2015 Ford F-250 Safety Report

2015 Ford F-250 plagued by 'Death Wobble' and persistent rearview camera failures, lacks NHTSA crash test ratings.

294Complaints
2Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
8Crash Reports
6Fire Reports
7Injuries
Most reported components: Steering,Suspension (62)Steering (35)Suspension (27)Engine (25)Unknown Or Other (15)Fuel/Propulsion System (13)Steering,Suspension,Wheels (13)Back Over Prevention (10)Fuel System, Diesel (7)Service Brakes (6)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Ford F-250

The 2015 Ford F-250 presents a mixed safety picture, with a notable absence of NHTSA crash test ratings, making it difficult to assess its performance in controlled collision scenarios. Despite this, the vehicle has accumulated 294 total complaints, including 8 crashes, 6 fires, and 7 injuries, indicating real-world safety concerns. A significant pattern of complaints revolves around the 'Death Wobble' phenomenon, primarily linked to the STEERING and SUSPENSION systems, which accounts for a combined 62 complaints. This issue describes violent, uncontrollable shaking at highway speeds, posing a severe crash risk as evidenced by multiple complaints detailing near-misses and loss of control. Recall history for the 2015 F-250 includes two campaigns. The most prominent is NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V270000, addressing a 'BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA' issue where the rearview camera may display a blank or distorted image. This recall is directly reflected in numerous consumer complaints, with owners reporting persistent camera malfunctions even after attempted repairs, increasing the risk of backing collisions. The second recall, 'EQUIPMENT: VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists,' is less directly tied to widespread consumer complaints for the F-250 but highlights potential equipment-related issues. Beyond the 'Death Wobble' and rearview camera issues, other significant complaint areas include ENGINE problems (25 complaints), with reports of ticking sounds, sputtering, and even metal shavings in the oil, suggesting potential powertrain durability concerns. Fuel system issues, particularly 'FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM' (13 complaints) and 'FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL' (7 complaints), are also present, with reports of fuel odors and leaks, and in some cases, fire. The lack of comprehensive NHTSA crash test data means buyers must rely more heavily on the complaint and recall data, which points to critical steering/suspension and rearview camera defects that can directly impact safety.

Reliability Score

The 2015 Ford F-250 receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2015 Ford F-250

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Ford F-250:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Death Wobble (Steering/Suspension)
Violent, uncontrollable shaking of the front end at highway speeds (55-75 mph) after hitting bumps, leading to loss of control and high crash risk.
High Common 65000-120000+ miles
Rearview Camera Malfunction
Rearview camera displays a blank, black, or distorted image when in reverse, reducing rear visibility and increasing the risk of a crash, even after recall repairs.
Medium Common all miles
Engine Problems
Reports of abnormal ticking sounds, sputtering, check engine lights, and metal shavings in engine oil, indicating potential internal engine issues.
High Occasional 100000-120000+ miles
Fuel Leaks/Odor
Fuel odor inside the cabin and visible fuel leaks, particularly from the upper fuel filter housing, posing a fire risk.
High Occasional all miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Ford F-250:

Steering,Suspension 21% of complaints

Predominantly related to the 'Death Wobble' phenomenon, causing violent shaking at highway speeds.

Steering 12% of complaints

Issues contributing to the 'Death Wobble' and general steering instability.

Suspension 9% of complaints

Problems associated with the 'Death Wobble' and overall suspension integrity.

Engine 8% of complaints

Reports of ticking, sputtering, and internal engine component failures.

Back Over Prevention 3% of complaints

Malfunctioning rearview camera displaying blank or distorted images.

Fuel/Propulsion System 4% of complaints

Fuel leaks, odors, and potential fire hazards.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Ford F-250

Is the 2015 Ford F-250 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 Ford F-250 has 294 total complaints, including 8 crashes, 6 fires, and 7 injuries. While it lacks official NHTSA crash test ratings, significant safety concerns exist, particularly with the 'Death Wobble' (62 complaints for steering/suspension) and persistent rearview camera malfunctions (covered by recall 25V270000).

What are common problems with the 2015 Ford F-250?

The most reported issues are related to the STEERING and SUSPENSION systems, accounting for 62 complaints, primarily due to the 'Death Wobble.' Rearview camera failures, despite a recall, are also common. Other significant problems include ENGINE issues (25 complaints) and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM concerns (13 complaints).

Has the 2015 Ford F-250 been recalled?

Yes, the 2015 Ford F-250 has had two recalls. The most impactful is NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V270000 for 'BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA,' addressing blank or distorted rearview camera images. The second recall is for 'EQUIPMENT' by VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists.

What is the 'Death Wobble' in the 2015 Ford F-250?

The 'Death Wobble' is a severe safety issue reported by owners of the 2015 Ford F-250, where the vehicle's front end shakes violently and uncontrollably, typically at highway speeds (55-75 mph) after hitting a bump. This can lead to a temporary loss of steering control and is a major complaint pattern under STEERING and SUSPENSION.

Are there fire risks with the 2015 Ford F-250?

Yes, NHTSA data shows 6 fire incidents reported for the 2015 Ford F-250. Complaints related to the FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, including fuel odors and leaks, particularly from the upper fuel filter housing, indicate potential fire hazards.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Prospective buyers should be aware of the significant 'Death Wobble' issue and persistent rearview camera problems; a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on steering, suspension, and fuel system components is highly recommended.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Ford F-250

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Ford F-250. The data includes 294 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 8 reported crashes, 6 fire incidents, 7 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.