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2006 Ford F-350 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2006 Ford F-350 has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “EGR cooler, turbo, and head gasket failures (6.0L diesel).” 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-350.

Reported to NHTSA

EGR cooler, turbo, and head gasket failures (6.0L diesel)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

25 NHTSA complaints · 2009-07 → 2020-10

“2003-2006 FORD F350 DIESEL WITH 6.0 HAVE A CHAIN OF ISSUES, BUT THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT. THE OIL COOLER FAILS, THEN THE EGR SYSTEM FAILS, FINALLY HEAD GASKETS FAIL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10649413
“THE ABOVE MENTIONED TRUCK WHICH HAS 11,750 MILES ON IT. SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED AT THE END OF 2005, THE TURBOCHARGER HAS BEEN REPLACED FIVE TIMES OR AT APPROXIMATELY 2000 MILE INTERVALS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10442383
“ON 2006 FORD F350 VEHICLE WITH 6.0 DIESEL , THE EGR COOLERS HAVE DEFECT THAT CAUSE THEM TO LEAK. AFTER READING INTO THIS IT IS A COMMON ISSUE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10301990

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

20-inch aluminum wheel cracking

WHEELS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2010-05 → 2018-04

“CRACKED POLISHED FORGED ALUM 20" WHEEL. ORIGINAL FORD EQUIPMENT. DID NOT HIT POT HOLE. DID NOT HIT ANYTHING! WHEEL IS CRACKED/SPLIT OPEN SPOKE TO SPOKE PARALLEL WITH TIRE BEAD. TIRE IS FINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11089841
“WHILE PARKED, A CRACK IN THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE DRIVERS SIDE ALUMINUM WHEEL WAS NOTICED. THE CRACK EXTENDS FROM SPOKE TO SPOKE ON THE 20" FACTORY FORD RIM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10649276
“I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS 2006 FORD F350 PURCHASED DEC. 2005. NOVEMBER 2010 I HAD A 20" OEM FORD WHEEL CRACK. CRACK WAS 5" LONG RUNNING PARALLEL WITH THE OUTSIDE RIM EDGE, 1" IN, AND BETWEEN THE SPOKES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10468925

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front-end shimmy at highway speed (death wobble)

STEERING, SUSPENSION

81 NHTSA complaints · 2009-04 → 2025-07

“My truck experiences what I have learned is called the death wobble. The condition occurs intermittently but usually at speeds above 50mph and seems to be initiated by hitting any small bump”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11419405
“DEATH SHIMMY. STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHEN A BUMP OR DISCONTINUITY IN THE ROAD IS ENCOUNTERED. YOU CANNOT HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL DURING THIS EVENT. CURE IS TO REDUCE VEHICLE SPEED BELOW 15 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10820036
“I OWN A 2006 FORD F 350 SUPERDUTY 1 TON PICKUP WITH APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES. I HAVE EXPERIENCED WHAT IS CALLED "DEATH WOBBLE" WHEN HITTING A BUMP, CROSSING RAILROAD TRACKS OR GOING OVER A ROUGH ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10336687

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Diesel fuel tank liner delamination causing stalling

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

22 NHTSA complaints · 2009-05 → 2015-09

“THIS VEHICLES ISSUES BEGAN WITH THE GALVANIZING OF THE INTERIOR OF THE FUEL TANK FLAKING OFF AND GETTING INTO THE FUEL SYSTEM. IT IS A DIESEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10762617
“FUEL TANK LINER IS DELAMINATING CAUSING FUEL SYSTEM TO CLOG UP AND TRUCK TO LOSE POWER. FORD REFUSES TO COVER THIS PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY SAYING IT IS NOT THEIR FAULT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10483952
“LINER IN THE FUEL TANK CORRODED AND CLOGGED FUEL SYSTEM CAUSING FAILURE OF VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10430858

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Service brake failure or caliper seizure

SERVICE BRAKES

11 NHTSA complaints · 2009-05 → 2023-05

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350 SD. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10761713
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO AVOID A CRASH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10749381
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL SEIZED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED BECAUSE THE CALIPER SEIZED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10455372

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags fail to deploy in crash

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2010-03 → 2024-04

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A DEER AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10652785
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL DUE TO BLACK ICE. THE CONTACT DROVE INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10949883
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350 . THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING AN UNKNOWN SPEED AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE IMPACT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FLIP IN REVERSE AND LAND ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10566823

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.

16

complaints mentioning a crash

5

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-350 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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