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2023 Ford F-250 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2023 Ford F-250 has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “B&O audio system loud noise and lockup.” 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 2023 Ford F-250.

Reported to NHTSA

B&O audio system loud noise and lockup

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2023-11-11 → 2025-10-25

“On 11/28/23 after entering the truck and hitting the start button I heard what sounded like an explosion going off inside the truck followed by non-stop noise coming through the speakers of the truck. Turning the truck off and opening the doors did nothing. Turning radio off did…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11558383
“Other because it has to do with the stereo system. The BO Unleashed system. When starting the truck a loud deafening high pitched squeal is produced. My ears ring for 1 hour after this happens. Audio system will not operate at that point until the truck is turned off and…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11695603

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Instrument cluster blank or non-illuminating

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

5 NHTSA complaints · 2023-09-08 → 2025-12-20

“Instrument pan is completely out and ford has no fix for it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11545065
“The instrument panel cluster has failed. You can not see how fast you are going, none of the dash is lit up. You are unable to determine if there are any issues going on with the vehicle. The adaptive cruise control and emergency braking system is not working properly”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11547137

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Automatic emergency braking unintended activation

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-09-28 → 2023-12-29

“The truck slams to a complete stop with no rhyme or reason. It senses something that doesn't exist. This has happened MANY times... I-76 through Philadelphia during rush hour. Cross Bronx Expressway during rush hour. Route 30 in Magnolia NJ. Has happened in drive-throughs”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11562599
“My new truck began slamming on the brakes for no reason, bringing me to a complete stop. This continued for several miles this was and is very dangerous the car behind me almost rear-ended me every time this happened. I have turned this option off this should be removed from…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11561256

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine fire and seizure while driving

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-09-01 → 2026-02-19

“The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the engine seized. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed flames were emitting from under the hood and wheel well. No warning lights were illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719232
“It happened so fast and without warning, we were blessed that we were able to escape the truck without losing our lives or getting severely burned. Anyone who helped or passed by was put at risk due to the fire or possible explosion that could have accrued from the truck fuel…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11612050

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine ticking and oil pump lubrication issue

ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-06-18 → 2024-09-13

“The Variable Displacement Oil Pump delivers oil to the engine at low pressure/capacity during idle conditions. Routine occurrences of prolonged idle time may result in excess wear to the engine camshaft lobes and valve tappet surfaces due to reduced lubrication. Overtime, the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11614517
“The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, he heard an abnormal clicking sound emanating from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose a failure. The vehicle was not repaired”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11595094

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Unintended acceleration with brake applied

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2024-01-07 → 2026-02-11

“The truck was not slowing down like it should have so I applied alot more brake pedal pressure and it slowed down some then it down shifted several times and the engine was roaring, I'm guessing around 3K rpms or more and pulling me forwards. I put as much pressure as I could on”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11717225
“I’ve been stopped at a stop light and the vehicles starts trying to accelerate on its own. I held the brakes down as hard as a could and the vehicles would start burning rubber on the back tires. This has happened three times”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11565410

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering shaft clunking and death wobble

SUSPENSION, STEERING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2023-11-29 → 2026-06-03

“it has a clunking noise c coming from the steering shaft took it to ford to have trailer module recall fixed and had them inspect the noise and they said the whole steering shaft needs replaced and I have co workers with f250s and they have the same noise”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11741744
“The contact stated that when the steering wheel was turned to the left, the steering wheel made popping sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact stated that an unknown repair was completed; however, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle drove over…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11584702

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Backup camera blue or black screen display

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:PARKING ASSIST:SOFTWARE

2 NHTSA complaints · 2025-06-04 → 2025-10-18

“Rear back up camera screen is blue and doesn’t function. Was told by Ford it could be a software issue but isn’t part of the current recall of 2023 F250 super duty”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11694268
“the back over prevention and trailer park assists system functions failed to operate as needed. The contact also stated that the back over prevention software failure of the TPASIN module caused the screen to intermittently display a distorted image, a blue screen, or displayed…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11664943

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)

35 crashes 1990–2024

How the 35 occupant deaths break down

28

driver deaths

7

passenger deaths

35

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2023 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.

2

complaints mentioning a crash

3

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 2023 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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