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2011 Ford F-450 problems

The most common problem on the 2011 Ford F-450 is engine and cooling, typically around 79,072 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical F-450 model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
77/100
Owner complaints
9
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
7
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2011 Ford F-450 problems

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

  • Engine
    4
  • Steering
    2
  • Electrical
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Engine
    4
  • Steering
    2
  • Electrical
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Transmission
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 2

EquipmentReported August 13, 2014 · 3 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 14V498000 · Recall details

EngineReported October 30, 2013 · 2,951 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 13V535000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2011 Ford F-450

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 7

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

What 2011 Ford F-450 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 28, 2022 · Steering · 54,000 miles · MD

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 wheel started to shake uncontrollably. The vehicle was taken to three different dealers where the contact was advised to take the vehicle to a different dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that unknown steering parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised each time to take the vehicle to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

Filed Feb 6, 2019 · Steering · 134,000 miles · TN

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 replaced. The vehicle was taken to gateway ford (1055 w. Andrew johnson highway, greeneville, tn 37745, 423‑639‑5151) to be diagnosed, but the failure was unable to be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 134,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Mar 26, 2018 · Engine, Transmission · 55,000 miles · CA

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

Filed Oct 9, 2017 · Wheels · 479,996 miles · IL · fire

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 breaking to stop at the traffic light at lawrence ave the left rear end hit the ground and the bus dragged until reach complete stop. The rear outer tier come off along the (was found quarter mile north) small fire started , evacuated passengers. All bolts snapped off the rear left wheel and the outer tire came off. The bus was toughed to m&m automotive inc. (708 456 6629) m&m maintain the hotels bus. Photos are available the bus still at the hotel and can be used? But it has not been used for while

Filed Jun 16, 2017 · Electrical · 87,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Apr 12, 2017 · Engine · 68,120 miles · TX · fire

While driving at 45 MPH on a highway the engine blew up. Ford reported the problem was a faulty glow plug which fell into the cylinder causing the connecting rod to break and exit the side of the engine block. Fire ensued but was short lived.

Filed Jan 21, 2015 · Engine · 79,072 miles · TX

Driving on freeway at 75 m.p.h. (speed limit 75) the motor stalled and would not restart., luckily made it to shoulder after dodging traffic. After tow to the dealership, found out it was malfunctioning egt exhaust sensor.

Filed Nov 17, 2014 · Fuel system · 77,600 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford f-450. While driving 40 MPH and attempting to slow down, the engine lost power and the steering seized without warning. The dealer stated that the fuel was contaminated and the fuel system needed to be replaced. The failure was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 77,600.

Filed Jun 28, 2014 · Engine · 126,579 miles · TX

Engine logo light came on; then red sign came on " stop safely now". I pulled to the shoulder and the engine stopped. I waited 30 minutes or so and the engine started again. I drove starting and stopping to a ford dealer in clarion, pa. Slept in the truck all night and the next morning [xxx] ran the computer and his conclusion was the number 8 cylinder injector was bad and that causes the heat sensors to malfunction. He didn't have the part but suggested running it until it cuts out, let it cool then run it again. Well after about 70 miles it stopped for good. I then called up montross ford, and they had the injector so I bought it thinking next I'll find the mechanic, on a saturday afternoon I was wrong. Next I looked up recalls and I found a recall for faulty heat sensors, that recall was for the same time period as my truck was made. I am now sitting on the side of rt. 76 with no where to go pulling a 4 car trailer, customers upset and my last hope is ford motor co. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

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Questions about the 2011 Ford F-450

Is the 2011 Ford F-450 reliable?

Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 2011 Ford F-450, close to a typical F-450 model year.

What is the 2011 Ford F-450 year score?

The 2011 Ford F-450 scores 77 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford F-450: 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 2011 Ford F-450?

Engine and cooling, with 4 complaints, typically around 79,072 miles. Next is steering (2).

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

2 recalls, covering equipment and engine.

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

Yes, 1 recall: 13V535000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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