Is the 2011 Ford F-550 reliable?

The 2011 Ford F-550 has 17 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Ford F-550?

Top problems: ENGINE (7 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (4 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Ford F-550?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE, ENGINE, EQUIPMENT. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2011 Ford F-550?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Ford F-550 is approximately $1,366/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2011 Ford F-550

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2011 Ford F-550 has 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 17. The most common issue is engine problems (41% of all complaints), specifically: ford has a tsb on a cylinder #5 glowplug failure that causes engine failure. coincidentally, their warranty on a 6.7 diesel is to 100,000 miles. mine failed at 104,000. ford is not covering it. this is going to cost me $13,000. the item should be a recall. *tr. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year.

1 crash report

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 7)

ENGINE

7 complaints

41%

• FORD HAS A TSB ON A CYLINDER #5 GLOWPLUG FAILURE THAT CAUSES ENGINE FAILURE. COINCIDENTALLY, THEIR WARRANTY ON A 6.7 DIESEL IS TO 100,000 MILES. MINE FAILED AT 104,000. FORD IS NOT COVERING IT. THIS IS GOING TO COST ME $13,000. THE ITEM SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR
• TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED CONTAMINATION IN THE FUEL. THE VEHICLE
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED SHORTLY AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTERIOR LINING OF THE FUEL TANK SHED INTO THE FUEL TANK A

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“FORD HAS A TSB ON A CYLINDER #5 GLOWPLUG FAILURE THAT CAUSES ENGINE FAILURE. COINCIDENTALLY, THEIR WARRANTY ON A 6.7 DIESEL IS TO 100,000 MILES. MINE FAILED AT 104,000. FORD IS NOT COVERING IT. THIS IS GOING TO COST ME $13,000. THE ITEM SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2011 Ford F-550

Based on 14 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 23K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 23K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (5)

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING06/02/2014

Almared, Inc., dba A-1 Alternative Fuel Systems, is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-550 transit buses manufactured May 2011 through April 2013, altered to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG). In the affected vehicles, the brackets securing the passenger side CNG fuel tank may break.

Risk: If the brackets break, the CNG tank may separate from the vehicle frame increasing the risk of a crash or possible fire.

Fix: Almared, Inc. has notified owners and all affected vehicles have been remedied, free of charge. Owners may contact Almared at 1-559-485-4427.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Ford F-550

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,366

Full coverage / month

$114

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-18%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1366

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford F-550 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2011 F-550, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 17 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: FORD HAS A TSB ON A CYLINDER #5 GLOWPLUG FAILURE THAT CAUSES ENGINE FAILURE. COINCIDENTALLY, THEIR WARRANTY ON A 6.7 DIESEL IS TO 100,000 MILES. MINE FAILED AT 104,000. FORD IS NOT COVERING IT. THIS IS GOING TO COST ME $13,000. THE ITEM SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: FUEL TANK IS RUSTED FROM INSIDE . CLOGS FILTERS AND SYSTEM . *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: THIS COMPLAINT IS A FOLLOW-UP TO YOUR REF# 521328. IT CONCERNS AN UN-DELIVERED EMERGENCY VEHICLE THAT PLASTISCOL COMPOSITES, THAT IS BEING PAID WITH FEMA FUNDS UNDER A FEDERAL GRANT AND IS TRYING TO FORCE A VIBRATING DRIVE LINE PROBLEM VEHICLE TO OTHER COMPANIES WITHOUT TELLING THEM. THE VEHICLE IS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: [XXX] THIS IS A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE WITH A DOT REGISTRATION AS A GROSS WEIGHT VEHICLE. PLEASE INFORM ME OF ANY SPECIAL ENDORSEMENTS A DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE MUST HAVE, IF ANY, IN ORDER TO DRIVE. THIS VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER STATED HE WAS NOT LICENSED TO DRIVE IT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)