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2017 Ford F-550 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2017 Ford F-550 has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 13safety recalls
- 15owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 1fire report
- 0injuries reported
15 complaints, against an average of 10 for the other 13 Ford F-550 model years.
Every Ford F-550 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2017 Ford F-550?
The components named most often in the 15 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2017 Ford F-550 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 15 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2017 Ford F-550 been recalled?
13 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
Structure: Body: Roof And Pillars Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCrew Cab vehicles with carpet flooring. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
Risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply heat resistant tape to the carpet and its insulation, and modify the B-Pillar insulation as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S52.
Equipment 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.
Risk: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Exterior Lighting: Brake Lights 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.
Risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Exterior Lighting: Brake Lights 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.
Risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Engine 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 and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S11.
Engine 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages: Doors: Latch Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the doors opening while driving although they appear to be closed.
Risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S33.
Seats Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks with manually-adjusted front passenger seats. The seat belt anchor may not be adequately welded to the seat cushion frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages," and 207, "Seating Systems."
Risk: The seat belt buckle weld may fail, preventing the occupants from being properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger manual seat track, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C17.
Latches/Locks/Linkages: Doors: Latch 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."
Risk: If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Seats: Front Assembly: Recliner Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles equipped with a manual driver's seat back recliner mechanism. In the event of a crash, the seat back frame may not restrain the occupant due to having inadequate welds. As such, these vehicles may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202a, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Risk: If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall began on June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C08.
Power Train: Driveline Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford F-450 and F-550 Superduty vehicles. Operating the vehicle at highway speeds may cause the driveline to vibrate and fracture the driveline components or the transmission.
Risk: If the driveline or transmission fractures, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft and two center bearing brackets, free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford recall number 17S08.
Fuel System, Diesel Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, and F-550 SD trucks manufactured March 21, 2016, to August 28, 2016. The protective shield on the fuel conditioning module may have inadequate adhesion, allowing the shield to become dislodged.
Risk: If the shield becomes dislodged, the drain valve may open resulting in a fuel leak. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire. Under certain conditions, significant liquid fuel on the road surface may cause a slip hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the protective shield, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S39.
What do 2017 Ford F-550 owners report?
12 of the 15 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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…
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…
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.
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…
My truck exploded on the expressway on 11-21-24 due to a manufacturer default.
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.
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.
FORD PUT A 2 RUBBER BRAKE HOSES WITH OUTER BRAIDED STEEL OUTER CASING ON THE BUILD AROUND THE A.B.S. UNIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ONE OF THESE HOSES FAILED INSTANTLY RESULTING IN A LOW SPEED COLLISION WITH NO BRAKES.WITH NO PREVIOUS WARNING OF ANY KIND IE SOFT PEDAL ETC. NO KIND LIGHT CAME ON. THIS MUST BE CORRECTED BEFORE THIS STARTS HAPPENING ALL OVER THE U.S.A. THE TRUCK IS BEING REPAIRED AT AN AUSTIN,TX FORD DEALER WITH THE SAME PART THAT JUST HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THE HOSE SHOWS NO RUBBING OR OUTSIDE CONTAMINATION IE DIRT DEBRIS ETC. THE CRASH HAPPENED AT ABOUT 30…
WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK DOWN THE INTERSTATE THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE TRUCK WILL BEGIN TO LOSE SPEED AND THE ENGINE WILL DIE, RESULTING IN DIFFICULT STEERING AND BRAKING. THE FORD DEALER HAS INDICATED THIS ISSUE IS BEING CAUSED BY WATER CONTAMINATION IN THE FUEL, ALTHOUGH THE WATER IN FUEL LIGHT HAS NEVER BEEN ON AND THE DEALERSHIP NOT BEEN ABLE TO PROVIDE ANY CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE OF WATER CONTAMINATION.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD F-550. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SHULTS FORD (10401 PERRY HWY, WEXFORD, PA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPONENTS CONNECTED TO THE DRIVESHAFT WERE DAMAGED DUE TO THE DRIVELINE VIBRATING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST BECAUSE THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17212000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,705.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD F-550 SD. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE, FISHTAIL, AND AN ECHOING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR END. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PASO ROBLES FORD (2401 OAKWOOD ST, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER (MULLAHEY FORD, 330 TRAFFIC WAY, ARROYO GRANDE, CA 93420) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BEARINGS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE A SOLUTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400.
FROM THE DAY I TOOK IT OFF THE LOT TRUCK PULLS LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKES SQUEAK VIBRATION STARTS AT 55MPH FILLS LIKE REAR ENDED IS LOSS TRUCK SWERVES . I WAS DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY WHEN REAR SLIDING WINDOW BLEW OUT FROM INSIDE OF CAB OUT SOUNDING LIKE A GUN SHOT OR TIRE BLEW UP INSIDE THE CAB AND BLEW GLASS ALL OVER MY 4 YEAR OLD IN BACK SEAT . I HAVE HAD THIS TRUCK INTO FORD FOR A NUMBER OF THINGS BUT WON'T FIX VIBRATION OR THE WAY TRUCK DRIVES DOWN THE ROAD
2017 Ford F-550: questions owners ask
Is the 2017 Ford F-550 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 15 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Ford F-550; the most common categories were service brakes (3, 20%), structure (3, 20%), engine and engine cooling (2, 13.3%). There are 13 safety recalls. 2 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Ford F-550?
Across 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are service brakes (20% of complaints), structure (20% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (13.3% of complaints), power train (13.3% of complaints), steering (13.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2017 Ford F-550 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 13 recalls for the 2017 Ford F-550; the most recent (campaign 25V572000, 2025-09-04) concerns Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why do the tires wear fast or the tire pressure light come on in my 2017 Ford F-550?
3 of the 15 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Ford F-550 (20%) describe tire wear, blowouts or tire pressure warnings. One owner wrote: "From the day i took it off the lot truck pulls left and right brakes squeak vibration starts at 55mph fills like rear ended is loss truck swerves ." (NHTSA complaint 11073606, February 2018). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own F-550
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2017 only; combines NHTSA's entries for F-550 and F-550 SD. How these reports are made.