The 2010 Ford F 250 has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Tire tread and belt separation.” 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.
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.
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Ford F 250.
TIRES
7 NHTSA complaints · 2011-05 → 2026-02
“A shake or shimmy at 49 ,50 mph. Ase mechanic confirmed all four tires belts have shifted”
“CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC M+S LT275/65R18E 123/120S IS THE ORIGINAL TIRE ON OUR 2010 TRUCK. WE HAD TO REPLACE 1 TIRE DUE TO STEEL BELT SEPARATION. I SEE CONTINENTAL RECALLED 2008 AND 2009 BUT DON'T SEE MENTION OF 2010 BEING RECALLED”
ENGINE
6 NHTSA complaints · 2010-09 → 2016-06
“HOSE TO RADIATOR LEAKING, TOOK TO FORD DEALER, THEY SAID NEW HOSES AND NEEDED A NEW RADIATOR. SAID IT WAS STILL UNDER FORD EXTENDED WARRANTY. FORD WARRANTY DENIED THE NEW RADIATOR AND HOSES SAYING THAT THE HOSE LEAK CRACKED THE RADIATOR AND THAT WAS THE OWNERS FAULT. TRUCK HAS”
“RADIATOR HOSES LEAKING ANTIFREEZE FLUIDS FROM WHERE THEY CONNECT. HAVE TO ADD ANTIFREEZE ONE'S IN A WHILE”
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2023-12
“The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the battery needed to be replaced. The contact connected the battery to a battery charger to charge the battery so that he could drive the vehicle to the local auto store to purchase a new battery. The contact stated”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD SUPER DUTY. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH AND TURNING ON A BEND, THE ENTIRE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (LITHIA FORD LINCOLN OF BOISE 8853 W. FAIRVIEW AVENUE, BOISE, ID 83704) WHERE IT WAS”
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2018-12
“ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITIONS SENSOR FAILS RESULTING IN IMMEDIATE SPEED REDUCTION IN TRAFFIC. WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY THIS HAPPENED WITH SPEED GOING FROM 55 TO 15 ALMOST AS IF PUTTING ON BRAKES. DEALER REPLACED APPS AND IT FAILED AGAIN IN LESS THAN 18 MONTHS. NO ACCIDENT”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD F-250. WHILE SLOWING DOWN AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL HARSHLY AND THE ENGINE REVVED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE A FEW EXTRA TIMES IN ORDER TO DRIVE HOME”
STEERING, SUSPENSION
58 NHTSA complaints · 2010-06 → 2025-04
“WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD STEERING WHEEL AND ENTIRE TRUCK STARTED WOBBLING VIOLENTLY. HAS DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES. ONLY WAY TO MAKE IT STOP IS TO ALMOST COMPLETELY STOP THE TRUCK. HAS HAPPENED WHEN DRIVING LESS THAN 45MPH ON CITY STREETS AND WHEN DRIVING 65MPH ON THE HIGHWAY”
“FRONT WHEEL WOBBLE AKA DEATH WOBBLE. VEHICLE BECAME SEVERELY UNSTABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED (70 MPH) AFTER HITTING BUMP IN ROAD, FRONT OF VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. HAD TO SLOW VEHICLE TO 25 MPH TO STOP SHAKING”
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
6 NHTSA complaints · 2014-08 → 2025-07
“The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while her husband was driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power, and the message “Service Vehicle Soon” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was”
“FUEL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN ON INTERSTATE”
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
5 NHTSA complaints · 2010-08 → 2012-02
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 20 MPH. A SENSOR BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE, INDICATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CLEANING ITS EXHAUST. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DECELERATED DURING THIS”
“WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS FOR AT LEAST 15-20 MINUTES, THEN WHEN YOU SLOW DOWN OR COME TO A STOP. THE PROBLEM MANIFESTS ITSELF. ENGINE BEGINS TO HESITATE, SPUTTER, SHAKE AND LEADS TO A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER AND BEGINS TO BLOW TONS OF WHITE SMOKE,”
Issues on other model years
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.
We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
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.
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.
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.
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.
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
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.
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.
F-150 4x4 and Bronco 4x4: 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.
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.
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.
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.
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
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.
Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)
342 crashes 2010–2024
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
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.
4
complaints mentioning a crash
2
complaints mentioning a fire
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 2010 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.