Summary
The Ford F-650 SD has 8 recalls spanning 2011 through 2025, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2025 models where tie rod ball studs can fracture and cause complete loss of steering control. The 2023-2024 model years have a parking brake that can release on its own without pressing the release button, allowing the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly. The 2021 model year, specifically on 7.3L gasoline-engine trucks, is missing underbody heat shields that were left off during assembly, which can cause the cabin floor and seat attachment points to reach temperatures high enough to burn occupants on contact.
Going back to 2018, the parking brake cable on hydraulically-braked models may not have been adjusted correctly, which on vehicles without a Park position can leave nothing holding the truck on a slope. There is also a brake light issue on certain 2018 XLT Crew Cab emergency vehicles built by Custom Fab & Body, where the brake lights can illuminate when the pedal has not been pressed, potentially confusing drivers behind the truck.
On 2011-2015 models equipped with a 70% fixed bench passenger seat, the seatbelt anchor floor attachments were installed in the wrong location, which reduces their ability to restrain an occupant in a crash. The 2016 model year has a steering column that may have been built with an incorrect gear selector, and if the wrong park pawl fractures, the transmission cannot hold the vehicle in place, allowing it to roll. On a narrow production window of early 2011 trucks equipped with the Meritor MFS08 front steer axle, the steering arm bolts were not fully tightened and can loosen or separate, also resulting in loss of steering.
