Ford F-550 Recalls

NHTSA has issued 23 safety recalls for the Ford F-550, covering model years 2009 through 2020. Exterior lighting faults account for 8 of them, more than any other part of the vehicle. The 2018 model year has the most, with 10 separate campaigns against it. The largest single recall covered 639,137 vehicles. The most recent was reported to NHTSA on February 21, 2020.

Total recalls: 23
Model years affected: 11
Most recalled part: Exterior lighting
Latest recall: 2020

Ford F-550 recalls by model year

How many campaigns were issued against each model year. One recall often covers several years at once, so these add up to more than the 23 total.

20202 recalls20194 recalls201810 recalls20176 recalls20151 recall20141 recall20131 recall20125 recalls20115 recalls20101 recall20091 recall

All Ford F-550 recalls

Each entry is an official NHTSA campaign, shown with the defect, consequence, and remedy exactly as the manufacturer reported them, newest first.

20V099000Power trainReported February 21, 2020

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

Model years affected: 2020

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-550 and 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. The rear axle differential fluid may be below the minimum level, possibly resulting in a failure of the rear axle assembly and driveshaft separation.

What can happen

If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of drive, increasing the risk of crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur and increase the risk of injury or crash.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axle differential fluid level and adjust it, or replace the rear axle as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S09.

Vehicles affected: 319
Maker's recall no.: 20S09
Owners notified: March 19, 2020

Read campaign 20V099000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

19V633000SeatReported August 28, 2019

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Model years affected: 2019–2020

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."

What can happen

A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.

Vehicles affected: 639,137
Maker's recall no.: 19C07
Owners notified: October 21, 2019
Safety standard: FMVSS 202

Read campaign 19V633000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

19V463000Exterior lightingReported June 18, 2019

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Model years affected: 2017

The problem

Farber Specialty Vehicles (Farber) is recalling certain 2017 Ford F-550 vehicles equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.

What can happen

If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Farber will notify owners, and Whelen will remedy the lights, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2020. Owners may contact Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331 or Farber at 1-800-331-3188.

Vehicles affected: 1
Maker's recall no.: 18E-063
Owners notified: February 4, 2020
Safety standard: FMVSS 108

Read campaign 19V463000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

19V414000Reported June 5, 2019

EQUIPMENT

Model years affected: 2018

The problem

Farber Specialty Vehicles (Farber) is recalling certain 2018 Ford F-550 vehicles equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The affected monitors may revert back to the factory default settings which can cause the camera image to be reversed.

What can happen

The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Farber will notify owners, and dealers will add a harness relay capacitor module, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact Farber customer service at 1-800-331-3188 or ASA customer service at 1-800-384-4400.

Vehicles affected: 4
Maker's recall no.: 19E-009
Owners notified: May 9, 2019
Safety standard: FMVSS 101

Read campaign 19V414000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

19V398000Reported May 29, 2019

EQUIPMENT

Model years affected: 2018–2019

The problem

LGE Coachworks, Inc. (LGE Coachworks) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ford E-450, F-550, and Freightliner M2-based vehicles equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager back-up camera displays. The displays may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversed.

What can happen

The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

ASA will notify LGE Coachworks owners, and dealers will replace the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA customer service at 1-800-384-4400 or LGE Coachworks at 1-800-209-3985.

Vehicles affected: 13
Maker's recall no.: 19-E-099 Part 573
Owners notified: May 9, 2019

Read campaign 19V398000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

19V401000Reported May 29, 2019

EQUIPMENT

Model years affected: 2017–2018

The problem

VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists (VCI) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550, 2014 E-350 and E-450, 2015 F-250 and F-450, 2016 E-450, 2017 E-350, F-450 and E-450, 2018 F-350, 2010 E-450, 2005-2006 E-450, 2009 E-450 and Chevrolet C4500-based Type I and Type III ambulances equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The monitors may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversed.

What can happen

The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists will work with ASA to notify the owners, and remedy the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics at 1-800-384-4400.

Vehicles affected: 22
Owners notified: May 9, 2019
Safety standard: FMVSS 101

Read campaign 19V401000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

19V358000Exterior lightingReported May 13, 2019

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Model years affected: 2017–2018

The problem

Unruh Fire, Inc. (Unruh Fire) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford F-550-based fire trucks equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.

What can happen

If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Unruh Fire has notified owners and will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began in May 20, 2019. Owners may contact Unruh Fire customer service at 1-800-856-7080.

Vehicles affected: 4
Owners notified: May 20, 2019
Safety standard: FMVSS 108

Read campaign 19V358000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

19V342000Exterior lightingReported May 3, 2019

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Model years affected: 2017–2018

The problem

Taylor Made Ambulances is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford E-350, F-450, E-450, F-550, and GMC G3500-based ambulances equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.

What can happen

If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Taylor Made will notify owners and Whelen will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2019. Owners may contact Taylor Made Ambulances customer service at 1-800-468-1310.

Vehicles affected: 17
Owners notified: June 5, 2019
Safety standard: FMVSS 108

Read campaign 19V342000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

19V269000Exterior lightingReported April 3, 2019

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Model years affected: 2018

The problem

Weis Fire & Safety is recalling one 2018 Emergency vehicle built on a Ford F-550 4x4 Crew Cab chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights recalled under 18E-063. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.

What can happen

If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Weis Fire & Safety has already notified the owner, and replaced the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Weis Fire & Safety customer service at 1-785-825-9526.

Vehicles affected: 1
Owners notified: October 1, 2018

Read campaign 19V269000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

19V251000Exterior lightingReported March 28, 2019

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Model years affected: 2018

The problem

Fire Equipment Sales & Service (FES) is recalling one Super C Brush emergency vehicle and one Tanker emergency vehicle equipped with Whelen brake lights recalled under 18E-063. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.

What can happen

If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

FES has already notified owners, and replaced the brake lights, free of charge. Owners may contact FES customer service at 1-803-494-6000 or Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331.

Vehicles affected: 2
Maker's recall no.: Whelen 18E-063
Owners notified: March 28, 2019

Read campaign 19V251000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

19V254000Exterior lightingReported March 28, 2019

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Model years affected: 2018

The problem

Blanchat Mfg., Inc. (Blanchat) is recalling one 2018 B-27 Minuteman vehicle built on a Ford F-550 chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.

What can happen

If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Blanchat has notified the owner, and will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2019. Owners may contact Blanchat customer service at 1-620-896-7145.

Vehicles affected: 1
Owners notified: March 27, 2019
Safety standard: FMVSS 108

Read campaign 19V254000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

19V236000Exterior lightingReported March 26, 2019

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Model years affected: 2018

The problem

Excellance, Inc. (Excellance) is recalling certain 2018 Ambulances and Emergency Vehicles built on Ford E-350, E-450, F-650, F-550 4x4, Chevrolet G4500, G4500 Diesel, C3500, G3500, Freightliner M2, International 4300, and Dodge 4500 chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

What can happen

If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Excellance has notified owners, instructing them to contact Whelen to have the brake lights replaced, free of charge. The recall began on March 21, 2019. Owners may contact Whelen customer service at 1-860-718-2331 or Execellance at 1-256-772-9321.

Vehicles affected: 36
Owners notified: March 21, 2019
Safety standard: FMVSS 108

Read campaign 19V236000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

19V226000Exterior lightingReported March 22, 2019

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Model years affected: 2019

The problem

Watts Manufacturing, LLC (Watts Manufacturing) is recalling certain 2019 First responder vehicles built on Ford F-550 chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

What can happen

If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Watts Manufacturing will notify owners and Whelen dealers will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Watts Manufacturing customer service at 1-785-404-6003.

Vehicles affected: 8
Owners notified: March 19, 2019
Safety standard: FMVSS 108

Read campaign 19V226000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

18V894000Reported December 18, 2018

ENGINE

Model years affected: 2017–2019

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.

What can happen

When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S45.

Vehicles affected: 410,289
Maker's recall no.: 18S45
Owners notified: June 3, 2019

Read campaign 18V894000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

17V331000Latch and lockReported May 22, 2017

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Model years affected: 2017

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles originally produced with black or body colored exterior door handles that may have been subsequently equipped with a chrome exterior door handle cover accessory kit purchased from a Ford dealer. These accessory door handle covers may cause the doors to unlatch in a side impact collision. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."

What can happen

If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the accessory covers and refund the purchase price. The recall began July 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for the recall is 17C09.

Vehicles affected: 14,410
Maker's recall no.: 17C09
Owners notified: July 13, 2017
Safety standard: FMVSS 206

Read campaign 17V331000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

15V371000Engine and coolingReported June 15, 2015

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

Model years affected: 2014–2015

The problem

HME, Inc. is recalling certain emergency vehicles manufactured January 1, 2014, to March 31, 2015 and built on a model year 2014-2015 Ford F-550 chassis. The affected vehicles may detect an incorrect Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor (EGT) fault indicating that the vehicle is too hot, causing the engine management system to shut down the engine and prevent its immediate restart.

What can happen

Engine shut down and a subsequent cool down period may delay medical treatment or assistance to those needing it, increasing their risk of injury.

The fix

HME will notify owners, and dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2015. Owners may contact HME customer service at 1-616-261-2636.

Vehicles affected: 8
Owners notified: July 7, 2015

Read campaign 15V371000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

15V052000Engine and coolingReported January 30, 2015

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Model years affected: 2011

The problem

All Wheel Drive Equipment Mfg., Inc. (All Wheel) is recalling one model year 2011 Ford F-550 truck with a 6.8L gasoline engine manufactured May 14, 2010, to May 28, 2010. The affected vehicle is equipped with a PTO Assembly Pressure Switch, part number FR67, used with power take off (PTO) assemblies for Ford F-550 chassis. The PTO switch may leak oil onto the thermal blanket.

What can happen

The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.

The fix

All Wheel has notified the owner and will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. Owners may contact All Wheel customer service at 1-800-311-4778.

Vehicles affected: 1
Owners notified: April 1, 2015

Read campaign 15V052000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

14V498000Reported August 13, 2014

EQUIPMENT

Model years affected: 2009–2013

The problem

PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.

What can happen

The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.

The fix

PJ's has notified owners and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2014. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.

Vehicles affected: 3
Owners notified: November 12, 2014

Read campaign 14V498000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

14V411000Engine and coolingReported July 8, 2014

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

Model years affected: 2011

The problem

J.C. Madigan, Inc. (J.C. Madigan) is recalling one model year 2011 Ford F-550, and one model year 2013 Ford F-450 chassis with a 6.8L gasoline engine dump trucks equipped with certain PTO Assembly Pressure Switches, part number 30T37594, manufactured June 2009 through June 2013, used in power take off (PTO) assemblies. The switch may begin leaking oil.

What can happen

The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.

The fix

J.C. Madigan will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact J.C. Madigan customer service at 1-978-847-2900.

Vehicles affected: 2
Owners notified: September 8, 2014

Read campaign 14V411000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

14V040000Reported February 6, 2014

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING

Model years affected: 2011–2012

The problem

Almared, Inc., dba A-1 Alternative Fuel Systems, is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-550 transit buses manufactured May 2011 through April 2013, altered to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG). In the affected vehicles, the brackets securing the passenger side CNG fuel tank may break.

What can happen

If the brackets break, the CNG tank may separate from the vehicle frame increasing the risk of a crash or possible fire.

The fix

Almared, Inc. has notified owners and all affected vehicles have been remedied, free of charge. Owners may contact Almared at 1-559-485-4427.

Vehicles affected: 18
Owners notified: January 10, 2014

Read campaign 14V040000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

13V535000Reported October 30, 2013

ENGINE

Model years affected: 2011–2012

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 F-350/450/550 Ambulance Package vehicles manufactured February 22, 2010, through October 19, 2012 and equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine. Due to an exhaust sensor problem, the vehicles may experience loss of power followed by an engine stall.

What can happen

An unexpected engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, if this were to occur when the ambulance is transporting a patient, there is an increased risk of injury to the patient.

The fix

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the exhaust gas temperature sensor, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S10.

Vehicles affected: 2,951
Maker's recall no.: 13S10
Owners notified: November 25, 2013

Read campaign 13V535000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

13V380000Engine and coolingReported August 23, 2013

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

Model years affected: 2012

The problem

Manning Equipment Inc. LLC (Manning) is recalling certain model year 2012 Ford F-350, F-450 and F-550 gasoline engined dual rear wheel chassis vehicles manufactured October 2011 through June 2012. The tailpipe on the exhaust system does not extend out beyond the edge of the body, allowing heat to build up in rear curbside storage compartment.

What can happen

Excessive heat build up in rear compartment could result in fire.

The fix

Manning Equipment has notified owners, and dealers will install tailpipe extensions free of charge. The recall has already begun. Owners may contact Manning Equipment at 1-502-426-5210.

Vehicles affected: 37
Owners notified: July 24, 2013

Read campaign 13V380000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

11V582000Power trainReported December 8, 2011

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Model years affected: 2012

The problem

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 F-250, F-350, F-450 AND F-550 HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 12, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 114, THEFT PROTECTION. THE TRANSMISSION CAN BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL DUE TO BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH PROBLEM.

What can happen

THIS WILL ALLOW THE OPERATOR TO INADVERTENTLY SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY TO A NEARBY PEDESTRIAN.

The fix

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH FUNCTION AND REPLACE THE SWITCH IF NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Vehicles affected: 16,091
Maker's recall no.: 11C21
Owners notified: December 22, 2011
Safety standard: FMVSS 114

Read campaign 11V582000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

What to do if your Ford F-550 is on this list

A recall listed here applies to a range of vehicles, not to every car of that model year. Manufacturers narrow it down by build date and VIN, so the only way to know whether yours is included is to check the VIN. You can do that free on NHTSA's recall lookup, or by calling any franchised dealer for that brand with your VIN in hand.

Recall repairs are free. Under federal law the manufacturer has to fix a safety defect at no charge, and there is no mileage limit and no expiry on that obligation for vehicles under 15 years old. A dealer cannot charge you for the parts, the labour, or the diagnosis on a recall repair, and you do not need to have bought the car there. If a dealer asks you to pay, that is worth escalating to the manufacturer's customer line, which is listed in the remedy text of each recall above.

Recalls do not block a title transfer or registration in any state. You can legally buy, sell, or register a car with an open recall, and sellers are generally not required to fix one first. That said, an open recall is worth raising before money changes hands, especially one with a do-not-drive advisory. If you are buying, run the VIN before you hand over the payment; if you are selling, telling the buyer about an open recall costs you nothing and avoids a dispute later.

Ford F-550 recall questions

How many recalls does the Ford F-550 have?

NHTSA lists 23 recall campaigns for the Ford F-550 across model years 2009 to 2020. That count covers recalls filed from 2010 onward. Not every campaign applies to every car of that model year, because manufacturers limit recalls by build date and VIN.

Which Ford F-550 model year has the most recalls?

The 2018 Ford F-550 carries the most, with 10 recall campaigns. A high count does not automatically mean a worse car: a single supplier fault can trigger a recall across an entire production run, and manufacturers that report problems quickly tend to show more campaigns.

Are Ford F-550 recall repairs free?

Yes. Federal law requires the manufacturer to repair a safety recall at no cost, including parts and labour, on vehicles under 15 years old. There is no mileage limit, and you do not have to be the original owner or have bought the car from that dealer.

Can I sell or register a Ford F-550 with an open recall?

Yes. An open recall does not stop a title transfer or registration in any state, and private sellers are generally not required to repair one first. Dealers face stricter rules on some safety recalls. If you are buying, check the VIN before you pay; the repair is free, but you want to know what you are taking on.

Other Ford recalls

Ford F-150 recalls115 Ford Explorer recalls96 Ford Escape recalls83 Ford F-350 Super Duty recalls75 Ford F-450 Super Duty recalls66 Ford Transit recalls64

Where this data comes from

Every recall on this page is published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the federal agency that oversees vehicle safety recalls in the United States. We pull the full recall file from NHTSA and reproduce the campaign number, defect description, consequence, and remedy exactly as the manufacturer reported them. NHTSA data is in the public domain.

Source:: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
NHTSA data as of:: July 18, 2026
Coverage:: Recalls from 2010 onward

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov ↗

Buying or selling this car?

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Last reviewed: 2026-07-18 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Independent resource · Not legal advice

⚠ Independent resource — check your VIN before actingCar Paperwork is not affiliated with NHTSA, any manufacturer, or any dealer. This page lists recalls issued for a model, which is not the same as a recall on your car: only a VIN check confirms that. Recall records are also updated by NHTSA continuously, so treat this as a starting point and confirm anything urgent with NHTSA or a franchised dealer. Nothing here is legal or repair advice.