Ford F-350 years to avoid (and the best years)
2,132 NHTSA owner complaints and 12 recalls across 10 model years, 2012 to 2021. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 2,132complaints
- 12recalls
- 42reported crashes
- 36reported fires
- 44reported injuries
Which Ford F-350 years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the Ford F-350 years to avoid are 2017 and 2019. The typical Ford F-350 year has 186 complaints on file.
- 2017: 485 complaints, 2.6 times the typical year. Most complaints name the steering (55% of complaints) and the suspension (41% of complaints).
- 2019: 462 complaints, 2.5 times the typical year. Most complaints name the steering (58% of complaints) and the suspension (49% of complaints).
What are the best Ford F-350 years?
The Ford F-350 years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2013 (76), 2014 (91) and 2021 (92). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 92 | 0.5× | 0 | 1 | 3 | Few red flags | Fuel system |
| 2020 | 181 | 1.0× | 2 | 7 | 3 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2019 | 462 | 2.5× | 4 | 9 | 9 | Approach with caution | Steering |
| 2018 | 198 | 1.1× | 2 | 1 | 5 | Few red flags | Steering |
| 2017 | 485 | 2.6× | 2 | 5 | 3 | Approach with caution | Steering |
| 2016 | 208 | 1.1× | 0 | 5 | 12 | Few red flags | Suspension |
| 2015 | 190 | 1.0× | 1 | 3 | 1 | Few red flags | Steering |
| 2014 | 91 | 0.5× | 0 | 4 | 2 | Few red flags | Steering |
| 2013 | 76 | 0.4× | 1 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Suspension |
| 2012 | 149 | 0.8× | 4 | 6 | 5 | Few red flags | Steering |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 281 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain141 (50%)
- Steering, suspension & tires41 (15%)
- Structure & body39 (14%)
- Electrical & infotainment34 (12%)
- Other systems19 (7%)
Recalls (12)
Safety · 25V270000 · Apr 2025 · model year 2015
A blank or distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 20V599000 · Sep 2020 · model year 2020
Inner tire contact with the body could result in a tire blowout, potentially causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash.
Transmission · 20V576000 · Sep 2020 · model year 2019
An improperly welded axle may affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 19V688000 · Sep 2019 · model year 2019
A broken passenger side rear axle could result in a loss of drive power and the inability to hold the vehicle still when in Park. If the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 19V633000 · Aug 2019 · model years 2019, 2020
A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Safety · 19V401000 · May 2019 · model year 2018
The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 18V894000 · Dec 2018 · model years 2017, 2018, 2019
When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
Safety · 17V331000 · May 2017 · model year 2017
If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Safety · 14V498000 · Aug 2014 · model years 2012, 2013
The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
Safety · 13V535000 · Oct 2013 · model year 2012
An unexpected engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, if this were to occur when the ambulance is transporting a patient, there is an increased risk of injury to the patient.
Engine · 13V380000 · Aug 2013 · model year 2012
Excessive heat build up in rear compartment could result in fire.
Transmission · 11V582000 · Dec 2011 · model year 2012
THIS WILL ALLOW THE OPERATOR TO INADVERTENTLY SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY TO A NEARBY PEDESTRIAN.