Ford F-250 Generations Ranked by Reliability – From Worst to Best

Few trucks define American motoring quite like the Ford F-Series. For more than forty years, it has been the best-selling truck lineup in the United States, moving people, products, and progress across generations. Yet, as Ford’s loyal customer base demanded more capability, the company saw fit to create a model that could tow heavier loads and tackle tougher jobs than the standard F-150. That vision took shape in 1998, when the first F-250 Super Duty arrived—ushering in a new era of heavy-duty performance.

Since then, five generations of the Ford F-250 have rolled out, each carrying forward the Super Duty badge with its own mix of innovation and challenge. While all have earned reputations for brute strength and endurance, reliability has varied from generation to generation.

In this guide, we take a closer look at Ford F-250 reliability, examining common issues, J.D. Power reliability scores, and notable recall trends. Drawing from a range of trusted automotive sources, this analysis considers both the frequency and severity of owner complaints to paint a clear picture of how each generation has fared over time.

It’s worth noting that J.D. Power’s ratings assess initial quality, not long-term durability—so our rankings take into account broader ownership data as well. With that in mind, here’s how the five generations of the Ford F-250 stack up, ranked from least to most reliable.

5. 5th Generation (P702): 2023–Present

Highest J.D. Power Rating: 83/100 (2024MY)

The fifth-generation Ford F-250 Super Duty is still in its infancy, having debuted for the 2023 model year, which makes it too early to assign a definitive reliability ranking. For that reason, it sits at the bottom of this list not due to poor performance, but simply because long-term data isn’t yet available.

That said, early owner feedback has started to shed some light on its real-world performance. While the new F-250 showcases impressive advancements in technology, towing capability, and refinement, it hasn’t been without a few growing pains. Initial reports point to minor electronic glitches and software-related issues, common in first-year production models loaded with new tech.

In short, it’s not fair to label the fifth-gen F-250 as unreliable—it’s just untested. Time will tell whether Ford’s latest heavy-duty truck lives up to the Super Duty reputation for durability and long-term dependability.

Common Issues: 5th-gen Models

• Unintended acceleration
• Pulls to the left

For the most part, the 2023–present Ford F-250 Super Duty has yet to show any widespread or alarming reliability issues. While some complaints have surfaced online, they’re not consistent or frequent enough to qualify as common problems. Still, a few concerns have been echoed by multiple owners.

One issue involves unintended acceleration, where the truck reportedly applies throttle without driver input—whether at a stoplight or already in motion. Another recurring note mentions the truck pulling to the left, suggesting possible alignment inconsistencies from the factory.

In terms of recalls, most fifth-gen F-250 variants remain relatively clear so far. However, the Super Duty lineup has appeared in 13 recalls to date, several of which include the F-250. The most notable involve a faulty low-pressure fuel pump (impacting over 850,000 units, including 2021–2023 F-250s) and a potentially defective left rear axle shaft that could fracture under load (affecting 41,555 units, including select 2023 models).

Overall, while early reports highlight some isolated issues, the latest-generation F-250 appears to be off to a promising start. Its long-term reliability, however, remains to be proven.

4. 4th Generation (P558): 2017–2022

Highest J.D. Power Rating: 83/100 (2022MY)

The fourth-generation Ford F-250 Super Duty (2017–2022) takes the unfortunate title of the least reliable in the lineup. While this era wasn’t a complete disaster—later years showed noticeable improvements—its early production runs were marred by several mechanical and quality control issues that significantly hurt its reputation.

The 2017 and 2018 models, in particular, faced notable problems with the suspension and steering systems. Owners frequently reported excessive play in the steering wheel, wandering on the highway, and the dreaded “death wobble” — a violent front-end vibration caused by loose suspension components. These issues often required multiple dealer visits and expensive repairs, even on low-mileage trucks.

Beyond that, the fourth-gen F-250 also accumulated a long list of recalls. Among the most concerning were recalls for defective drive shafts that could fracture, faulty tailgate latches causing unintended opening while driving, and fire risks linked to block heater cable corrosion. Combined, these issues made the early years of this generation a headache for many owners and a cautionary tale for used-truck buyers.

While Ford gradually addressed many of these flaws in later models (2020–2022), the earlier trucks still cast a long shadow, earning the 2017–2022 F-250 its spot as the least reliable generation overall.

Common Issues: 4th-gen Models

• Steering wheel shakes uncontrollably (Death Wobble)
• Faulty/failed transmission

We ranked the fourth-generation Ford F-250 Super Duty (2017–2022) near the bottom for one simple reason—it suffers from one of the most notorious and widely reported issues of any F-250 to date. The early years of this generation, particularly 2017 through 2019, were plagued by the infamous “death wobble.” This violent front-end shaking, often triggered at highway speeds after hitting a bump, has frustrated countless owners and spawned multiple technical service bulletins.

The root cause lies in flawed suspension geometry and worn steering components, which Ford gradually revised in later model years. While the 2020–2022 trucks benefited from updated suspension tuning and improved parts, reports of **jerky gear shifts and premature transmission failure—sometimes before 100,000 miles—**continued to appear across owner forums and reliability databases.

Reliability concerns are compounded by the sheer number of recalls that hit this generation. The 2017 model year alone faced 15 recalls, with some of the most serious involving:

• Driveshaft fractures that could cause loss of power or movement (247,445 units; 2017–2022 F-250)

• Seatbelt pretensioner fires following a crash (490,574 units; 2017–2019 F-250)

• Block heater cable corrosion, creating a short-circuit and potential fire risk (410,289 units; 2017–2019 F-250)

Other significant—but less dangerous—recalls include doors opening while driving (1,101,107 units) and seatbelt anchor detachment (117,423 units).

Owners’ accounts illustrate how unnerving the “death wobble” can be. One driver wrote:

“With no warning, the truck started shaking violently at 70 mph. I had to immediately slow down in traffic and move to the right lane. We stopped to check for tire issues—found nothing. It happened again minutes later, forcing us to drive the rest of the trip well below highway speeds.”

While Ford made progress toward the end of the run, the 2017–2022 F-250 remains the generation most often associated with severe drivability and reliability complaints.

3. 1st Generation (PHN131): 1998–2007

Highest J.D. Power Rating: 80/100 (2007MY)

Back in the early days of the first-generation F-250, a few common issues were reported, though tracking them accurately is tricky. Why? Because most owners weren’t jumping online to share their repair stories — those problem-reporting sites either weren’t around yet or were barely known. Even so, this generation hung around longer than any that followed, giving us a solid pool of owner feedback to study. Despite its age, the first-gen F-250 still earns a strong silver medal for reliability and staying power.

Common Issues: 1st-gen Models

• Spark plugs blow out of the head
• Brake failure

Among all the first-gen F-250’s quirks, one issue stands out like a sore thumb — spark plugs that decided to eject themselves straight out of the cylinder head. Yep, you read that right. Drivers would sometimes hear a sharp pop mid-cruise, followed by the kind of symptoms no one wants: sudden power loss, stalling, and in some unlucky cases, engine fires. Some owners said the blaze started right after that alarming sound, while others noticed smoke only after pulling over.

Mid-generation trucks also brought a different headache — the brakes. A few drivers described the pedal going soft or sinking to the floor, leaving their F-250s unwilling to stop without some serious effort.

Then there’s the recall list — long enough to make a mechanic sigh. Roughly 1.1 million trucks were recalled due to fuel tank strap corrosion, which could cause leaks or, in extreme cases, the tank scraping along the pavement. Other recalls hit even bigger numbers: overheating speed-control switches that could catch fire (impacting about 1.2 and 4.5 million units), defective lug nuts that risked a wheel rolling off (1.52 million), and a faulty transmission cable that sometimes refused to release from “Park” (roughly 866,000 trucks).

2. 3rd Generation (P473): 2011–2016

Highest J.D. Power Rating: 81/100 (2013-2016MY)

The third-generation F-250 saw a bit of a dip in overall quality, but it still lands solidly in the middle of our rankings. Sure, there are a few recurring issues and some noteworthy recalls, but the 2011–2016 models have held up surprisingly well over time. As with many vehicle generations, it’s usually just a handful of model years that drag the average down, keeping the rest of the lineup comfortably in the mid-range.

Common Issues: 3rd-gen Models

• Steering wheel shakes uncontrollably (Death Wobble)
• Various engine problems

The fourth-generation F-250 might have brought some fresh updates, but its steering and suspension headaches weren’t exactly new. The third-gen had been dealing with similar issues for nearly its entire run, with “death wobble” complaints popping up in most model years. That said, the early fourth-gen trucks seemed to take the spotlight for this problem, with more owners reporting the steering wheel shaking violently at highway speeds. Beyond that, there were the usual engine quirks — everything from oil leaks to random shutdowns, and even a few rare cases of broken valve springs or glow plugs causing full-blown engine failure. Still, these engine troubles were much less common than the infamous death wobble.

On the recall front, this generation is relatively light. A few notable recalls include electrical shorts and A/C overheating that could spark fires (affecting roughly 14,700 and 8,000 trucks, respectively), plus a rearview camera issue that caused blank or distorted images in about 160,700 units.

1. 2nd Generation (P356): 2008–2010

Highest J.D. Power Rating: 79/100 (2009MY)

The second-generation F-250, produced from 2008 to 2010, takes the crown for reliability. While other generations stretched out over five or more years, this version only lasted three model years — which partly explains its high ranking. There aren’t many major issues reported, and with fewer years on the market, there were simply fewer opportunities for complaints to pile up. If you can find one in good shape, this generation is easily the smartest F-250 to own.

Common Issues: 2nd-gen Models

• Steering wheel shakes uncontrollably (Death Wobble)
• Various engine problems

Even though the second-generation F-250 earns the title of “most reliable,” it wasn’t completely immune to problems. The infamous death wobble still showed up, just like in a couple of other generations we’ve covered. Beyond the steering wheel shaking, some owners noticed minor engine quirks — things like leaking coolant, smoke from the exhaust, and very rare cases of full engine failure due to worn piston rings or oil burning off. These issues were so uncommon that they didn’t take away from the second-gen’s overall reliability.

Looking at recalls, the 2008 model year takes most of the spotlight with eleven reported recalls, while the 2009 and 2010 models have only a handful each. The most serious 2008 recalls include tire tread separating while driving (affecting roughly 390,600 trucks), fuel spillage and improperly installed fuel tank brackets (about 64,700 units), and a faulty diesel particulate filter that could cause smoke, strange engine noises, or even flames from the exhaust (around 33,100 units).

Summary: Every Generation Has Something Seriously Wrong

Truth be told, nearly every F-250 or F-250 Super Duty has had its share of issues. Each generation we’ve looked at comes with at least one serious, potentially dangerous problem that Ford either didn’t fix or couldn’t fully resolve over time. The recurring death wobble across multiple generations is definitely a red flag. That said, the second-generation still stands out with the fewest major issues and the lowest number of wobble reports. Even so, if you’re shopping for a used F-250, it’s crucial to give it a thorough once-over — check the suspension, look for coolant or oil leaks, and test the brakes to make sure the truck can stop safely.

FAQ’s

1. What is the Ford F-250?

The Ford F-250 is a heavy-duty pickup truck in the F-Series lineup, designed for towing, hauling, and demanding work. It’s larger and stronger than the F-150.

2. How many generations of the F-250 have been produced?

The F-250 has had 13 generations, starting from the 1950s up to the current Super Duty models, with major updates roughly every 5–10 years.

3. Which F-250 generation is considered the most reliable?

Many experts consider the 2008–2010 Super Duty (11th generation) highly reliable, especially with the 6.4L Power Stroke diesel and 5.4L V8 gasoline engines.

4. Which F-250 generation is considered the least reliable?

Some 1999–2003 models (10th generation) faced issues with spark plugs, cylinder head failures, and early diesel problems, making them less dependable.

5. How does reliability vary between gasoline and diesel engines?

Diesel engines are generally more durable and long-lasting, especially the 7.3L Power Stroke, while gasoline engines are easier to maintain but may require more frequent attention.

6. What are the most common problems across F-250 generations?

Common issues include transmission wear, suspension problems, rust, fuel system leaks, and electronic malfunctions in newer trucks.

7. Are older F-250 trucks worth buying despite reliability concerns?

Yes, if they’re well-maintained, older F-250s can still offer strong performance and durability at a lower cost. A pre-purchase inspection is critical.

8. How does mileage affect reliability across generations?

High mileage can reveal worn suspension, transmission, and engine components. Diesel engines often handle high mileage better than gasoline ones.

9. Are certain model years better for towing and heavy-duty work?

Yes, 2011–2016 Super Duty models with EcoBoost or 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engines are excellent for heavy towing while maintaining reliability.

10. How does the aluminum body on newer F-250s affect reliability?

The aluminum body resists rust and corrosion, but dents and scratches are easier, and repair costs can be higher compared to steel.

11. Are transmissions a major concern in any F-250 generation?

Yes, early 6-speed automatics in 2008–2010 models had some issues, while the 10-speed automatic in newer models is generally reliable if maintained.

12. Which engines are known for longevity in the F-250?

The 7.3L Power Stroke diesel, 6.2L V8, and 5.4L Triton V8 are among the most durable engines, often exceeding 300,000 miles with proper care.

13. Are there specific trims that are more reliable than others?

Trim level generally doesn’t affect engine reliability, but basic work-truck trims (XL/XLT) may be simpler to maintain due to fewer electronics.

14. How does off-road or heavy-use affect reliability?

Heavy towing, off-road driving, and extreme payloads accelerate suspension, drivetrain, and brake wear, so check service history carefully.

15. What maintenance should be prioritized for older F-250s?

Regular oil changes, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid, and suspension inspections are critical to maintain reliability.

16. Are diesel F-250s more reliable than gasoline models?

Generally, yes. Diesel engines last longer and handle heavy-duty work better, though repairs can be more expensive if problems arise.

17. How does rust and corrosion vary between generations?

Older steel-bodied trucks (pre-2015) are prone to rust in wheel wells, frames, and undercarriage, while aluminum-bodied trucks resist corrosion better.

18. Are electronics or infotainment systems common points of failure?

In newer F-250s, Sync infotainment issues, backup camera glitches, and sensor malfunctions are the most common electronic problems.

19. Which F-250 generation offers the best balance of performance and reliability?

The 2011–2016 Super Duty generation strikes a good balance with durable engines, strong towing, and fewer recurring mechanical issues.

20. How do towing packages impact reliability?

Towing packages reduce stress on brakes, cooling, and suspension, improving overall reliability for trucks that tow frequently.

21. Are there known recalls for any F-250 generation that affect reliability?

Yes, recalls often involve fuel systems, airbags, transmission, and electronic modules, so checking the VIN is essential before buying.

22. How important is service history when buying a used F-250?

Extremely important. A well-documented service history indicates the truck was maintained correctly, which is critical for older models.

23. Are there certain engine-transmission combinations to avoid?

Early 6.0L Power Stroke diesel engines (2003–2007) had head gasket and injector issues, and some early EcoBoost 3.5L models had turbo failures.

24. How do aftermarket modifications affect reliability?

Lift kits, oversized tires, and tuned engines can strain drivetrain components, suspension, and brakes, reducing reliability if not done correctly.

25. Are Super Duty models more durable than standard F-250s?

Yes, Super Duty F-250s have stronger frames, suspension, and heavy-duty components, making them ideal for towing and commercial work.

26. How does fuel economy relate to reliability across generations?

Engines tuned for efficiency (like EcoBoost) are generally reliable if maintained, but extreme tuning or neglect can reduce lifespan.

27. Are there any F-250 generations with chronic suspension or brake issues?

Some 1999–2003 and 2008–2010 trucks have control arm and rear leaf spring wear, while brake wear is normal with heavy towing.

28. How does the 6.2L V8 compare to the 7.3L Power Stroke diesel in reliability?

The 7.3L diesel generally outlasts the 6.2L V8, especially for towing, but the 6.2L V8 is simpler and cheaper to maintain.

29. Is the 10-speed automatic in newer generations reliable?

Yes, the 10-speed automatic in 2017+ models is very reliable if fluid changes are done per Ford’s recommendations.

30. How do F-250 reliability rankings compare to competitors like the Chevy Silverado 2500 or Ram 2500?

F-250s generally score higher in long-term durability, especially diesel models, while Silverado and Ram may offer more modern interiors or slightly better ride comfort.

31. What is the expected lifespan of a well-maintained F-250 across different generations?

Well-maintained F-250s can easily reach 250,000–350,000 miles, particularly with diesel engines and regular servicing.

32. Should buyers consider extended warranties for older F-250s?

Yes, extended warranties or certified pre-owned programs provide peace of mind, especially for trucks with higher mileage or expensive diesel components.

33. Are there generational differences in drivetrain durability?

Yes, newer Super Duty models have stronger axles, driveshafts, and transmissions, improving reliability compared to older generations.

34. How does the interior hold up across different generations?

Older models may show worn seats, scuffed plastics, and faded trim, while newer Super Duty trucks feature more durable materials and better ergonomics.

35. What tips can help buyers choose the most reliable F-250 for their needs?

• Focus on service history and low mileage

• Prefer diesel engines for heavy-duty use

• Avoid trucks with significant aftermarket modifications

• Have a pre-purchase inspection done by a knowledgeable mechanic

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