NHTSA vehicle safety data

2017 Ford F-550 Recalls & Complaints

The 2017 Ford F-550 has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 13 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 2017 Ford F-550. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2017 Ford F-550 owner complaints

Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Ford F-550, describing incidents dated April 2, 2017 to February 10, 2026.

Most-cited components

Engine 3 complaints
Structure 3 complaints
Service Brakes 2 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 1 complaint
Power Train 1 complaint
Steering 1 complaint

Of the 13 complaints on file, 2 report a crash and 1 a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11769011 · Filed October 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the brake dust cover, but the sound persisted. The vehicle was taken to EarthRoamer (5073 Silver Peak Ave…
ODI #11717381 · Filed February 11, 2026
The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2017 Ford F550. The contact stated that while one of the employees was driving at highway speeds, a diesel fuel-burning odor was coming from the engine and entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. No warning lights were illuminated. The…
ODI #11715341 · Filed February 3, 2026
The front cab over is getting loose and separating worried it will fall off, have huge water leak coming into the cab from the top through auxiliary buttons and driver side. Have been reading forums and lots of people have the same issues this is very concerning that it's not being taken seriously.

Read all 13 complaints

Back Up Camera Display Image may be Reversed

NHTSA #19V401000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported May 29, 2019 · VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists

Potentially affected: 22 vehicles

Owners notified May 9, 2019 · Vehicles built May 1, 2017 – December 13, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists (VCI) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550, 2014 E-350 and E-450, 2015 F-250 and F-450, 2016 E-450, 2017 E-350, F-450 and E-450, 2018 F-350, 2010 E-450, 2005-2006 E-450, 2009 E-450 and Chevrolet C4500-based Type I and Type III ambulances equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The monitors may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversed.

Safety consequence

The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists will work with ASA to notify the owners, and remedy the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics at 1-800-384-4400.

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.

Brake Light may Randomly Illuminate

NHTSA #19V358000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights · NHTSA notice

Reported May 13, 2019 · Unruh Fire, Inc.

Potentially affected: 4 vehicles

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

Owners notified May 20, 2019 · Vehicles built July 9, 2018 – April 19, 2019 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Unruh Fire, Inc. (Unruh Fire) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550-based fire trucks equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.

Safety consequence

If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Unruh Fire has notified owners and will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began in May 20, 2019. Owners may contact Unruh Fire customer service at 1-800-856-7080.

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.

Brake Light May Randomly Illuminate

NHTSA #19V342000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights · NHTSA notice

Reported May 3, 2019 · Taylor Made Ambulances

Potentially affected: 17 vehicles

Owners notified June 5, 2019 · Vehicles built November 15, 2017 – February 15, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Taylor Made Ambulances is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford E-350, F-450, E-450, F-550, and GMC G3500-based ambulances equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.

Safety consequence

If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Taylor Made will notify owners and Whelen will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2019. Owners may contact Taylor Made Ambulances customer service at 1-800-468-1310.

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.

Block Heater Cable Splice Connector May Corrode

NHTSA #18V894000 · Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported December 18, 2018 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 410,289 vehicles

Repair completion: 78.74% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 18S45 · Owners notified June 3, 2019 · Vehicles built March 18, 2014 – November 17, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S45.

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.

Door may Unlatch in a Side Impact Collision

NHTSA #17V331000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch · NHTSA notice

Reported May 22, 2017 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 14,410 vehicles

Repair completion: 32.23% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 17C09 · Owners notified July 13, 2017 · Vehicles built October 8, 2015 – April 1, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles originally produced with black or body colored exterior door handles that may have been subsequently equipped with a chrome exterior door handle cover accessory kit purchased from a Ford dealer. These accessory door handle covers may cause the doors to unlatch in a side impact collision. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."

Safety consequence

If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the accessory covers and refund the purchase price. The recall began July 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for the recall is 17C09.

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 2017 Ford F-550. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

13 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Ford F-550.

Structure

ODI #11769011

Incident: July 1, 2022 · Filed: October 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the brake dust cover, but the sound persisted. The vehicle was taken to EarthRoamer (5073 Silver Peak Ave, Dacono, CO 80514), who replaced the suspension bushing and shock mount; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to EarthRoamer, who determined that the frame was fractured and had the vehicle towed to a frame shop for repair. The contact stated that the drivetrain was misaligned, the vehicle had caved in the middle, and the RV built on the chassis damaged the cab of the vehicle while driving over a bump. The contact associated the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B04; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11717381

Incident: February 10, 2026 · Filed: February 11, 2026

The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2017 Ford F550. The contact stated that while one of the employees was driving at highway speeds, a diesel fuel-burning odor was coming from the engine and entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. No warning lights were illuminated. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The driver exited the vehicle and noticed oil dripping from underneath the vehicle. The driver opened the hood and noticed diesel fuel all over the engine compartment. Upon further investigation, the driver noticed that the plastic drain valve on the bottom of the water separator had cracked, and oil was spewing upwards. The driver called the company mechanic, and the mechanic went to the site of the failure. The mechanic repaired the vehicle on-site by replacing the filter. The driver was able to continue driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,384.

Structure

ODI #11715341

Incident: June 11, 2022 · Filed: February 3, 2026

The front cab over is getting loose and separating worried it will fall off, have huge water leak coming into the cab from the top through auxiliary buttons and driver side. Have been reading forums and lots of people have the same issues this is very concerning that it's not being taken seriously.

Fuel System, Diesel

ODI #11676148

Incident: July 23, 2025 · Filed: July 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-550. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that occasionally, when the vehicle was started, the vehicle would idle roughly. The contact used a diagnostic machine and retrieved a fault code related to the fuel pump module. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with fuel pump module failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that when the fuel pump module was removed, there were metal shavings inside. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,483.

Engine

ODI #11626951

Crash Fire

Incident: November 21, 2024 · Filed: November 22, 2024

My truck exploded on the expressway on 11-21-24 due to a manufacturer default.

Structure

ODI #11584754

Incident: April 21, 2024 · Filed: April 23, 2024

See attached letter

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11478173

Incident: June 1, 2022 · Filed: August 8, 2022

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-550. The contact stated that after two to three minutes after the engine was idled, a ticking noise was heard in the engine. The noise would dissipate however, a rattling noise was heard next. The contact stated works as an independent mechanic and diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the #3 cylinder had a low oil pressure and that the camshaft and follower needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 213,720.

Wheels

ODI #11422616

Incident: May 1, 2021 · Filed: June 28, 2021

National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (Safety Act), S571.120 Tire/Rim Selection, S5.1.2, requires the sum of the maximum load ratings of the tires fitted to the axle shall be not less than the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of the axle system specified on the vehicle's certification label required by 49 CFR part 567. 567.77 requires any alterer of the vehicle to continue conformity with these requirements and assumes legal liability for certification under the Safety Act. The Siberian RV (see pic) is a customized off-road expedition vehicle manufactured by ProVan Industries, West Columbia South Carolina. They utilize a Ford F550 Super Duty 4x4 as the chassis and customize the RV to travel into off-grid extreme environments and road conditions. ProVan alters the standard Ford F550 dual rear wheel to a single rear wheel. The altered Certification Label affixed to the vehicle (see pic) establishes the rear axle GAWR at 14,706 pounds. The Tire/Wheel (Rim) assembly chosen by ProVan as their alteration is listed as a TOYO M608Z 285/70R 19.5" on a Hutchinson Beadlock Wheel. ProVan neglected to list the capacity of this tire on the Certification Label, instead filling "X" in this spot (VIOLATION). TOYO Inflation Chart determines the MAX load capacity of this tire to be 6395# at 125 psi MAX inflation (see chart). The Hutchinson Wheel has a stamped MAX inflation capacity of 120psi which lowers the load capacity of the tires to 6185# per tire. Either way the sum of the maximum capacity of the tires is either 12,790# or 12,270#. The tires are far short of the 14,706# rear axle GAWR required by the Safety Act. At 22,500 miles and roughly 50% tread wear the rear tire sidewalls developed a split in the bead seam near the rim (see pics). This unsafe tire condition was noticed and immediately pulled out of service. TOYO states this is an overload situation. ProVan refuses to take responsibility for their defective design in violation of the Safety Act. PLEASE HELP Consumer stated rear tire blewout on July 29th, 2021 driving 67MPH.

Tires

ODI #11421714

Incident: May 1, 2021 · Filed: June 21, 2021

National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (Safety Act), S571.120 Tire/Rim Selection, S5.1.2, requires the sum of the maximum load ratings of the tires fitted to the axle shall be not less than the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of the axle system specified on the vehicle's certification label required by 49 CFR part 567. 567.77 requires any alterer of the vehicle to continue conformity with these requirements and assumes legal liability for certification under the Safety Act. The Siberian RV (see pic) is a customized off-road expedition vehicle manufactured by ProVan Industries, West Columbia South Carolina. They utilize a Ford F550 Super Duty 4x4 as the chassis and customize the RV to travel into off-grid extreme environments and road conditions. Provan alters the standard Ford F550 dual rear wheel to a single rear wheel The altered Certification Label affixed to the vehicle (see pic) establishes the rear axle GAWR at 14,706 pounds. The Tire/Wheel (Rim) assembly chosen by Provan as their alteration is listed as a TOYO M608Z 285/70R 19.5" on a Hutchinson Beadlock Wheel. ProVan neglected to list the capacity of this tire on the Certification Label, instead filling "X" in this spot (VIOLATION). TOYO Inflation Chart determines the MAX load capacity of this tire to be 6395# at 125 MAX Inflation (see chart). The Hutchinson Wheel has a stamped MAX inflation capacity of 120psi which lowers the load capacity of the tires to 6185# per tire. Either way the sum of the maximum capacity of the tires is either 12,790# or 12,270# safely. The tires are far short of the 14,706# required by the Safety Act. At 22,500 miles and roughly 50% tread wear the rear tire sidewalls developed a split in the bead seam near the rim (see pics). This unsafe tire condition was noticed and immediately pulled out of service. Toyo states this is an overload condition. ProVan refuses to take responsibility for their defective design in violation of the Safety Act. Please Help

Suspension

ODI #11394818

Incident: January 1, 2021 · Filed: February 5, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD F-550. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT UNDISCLOSED SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER FREEWAY FORD TRUCK SALES (8445 45TH ST, LYONS, IL 60534, (708) 442-9000) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.

Other Ford F-550 model years

Check your 2017 Ford F-550 VIN

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