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2017 Ford F-550 problems

The most common problem on the 2017 Ford F-550 is body and structure. It has 1.2 times the complaints of a typical F-550 model year.

Typical year1.2x the typical complaints
Year score
65/100
Owner complaints
14
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
16
Worst area
Body

The worst 2017 Ford F-550 problems

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

  • Body
    4
  • Engine
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Fuel system
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Body
    4
  • Engine
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Transmission
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 5

EquipmentReported May 29, 2019 · 22 vehicles affected
What is wrong
VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists (VCI) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550, 2014 E-350 and E-450, 2015 F-250 and F-450, 2016 E-450, 2017 E-350, F-450 and E-450, 2018 F-350, 2010 E-450, 2005-2006 E-450, 2009 E-450 and Chevrolet C4500-based Type I and Type III ambulances equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The monitors may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversed.
Risk
The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists will work with ASA to notify the owners, and remedy the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics at 1‑800‑384‑4400.

Recall number 19V401000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lightsReported May 13, 2019 · 4 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Unruh Fire, Inc. (Unruh Fire) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550-based fire trucks equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
Risk
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Unruh Fire has notified owners and will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began in May 20, 2019. Owners may contact Unruh Fire customer service at 1‑800‑856‑7080.

Recall number 19V358000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lightsReported May 3, 2019 · 17 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Taylor Made Ambulances is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford E-350, F-450, E-450, F-550, and GMC G3500-based ambulances equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
Risk
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Taylor Made will notify owners and Whelen will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2019. Owners may contact Taylor Made Ambulances customer service at 1‑800‑468‑1310.

Recall number 19V342000 · Recall details

EngineReported December 18, 2018 · 410,289 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.
Risk
When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S45.

Recall number 18V894000 · Recall details

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latchReported May 22, 2017 · 14,410 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles originally produced with black or body colored exterior door handles that may have been subsequently equipped with a chrome exterior door handle cover accessory kit purchased from a Ford dealer. These accessory door handle covers may cause the doors to unlatch in a side impact collision. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Risk
If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the accessory covers and refund the purchase price. The recall began July 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for the recall is 17C09.

Recall number 17V331000 · Recall details

See all 5 recalls for the 2017 Ford F-550

Technical service bulletins for the 2017 Ford F-550 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 2017 Ford F-550

What 2017 Ford F-550 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Body · 70,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the brake dust cover, but the sound persisted. The vehicle was taken to EarthRoamer (5073 Silver Peak Ave, Dacono, CO 80514), who replaced the suspension bushing and shock mount; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to EarthRoamer, who determined that the frame was fractured and had the vehicle towed to a frame shop for repair. The contact stated that the drivetrain was misaligned, the vehicle had caved in the middle, and the RV built on the chassis damaged the cab of the vehicle while driving over a bump. The contact associated the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B04; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Engine · 59,384 miles · WA

The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2017 Ford F550. The contact stated that while one of the employees was driving at highway speeds, a diesel fuel-burning odor was coming from the engine and entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. No warning lights were illuminated. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The driver exited the vehicle and noticed oil dripping from underneath the vehicle. The driver opened the hood and noticed diesel fuel all over the engine compartment. Upon further investigation, the driver noticed that the plastic drain valve on the bottom of the water separator had cracked, and oil was spewing upwards. The driver called the company mechanic, and the mechanic went to the site of the failure. The mechanic repaired the vehicle on-site by replacing the filter. The driver was able to continue driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,384.

Filed Feb 3, 2026 · Body · AZ

The front cab over is getting loose and separating worried it will fall off, have huge water leak coming into the cab from the top through auxiliary buttons and driver side. Have been reading forums and lots of people have the same issues this is very concerning that it's not being taken seriously.

Filed Jul 25, 2025 · Fuel system · 123,483 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-550. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that occasionally, when the vehicle was started, the vehicle would idle roughly. The contact used a diagnostic machine and retrieved a fault code related to the fuel pump module. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with fuel pump module failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that when the fuel pump module was removed, there were metal shavings inside. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,483.

Filed Nov 22, 2024 · Engine · IL · crash · fire

My truck exploded on the expressway on 11-21-24 due to a manufacturer default.

Filed May 9, 2024 · Body, Suspension · MS

Ford Motor Company has had a known issue with the truck frames cracking on the F-550 chassis. They acknowledged it by doing a recall, which either replaced or repaired the chassis frame or installed reinforcement braces if no cracks were visible. The recall expired in September of 2023. In October 2023 we noticed a crack on the frame just outside the recall reinforcement brace that Ford-certified technicians installed. We found another in November (reinforcement brace installed) and another in January (with Ford's new and improved frame produced due to a recall issue). Ford has denied making the repairs since the original warranty expired, even though this was the same related issue. We have been dealing with Ford Motor Company since October in hopes of resolving the issue but they continue to give us any resolution. The problem has not only caused a burden on our workforce but also caused great safety concerns. With Ford avoiding responsibility, they are allowing trucks to operate daily on our highway system, which becomes a safety concern for not only the driver but for many other motorists. The problem existed, but the issue was not resolved, all we are asking is that they take responsibility for making the repairs and permanently resolving the issue for the safety of all motorists.

Filed Apr 23, 2024 · Body · PA

See attached letter

Filed Aug 8, 2022 · Engine · 213,720 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-550. The contact stated that after two to three minutes after the engine was idled, a ticking noise was heard in the engine. The noise would dissipate however, a rattling noise was heard next. The contact stated works as an independent mechanic and diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the #3 cylinder had a low oil pressure and that the camshaft and follower needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 213,720.

Filed Jun 28, 2021 · Wheels · CA

National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (Safety Act), S571.120 Tire/Rim Selection, S5.1.2, requires the sum of the maximum load ratings of the tires fitted to the axle shall be not less than the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of the axle system specified on the vehicle's certification label required by 49 CFR part 567. 567.77 requires any alterer of the vehicle to continue conformity with these requirements and assumes legal liability for certification under the Safety Act. The Siberian RV (see pic) is a customized off-road expedition vehicle manufactured by ProVan Industries, West Columbia South Carolina. They utilize a Ford F550 Super Duty 4x4 as the chassis and customize the RV to travel into off-grid extreme environments and road conditions. ProVan alters the standard Ford F550 dual rear wheel to a single rear wheel. The altered Certification Label affixed to the vehicle (see pic) establishes the rear axle GAWR at 14,706 pounds. The Tire/Wheel (Rim) assembly chosen by ProVan as their alteration is listed as a TOYO M608Z 285/70R 19.5" on a Hutchinson Beadlock Wheel. ProVan neglected to list the capacity of this tire on the Certification Label, instead filling "X" in this spot (VIOLATION). TOYO Inflation Chart determines the MAX load capacity of this tire to be 6395# at 125 psi MAX inflation (see chart). The Hutchinson Wheel has a stamped MAX inflation capacity of 120psi which lowers the load capacity of the tires to 6185# per tire. Either way the sum of the maximum capacity of the tires is either 12,790# or 12,270#. The tires are far short of the 14,706# rear axle GAWR required by the Safety Act. At 22,500 miles and roughly 50% tread wear the rear tire sidewalls developed a split in the bead seam near the rim (see pics). This unsafe tire condition was noticed and immediately pulled out of service. TOYO states this is an overload situation. ProVan refuses to take responsibility for their defective design in violation of the Safety Act. PLEASE HELP Consumer stated rear tire blewout on July 29t

Filed Jun 21, 2021 · Tires · CA

National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (Safety Act), S571.120 Tire/Rim Selection, S5.1.2, requires the sum of the maximum load ratings of the tires fitted to the axle shall be not less than the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of the axle system specified on the vehicle's certification label required by 49 CFR part 567. 567.77 requires any alterer of the vehicle to continue conformity with these requirements and assumes legal liability for certification under the Safety Act. The Siberian RV (see pic) is a customized off-road expedition vehicle manufactured by ProVan Industries, West Columbia South Carolina. They utilize a Ford F550 Super Duty 4x4 as the chassis and customize the RV to travel into off-grid extreme environments and road conditions. Provan alters the standard Ford F550 dual rear wheel to a single rear wheel The altered Certification Label affixed to the vehicle (see pic) establishes the rear axle GAWR at 14,706 pounds. The Tire/Wheel (Rim) assembly chosen by Provan as their alteration is listed as a TOYO M608Z 285/70R 19.5" on a Hutchinson Beadlock Wheel. ProVan neglected to list the capacity of this tire on the Certification Label, instead filling "X" in this spot (VIOLATION). TOYO Inflation Chart determines the MAX load capacity of this tire to be 6395# at 125 MAX Inflation (see chart). The Hutchinson Wheel has a stamped MAX inflation capacity of 120psi which lowers the load capacity of the tires to 6185# per tire. Either way the sum of the maximum capacity of the tires is either 12,790# or 12,270# safely. The tires are far short of the 14,706# required by the Safety Act. At 22,500 miles and roughly 50% tread wear the rear tire sidewalls developed a split in the bead seam near the rim (see pics). This unsafe tire condition was noticed and immediately pulled out of service. Toyo states this is an overload condition. ProVan refuses to take responsibility for their defective design in violation of the Safety Act. Please Help

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Questions about the 2017 Ford F-550

Is the 2017 Ford F-550 reliable?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 2017 Ford F-550, 1.2 times a typical F-550 model year.

What is the 2017 Ford F-550 year score?

The 2017 Ford F-550 scores 65 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford F-550: 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 2017 Ford F-550?

Body and structure, with 4 complaints. Next is engine (3).

How many recalls does the 2017 Ford F-550 have?

5 recalls, covering equipment, exterior lighting and engine.

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