2011 Ford F-450 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Dec 28, 2022 · 9 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other F-450 years
Not enough data 6th of 18 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Ford F-450. That ranks 6th out of 18 F-450 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (3 complaints, 33%), typically at around 68,120 miles. Complaints mention 2 fires. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2011 Ford F-450 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine3 · ~68,120 mi
Steering2 · ~94,000 mi
Electrical System1 · ~87,000 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling1 · ~126,579 mi
Fuel/propulsion System1 · ~77,600 mi
Power Train1 · ~55,000 mi
Unknown or Other1 · ~87,000 mi
Wheels1 · ~479,996 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine333%68,120——
Steering222%94,000——
Electrical System111%87,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling111%126,579——
Fuel/propulsion System111%77,600——
Power Train111%55,000——
Unknown or Other111%87,000——
Wheels111%479,996——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2017, with 3 complaints
2014: 2201422015: 1201512017: 3201732018: 1201812019: 1201912022: 120221

n = 9 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2011 Ford F-450 recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

EquipmentAug 13, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V498000 · 3 vehicles

Problem: PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.

Risk: The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.

Fix: PJ's has notified owners and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2014. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.

EngineOct 30, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V535000 · 2,951 vehicles

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 F-350/450/550 Ambulance Package vehicles manufactured February 22, 2010, through October 19, 2012 and equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine. Due to an exhaust sensor problem, the vehicles may experience loss of power followed by an engine stall.

Risk: An unexpected engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, if this were to occur when the ambulance is transporting a patient, there is an increased risk of injury to the patient.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the exhaust gas temperature sensor, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S10.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown (RQ14005) — opened Jan 13, 2015, closed Mar 15, 2016, led to recall 15V175000.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-450. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel started to shake abnormally. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while accelerating at high speeds, or while driving in inclement weather, the steering…

Steering · received Dec 28, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11499192

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-450. WHILE DRIVING 45-50 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE DEATH WOBBLE AND THE STEERING BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED THE STEERING PARTS…

Steering · received Feb 6, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11174744

Blown motor. Bad lifters and valves. Exhaust temperature sensor check engine light. No warranty, i had to replace entire engine at my cost of $15,000

Engine · received Mar 26, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11081176

THIS VEHICLE IS SHUTTLE BUS, TRANSPORT PASSENGERS FROM CHICAGO O'HARE AIRPORT TO FOUR POINTS HOTELS AND BACK 24/7. THIS VEHICLE IS OWNED BY FOUR POINTS HOTEL AT SCHILLER PARK, IL AND I WORK AS DRIVER. ON NOVEMBER 20 2016 JUST AFTER 9 PM I WAS DRIVING THE BUS SOUTH BOUND ON MANNHEIM RD AND WHEN…

Wheels · received Oct 9, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 11032574

I have running lights but no turn signals, brake, or four way/emergency lights on my fifth wheel when towing. This is at any time hooked up to the truck. Otherwise on the truck itself all lights work properly.

Electrical System · received Jun 16, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 10995445

Other Ford F-450 years

← 2010 F-450 · 2012 F-450 →

See all Ford F-450 problems by year, every Ford model, or the Ford VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Ford F-450?

Owners most often report engine, steering, electrical system problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 3 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2011 Ford F-450?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2011 Ford F-450 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other F-450 model years, the 2011 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.