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2005 Ford F-250 problems

The most common problem on the 2005 Ford F-250 is engine and cooling, typically around 88,094 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical F-250 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
144
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
6
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2005 Ford F-250 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Ford F-250

Stalling 27Loss of power 9Check engine light 8Jerking 7Ball joint 6Power steering loss 5

Recalls 3

Exterior lighting: brake lightsReported July 13, 2011 · 26,715 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 ranger trucks built from january 25, 2011, through april 25, 2011 at the twin cities assembly plant, and service parts distributed to dealers for certain 2004 through 2011 model year ranger trucks, 2002 through 2005 model year excursion vehicles, and 2002 through 2007 model year f-250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 trucks for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the multi-function switch was shipped with a subcomponent (slider) that may experience deformation. A multi-function switch with a deformed slider may malfunction causing the turn signal, tail lights, hazard warning signal flashers and/or brake lights not to activate.
Risk
Non-functioning lights could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the switches free of charge. The safety recall began on august 15, 2011. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1‑866‑436‑7332.

Recall number 11V352000 · Recall details

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported January 26, 2009 · 108 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Comm trans is recalling 108 my 2005-2008 ford e250 and e350 vans built on ford chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift system accessible for motor vehicles." the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. The pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. The lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift.
Risk
A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
Remedy
Comm trans is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000 or comm trans at 901‑726‑9394.

Recall number 09V026000 · Recall details

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported January 23, 2009 · 111 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Comm trans is recalling 111 my 2005-2008 ford e250 and e350 vans built on ford chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations on motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.
Risk
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
Remedy
Comm trans is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000 or comm trans at 901‑726‑9394.

Recall number 09V025000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2005 Ford F-250

Defect investigations

Violent front end oscillationOpened March 14, 2008, closed March 31, 2009

This investigation was opened based on 78 consumer complaints of severe suspension and steering wheel oscillations after the subject vehicles traveled over an uneven surface.odi was concerned about these complaints because many of them alleged loss of control and the loss of control occurredat speeds above 50 miles per hour.at the time these complaints were received, odi was also aware of the tsb 07-10-10 and early warning field reports that discussed the shimmy condition on the subject vehicles.since opening this investigation, odi has confirmed, based on consumer complaints, warranty data, testing conducted by vrtc, and odi inspection of complaint vehicles, that the owners of the subject vehicles are experiencing shimmy events on their vehicles.however, odi has also confirmed that owners typically do not maintain their tires at the pressures recommended by ford on the tire label.further, odi has found that in order for shimmy to occur, tire pressures must be substantially below (at least 20%) those specified on the vehicle tire label.odi considers these unsafe tire conditions to be the result of one of three typical situations.the tires are being improperly maintained, the owners are intentionally setting the tire pressures low to enhance ride quality, or aftermarket tires (not designed for use on the vehicle) are installed to change the appearance or function of the vehicle.the subject vehicles are intended and designed to be used as heavy duty vehicles and as such require that the tires be capable of handling the loads for which the vehicle is designed and marketed.in order for the tires to be capable of handling these loads, the proper tire pressure must be maintained.in light of the information gathered in this investigation and ford's agreement to notify subject vehicle owners (now and every two years until the vehicles reach ten years from their production date) about the importance of maintaining proper tire pressures on their vehicles, further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information, see the attached closing report.

EA08007

Violent front end oscillationOpened November 15, 2007, closed March 14, 2008

Odi has received 78 consumer complaints of severe suspension and steering wheel shimmy and oscillations commencing after the subject vehicles traveled over an uneven road surface. The majority of these incidents occurred at speeds of 50 MPH or greater.thirteen of the complaints received by odi allege loss of steering control and that the vehicle changed driving lanes uncontrollably.four of the complaints received by odi allege that the vehicle left the road surface as a result of the violent suspension and steering wheel oscillations.in one case the consumer alleges that after the vehicle left the road surface, it crashed into a wooded area.additionalfactors contributing to the opening of this ea were early warning field reports,submitted by ford, describing suspension shimmy / oscillationsand a ford tsb (07-10-10) describing the suspension shimmy issue and how to repair the problem.ford has described shimmy as self-excited oscillation of the steering wheels with accompanying wheel tramp.this pe has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea) to determine if the shimmy condition that occurs on the subject vehicles creates a condition where the vehicle becomes difficult to control or startles the driver, thus presenting a safety risk.

PE07057

Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Ford F-250 6

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

What 2005 Ford F-250 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 9, 2025 · Electrical · 303,000 miles · MI

Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-250. The contact purchased the vehicle from a private seller on social media. The contact stated that the sellers advertisement indicated the odometer mileage was 96,000. The contact later purchased a new vehicle and decided to sell the existing vehicle. The existing vehicle was posted on social media for sale. A potential buyer noticed the vehicle and obtained a Carfax report. The potential buyer then sent a copy of the Carfax report to the contact. The Carfax report indicated that the odometer was reported at 303,000 in 2023. The contact then contacted the seller and informed the seller of the discrepancy. The contact was informed that the odometer had been swapped prior to the sale. The contact stated that seller then deleted the advertisement from social media and rejected all further communications with the contact.

Filed Apr 6, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · NC

Electrical system fails every day. It affects the engine, transmission, radio, windows, gauges. Wiring issue causes the radio to just go out, windows stop working, all gauges stops working, the transmission doesn't shift right, engine doesn't run right. Yes vehicle is available for inspecting. Engine cuts off and won't start back, leaves you stranded side the road. Truck stalls in front of other vehicles. Windows won't roll down when it's 100 degrees inside truck. Fuel gauge doesn't let you know when there's no fuel again leaving you stranded beside the road. Other gauge don't work could cause more damage. Yes it has been inspected my mechanic and he said there are wiring issues. No warning lamps or anything now but the wrench light has came on allot. There is a wiring recall on this year truck but said mine doesn't fall under that recall and I don't know why because I'm having this issue

Filed Jan 15, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · UT

While driving at 65 Mph, towing a fifth wheel camper, encountered a mildly rough section of highway when entire front end began to wobble and shake violently. Slowed the vehicle, maintaining control. When going back up to speed, the same shaking occured again. Also noted a less violent shaking at 45 mph. Took vehicle to have new tires rebalanced but did not change condition much. Inspected front end components. Currently replacing steering damper and shocks in hopes of correcting issue. All other components new or nearly new (3 years) with no issues. Vehicle and components can be inspected, and all replaced parts will be kept for inspection if required. Safety of my vehicle and others on busy highway could have been compromised had I not slowed and maintained control. The problem is being dealt with by me, as I do most maintenance on vehicle. The vehicle has not been seen or inspected by others except by tire mechanic who noted no obvious issues but did re-balance all tires. There was NO advance warning of a failure or compromise.

Filed Oct 15, 2024 · Engine · 246,808 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud rumbling noise that sounded like rocks in the engine. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle was parked and the engine was turned off, the vehicle was started, however, the vehicle did not start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that her husband was an independent mechanic and had recently replaced several unknown parts, however the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 246,808.

Filed Aug 5, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · AL

Wrench light comes on, but truck goes into limp loses power very dangerous don't know if it's going to cause me to be rear-ended, steering goes back and forth right to left can't hardly hold it in road

Filed Apr 10, 2024 · Body, Electrical · NH

The back bed rails rot/rust very quickly and trying to buy new beds run 4500$ along with o2 sensors ir intake sensors go out of blue no reasoning let alone the power steering lines rusting very very quickly

Filed Sep 9, 2023 · Tires · FL

The tire is a Cooper (Discoverer/Rigged Trek) 35x12.50R20LT. The tire is unreadable as it ripped off the bead. While driving, a sudden pop suddenly occurred and smoke began to appear. I pulled over and realized the entire tire popped/blew up. No accident, it was at 35mph approximately. The vehicle has not been inspected yet as I am typing this while waiting for a tow truck.

Filed Oct 2, 2022 · Steering, Suspension · TX

In 2014, I got the “Ford death wobble” in the right front. VERY scary and dangerous. Trying to quickly slow down to stop it in traffic is almost as dangerous as the wobble itself. You have very little to no control with the steering when it happens. I had to repair the problem out of pocket because Ford won’t do anything about it. Now, two weeks ago, I had the same death wobble happen at 70 mph on the left front. So frightening. My passengers thought we had a blowout and we’re about to crash. I successfully slowed it down but this problem is a road hazard to me and everyone else on the road. So now, once again, it’s on me to shell out to fix a problem that should have been a recall a long time ago but Ford won’t step up and do the right thing. Please give us some relief here.

Filed Sep 27, 2022 · Steering, Suspension · AZ

towing a trailer, traveling at 70 mph, I hit a pothole and vehicle violently shook. The episode lasted for approx 30 seconds. It was very Difficult to maintain control and I almost ran off the road. It happened several times before I took it for repairs. The stabilizer bar was replaced, however the violent shaking has still continued.

Filed Aug 27, 2022 · Steering, Suspension · IN

Front end suspension shimmy> My granddaughter and I were driving at 60mpa and hit a bump and could not control shaking of truck until pulling over to stop. This happened without warning. Had to drive back roads to get home.

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Questions about the 2005 Ford F-250

Is the 2005 Ford F-250 reliable?

Owners have filed 144 complaints about the 2005 Ford F-250, close to a typical F-250 model year.

What is the 2005 Ford F-250 year score?

The 2005 Ford F-250 scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford F-250: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Ford F-250?

Engine and cooling, with 43 complaints, typically around 88,094 miles. Next is steering (39).

How many recalls does the 2005 Ford F-250 have?

3 recalls, covering exterior lighting and equipment adaptive/mobility.

What year does the Ford F-250 have bad engine?

The Ford F-250 model years with the most engine complaints are 1999 (82 complaints), 2004 (63 complaints) and 2000 (44 complaints).

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