Ford F-250 Structure Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · 133 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 133 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the Ford F-250 across 19 model years. The 1997 model year has the most (18).

At what mileage do structure problems happen?

Based on 63 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles8 · 13%
10k–25k miles7 · 11%
25k–50k miles6 · 10%
50k–75k miles9 · 14%
75k–100k miles11 · 17%
100k–150k miles12 · 19%
150k+ miles10 · 16%

How serious are the reports?

Of 133 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 5 an injury.

Ford F-250 structure complaints by model year

Peak: 1997, with 18 complaints
1995: 9199591996: 551997: 181997181998: 991999: 161999162000: 662001: 4200142002: 442003: 5200352004: 442005: 7200572006: 11112007: 3200732008: 552010: 2201022011: 882012: 9201292013: 552014: 320143

n = 133 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearStructure complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2014 F-25032%67,555
2013 F-25055%20,700
2012 F-25093%100,000
2011 F-25083%27,500
2010 F-25023%85,666
2008 F-25053%70,000
2007 F-25035%52,500
2006 F-250115%51,900
2005 F-25075%20,000
2004 F-25043%67,770
2003 F-25054%90,000
2002 F-25043%73,000
2001 F-25042%96,873
2000 F-25062%117,099
1999 F-250163%182,500
1998 F-250916%102,000
1997 F-250186%181,000
1996 F-25053%96,000
1995 F-25095%98,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2001, with 13 complaints
1996: 519961997: 31998: 61999: 719992000: 72001: 13132002: 820022003: 52004: 12005: 120052006: 12007: 12008: 220082009: 52010: 12011: 420112012: 22013: 52014: 720142015: 32016: 82017: 920172018: 72019: 42020: 120202021: 42022: 42023: 120232024: 32025: 32026: 22026

n = 133 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

Structure:bodyDec 29, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V659000 · 14,737 vehicles

Model years: 2011

Problem: Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 f-150, f-250, f-350, f-450, f-550, edge and lincoln mkx vehicles. During a six-day production period, the supplier of the body control module manufactured modules that may have the potential for an internal short.

Risk: If an electrical short develops, an overheating condition may occur which can result in an unattended vehicle fire.

Fix: Dealer will replace the body control module if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on january 11, 2011. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Structure:frame and membersAug 1, 1996 · NHTSA campaign 96V146000 · 200 vehicles

Model years: 1996

Problem: The crossmember frame gussets were installed with undersized threaded fasteners following a breakdown of the production rivet gun that is generally used. This gusset is the attachment point for the rear strap of the mid-ship fuel tank.

Risk: The subject fasteners can separate causing in the rear strap of the affected fuel tank to become disconnected. A loose or disconnected rear strap allows the fuel tank to possibly contact the road surface increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the crossmember gusset fasteners with the specified alternative fasteners (bolts).

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The customer purchased a vehicle from Metro Motors on May 8, 2026, after visiting the dealership three times and speaking with multiple sales representatives. During each visit, the customer specifically stated that the vehicle would be used to tow a trailer and repeatedly asked whether it was safe…

Received Jun 30, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11747388

All the fiberglass Bkack trim and the Gray door panels and the middle armrest are causing skin irritation to any person that come in touch with them. I havee owned this Truck for so many years, the problem started about 4 years ago, since I only use it for towing the camper I have ignored the issue…

Received Feb 8, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11716602

I purchased this truck new in 2013 and it has only been serviced by Ford, except for an Air Lift Suspension Kit install to allow load leveling when towing. Low miles: 54484 actual. No collision damage, original paint. Date of repair:06/25/2025. Jenkins Ford RO#[XXX]. My truck has a Supercab…

Received Jul 2, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11670798

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the rear end of the vehicle seemed to be falling apart. The contact stated that the failure was due to the cab mount bushing. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The…

Received May 8, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11659662

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while making a turn in either direction, there was an abnormal crunching sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the sound was caused by a misalignment between…

Received Mar 24, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11650227

Frequently asked questions

Do all Ford F-250s have structure problems?

No. NHTSA has 133 owner complaints about structure 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 structure?

Yes: 2 safety recalls list structure. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

Other Ford F-250 problems

See all Ford F-250 problems.