jul 1, 2005Exterior lighting. Headlight adjustment - chassis cab incomplete vehicles.
- 10014138Jun 7, 2005Seat belts. Safety belt retraction speed.
- 10012965Feb 1, 2005Body and structure. Service tips before arc welding on the frame or body of a unit.
- 10013316Jan 1, 2005Transmission and drivetrain. A cold weather reverse engagement stall.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004Transmission and drivetrain. General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
Other model years of the Ford F-550 SD
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 9 | 85,000 | 12 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 12 | 148,000 | 9 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 11 | 22,350 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 9 | 33,006 | 6 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2012 | 6 | 40,500 | 10 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 26 | 33,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2007 | 23 | 32,500 | 1 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2006 | 44 | 43,982 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 32 | 47,500 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 49 | 36,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 33 | 60,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 22 | 59,000 | 4 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2001 | 29 | 130,000 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 72 | 51,500 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 61 | 65,000 | 8 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Ford F-550 SD model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Ford F-550 SD?
Owners of this model year most often describe tire and valve-stem problems on the 19.5-inch dual-wheel tires, frequently while towing heavy trailers, with complaints filed across a wide mileage range including low-mileage trucks. The issues reported most often: Tire valve stem failure and flat tires; Brake and steering hydraulic faults; Fuel tank liner or coating coming apart.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000 Ford F-550 SD have?
NHTSA recorded 72 consumer complaints for the 2000 Ford F-550 SD as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2000 Ford F-550 SD is reported most often?
Tires is named most often, in 32 complaints (44% of the total), followed by brakes with 8.
Has the 2000 Ford F-550 SD been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 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 2000 Ford F-550 SD reported?
Among the 28 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 51,500 miles and the middle half falls between 24,500 and 89,991 miles; 43% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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.