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2006 Ford F-250 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2006 Ford F-250 has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Tire tread separation and blowout.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2006 Ford F-250.

Reported to NHTSA

Tire tread separation and blowout

TIRES

14 NHTSA complaints · 2011-11 → 2021-03

“I WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON I-85 IN MEBANE, NC ON THE NIGHT OF 07/29/19 WHEN THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BEGAN TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. I BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN WHEN THE RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPLODED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11241289
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-250 EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC TR TIRES, SIZES LT275/70R/ 18, DOT NUMBER P515 46XB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THERE WAS VIBRATION AND THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10648898
“KELLY SAFARI TREX LT265/70R17 TIRES ARE ON AN FORD F250 TRUCK. NOW ON SECOND OCCURRENCE OF TIRE DEVELOPING A "BUBBLE" IN THE SIDEWALL. TIRES ARE LESS THAN ONE YEAR OLD AND HAVE LESS THAN 8000 MILES ON THEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10476531

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Alloy wheel cracking

WHEELS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2011-06 → 2015-10

“2006 FORD F250 SUPERDUTY CREW CAB 4X4 WITH FACTORY 20X8 ALLOY WHEELS. RT FRONT WHEEL CRACKED WITH NO IMPACT. CRACK IS APROX 10" LONG AND RUNS JUST BELOW THE BEAD FOR ABOUT 10" DID NOT LOOSE AIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10494463
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL DEVELOPED A CRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10439218
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE RIM. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST THE CONTACT WITH THE REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10410049

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel tank strap corrosion

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2020-08

“I OWN A 2006 FORD F 250, ON SATURDAY WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY I NOTICED A WET STREAK BEHIND ME SO I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED GAS GUSHING OUT OF A HOLE IN THE TANK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11350093
“FUEL TANK STRAPS FAILED DUE TO CORROSION AND FUEL TANK FELL TO GROUND WHILE IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10990988
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAP FAILED CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO HANG”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10959794

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front brake caliper seizure

SERVICE BRAKES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2012-06 → 2015-07

“WHILE DRIVING I NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SLUGGISH AND WHEN ENGAGING THE CLUTCH IN ORDER TO SHIFT THERE WAS A NOTICEABLE BRAKING FEELING EVEN THOUGH I WAS NOT TOUCHING THE BRAKE PEDAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10638199
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES SEIZED AND OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE CALIPER HOUSING AND BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10588064
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE FIRST BRAKES ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY. THE BRAKE DISENGAGED AS THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10462727

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front-end death wobble at highway speed

STEERING, SUSPENSION

86 NHTSA complaints · 2011-06 → 2024-07

“DEATH WOBBLE WHILE ON FREEWAY GOING 45 + MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11359926
“THE TRUCK AT 55 - 65 MPH GOES INTO WHAT HAS BEEN DESCRIBE AS A DEATH WOBBLE. THE TRUCK STARTS SHAKING VIOLENTLY. IT IS ALL YOU CAN DO TO KEEP CONTROL OF THE TRUCK UNTIL YOU SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 40 MPH WHICH IS DANGEROUS ON THE FREEWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10416598
“THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK BEGINS TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE AT 60 MILES AN HOUR. SOMETIMES A BUMP CAUSES IT, OTHER TIMES IT OCCURS WHEN SIMPLY DRIVING STRAIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10490616

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

6.0L diesel EGR/oil cooler failure and stall

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

23 NHTSA complaints · 2011-07 → 2023-05

“WHILE PULLING A TRAVEL TRAILER, ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. PULLED OVER AND NOTICE COOLANT RESERVOIR IS EMPTY. TOOK VEHICLE INTO A REPAIR SHOP, MOTOR COOLANT AND BOTH EGR COOLER FAILED. SERVICE SHOP REPORTED THAT FORD INFORMED THEM THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10505315
“ANY TIME I GET ON THE INTERSTATE PULLING MY 7000 GVW TRAILER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THE CODE IS ALWAYS THE SAME, UNDER/OVER BOOST AND THEN YOU LIMP ALONG FOR A FEW MILES AND IT WILL START WORKING AGAIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10520484
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ABRUPTLY DECELERATE UNTIL STOPPING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10412417

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

1,133 crashes 1990–2024

How the 1,133 occupant deaths break down

888

driver deaths

241

passenger deaths

4

not recorded by seat

1,133

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2005 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

15

complaints mentioning a crash

9

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2006 Ford F-250 reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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