Ford F-250 Electrical System Problems
Owners have filed 259 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the Ford F-250 across 20 model years. The 2004 model year has the most (36). The words owners use most often: “caught fire” (8% of reports).
- 259electrical system complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 6mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 51%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Caught fire: mentioned in 20 of 259 complaints (8%)
- Wiring harness: mentioned in 16 of 259 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?
Based on 165 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 259 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 53 a fire, 6 an injury.
Ford F-250 electrical system complaints by model year
| Model year | Electrical System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 F-250 | 9 | 6% | 35,080 |
| 2013 F-250 | 2 | 2% | 36,700 |
| 2012 F-250 | 18 | 7% | 98,202 |
| 2011 F-250 | 11 | 4% | 111,671 |
| 2010 F-250 | 4 | 5% | 13,500 |
| 2009 F-250 | 1 | 2% | 219,500 |
| 2008 F-250 | 12 | 6% | 90,439 |
| 2007 F-250 | 3 | 5% | 74,000 |
| 2006 F-250 | 18 | 8% | 84,275 |
| 2005 F-250 | 13 | 9% | 104,550 |
| 2004 F-250 | 36 | 23% | 124,000 |
| 2003 F-250 | 13 | 11% | 120,000 |
| 2002 F-250 | 14 | 9% | 87,896 |
| 2001 F-250 | 12 | 5% | 120,000 |
| 2000 F-250 | 24 | 7% | 137,090 |
| 1999 F-250 | 25 | 4% | 88,500 |
| 1998 F-250 | 2 | 4% | 35,890 |
| 1997 F-250 | 19 | 6% | 124,233 |
| 1996 F-250 | 11 | 6% | 175,025 |
| 1995 F-250 | 12 | 7% | 103,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Electrical system:software
Model years: 2011
Problem: Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 ford f-150, f-250, f-350, f-450, f-550, edge, and lincoln mkx trucks manufactured from october 25, 2010, through november 20, 2010. These vehicles were inspected using integrated diagnostic system (ids) that had a custom software routine to read the suspect body control module (bcm) serial number. Based on the serial number the bcm was either not affected or replaced. The custom software routine was not reading the correct set of characters, and was not able to identify a bcm that required replacement affected bcms may have the potential for an internal short.
Risk: If an electrical short develops, an overheating condition may occur which could result in a vehicle fire.
Fix: Dealer will inspect the body control module and if necessary replace it free of charge. The safety recall began on march 7, 2011. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery
Model years: 2008
Problem: On certain trucks equipped with a 6.4l diesel engine, insufficient clearance of the battery positive (b+) wire to the right hand splash shield bolt may result in the battery b+ wire contacting the splash shield bolt.
Risk: Long term contact could cause wire chafe, resulting in copper wire being exposed. If this condition occurs, the battery b+ wire could short to ground increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the battery b+ wire location and, if necessary, reposition the wire. The recall began on april 3, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery
Model years: 2003
Problem: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with 6.0l diesel engines, the engine ground stud that attaches the negative battery terminal eyelet to the engine block may be loose.
Risk: If the ground wire is loose, electrical current may flow to the radio suppression strap causing it to heat and potentially melt or ignite adjacent components which could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine ground stud and the radio suppression strap and adjacent components will be inspected for damage and replaced, if necessary. The recall began on july 23, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that they discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 141,000. It was later discovered upon checking Carfax, that the…
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 219,825 and at the time of registration, it was…
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 1999 N/A Ford F-250. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 176,369. The contact stated that the odometer was inoperable. The contact stated that the…
Ford has a recall for 2015 and up 25s89 rear-view camera inspection, my camera has exact same issue in fact these parts involved in recall are the same!!! How is it that ford starts recall with 2015?? And doesnt go back to 2013??? Makes no since whatsoever!! I've worked for ford for 35 years as a…
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Ford F-250. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was an independent dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 88,000. It was later discovered, after checking the Carfax report, that…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Ford F-250s have electrical system problems?
No. NHTSA has 259 owner complaints about electrical system for the Ford F-250. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Ford F-250 electrical system?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about electrical system problems on the Ford F-250?
The most frequent phrase is “caught fire”, in 20 of 259 complaints, followed by “wiring harness” (16).
Other Ford F-250 problems
- Steering problems (808)
- Suspension problems (766)
- Tires problems (460)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (387)
- Power Train problems (319)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (290)
- Engine problems (244)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (182)
See all Ford F-250 problems.