MotorDeets

Ford F-250 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every F-250 from 1991 to 2014: 3,886 owner complaints and 89 recalls across 22 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1999 (581), 2000 (326), 1997 (304). Best fuel economy: 16 mpg combined (1991).

Ford F-250
Photo: Sarah Larson from Ann Arbor, MI, USA · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Steering708
Suspension673
Tires471
Engine & cooling422
Transmission & drivetrain372
Brakes (hydraulic)371
Electrical271
Fuel system217

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
1991510716
1992411915
1993613015
1994812314
1995318414
1996417614
19971030415
199865615
19991458114
20005326–
20014220–
20022156–
20032116–
20042154–
2007460–
20087196–
2009054–
2010073–
20112248–
20121266–
2013095–
20140142–

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Ford F-250.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check Ford F-250 manual

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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Ford F-250?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1999 (581), 2000 (326), 1997 (304).

How many recalls has the Ford F-250 had?

Across 1991–2014, NHTSA lists 89 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).