Summary
The Ford F-250 has 24 recalls spanning the 1975 through 2019 model years, with the most serious recent issues on 2019 4x4 models where front axle yokes may not be properly welded to the axle tube, potentially affecting steering control and raising the risk of a crash.
Also on 2019 models equipped with electronically locking rear differentials, the passenger-side rear axle shaft can fail prematurely, causing loss of drive power and an inability to hold the vehicle in Park. The 2017 model year with the 6.2L gasoline engine and 6R100 transmission has a park rod actuating plate that can prevent the transmission parking pawl from engaging, also allowing an unattended vehicle to roll. A 2016 recall covers tires whose inner sidewalls may have been damaged during assembly, which can lead to rapid air loss or a rupture while driving.
Going back to the late 1990s, 1999 models have two separate concerns: rivets on the lower steering shaft flex coupling can separate from the joint and reduce or eliminate steering control, and a daytime running lamp resistor can corrode and cause the lamps to stop working. The 1997 model has a steering issue where the intermediate steering shaft yoke may not be fully seated on the steering gear input shaft and can pull free, causing complete loss of steering. A separate 1997 recall covers aftermarket replacement rear window glass that may not have been properly tempered, meaning it can break into large, sharp pieces rather than small fragments.
Further back, the 1989 model lacks adequate fuel tank shielding in certain 4x4 configurations, and the 1988 model has a fuel tank vapor hose that can kink and affect evaporative emissions. The 1983 model year covers both a fuel system integrity concern on 6.9L-equipped trucks and a fuel pump circuit diode that can fail, causing the engine to stall without warning after a short period of running. The 1982 model has rear axle lock wedges that can disengage and allow the left rear axle, wheel, and brake drum to partially or fully separate from the vehicle. On 1979 and 1980 models, issues include missing fuel tank shields that allow tank contact with drivetrain components in a crash, a front wheel steering knuckle that can fracture and detach the tie rod on 4x4 variants, and a Kansas City-built 1980 model with a potentially missing or under-torqued steering shaft pinch bolt. The 1976 model has a brake master cylinder outlet tube that can contact the steering shaft, leak fluid, and reduce braking effectiveness, and the 1975 model has a front brake caliper mounting bolt that can back off and increase pedal travel.
