NHTSA vehicle safety data

2011 Ford F-550 Recalls & Complaints

The 2011 Ford F-550 has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 12 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-550. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2011 Ford F-550 owner complaints

Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Ford F-550, describing incidents dated May 16, 2012 to December 6, 2024.

Most-cited components

Engine 7 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 4 complaints
Equipment 1 complaint
Parking Brake 1 complaint
Power Train 1 complaint
Steering 1 complaint

Of the 12 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11629240 · Filed December 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-550. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a failure in cylinder #8 and with engine…
ODI #11628877 · Filed December 4, 2024
The contact's local fire department owns a 2011 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled out as several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact made multiple attempts to restart the engine but the failure persisted. Due to the failure, the…
ODI #11387852 · Filed January 13, 2021
TRUCK WILL SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WE HAVE HAD THE FRONT END/DRIVE SHAFT/NEW TIRES/WHEELS EITHER REPLACED OR GONE THROUGH. NOTHING HAS IMPROVED.

Read all 12 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2011 Ford F-550 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.

Recall Query RQ14-005: Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown
Closed March 15, 2016
- Recall 15V-175
Preliminary Evaluation PE13-038: CNG Fuel Container Securement
Closed March 9, 2014
- Recall 14V-040

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

PTO Pressure Switch Oil Leak may Result in Fire

NHTSA #15V052000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported January 30, 2015 · All Wheel Drive Equipment Mfg., Inc.

Potentially affected: 1 vehicle

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

Owners notified April 1, 2015 · Vehicles built May 14, 2010 – May 28, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

All Wheel Drive Equipment Mfg., Inc. (All Wheel) is recalling one model year 2011 Ford F-550 truck with a 6.8L gasoline engine manufactured May 14, 2010, to May 28, 2010. The affected vehicle is equipped with a PTO Assembly Pressure Switch, part number FR67, used with power take off (PTO) assemblies for Ford F-550 chassis. The PTO switch may leak oil onto the thermal blanket.

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

All Wheel has notified the owner and will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. Owners may contact All Wheel customer service at 1-800-311-4778.

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 #14V498000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported August 13, 2014 · PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co.

Potentially affected: 3 vehicles

Repair completion: 0% (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

PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's 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

PJ's has notified 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 August 28, 2014. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.

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 #14V411000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Gasoline · NHTSA notice

Reported July 8, 2014 · J.C. Madigan, Inc.

Potentially affected: 2 vehicles

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

Owners notified September 8, 2014 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

J.C. Madigan, Inc. (J.C. Madigan) is recalling one model year 2011 Ford F-550, and one model year 2013 Ford F-450 chassis with a 6.8L gasoline engine dump trucks equipped with certain PTO Assembly Pressure Switches, part number 30T37594, manufactured June 2009 through June 2013, used in power take off (PTO) assemblies. The switch may begin leaking oil.

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

J.C. Madigan 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 September 2014. Owners may contact J.C. Madigan customer service at 1-978-847-2900.

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.

Broken CNG Tank Brackets

NHTSA #14V040000 · Fuel System, Other — Storage — Tank Assembly — Mounting · NHTSA notice

Reported February 6, 2014 · Almared, Inc.

Potentially affected: 18 vehicles

Owners notified January 10, 2014 · Vehicles built May 1, 2011 – April 13, 2012 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Almared, Inc., dba A-1 Alternative Fuel Systems, is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-550 transit buses manufactured May 2011 through April 2013, altered to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG). In the affected vehicles, the brackets securing the passenger side CNG fuel tank may break.

Safety consequence

If the brackets break, the CNG tank may separate from the vehicle frame increasing the risk of a crash or possible fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Almared, Inc. has notified owners and all affected vehicles have been remedied, free of charge. Owners may contact Almared at 1-559-485-4427.

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.

Ambulance Engine Stall

NHTSA #13V535000 · Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported October 30, 2013 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 2,951 vehicles

Repair completion: 87.66% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 13S10 · Owners notified November 25, 2013

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 F-350/450/550 Ambulance Package vehicles manufactured February 22, 2010, through October 19, 2012 and equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine. Due to an exhaust sensor problem, the vehicles may experience loss of power followed by an engine stall.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the exhaust gas temperature sensor, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S10.

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.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2011 Ford F-550. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

12 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Ford F-550.

Engine

ODI #11629240

Incident: December 6, 2024 · Filed: December 6, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-550. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a failure in cylinder #8 and with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000. The VIN was not available.

Engine

ODI #11628877

Incident: May 31, 2024 · Filed: December 4, 2024

The contact's local fire department owns a 2011 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled out as several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact made multiple attempts to restart the engine but the failure persisted. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic was performed. The mechanic discovered diesel fuel in the oil reservoir which had resulted in engine failure. Upon investigation, the mechanic referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty or recall. The manufacturer then referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 6,500.

Steering; Power Train; Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #11387852

Incident: September 30, 2019 · Filed: January 13, 2021

TRUCK WILL SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WE HAVE HAD THE FRONT END/DRIVE SHAFT/NEW TIRES/WHEELS EITHER REPLACED OR GONE THROUGH. NOTHING HAS IMPROVED.

Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11321894

Incident: March 15, 2015 · Filed: April 22, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-550. THE CONTACT STATED HE RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TWO LININGS IN THE INTERNAL PART OF THE VEHICLE WHICH BOTH UNEXPECTEDLY DETACHED AND CONTAMINATED THE FUEL IN FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A UNKNOWN LOCAL DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHICH TOOK THREE MONTHS. THE DIAGNOSIS RESULTS WAS CONTAMINATION FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. *BF*JB

Engine

ODI #10993685

Incident: June 6, 2017 · Filed: June 7, 2017

ENGINE SHUTTING OFF & WILL NOT RE-START AFTER. WILL RESTART AFTER IT SITS FOR A COUPLE HOURS. HAS BEEN INTO TUTTLECLICK FORD SEVERAL TIMES FOR REPAIR OF THIS ISSUE. STILL NOT FIXED.

Engine and Engine Cooling; Fuel System, Diesel

ODI #10789548

Incident: October 1, 2012 · Filed: November 10, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED SHORTLY AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTERIOR LINING OF THE FUEL TANK SHED INTO THE FUEL TANK AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE. THE DEALER STATED THAT BOTH FUEL TANKS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE CLEANED. TWO YEARS LATER, AFTER THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THE VEHICLE WOULD REQUIRE THE SAME REVISIONS AS BEFORE; HOWEVER, IT WOULD BE PERFORMED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. UPDATED 02/05/16*LJ UPDATED 02/11/16.*JB

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #10759202

Incident: October 23, 2014 · Filed: August 25, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-550. WHILE AT A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE LOW POWER WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS THEN TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THERE WAS CONTAMINATION IN THE FUEL LINE AND THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,633. UPDATED 11/06/15*LJ *CN

Engine

ODI #10678302

Incident: August 4, 2014 · Filed: January 22, 2015

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED CONTAMINATION IN THE FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V535000 (ENGINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000. MA 07/30/15 UPDATED 9/19/2017*CN

Engine

ODI #10596057

Incident: May 7, 2014 · Filed: June 4, 2014

FORD HAS A TSB ON A CYLINDER #5 GLOWPLUG FAILURE THAT CAUSES ENGINE FAILURE. COINCIDENTALLY, THEIR WARRANTY ON A 6.7 DIESEL IS TO 100,000 MILES. MINE FAILED AT 104,000. FORD IS NOT COVERING IT. THIS IS GOING TO COST ME $13,000. THE ITEM SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR

Fuel System, Diesel

ODI #10586723

Incident: April 30, 2014 · Filed: May 6, 2014

FUEL TANK IS RUSTED FROM INSIDE . CLOGS FILTERS AND SYSTEM . *TR

Other Ford F-550 model years

Check your 2011 Ford F-550 VIN

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