The vehicle dossier US · 2006

2006 Ford
F-350 SDProblems & recalls

127 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Steering appears in 45 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 127 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Steering45 reports
Suspension43 reports
Other components27 reports
Engine21 reports
Fuel system21 reports
Electrical system9 reports
Transmission & drivetrain5 reports
Brakes4 reports
Visibility2 reports
Body & structure1 reports
Air bags1 reports
See original component labels
STEERING44
SUSPENSION:FRONT21
SUSPENSION20
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL14
TIRES11
WHEELS7
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
ENGINE5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING4
TIRES:SIDEWALL3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
SERVICE BRAKES3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER2
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE2
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR1
WHEELS:RIM1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
STRUCTURE1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM1
STEERING:LINKAGES1
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT1
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM1
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)1
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM1
SEATS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM1
VISIBILITY1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER1
POWER TRAIN1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS1
TIRES:TREAD/BELT1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 14 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Jan 12, 2021
Mileage, where supplied

38,000 miles is the median among 120 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 25,000–85,034 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

2 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Dec 9, 2020 Safety recallEQUIPMENTCampaign 20E090000

Reported concern

Icon Vehicle Dynamics, LLC (Icon) is recalling all 05-UP FSD 2.5 Centerline Stabilizer Kits with part number 65050. The kits were sold as an accessory for certain 2005-2021 Ford F-250 4X4 and F-350 4X4 pickup trucks. The foam ring inside the stabilizer "through shaft" may block the piston ports, possibly causing the steering to lock up.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Icon will notify owners, and dealers will install a new shock assembly with a revised foam ring and steel support disc, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Icon customer service at 1-951-689-4266.

Read campaign 20E090000 at NHTSA
Jul 13, 2011 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTSCampaign 11V352000

Reported concern

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 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Manufacturer campaign: 11C18

Read campaign 11V352000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

102 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Sep 7, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 51909When performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV has replaced all versions of MERCON SP and can be used going forward. Mixing MERCON LV and MERCON SP in the same transmission is acceptabl…NHTSA ID 10243490

When performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV has replaced all versions of MERCON SP and can be used going forward. Mixing MERCON LV and MERCON SP in the same transmission is acceptable. After 30-Jun-2023, MERCON SP ATF will no longer be manufactured and will only be available until inventory depletes.

Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10243490 at NHTSA
Jan 27, 2021 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 49495Some 2005-2021 F-Super Duty 4x4 vehicles operated in extreme dust, mud or tar sand conditions may exhibit accelerated 4x4 vacuum hub seal and or wheel bearing wear as a result of harsh operating conditions. A knuckle seal shiel…NHTSA ID 10186678

Some 2005-2021 F-Super Duty 4x4 vehicles operated in extreme dust, mud or tar sand conditions may exhibit accelerated 4x4 vacuum hub seal and or wheel bearing wear as a result of harsh operating conditions. A knuckle seal shield kit is now available for customer purchase. The kit is designed for severe duty and is non warrantable. The knuckle seal shield kit GC3Z-54024A38-A includes an installation instruction sheet

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10186678 at NHTSA
Jul 8, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDOR-Z2E6B-08These SKUs are Trailer Brake Control Modules. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to an internal software issue. The internal software issue leads to a false check trailer brake message and Trail…NHTSA ID 10178810

These SKUs are Trailer Brake Control Modules. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to an internal software issue. The internal software issue leads to a false check trailer brake message and Trailer Brake Controller fault whenever the brake pedal is pressed. This will cause the part to be replaced, due to repetitive dashboard warning light, even though it sends signals to the trailer brakes properly.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · TRAILER HITCHES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10178810 at NHTSA
Jan 29, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 48494Some 2005-2020 F-Super Duty 4x4 vehicles operated in extreme dust, mud or tar sand conditions may exhibit accelerated 4x4 vacuum hub seal and or wheel bearing wear as a result of harsh operating conditions. A knuckle seal shiel…NHTSA ID 10170992

Some 2005-2020 F-Super Duty 4x4 vehicles operated in extreme dust, mud or tar sand conditions may exhibit accelerated 4x4 vacuum hub seal and or wheel bearing wear as a result of harsh operating conditions. A knuckle seal shield kit is now available for customer purchase. The kit is designed for severe duty and is non warrantable. The knuckle seal shield kit GC3Z-54024A38-A includes an installation instruction sheet

Components: SUSPENSION. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10170992 at NHTSA
Jan 13, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDOR-U2J7Y-02This 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 testing and containment. We don't …NHTSA ID 10171326

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 testing and containment. We don't have evidence that these test results have contributed to a product failure.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10171326 at NHTSA
Jan 13, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDOR-C2C6H-02This 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 testing and containment. We don't …NHTSA ID 10171325

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 testing and containment. We don't have evidence that these test results have contributed to a product failure.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10171325 at NHTSA
Sep 2, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 48157Some 2002-2008 F-Super Duty, F-150 and Mark LT vehicles may exhibit concern during or after programing the VSM. The programming may fail or vehicle symptoms such as inoperative door locks, dome lamps, door ajar indicators or au…NHTSA ID 10165713

Some 2002-2008 F-Super Duty, F-150 and Mark LT vehicles may exhibit concern during or after programing the VSM. The programming may fail or vehicle symptoms such as inoperative door locks, dome lamps, door ajar indicators or auto lamps may occur after successful programing. To ensure the VSM is configured correctly, use the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool and select the blue ball and socket icon in the upper left corner. Select the utility knife in the bottom left corner. Select Update/Special Function and enter 53061 in the blue box then press the tick mark. The screen will go back to the system utilities page. Navigate to the toolbox tab and run the Programmable Module Installation (PMI) on the VSM. The procedure will prompt you to manually enter the as-built into the VSM. Obtain the as-built data from PTS > OASIS > As-Built.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10165713 at NHTSA
May 14, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 47979Some 2005-2019 F-Super Duty 4x4 vehicles operated in extreme dust, mud or tar sand conditions may exhibit accelerated 4x4 vacuum hub seal and or wheel bearing wear as a result of harsh operating conditions. A knuckle seal shiel…NHTSA ID 10160885

Some 2005-2019 F-Super Duty 4x4 vehicles operated in extreme dust, mud or tar sand conditions may exhibit accelerated 4x4 vacuum hub seal and or wheel bearing wear as a result of harsh operating conditions. A knuckle seal shield kit is now available for customer purchase. The kit is designed for severe duty and is non warrantable. The knuckle seal shield kit GC3Z-54024A38-A includes an installation instruction sheet

Components: SUSPENSION · SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10160885 at NHTSA
Oct 2, 2018 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDOR-B8H4Z-11This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint…NHTSA ID 10148818

This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible increase in steering effort.

Components: STEERING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10148818 at NHTSA
Jan 27, 2017 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 46345SOME 2005-2017 F-SUPER DUTY 4X4 VEHICLES OPERATED IN EXTREME DUST, MUD OR TAR SAND CONDITIONS MAY EXHIBIT ACCELERATED 4X4 VACUUM HUB SEAL AND OR WHEEL BEARING WEAR AS A RESULT OF HARSH OPERATING CONDITIONS. A KNUCKLE SEAL SHIEL…NHTSA ID 10095225

SOME 2005-2017 F-SUPER DUTY 4X4 VEHICLES OPERATED IN EXTREME DUST, MUD OR TAR SAND CONDITIONS MAY EXHIBIT ACCELERATED 4X4 VACUUM HUB SEAL AND OR WHEEL BEARING WEAR AS A RESULT OF HARSH OPERATING CONDITIONS. A KNUCKLE SEAL SHIELD KIT IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR CUSTOMER PURCHASE. THE KIT IS DESIGNED FOR SEVERE DUTY AND IS NON WARRANTABLE. THE KNUCKLE SEAL SHIELD KIT GC3Z-54024A38-A INCLUDES AN INSTRUCTION SHEET.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10095225 at NHTSA
Oct 30, 2015 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB150164Exterior Mirror - Tubular stainless steel west cpast style mirror - Loose mounting bracketNHTSA ID 10204983

Exterior Mirror - Tubular stainless steel west cpast style mirror - Loose mounting bracket

Components: VISIBILITY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10204983 at NHTSA
May 30, 2014 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-14-0114LINCOLN/FORD: WHEN DRIVING FROM IDLE UP TO 1200 RPM, THERE MAY BE AN INTERMITTENT RATTLE NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. 2004-2013 F-150, F-250, F-350, EXPEDITION, MARK LT, NAVIGATOR. *PENHTSA ID 10056148

LINCOLN/FORD: WHEN DRIVING FROM IDLE UP TO 1200 RPM, THERE MAY BE AN INTERMITTENT RATTLE NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. 2004-2013 F-150, F-250, F-350, EXPEDITION, MARK LT, NAVIGATOR. *PE

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10056148 at NHTSA
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Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Mar 14, 2008 ClosedVIOLENT FRONT END OSCILLATIONEA08007

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BASED ON 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE.ODI WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THESE COMPLAINTS BECAUSE MANY OF THEM ALLEGED LOSS OF CONTROL AND THE LOSS OF CONTROL OCCURREDAT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MILES PER HOUR.AT THE TIME THESE COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED, ODI WAS ALSO AWARE OF THE TSB 07-10-10 AND EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS THAT DISCUSSED THE SHIMMY CONDITION ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.SINCE OPENING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI HAS CONFIRMED, BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, WARRANTY DATA, TESTING CONDUCTED BY VRTC, AND ODI INSPECTION OF COMPLAINT VEHICLES, THAT THE OWNERS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING SHIMMY EVENTS ON THEIR VEHICLES.HOWEVER, ODI HAS ALSO CONFIRMED THAT OWNERS TYPICALLY DO NOT MAINTAIN THEIR TIRES AT THE PRESSURES RECOMMENDED BY FORD ON THE TIRE LABEL.FURTHER, ODI HAS FOUND THAT IN ORDER FOR SHIMMY TO OCCUR, TIRE PRESSURES MUST BE SUBSTANTIALLY BELOW (AT LEAST 20%) THOSE SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE TIRE LABEL.ODI CONSIDERS THESE UNSAFE TIRE CONDITIONS TO BE THE RESULT OF ONE OF THREE TYPICAL SITUATIONS.THE TIRES ARE BEING IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED, THE OWNERS ARE INTENTIONALLY SETTING THE TIRE PRESSURES LOW TO ENHANCE RIDE QUALITY, OR AFTERMARKET TIRES (NOT DESIGNED FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE) ARE INSTALLED TO CHANGE THE APPEARANCE OR FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE INTENDED AND DESIGNED TO BE USED AS HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES AND AS SUCH REQUIRE THAT THE TIRES BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THE LOADS FOR WHICH THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED AND MARKETED.IN ORDER FOR THE TIRES TO BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THESE LOADS, THE PROPER TIRE PRESSURE MUST BE MAINTAINED.IN LIGHT OF THE INFORMATION GATHERED IN THIS INVESTIGATION AND FORD'S AGREEMENT TO NOTIFY SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS (NOW AND EVERY TWO YEARS UNTIL THE VEHICLES REACH TEN YEARS FROM THEIR PRODUCTION DATE) ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING PROPER TIRE PRESSURES ON THEIR VEHICLES, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Recorded closure: Mar 31, 2009

Find investigation EA08007
Opened Nov 15, 2007 ClosedVIOLENT FRONT END OSCILLATIONPE07057

ODI HAS RECEIVED 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY AND OSCILLATIONS COMMENCING AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. THE MAJORITY OF THESE INCIDENTS OCCURRED AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH OR GREATER.THIRTEEN OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THAT THE VEHICLE CHANGED DRIVING LANES UNCONTROLLABLY.FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE AS A RESULT OF THE VIOLENT SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS.IN ONE CASE THE CONSUMER ALLEGES THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE, IT CRASHED INTO A WOODED AREA.ADDITIONALFACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE OPENING OF THIS EA WERE EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS,SUBMITTED BY FORD, DESCRIBING SUSPENSION SHIMMY / OSCILLATIONSAND A FORD TSB (07-10-10) DESCRIBING THE SUSPENSION SHIMMY ISSUE AND HOW TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM.FORD HAS DESCRIBED SHIMMY AS SELF-EXCITED OSCILLATION OF THE STEERING WHEELS WITH ACCOMPANYING WHEEL TRAMP.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO DETERMINE IF THE SHIMMY CONDITION THAT OCCURS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CREATES A CONDITION WHERE THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR STARTLES THE DRIVER, THUS PRESENTING A SAFETY RISK.

Recorded closure: Mar 14, 2008

Find investigation PE07057

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