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2006 Ford F-350 problems

The most common problem on the 2006 Ford F-350 is steering, typically around 57,000 miles. It has 1.3 times the complaints of a typical F-350 model year.

Typical year1.3x the typical complaints
Year score
65/100
Owner complaints
145
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
16
Worst area
Steering

The worst 2006 Ford F-350 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 2006 Ford F-350

Loss of power 8Stalling 7No deployment 6Check engine light 6Fuel pump 5Power 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 2006 Ford F-350

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 2006 Ford F-350 16

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

See all 16 bulletins for the 2006 Ford F-350

What 2006 Ford F-350 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 19, 2025 · Engine · PA

2006F-350 super duty 5.4engine,,had to be replaced two and a half years ago the Ford dealer at cirroca of York,,told me that the new motor was improved that the new motors valve train was improved,,why wasn't it a recall,, if it would affect emissions and overall performance and reliability

Filed Jul 21, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · 265,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the front passenger wheel drove over a small dip in the roadway and the vehicle started to shimmy. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to steer. The contact continued driving at a slower speed to allow the shimmy to self-correct. There was no warning illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was found and the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic checked for recalls related to the failure and advised the contact that the manufacturer had issued a recall for the failure (09L02) for severe steering wheel and front wheel vibrations. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 265,000.

Filed May 13, 2024 · Fuel system · 190,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that fuel was leaking underneath the front driver's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the fuel pump block-off plate and plug. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

Filed Apr 8, 2024 · Airbags · 120,000 miles · OR

The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Dec 29, 2023 · Engine, Suspension · 99,856 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the front of the vehicle started to wobble. While driving over a pothole, the vehicle wobbled violently. The contact was unable to control the vehicle while driving over 35 MPH. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact detected smoke coming from the vehicle. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who informed him there were no recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 99,856.

Filed Aug 18, 2023 · CA · 1 injury

While performing a lift of a 520-pound load in a boom position rated for 575 pounds, the crane abruptly failed due to a faulty weld and dropped the load approximately 18 inches, causing minor injuries to the crane operator. There was no sign of trouble before the failure. The failed weld was a circumferential weld between the support pillar and the bearing mount. This was concealed inside the base of the boom assembly and this part arrived already assembled. The skirt that extends from the boom assembly over the bearing mount caught on the pillar and stopped the boom from falling off the pillar entirely. The weld had a full bead but no penetration around most of its circumference. After painting this would have been hard to inspect visually even with the appropriate portion disassembled. Other reviews posted on Amazon.com, where the crane was purchased, show the same kind of deficient welding. The problem was reported to Amazon through a customer service representative and through their safety issue reporting system but they have made no acknowledgement of the issue and have not asked for more details. The broken component has since been repaired and returned to service but photographs of the failure are available.

Filed May 26, 2023 · Airbags, Brakes · 184,000 miles · GA · crash

The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal remained on the floorboard. The vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was restarted but the failure persisted. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 184,000.

Filed Apr 28, 2022 · Steering, Suspension · AL

Vehicle has experienced "death wobble," a common and well documented occurrence in Ford F250 and F350 model trucks. This has occurred on multiple occasions since 2006, and most recently on 4/26/2022. The incident occurred while traveling approximately 45 MPH, and hitting a small bump in the road. When the "death wobble" occurs, the vehicle shakes violently and is difficult to control. This creates a hazardous situation for the occupants of the vehicle and other vehicles/pedestrians in the vicinity of the vehicle. Prior and current attempts to contact Ford service departments, typically involves Ford stating there is not a recall and any repair outside of warranty are the responsibility of owner. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. There is no warning prior to the "death wobble," and occurs when the vehicle is travelling at speed more than 45 MPH.

Filed Feb 16, 2022 · Suspension · GA

8 years ago was crossing RR tracks and vehicle started violently shaking had to slow to 10mph for it to stop. Checked found nothing wrong finished drive home. Took to Ford dealership and they said some tricks shake when tire pressure is wrong and didn't find anything wrong with vehicle. Truck did this once more and after that when I approach RR tracks I slow to 5- 10 mph to keep it from happening. Took it back to Ford 1 time and again they spoke about tire pressure but tire pressure was fine. In the last 2 weeks anytime I hit a bump the truck violently shakes I took to a mechanic shop and they said something was wrong with front end but not sure what. I called Ford and they said to bring it in. We will see what happens because this truck has done this off and on for the last 8 years, but now it does it all the time. It has been shaking so violently I wouldn't be surprised if other damages have happened from it.

Filed Oct 5, 2021 · NC

At highway speeds hitting a bump or small pothole the steering wheel vibrates to the point of almost losing control. If I didn't have two hands on the wheel I possibly could have lost control of my vehicle and crashed

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Questions about the 2006 Ford F-350

Is the 2006 Ford F-350 reliable?

Owners have filed 145 complaints about the 2006 Ford F-350, 1.3 times a typical F-350 model year.

What is the 2006 Ford F-350 year score?

The 2006 Ford F-350 scores 65 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford F-350: 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 2006 Ford F-350?

Steering, with 51 complaints, typically around 57,000 miles. Next is suspension (50).

How many recalls does the 2006 Ford F-350 have?

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

What year does the Ford F-350 have bad steering?

The Ford F-350 model years with the most steering complaints are 2012 (66 complaints), 2006 (51 complaints) and 2011 (50 complaints).

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