NHTSA vehicle safety data

2011 Ford F-450 SD Recalls & Complaints

The 2011 Ford F-450 SD has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 6 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Ford dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2011 Ford F-450 SD. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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

2011 Ford F-450 SD owner complaints

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Ford F-450 SD, describing incidents dated March 1, 2012 to March 17, 2018.

Most-cited components

Engine 4 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 2 complaints
Power Train 1 complaint
Service Brakes 1 complaint
Steering 1 complaint
Vehicle Speed Control 1 complaint

Of the 6 complaints on file, 1 reports a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11096659 · Filed May 18, 2018
WHEN TRAVELING DOWN THE HIWAY,SOMETIMES YOU WILL LOSE POWER. YOU WILL FEEL A JERK. THE ENGINE IS STILL RUNNING BUT NO POWER TO THE WHEELS. PRETTY SCARY WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO PASS A VEHICLE ON THE INTERSTATE. YOU TRY TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. YOU HAVE NO MEANS OF MOVEMENT. YOU CAN NOW…
ODI #10907073 · Filed September 16, 2016
6.7 DIESEL FUEL INJECTOR HOLD DOWN CLAMP BROKE AND FUEL INJECTOR BLEW OUT OF CYLINDER HEAD SPRAYING FUEL ALL OVER ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE WAS ALWAYS SERVICED BY AUTHORIZED FORD DEALERS PER SCHEDULE. VEHICLE IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY. HAS 98,000 MILES ON IT, BUT IS A FEW MONTHS OVER THE 5 YEAR…
ODI #10726562 · Filed June 22, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-450 SD. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURBO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE…

Read all 6 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2011 Ford F-450 SD in 1 investigation. 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.

Recall Query RQ14-005: Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown
Closed March 15, 2016
- Recall 15V-175

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Engine Shutdown in Emergency Vehicles

NHTSA #15V175000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Control Module (TCM/PCM/TECM) · NHTSA notice

Reported March 25, 2015 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 6,322 vehicles

Repair completion: 82.57% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 15S09 · Owners notified April 22, 2015 · Vehicles built February 22, 2010 – January 30, 2015 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks manufactured February 22, 2010, to January 30, 2015, and equipped with ambulance or fire engine preparation packages. The affected vehicles may detect an incorrect Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor (EGT) fault indicating that the vehicle is too hot, causing the engine management system to shut down the engine and prevent its immediate restart.

Safety consequence

Engine shut down and a subsequent cool down period may delay medical treatment or assistance to those needing it, increasing their risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S09.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

PTO Pressure Switch Oil Leak may Result in Fire

NHTSA #14V360000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported June 23, 2014 · Palfleet Truck Equipment Company, LLC

Potentially affected: 10 vehicles

Owners notified July 29, 2014 · Vehicles built June 1, 2009 – June 30, 2013 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Palfleet Truck Equipment Company, LLC (Palfleet) is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 super duty vehicles modified by Palfleet and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

Palfleet will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on July 29, 2014. Owners may contact Palfleet customer service at 1- 502-376-2458.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

PTO Pressure Switch Oil Leak may Result in Fire

NHTSA #14V328000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported June 13, 2014 · Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc.

Potentially affected: 21 vehicles

Repair completion: 57.14% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified July 28, 2014 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. will notify owners and dealers to inspect the Muncie PTO pressure switch to determine if it is from the range of defective switches and if required, remove the pressure switch assembly and put a plug in the port where the PTO switch had been installed. This switch was never being utilized. This will be done free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-July 2014. Owners may contact Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. at 1-800-247-5958.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2014. Owners may contact Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. at 1-800-247-5958.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

PTO Pressure Switch Oil Leak may Result in Fire

NHTSA #14V327000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported June 12, 2014 · Stahl

Potentially affected: 10 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified November 12, 2014 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Stahl is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Ford F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty vehicles modified by Stahl and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

Stahl will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. Owners may contact Stahl customer service at 1-800-277-8245, or Muncie at 1-800-367-7867.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

PTO Pressure Switch Oil Leak may Result in Fire

NHTSA #14V382000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported June 10, 2014 · SOMERSET WELDING & STEEL, INC.

Potentially affected: 4 vehicles

Owners notified August 4, 2014 · Vehicles built June 1, 2009 – June 30, 2013 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Somerset Welding & Steel, doing business as J&J Truck equipment (J&J), is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis with 6.8L gasoline engines modified by J&J to be equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

Somerset will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began August 2014. Owner's may contact Somerset customer service at 1-800-777-2671.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

PTO Pressure Switch Oil Leak may Result in Fire

NHTSA #14V379000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported June 10, 2014 · Utility Truck Equipment Company, LLC

Potentially affected: 16 vehicles

Repair completion: 0% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified June 20, 2014 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Utility Truck Equipment Company, LLC (Utility Truck) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 UTLI41A, 2011 UTLN41, and 2012 UTLN46 aerial trucks manufactured December 2010 to September 2013 equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies installed on 2010-2013 Ford F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

Utility Truck will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began in June 2014. Owners may contact Utility Truck customer service at 1-254-857-8813.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

BODY CONTROL MODULE

NHTSA #11V128000 · Electrical System — Software · NHTSA notice

Reported February 24, 2011 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 8,022 vehicles

Ford campaign 10S14 · Owners notified March 7, 2011 · Vehicles built October 25, 2010 – November 20, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 FORD F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, EDGE, AND LINCOLN MKX TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 25, 2010, THROUGH NOVEMBER 20, 2010. THESE VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED USING INTEGRATED DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (IDS) THAT HAD A CUSTOM SOFTWARE ROUTINE TO READ THE SUSPECT BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) SERIAL NUMBER. BASED ON THE SERIAL NUMBER THE BCM WAS EITHER NOT AFFECTED OR REPLACED. THE CUSTOM SOFTWARE ROUTINE WAS NOT READING THE CORRECT SET OF CHARACTERS, AND WAS NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY A BCM THAT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AFFECTED BCMS MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INTERNAL SHORT.

Safety consequence

IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT DEVELOPS, AN OVERHEATING CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALER WILL INSPECT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Notes

FORD SAFETY RECALL NO. 10S14.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> .

BODY CONTROL MODULE

NHTSA #10V659000 · Structure — Body · NHTSA notice

Reported December 29, 2010 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 14,737 vehicles

Ford campaign 10S14 · Owners notified January 11, 2011

Defect description

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, EDGE AND LINCOLN MKX VEHICLES. DURING A SIX-DAY PRODUCTION PERIOD, THE SUPPLIER OF THE BODY CONTROL MODULE MANUFACTURED MODULES THAT MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INTERNAL SHORT.

Safety consequence

IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT DEVELOPS, AN OVERHEATING CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN UNATTENDED VEHICLE FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALER WILL REPLACE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Notes

FORD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 10S14.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> .

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2011 Ford F-450 SD. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

6 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Ford F-450 SD.

Power Train; Vehicle Speed Control; Engine

ODI #11096659

Incident: March 17, 2018 · Filed: May 18, 2018

WHEN TRAVELING DOWN THE HIWAY,SOMETIMES YOU WILL LOSE POWER. YOU WILL FEEL A JERK. THE ENGINE IS STILL RUNNING BUT NO POWER TO THE WHEELS. PRETTY SCARY WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO PASS A VEHICLE ON THE INTERSTATE. YOU TRY TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. YOU HAVE NO MEANS OF MOVEMENT. YOU CAN NOW TURN OFF THE VEHICLE AND PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND RESTART THE ENGINE,YOU CAN NOW CONTINUE DOWN THE HIWAY UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. WE HAVE DRIVEN WITH OUR HORSE TRAILER DOWN TO ARIZONA 3 TIMES AND THIS HAS HAPPENED 3-4 TIMES EACH WAY. FORD DEALER WHERE PURCHASED HAS NO CLUE WHAT IS CAUSING THIS. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW. WE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE NEW.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #10907073

Incident: September 16, 2016 · Filed: September 16, 2016

6.7 DIESEL FUEL INJECTOR HOLD DOWN CLAMP BROKE AND FUEL INJECTOR BLEW OUT OF CYLINDER HEAD SPRAYING FUEL ALL OVER ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE WAS ALWAYS SERVICED BY AUTHORIZED FORD DEALERS PER SCHEDULE. VEHICLE IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY. HAS 98,000 MILES ON IT, BUT IS A FEW MONTHS OVER THE 5 YEAR POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. LOCAL FORD TECH SAYS ITS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS ENGINE, AND FORD HAS RECOGNIZED IT AND IS MAKING ENGINEERING CHANGES TO REPLACEMENT PARTS. THIS MAY BE, BUT HAVING A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM BLOW APART ON THE ROAD IS NOT COMMON FOR ME. AND OF COURSE NO WARRANTY COVERAGE SO I HAVE TO COVER ALL COSTS. I HAVE NO NOTIFICATION FROM ANYONE ABOUT RECALLS OR TSBS EFFECTING THE VEHICLE.

Engine

ODI #10726562

Incident: October 2, 2014 · Filed: June 22, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-450 SD. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURBO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED A WEEK LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V659000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

Steering; Service Brakes; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #10689858

Incident: August 29, 2014 · Filed: February 22, 2015

TRUCK WAS PULLING MY 16K 5TH WHEEL CAMPER OVER THE PASSES BETWEEN MONTANA AND IDAHO IN TOW HAUL MODE UP AND DOWN. THESE ARE ONLY 4,200 FOOT PASSES BUT STEEP. USUALLY IN 6TH GEAR BUT SOMETIMES 4TH GOING 50-55; OIL TEMPS SHOW AS 220 TO 239 THEN THE BIG FAN KICKS IN TO COOL IT. ON ONE OF THE SMALLER PASSES, SHORTLY AFTER I CRESTED THE HILL THE TRUCK SHARPLY DOWN SHIFTED (I THINK IT SKIPPED 4TH AND WENT INTO 3RD. IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON, ?TOOL? EMBLEM SHOWED ON DASH, "LOW POWER" NOTICE SHOWED ON DASH, AND I BARELY HAD TIME TO GET HALFWAY OFF THE ROAD BEFORE I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A HORRIFIC DISASTER ON JUST ABOUT ANY OTHER INTERSTATE HIGHWAY LOCATION, LET ALONE TWO LANE ROADS THAT WE HAVE BEEN WITH OUR TRUCK/TRAILER. AS IT WAS, IT WAS ONE VERY SCARY TEN SECONDS. I HAD NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. LATER I LEARNED THAT IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN THAT I SHOULD KEEP IT ABOVE 5 MPH TO GET OFF ROAD AND LINED UP, THEN STOMP ON BRAKES BECAUSE YOU ONLY HAVE ONE CHANCE. ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, "?CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT IS RED, BUT NO OTHER WARNING LIGHTS NOW. I CAN GET NO REVS OUT OF ENGINE. I TURN OFF KEY AND SHUT DOWN. CHECK FLUIDS UNDERNEATH, AND UNDER HOOD ALL IS WELL. TRY PHONE - NO COVERAGE. CLOSEST TOWN IS 16 MILES. RESTART ENGINE AFTER 5 MINUTES. IT WAS ABOUT 60 OUTSIDE AT THE TOP OF THE PASS, AND I CAN NOW REV ENGINE, BUT ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. HEAD TO TOWN, GET CELL COVERAGE ON NEXT RISE AND CALL AHEAD TO NEAREST FORD DEALER FOR DIRECTIONS. ANOTHER PASS IS BETWEEN US - 4TH OF JULY, A TALLER ONE THAN THE SHUTDOWN EVENT. IDAHO DEALER ([XXX], LAKE CITY FORD) KINDLY SQUEEZES ME IN. SEE ENGINE LIGHT ON. TECH [XXX] SEES LIGHT AND RUNS SCAN AND SEES NO RECORD OF ANY CODES IN ANY SYSTEMS. WHAT THE?? NEXT MORNING, FORD TOLD DEALER THAT THERE IS NO WAY THAT A CODE DID NOT REGISTER IF THE LIGHT WAS ON. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #10568674

Incident: March 11, 2014 · Filed: March 12, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-450 SD. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE ENGINE STALLED WITH AN ILLUMINATION OF THE WARNING INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A FAULTY EGT EXHAUST TEMPERATURE SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,500. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #10452028

Fire

Incident: March 1, 2012 · Filed: March 16, 2012

VEHICLE FIRE. THE VEHICLE AND ALL WARNING LIGHTS WERE OFF WHEN THE FIRE STARTED. UPDATED 03/21/12 *BF UPDATED 04/30/12*BF UPDATED 05/09/12 *BF UPDATED 05/12/2012 *JS

Other Ford F-450 SD model years

Check your 2011 Ford F-450 SD VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Ford F-450 SD at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Ford VIN