2019 Ford F-250 Safety Report

2019 Ford F-250: High complaint volume for steering/suspension 'death wobble' and multiple safety recalls, no NHTSA crash ratings.

1151Complaints
4Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
16Crash Reports
10Fire Reports
12Injuries
Most reported components: Steering,Suspension (349)Steering (230)Suspension (151)Steering,Suspension,Wheels (68)Steering,Suspension,Unknown Or Other (43)Unknown Or Other (42)Back Over Prevention (21)Fuel/Propulsion System (19)Power Train (17)Electrical System (17)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Ford F-250

The 2019 Ford F-250 presents a mixed safety picture, with a significant number of consumer complaints but no official NHTSA crash test ratings. With 1151 total complaints, including 16 crashes, 10 fires, and 12 injuries, there are clear areas of concern. The most prevalent issues revolve around the steering and suspension systems, accounting for a combined 349 complaints, with 'death wobble' being a frequently cited problem where the vehicle experiences violent shaking at highway speeds after hitting bumps. This issue is severe as it can lead to loss of control and increase crash risk. Recall history for the 2019 F-250 includes four significant campaigns. Two recalls address potential axle assembly failures (POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY and POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT), which could lead to loss of vehicle control or drive power. Another recall targets front seat recliner mechanisms (SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER), posing a risk of inadequate occupant restraint in a crash. Finally, an engine block heater recall (ENGINE) addresses a fire risk due to potential electrical shorts. These recalls indicate manufacturing defects that could compromise safety. Despite the lack of formal NHTSA crash test ratings, the high volume of complaints, particularly concerning steering and suspension stability, and critical recalls related to powertrain, seating, and fire risk, suggest that potential buyers should exercise caution. The 'death wobble' issue, in particular, is a recurring and dangerous problem reported by numerous owners. The 10 reported fires and 16 crashes further underscore the severity of some of the underlying issues, even without specific crash test data.

Reliability Score

The 2019 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 2019 Ford F-250

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Ford F-250:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Steering/Suspension 'Death Wobble'
Vehicle experiences violent, uncontrollable shaking of the front end, especially at highway speeds (50+ MPH) after hitting bumps or uneven roads, making it difficult to maintain control.
High Common variable miles
Engine Stalling/Loss Of Power
Engine unexpectedly dies while driving, leading to loss of power brakes and power steering, creating a dangerous situation in traffic.
High Occasional variable miles
Fuel Pump Failure
Fuel pump failure leading to hard/prolonged starting, stalling, or complete loss of motive power, with potential for metal shavings to contaminate the fuel system.
High Common 40000-130000 miles
Rear View Camera Malfunction
Backup camera displays distorted, blurry, wavy lines, or a blank screen, impairing rear visibility when backing up.
Medium Common variable miles
Axle Assembly Defects (Recalled)
Front axles may have improperly welded yokes or passenger side rear axle shafts may fail prematurely, affecting vehicle control or causing loss of drive power.
High Rare new miles
Engine Block Heater Fire Risk (Recalled)
Prolonged corrosion in the engine block heater cable can cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring and fire.
High Rare variable miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Ford F-250:

Steering,Suspension 30% of complaints

The most significant issue is the 'death wobble,' a violent shaking of the front end at highway speeds, often triggered by road imperfections. This accounts for a large portion of the 349 complaints in this category.

Steering 20% of complaints

Beyond the 'death wobble,' general steering issues include looseness, difficulty maneuvering, and loss of control, contributing to 230 complaints.

Suspension 13% of complaints

Issues with suspension components, often related to the 'death wobble' or general instability, are reported in 151 complaints.

Fuel/Propulsion System 2% of complaints

Problems with the fuel pump, leading to hard starts, stalling, and potential system contamination, are noted in 19 complaints and several sample complaints.

Power Train 1% of complaints

Issues include transmission problems (e.g., imploding while shifting) and axle failures, as highlighted by 17 complaints and two recalls.

Engine 1% of complaints

Engine stalling without warning and long crank conditions are reported, with 17 complaints and one recall related to the engine block heater.

Back Over Prevention 2% of complaints

Malfunctioning rear view cameras, displaying distorted, blurry, or blank images, are a common complaint with 21 reports.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Ford F-250

Is the 2019 Ford F-250 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Ford F-250 has a concerning safety record with 1151 total complaints, including 16 crashes, 10 fires, and 12 injuries. While it lacks official NHTSA crash test ratings, it has four recalls addressing critical safety defects like axle failures, seat recliner issues, and engine block heater fire risk. The prevalence of 'death wobble' complaints related to steering and suspension is a significant safety concern.

What are common problems with the 2019 Ford F-250?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Ford F-250 are related to the STEERING and SUSPENSION systems, with 349 complaints often describing the 'death wobble' phenomenon. Other common problems include engine stalling (17 complaints), fuel pump failures (19 complaints), and rear view camera malfunctions (21 complaints).

Has the 2019 Ford F-250 been recalled?

Yes, the 2019 Ford F-250 has been subject to four safety recalls. These include recalls for front axle assembly defects, passenger side rear axle shaft failure, front seat recliner mechanism issues, and a potential fire risk from the engine block heater cable.

What is the 'death wobble' in the 2019 Ford F-250?

The 'death wobble' in the 2019 Ford F-250 refers to a severe and violent shaking of the front end of the vehicle, typically occurring at speeds above 50 MPH after hitting a bump or uneven road surface. This condition makes the vehicle extremely difficult to control and is a frequently reported safety concern in NHTSA complaints.

Are there fire risks with the 2019 Ford F-250?

Yes, there are reported fire risks. NHTSA data shows 10 fire incidents for the 2019 F-250. Additionally, one of the recalls specifically addresses a fire risk associated with the engine block heater cable, where prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, leading to overheated wiring and potential fire.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high volume of serious complaints, particularly regarding steering stability ('death wobble'), and multiple safety recalls, potential buyers should proceed with caution and ensure all recall repairs have been completed. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on steering, suspension, and powertrain components is highly recommended.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Ford F-250

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Ford F-250. The data includes 1151 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 16 reported crashes, 10 fire incidents, 12 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.