2005 Ford F250: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2005 Ford F250: 3 recalls, 144 owner complaints.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #09V025000 · 2009 · 111 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 404, "platform lift installations on motor vehicles." the threshold warning system May not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.
Why it matters: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
The fix: Comm trans is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095).
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #09V026000 · 2009 · 108 vehicles
What's wrong: These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 403, "platform lift system accessible for motor vehicles." the anti-stow interlock May not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. The pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. The lift could stow even though someone or…
Why it matters: A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
The fix: Comm trans is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097).
Exterior lights, Exterior lights Vehicle recall #11V352000 · 2011 · 26,715 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Non-functioning lights could increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the switches free of charge. The safety recall began on August 15, 2011.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (air) Equipment recall #06E087000 · 2006 · 450 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain harsco wheel modification groups containing accuride steel rims, p/nos. 203237 and 203738; accuride aluminum rims, p/n 203712; and gkn steel rims, p/n 203688, sold as modification equipment for certain 2005-2007 Ford f-250/f-350 4x4 pickup trucks to modify track width of front and rear axles. The rims provided in these wheel modification groups wear through the OEM brake lines.
Why it matters: Brake failure can occur, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Harsco will notify owners and provide a repair kit along with repair instructions free of charge. The recall began in September 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (39): the most common themes are steering problems (16), noise or vibration (7).
- Suspension (37): the most common themes are steering problems (11), noise or vibration (6).
- Engine (26): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (14), warning light on (5), electrical failure (4).
- Engine & cooling (17): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (5).
The 2005 Ford F250 has 144 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 3 F250 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 159). Complaints peaked in 2011 (18 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 65,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2006 (221 complaints, 4 recalls).
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 2005 Ford F250.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2005 Ford F250 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2005 Ford F250, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2005 Ford F250 problems?
Owners have filed 144 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (39), suspension (37), engine (26).
Where can I get a 2005 Ford F250 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.