2006 Ford F-250 Problems and Recalls (216 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 2006 Ford F-250 is Suspension (29% of 216 owner reports). There are 3 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Suspension — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-09-07 216 complaints · 3 recalls

What problems show up on the 2006 Ford F-250?

63 of 216 filings named Suspension (29% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Steering (42 reports).

There are 3 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Tires. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The 2005 has 139 reports on file; this year has 216. Older years collect more reports just by being on the road longer. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.

What to check before you buy a 2006 Ford F-250

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 3 campaigns on file below.
  2. Suspension. Listen for clunks over bumps and look at tire wear for alignment issues.
  3. Steering. Check for play in the wheel, noises on lock and whether it tracks straight.
  4. Engine. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Suspension. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Suspension 63 complaints · 29.2% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 9
  • Fires 5
  • Injuries 9
  • Deaths 0
All Ford F-250 years →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Suspension (SUSPENSION) appears in 63 of 216 owner complaints (29.2%) in this vehicle snapshot. Suspension (SUSPENSION): 63 complaints, 29.2% of reports Suspension (SUSPENSION) 63 · 29.2% Steering (STEERING): 42 complaints, 19.4% of reports Steering (STEERING) 3 crash reports 42 · 19.4% Engine (ENGINE): 25 complaints, 11.6% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 1 crash reports 1 fire reports 25 · 11.6% Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM): 15 complaints, 6.9% of reports Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 1 fire reports 15 · 6.9% Wheels (WHEELS): 14 complaints, 6.5% of reports Wheels (WHEELS) 1 crash reports 14 · 6.5% Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 9 complaints, 4.2% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 9 · 4.2% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 7 complaints, 3.2% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 1 crash reports 7 · 3.2% Body / frame (STRUCTURE): 7 complaints, 3.2% of reports Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 7 · 3.2% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 5 complaints, 2.3% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 1 crash reports 1 fire reports 5 · 2.3% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 68 complaints, 31.5% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 2 crash reports 2 fire reports 68 · 31.5% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Suspension (SUSPENSION) 63 29.2% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Steering (STEERING) 42 19.4% 3 crashes · 0 fires
Engine (ENGINE) 25 11.6% 1 crashes · 1 fires
Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 15 6.9% 0 crashes · 1 fires
Wheels (WHEELS) 14 6.5% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 9 4.2% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 7 3.2% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 7 3.2% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 5 2.3% 1 crashes · 1 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 68 31.5% 2 crashes · 2 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Jan 2006; the first recall shown was reported in Nov 2005. 2006-Q1: 4 owner reports 4 2006-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2006-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2007-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2007-Q2: 3 owner reports 3 2007-Q3: 6 owner reports 6 2007-Q4: 5 owner reports 5 2008-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2008-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2008-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2008-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2009-Q1: 4 owner reports 4 2009-Q2: 13 owner reports 13 2009-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2009-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2010-Q1: 7 owner reports 7 2010-Q2: 10 owner reports 10 2010-Q3: 4 owner reports 4 2010-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2011-Q1: 4 owner reports 4 2011-Q2: 5 owner reports 5 2011-Q3: 7 owner reports 7 2011-Q4: 10 owner reports 10 2012-Q1: 8 owner reports 8 2012-Q2: 7 owner reports 7 2012-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2012-Q4: 7 owner reports 7 2013-Q1: 5 owner reports 5 2013-Q2: 3 owner reports 3 2013-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2013-Q4: 5 owner reports 5 2014-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2014-Q2: 6 owner reports 6 2014-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2014-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2015-Q1: 7 owner reports 7 2015-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2015-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2016-Q1: 6 owner reports 6 2016-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2016-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2017-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2017-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2018-Q1: 5 owner reports 5 2018-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2018-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2019-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2019-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2019-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2019-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2020-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2020-Q3: 4 owner reports 4 2021-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2021-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2022-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2022-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2023-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2023-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2024-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 Owner reports Nov 2005 Jul 2024 Recall campaign 05T022000 ◆ Recall campaign 05T022000 Recall campaign 06E087000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E087000 Recall campaign 08V344000 ◆ Recall campaign 08V344000 Investigation PE07057 ● Investigation PE07057 Investigation EA08007 ● Investigation EA08007
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
2006-Q1 Owner reports 4
2006-Q2 Owner reports 1
2006-Q3 Owner reports 3
2007-Q1 Owner reports 2
2007-Q2 Owner reports 3
2007-Q3 Owner reports 6
2007-Q4 Owner reports 5
2008-Q1 Owner reports 1
2008-Q2 Owner reports 2
2008-Q3 Owner reports 3
2008-Q4 Owner reports 3
2009-Q1 Owner reports 4
2009-Q2 Owner reports 13
2009-Q3 Owner reports 3
2009-Q4 Owner reports 3
2010-Q1 Owner reports 7
2010-Q2 Owner reports 10
2010-Q3 Owner reports 4
2010-Q4 Owner reports 3
2011-Q1 Owner reports 4
2011-Q2 Owner reports 5
2011-Q3 Owner reports 7
2011-Q4 Owner reports 10
2012-Q1 Owner reports 8
2012-Q2 Owner reports 7
2012-Q3 Owner reports 2
2012-Q4 Owner reports 7
2013-Q1 Owner reports 5
2013-Q2 Owner reports 3
2013-Q3 Owner reports 3
2013-Q4 Owner reports 5
2014-Q1 Owner reports 3
2014-Q2 Owner reports 6
2014-Q3 Owner reports 3
2014-Q4 Owner reports 1
2015-Q1 Owner reports 7
2015-Q3 Owner reports 2
2015-Q4 Owner reports 2
2016-Q1 Owner reports 6
2016-Q3 Owner reports 3
2016-Q4 Owner reports 1
2017-Q1 Owner reports 2
2017-Q2 Owner reports 2
2018-Q1 Owner reports 5
2018-Q3 Owner reports 1
2018-Q4 Owner reports 2
2019-Q1 Owner reports 2
2019-Q2 Owner reports 2
2019-Q3 Owner reports 3
2019-Q4 Owner reports 1
2020-Q1 Owner reports 2
2020-Q3 Owner reports 4
2021-Q1 Owner reports 1
2021-Q2 Owner reports 1
2022-Q2 Owner reports 2
2022-Q4 Owner reports 1
2023-Q2 Owner reports 2
2023-Q4 Owner reports 1
2024-Q3 Owner reports 2
Recall campaign 1 05T022000
Recall campaign 1 06E087000
Recall campaign 1 08V344000
Defect investigation 1 PE07057
Defect investigation 1 EA08007
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-09-06 Open source record

Safety Recalls (3)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Tires.

  1. Recall campaign 05T022000

    Tires

    Report date
    Component:
    Tires (TIRES)
    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.
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Recall campaign 06E087000

    Safety recall 06E087000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    BRAKE FAILURE CAN OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Recall campaign 08V344000

    Safety recall 08V344000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    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.
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-09-07
Safety incident filters
Showing 8 of 216 complaints · page 1 of 9
2024-07-06Steering (STEERING)
NHTSA ODI 11599579
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2024-07-06Engine (ENGINE)
NHTSA ODI 11599578
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2023-11-29Wheels (WHEELS)
NHTSA ODI 11557554
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2023-06-07Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11525797
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2023-05-17Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11522562
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2022-11-12Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11493286
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The front end wanders and grabs any road deformities severely enough to put you in another lane
2022-06-28Suspension (SUSPENSION)
NHTSA ODI 11471295
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2022-05-08Steering (STEERING)
NHTSA ODI 11463770
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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”.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 2006 Ford F-250?

Owners named Suspension most often — 63 of 216 reports (29%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 2006 Ford F-250?

NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Tires. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 2006 Ford F-250?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Listen for clunks over bumps and look at tire wear for alignment issues. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-09-07. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources