The most-reported F-550 run is 1FD0X5HT4BE (2011 builds) with 3 complaints, 2.7× the typical run. Engine problems make up 29% of reports; 2011 is the worst model year at 1.3 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 23 recall campaigns for F-550 model years 2007–2020.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Ford F-550 has 79 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 13% of every F-550 complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1FD0X5HT4BE•••••• | 2011 | — | — | |
| 1FD0W5HT5LE•••••• | 2020 | — | — | |
| 1FDUF5HT5LE•••••• | 2020 | — | — | |
| 1FDUF5HT3KE•••••• | 2019 | — | 1 | |
| 1FDUF5GTXCE•••••• | 2012 | — | — | |
| 1FDUF5HY8CE•••••• | 2012 | 1 | 1 | |
| 1FDUF5HT2BE•••••• | 2011 | — | — | |
| 1FD0W5HT4LE•••••• | 2020 | — | — | |
| 1FDAX5GT8BE•••••• | 2011 | — | — | |
| 1FDUF5GT3BE•••••• | 2011 | — | — | |
| 1F66F5DY7C0•••••• | 2012 | — | — | |
| 1FD0W5HT9CE•••••• | 2012 | — | — |
Each of the other 67 F-550 runs has 1 complaint or fewer. ForCar has checked 78 F-550 VINs so far, most often 2015, 2024, 2026 builds; 1 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Ford F-550 the gap between build years is 1.3×: a 2011 car draws 1.3 complaints per run, a 2013 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 17 | 15 | — | |
| 2019 | 14 | 13 | 1 | |
| 2018 | 8 | 8 | — | |
| 2017 | 9 | 9 | 2 | |
| 2016 | 9 | 9 | 1 | |
| 2013 | 5 | 5 | — | |
| 2012 | 13 | 11 | 1 | |
| 2011 | 9 | 7 | — |
Heaviest year here is 2011 at 1.3 complaints per run; lightest is 2013 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 29% of everything Ford F-550 owners report: Engine, 26 of 86 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 8 | |
| Fuel System | — | — | |
| Structure | 1 | 1 | |
| Diesel | — | — | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | — | 4 | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | — | — | |
| Power Train | 1 | — | |
| Steering | 1 | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 23 recall campaigns on the Ford F-550; the 6 below cover build years 2009 to 2020. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 14V498000 | Equipment | 2009–2013 |
| 18V894000 | Engine | 2017–2019 |
| 19V633000 | Seats:front Assembly:recliner | 2019–2020 |
| 19V398000 | Equipment | 2018–2019 |
| 19V401000 | Equipment | 2017–2018 |
| 19V358000 | Exterior Lighting:brake Lights | 2017–2018 |
14V498000 was opened in 2014 on cars built from 2009: 5 years on the road before the recall.
How serious were they
Of the 86 reports on the Ford F-550, 5.8% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | Ford F-550 | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 86 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 5 (5.8%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 10 (11.6%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Ford F-550 share of that is 86 complaints over 79 runs, 0.01% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Ford F-550 VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 86 NHTSA complaints from 79 F-550 runs and 23 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which F-550 production run has the most complaints?
1FD0X5HT4BE, a 2011 build, with 3 complaints. The typical F-550 run has 1.1.
Which F-550 years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2011 is heaviest at 1.3 complaints per run and 2013 lightest at 1.
How many F-550 complaints involve a crash?
5.8% of 86 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 10 involved a fire.
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