NHTSA vehicle safety data

2006 Ford F-250 Recalls & Complaints

The 2006 Ford F-250 has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 221 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Ford dealer.

Includes campaigns NHTSA files under the spelling "F250".

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2006 Ford F-250. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2006 Ford F-250 owner complaints

Owners have filed 221 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Ford F-250, describing incidents dated April 1, 2005 to July 6, 2024.

Most-cited components

Suspension 85 complaints
Steering 78 complaints
Engine 37 complaints
Electrical System 18 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 17 complaints
Wheels 15 complaints

Of the 221 complaints on file, 10 report a crash and 5 a fire; across all 221 complaints, owners report 10 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11599579 · Filed July 6, 2024
While driving on the freeway the vehicle started to shake violently. I had to pump the breaks slowly and pull to the side of the road. After checking everything we took it to the shop and they did 2k in repairs and said it was fixed. It did it again. They said they don't know what it is.
ODI #11599578 · Filed July 6, 2024
Our truck has been doing the "death wobble" several times over the last 2 years. The truck will suddenly shake violently at high speeds and go into limp mode. We have to pull over pumping the brakes slowly. It is EXTREMELY TERRIFYING to have happen and we have spent THOUSANDS trying to get it…
ODI #11557554 · Filed November 29, 2023
Purchased my truck last year and was unaware of problems with this truck.whikr traveling couple miles from my home on a paved two lane road I ran over a small gravel or walnut which immediately sent my truck into uncontrollably shaking in the front end my speed was between 30 and 35 mph it was all I…

Read all 221 complaints

Owner-reported

2006 Ford F-250 mileage at failure

190 of the 221 complaints on file for the 2006 Ford F-250 give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Suspension	Median 50,000 miles	Middle half 20,000–85,000 miles	Based on 75 complaints
Steering	Median 60,000 miles	Middle half 30,000–110,000 miles	Based on 62 complaints
Engine	Median 100,000 miles	Middle half 55,000–130,000 miles	Based on 30 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2006 Ford F-250 in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA08-007: VIOLENT FRONT END OSCILLATION
Closed March 31, 2009
Preliminary Evaluation PE07-057: VIOLENT FRONT END OSCILLATION
Closed March 14, 2008

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

STEERING COLUMN MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH/FMVSS 108

NHTSA #11V352000 · Exterior Lighting — Tail Lights · NHTSA notice

Reported July 13, 2011 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 26,715 vehicles

Ford campaign 11C18 · Owners notified August 15, 2011

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

FORD'S SAFETY RECALL NO. 11C18.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS

NHTSA #09E012000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported April 7, 2009 · SABERSPORT

Potentially affected: 16,270 vehicles

Owners notified May 11, 2009

Defect description

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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.

Safety consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER.IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY SABERSPORT.THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

FMVSS 403/ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK/RICON

NHTSA #09V026000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility · NHTSA notice

Reported January 26, 2009 · COMM TRANS SULLY CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 108 vehicles

Owners notified February 15, 2009 · Vehicles built April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2007 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

COMM TRANS IS RECALLING 108 MY 2005-2008 FORD E250 AND E350 VANS BUILT ON FORD CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. 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 SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.

Safety consequence

A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.

Manufacturer remedy

COMM TRANS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR COMM TRANS AT 901-726-9394.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM/FMVSS 404/RICON

NHTSA #09V025000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility · NHTSA notice

Reported January 23, 2009 · COMM TRANS SULLY CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 111 vehicles

Owners notified February 15, 2009 · Vehicles built April 1, 2005 – October 30, 2007 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

COMM TRANS IS RECALLING 111 MY 2005-2008 FORD E250 AND E350 VANS BUILT ON FORD CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. 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.

Safety consequence

THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.

Manufacturer remedy

COMM TRANS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR COMM TRANS AT 901-726-9394.

Notes

BUMPER/HITCH

NHTSA #08V344000 · Trailer Hitches · NHTSA notice

Reported July 28, 2008 · KNAPHEIDE MANUFACTURING COMPANY

Potentially affected: 108 vehicles

Owners notified August 15, 2008 · Vehicles built October 23, 2006 – July 15, 2008 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

KNAPHEIDE IS RECALLING 108 MY 2006-2008 PRO SERIES TRUCK BEDS EQUIPPED WITH AN ICC BUMPER WHICH INCLUDED A PROVISION FOR A BALL HITCH. THERE MAY BE AN INSUFFICIENT WELD ATTACHING THE HITCH CHANNEL TO THE SUPPORTING STRUCTURE.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN BENDING OF THE HITCH CHANNEL OR THE HITCH COULD BE PULLED OFF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

KNAPHEIDE WILL OFFER TWO REMEDIES TO ITS CUSTOMERS: (1) FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO DO NOT USE THE HITCH, THE HITCH WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE TRUCK BED AND REPLACED WITH AN ICC BUMPER; OR (2) FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO NEED A HITCH, A RECEIVER HITCH ASSEMBLY WILL BE ADDED TO THE EXISTING HITCH ASSEMBLY AND ALL SUSPECT WELD JOINTS WILL BE RE WELDED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KNAPHEIDE AT 1-877-473-5763.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

WHEEL RIMS - BRAKE LINE WEAR

NHTSA #06E087000 · Service Brakes, Air · NHTSA notice

Reported October 17, 2006 · HARSCO TRACK TECHNOLOGIES

Potentially affected: 450 vehicles

Owners notified September 15, 2006

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

BRAKE FAILURE CAN OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

HARSCO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE A REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN IN SEPTEMBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARSCO AT 507-235-7112.

Notes

HARSCO RECALL NO. #06-006.THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO MODIFICATION KITS MANUFACTURED BY HARSCO AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON FORD F-250 AND F-350 4X4 PICKUP TRUCKS MANUFACTURED BY THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FMVSS 119/PREMATURE TIRE WEAR

NHTSA #05T022000 · Tires — Tread/Belt · NHTSA notice

Reported November 21, 2005 · CONTINENTAL TIRE NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 34,396 vehicles

Owners notified December 7, 2005

Defect description

CERTAIN CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC TR OWL, CONTITRAC TR BSW, GENERAL GRABBER TR BSW, AND CONTITRAC BSW TIRES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MAY 29 AND JUNE 11, 2005, AND SOLD AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON CERTAIN FORD TRUCKS AND SOLD AS REPLACEMENT TIRES. THESE TIRES CAN WEAR PREMATURELY WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 119, NEW PNEUMATIC TIRES FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS.

Safety consequence

AFFECTED TIRES MAY NOT MEET THE ENDURANCE TEST REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD. CONTINUED USE OF THE AFFECTED TIRES CAN RESULT IN TIRE FAILURE WHICH COULD LEAD TO VEHICLE DAMAGE OR MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

CONTINENTAL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE TIRES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 7, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CONTINENTAL AT 704-588-5895.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2006 Ford F-250. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

221 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Ford F-250.

Steering; Vehicle Speed Control; Engine

ODI #11599579

Incident: June 18, 2024 · Filed: July 6, 2024

While driving on the freeway the vehicle started to shake violently. I had to pump the breaks slowly and pull to the side of the road. After checking everything we took it to the shop and they did 2k in repairs and said it was fixed. It did it again. They said they don't know what it is.

Steering; Vehicle Speed Control; Engine

ODI #11599578

Incident: July 6, 2024 · Filed: July 6, 2024

Our truck has been doing the "death wobble" several times over the last 2 years. The truck will suddenly shake violently at high speeds and go into limp mode. We have to pull over pumping the brakes slowly. It is EXTREMELY TERRIFYING to have happen and we have spent THOUSANDS trying to get it repaired but it continues.

Steering; Suspension; Wheels

ODI #11557554

Incident: October 3, 2023 · Filed: November 29, 2023

Purchased my truck last year and was unaware of problems with this truck.whikr traveling couple miles from my home on a paved two lane road I ran over a small gravel or walnut which immediately sent my truck into uncontrollably shaking in the front end my speed was between 30 and 35 mph it was all I could do to get it to the side of the road and stopped.Shaking I got out and looked underneath the front thinking I had a wheel or something about to come off.I couldn't see anything noticeable loose.So I got back in and very slowly continued to my destination.Since then it has happened more times than I can count small hump or raised pavement or even a hole in the road will send it into a shaking fit all I can do is try and get to the side of the road and come to a stop.Im in a fix as this is the only vehicle I own and I can't afford to buy another and no one knows what to do to fix it.I feel like I'm riding in a death trap Everytime I have to run out I try and stay on the back roads where I don't have as much traffic and don't have to go as fast having this happen on the interstate is extremely scary not to mention trying to get to the side of the road and not get ran over by tractor trailers.When I purchased this truck it only had around 53,000 miles on it and is still under 60,000.Ive seen read about the problem Ford is having and that they are doing nothing about it.I think this is a disgrace for a company my own father worked for them for 15 years and it's ashame they don't care about their reputation or their company or the safety of their customers and families.I want my truck added to the list of the ticking time bombs they have out on the road.

Electrical System; Unknown or Other

ODI #11525797

Incident: June 7, 2023 · Filed: June 7, 2023

The check engine light continues to stay on no matter what Ford tries to do. We can not get the truck smogged for registration due to this problem.

Steering; Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11522562

Incident: May 8, 2023 · Filed: May 17, 2023

My son was driving on the freeway, traveling approximately 83 mph, when the vehicle lost power, the engine stalled and he lost the ability to steer the vehicle properly. The vehicle was parked at nearest gas station until i could get to it. After inspecting engine, I noticed some wires that had the insulation coming off. I replaced wiring harness, and when doing so, found the main harness to be severely chafed from rubbing the under side of air filter ducts. When looking around engine bay I noticed other wires with insulation coming off too.

Steering; Suspension; Unknown or Other

ODI #11493286

Incident: June 11, 2021 · Filed: November 12, 2022

The front end wanders and grabs any road deformities severely enough to put you in another lane

Steering; Suspension

ODI #11471295

Incident: June 25, 2022 · Filed: June 28, 2022

On 6/25/2022 I experienced violent shaking at freeway speed in southern California. The vehicle was difficult to control - the steering wheel shook violently, and it could be felt throughout the vehicle. The ride was completely smooth when I began the freeway drive; the problem came on all of a sudden, then continued at all speeds, but was particularly violent over 50 MPH. I have not had it inspected yet, but research revealed this is most likely the Ford "Death Wobble" affecting F250 and F350 trucks years 2005 to 2021. I haven't discerned all the information yet as to how to make repairs. My understanding is the cause is inadequate front end suspension parts, a Ford manufacturing safety issue. Mine is a 2006 model, and some articles report that year was notably the worse. There was no traffic accident, no police report was filed, and we made it home safely. There were no warning lights or messages. The truck is not under warranty.

Steering

ODI #11463770

Incident: May 6, 2022 · Filed: May 8, 2022

In two separate instances, traveling on the highway, after going over a bridge transition, the steering wheel and front end began to shake violently. This shaking reverberated throughout the truck causing me to have to slow down immediately and exit the freeway. This was the only thing that stopped the shaking. This is commonly referred to as the “Death Wobble”.

Steering

ODI #11417656

Incident: May 17, 2021 · Filed: May 18, 2021

Not quite sure what component or system is failing/malfunctioning. Best way to describe what is happening, "Death Wobble". No other simpler way to put it. No auto store/dealer has any solid answer. Simply put, almost killed my entire family on the highway and not to mention other drivers on the highway. Driving fine then any bumps/grooves in the road instantly sends the entire vehicle into this VIOLENT shaking mess. To stop the shaking, we have to TRY (because once it starts shaking, it's almost like the steering is freezing up) to stop the vehicle completely. Once stopped, we take off like nothing ever happened until the next set of bumps/grooves. We have taken the truck to auto mechanics, we explain what is going on and INSTANTLY they inform us that we are not alone in this and there's really nothing you can do without constantly changing parts, etc. but there is "no" fix. No warnings, messages, nothing. Basically have to hold on for dear life and ride in the far right lanes so you have a better chance of pulling off on the side of the road without being smashed to death. We literally fear for our families lives in this truck but what can you do when it's pretty much all you got.

Structure; Wheels

ODI #11398709

Incident: February 18, 2021 · Filed: March 2, 2021

I WAS TRAVELING STRAIGHT ON THE INTERSTATE JUST BELOW THE SPEED LIMIT. I HEARD AN ODD NOISE FELT THE TRUCK FEEL UNSTABLE. I SLOWLY COASTED TO A HALT TO FIND THAT MY REAR PASSENGER TIRE HAD BLOWN OUT. THE ENTIRE SIDEWALL WAS DISINTEGRATED AND THE TIRE WAS DETACHED FROM THE RIM. IT BENT IN MY THE REAR QUARTER PANEL OF MY BED CAUSING AN ESTIMATED $1200 IN DAMAGE.

Other Ford F-250 model years

Check your 2006 Ford F-250 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Ford F-250 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Ford VIN