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2011 Ford F-450 SD problems

The most common problem on the 2011 Ford F-450 SD is engine and cooling, typically around 77,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical F-450 SD model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
8
Service bulletins
168
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2011 Ford F-450 SD problems

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

  • Engine
    4
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Steering
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Engine
    4
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 8

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)Reported March 25, 2015 · 6,322 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks manufactured February 22, 2010, to January 30, 2015, and equipped with ambulance or fire engine preparation packages. The affected vehicles may detect an incorrect Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor (EGT) fault indicating that the vehicle is too hot, causing the engine management system to shut down the engine and prevent its immediate restart.
Risk
Engine shut down and a subsequent cool down period may delay medical treatment or assistance to those needing it, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S09.

Recall number 15V175000 · Recall details

EquipmentReported June 23, 2014 · 10 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Palfleet Truck Equipment Company, LLC (Palfleet) is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 super duty vehicles modified by Palfleet 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.
Remedy
Palfleet will notify 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 July 29, 2014. Owners may contact Palfleet customer service at 1- 502‑376‑2458.

Recall number 14V360000 · Recall details

EquipmentReported June 13, 2014 · 21 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. will notify owners and dealers to inspect the Muncie PTO pressure switch to determine if it is from the range of defective switches and if required, remove the pressure switch assembly and put a plug in the port where the PTO switch had been installed. This switch was never being utilized. This will be done free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-July 2014. Owners may contact Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. at 1‑800‑247‑5958.
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.
Remedy
Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. will notify 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 July 28, 2014. Owners may contact Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. at 1‑800‑247‑5958.

Recall number 14V328000 · Recall details

EquipmentReported June 12, 2014 · 10 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Stahl is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Ford F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty vehicles modified by Stahl 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.
Remedy
Stahl will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. Owners may contact Stahl customer service at 1‑800‑277‑8245, or Muncie at 1‑800‑367‑7867.

Recall number 14V327000 · Recall details

EquipmentReported June 10, 2014 · 16 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Utility Truck Equipment Company, LLC (Utility Truck) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 UTLI41A, 2011 UTLN41, and 2012 UTLN46 aerial trucks manufactured December 2010 to September 2013 equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies installed on 2010-2013 Ford F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles. 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.
Remedy
Utility Truck will notify 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 in June 2014. Owners may contact Utility Truck customer service at 1‑254‑857‑8813.

Recall number 14V379000 · Recall details

EquipmentReported June 10, 2014 · 4 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Somerset Welding & Steel, doing business as J&J Truck equipment (J&J), is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis with 6.8L gasoline engines modified by J&J to be 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.
Remedy
Somerset will notify 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 August 2014. Owner's may contact Somerset customer service at 1‑800‑777‑2671.

Recall number 14V382000 · Recall details

Electrical system: softwareReported February 24, 2011 · 8,022 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 11V128000 · Recall details

Structure: bodyReported December 29, 2010 · 14,737 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 10V659000 · Recall details

See all 8 recalls for the 2011 Ford F-450 SD

Defect investigations

Vehicle Commanded Engine ShutdownOpened January 13, 2015, closed March 15, 2016

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V‑535 were inadequate. Recall 13V‑535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V‑175) to address the 13V‑535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V‑175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V‑175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and the federal safety agency will take further action if such action is warranted.

RQ14005

Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Ford F-450 SD 168

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

See all 168 bulletins for the 2011 Ford F-450 SD

What 2011 Ford F-450 SD owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 18, 2018 · Acceleration, Engine · 15,000 miles · IA

When traveling down the hiway,sometimes you will lose power. You will feel a jerk. The engine is still running but no power to the wheels. Pretty scary when you are trying to pass a vehicle on the interstate. You try to pull over to the side of the road. You have no means of movement. You can now turn off the vehicle and put it in neutral and restart the engine,you can now continue down the hiway until it happens again. This has happened multiple times. We have driven with our horse trailer down to arizona 3 times and this has happened 3-4 times each way. Ford dealer where purchased has no clue what is causing this. This vehicle was purchased brand new. We have had this problem since new.

Filed Sep 16, 2016 · Fuel system · 98,000 miles · WI

6.7 diesel fuel injector hold down clamp broke and fuel injector blew out of cylinder head spraying fuel all over engine compartment. Vehicle was always serviced by authorized ford dealers per schedule. Vehicle in motion on highway. Has 98,000 miles on it, but is a few months over the 5 year powertrain warranty. Local ford tech says its a common problem for this engine, and ford has recognized it and is making engineering changes to replacement parts. This may be, but having a high pressure fuel system blow apart on the road is not common for me. And of course no warranty coverage so I have to cover all costs. I have no notification from anyone about recalls or tsbs effecting the vehicle.

Filed Jun 22, 2015 · Engine · 77,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford f-450 sd. While driving at any speed, the vehicle stalled without warning and the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The failure recurred numerous times. The dealer diagnosed that the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred a week later. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v659000 (structure). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.

Filed Feb 22, 2015 · Brakes, Fuel system · 39,500 miles · FL

Truck was pulling my 16k 5th wheel camper over the passes between montana and idaho in tow haul mode up and down. These are only 4,200 foot passes but steep. Usually in 6th gear but sometimes 4th going 50-55; oil temps show as 220 to 239 then the big fan kicks in to cool it. On one of the smaller passes, shortly after I crested the hill the truck sharply down shifted (I think it skipped 4th and went into 3rd. Immediately thereafter the "check engine" light came on, ?tool? Emblem showed on dash, "low power" notice showed on dash, and I barely had time to get halfway off the road before I lost power steering and brakes. This could have been a horrific disaster on just about any other interstate highway location, let alone two lane roads that we have been with our truck/trailer. As it was, it was one very scary ten seconds. I had no power steering or brakes. Later I learned that if it happens again that I should keep it above 5 MPH to get off road and lined up, then stomp on brakes because you only have one chance. On the side of the road, "?check engine" light is red, but no other warning lights now. I can get no revs out of engine. I turn off key and shut down. Check fluids underneath, and under hood all is well. Try phone - no coverage. Closest town is 16 miles. Restart engine after 5 minutes. It was about 60 outside at the top of the pass, and I can now rev engine, but engine light is on. Head to town, get cell coverage on next rise and call ahead to nearest ford dealer for directions. Another pass is between us - 4th of july, a taller one than the shutdown event. Idaho dealer ([xxx], lake city ford) kindly squeezes me in. See engine light on. Tech [xxx] sees light and runs scan and sees no record of any codes in any systems. What the?? Next morning, ford told dealer that there is no way that a code did not register if the light was on. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 12, 2014 · Engine · 82,500 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford f-450 sd. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH the engine stalled with an illumination of the warning indicator. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure was contributed to a faulty egt exhaust temperature sensor. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 82,500.

Filed Mar 16, 2012 · Engine · 800 miles · VA · fire

Vehicle fire. The vehicle and all warning lights were off when the fire started. Updated 03/21/12 *bf updated 04/30/12*bf updated 05/09/12 *bf updated 05/12/2012

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Questions about the 2011 Ford F-450 SD

Is the 2011 Ford F-450 SD reliable?

Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2011 Ford F-450 SD, close to a typical F-450 SD model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Ford F-450 SD?

Engine and cooling, with 4 complaints, typically around 77,000 miles. Next is fuel system (2).

How many recalls does the 2011 Ford F-450 SD have?

8 recalls, covering power train, equipment and electrical system.

What year does the Ford F-450 SD have bad engine?

The Ford F-450 SD model years with the most engine complaints are 2008 (39 complaints) and 2006 (10 complaints).

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