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2011 Ford F-550 SD problems

The most common problem on the 2011 Ford F-550 SD is body and structure. It has fewer complaints than a typical F-550 SD model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
12
Service bulletins
136
Worst area
Body

The worst 2011 Ford F-550 SD problems

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

  • Body
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Body
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 12

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

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported February 25, 2015 · 117 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Farber Specialty Vehicles (Farber) is recalling various specialty vehicles modified by Farber and equipped with model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Risk
If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
Remedy
Farber will notify owners to take their vehicles to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2015. Owners may contact Farber customer service at 1‑800‑331‑3188, or Ricon customer service at 1‑800‑322‑2884. Farber's number for this recall is 14E-041.

Recall number 15V112000 · Recall details

EquipmentReported July 24, 2014 · 6 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Godwin Manufacturing Company, Inc. (Godwin) is recalling certain model year 2010 Ford F-450; 2011 Ford F-550; 2012 Ford F-350 and 2013 F-350 Super Duty trucks modified by Godwin 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
Godwin 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 October 28, 2014. Owners may contact Godwin customer service at 1‑800‑892‑0181.

Recall number 14V453000 · 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 18, 2014 · 42 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Dual-Tech, Inc. (Dual-Tech) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Ford F-550 Super Duty trucks modified by Dual-Tech, 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
Dual-Tech 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 June 20, 2014. Owners may contact Dual-Tech customer service at 1‑800‑852‑0345.

Recall number 14V336000 · 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

EquipmentReported June 4, 2014 · 19 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Tactical Vehicle Outfitters (Tactical) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ford F-350 and F-550 vehicles modified by Tactical 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
Tactical will notify owners, and dealers will install a new PTO pressure switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2014. Owners may contact Tactical customer service at 1‑405‑603‑6700.

Recall number 14V307000 · 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 12 recalls for the 2011 Ford F-550 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-550 SD 136

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

See all 136 bulletins for the 2011 Ford F-550 SD

What 2011 Ford F-550 SD owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 3, 2016 · Body · 220,000 miles · IL

Frame broken on both sides at end of double frame before spring shackles

Filed Nov 7, 2013 · Transmission · 750 miles · PA

This complaint is a follow up to your reference #521328. It concerns an undelivered emergency vehicle that plastisol composites, na, 101 gerald moses drive, groton, ny is building for meredith hose company, 100 main st., childs, pa 18407 and being paid with fema funds under a federal grant and is trying to force a vibrating drive line problem vehicle on meredith or sell to another fire department without telling that fire department of the drive line vibration so they can evade the penalty clause of the meredith contract. The vehicle is now over 930 days late due to poorly engineering the drive line after installing a pto in the drive line to power the rear mounted pump. On numerous occasions, plastisol workers brought this vehicle to meredith to be inspected for acceptance but on each occasion numerous defects were noted including cold welds, loose parts, poor assembly, (I have pictures of all these problems for your investigator) and the most serious, a drive line vibration that begins at 40 MPH and gets worse. Plastisol workers admitted theyu have no engineer assisting them to resolve this problem and don't know what to do. They asked meredith members if we had ideas how to resolve the drive line vibration. This is equivalent to the federal safety agency recall campaign id # 10v092000 of sutphen vehicles. I would like you to investigate this vehicle and determine if the drive line vibration is safe and the vehicle is road worthy and won't cause the failure of the universal joints and a crash which would jeopardize the lives of the firemen or the general public. I would like you to inspect all welds of the vehicle cross member the pto is attached to and determine if they are within industry standards or poorly welded and unsafe. I would also like you to investigate all trucks produced by plastisol for poor welding and drive line vibration.

Filed Nov 13, 2012 · Suspension · 15,000 miles · OK

Found rear sway bar hardware missing allowing for sway bar to come loose from the chassis frame. Research on other rv sites has indicated that this problem is not an isolated problem to my rv. Rv's are somewhat unstable but this problem is compounded by suspension parts coming loose. Many drivers of these rv's may not even be aware that they are loose. Some drivers didn't know until they saw their sway bar hanging down below the rear differential. *tr updated 12/04/12

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Questions about the 2011 Ford F-550 SD

Is the 2011 Ford F-550 SD reliable?

Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2011 Ford F-550 SD, fewer than a typical F-550 SD model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Ford F-550 SD?

Body and structure, with 1 complaint. Next is suspension (1).

How many recalls does the 2011 Ford F-550 SD have?

12 recalls, covering power train, equipment adaptive/mobility and equipment.

Was there a recall on the 2011 Ford F-550 SD body?

Yes, 1 recall: 10V659000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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