2015 Ford F-350 Safety Report

The 2015 Ford F-350 presents a mixed safety picture, with a notable recall addressing a critical safety system, but a lack of comprehensive crash test ratings from NHTSA. With 205 total complaints, including 3 crashes, 7 fires, and 1 injury, there are clear areas of concern. The most frequently reported issues revolve around the steering and suspension systems, often described as 'death wobble,' which can lead to a violent loss of steering control. This pattern is evident in 28 complaints for 'STEERING,SUSPENSION' and 25 for 'SUSPENSION' alone, indicating a significant and potentially dangerous mechanical flaw. The single recall for this model, NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000, specifically addresses 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 complaints, with owners reporting black or blue screens and distorted images, increasing the risk of a crash while reversing. The recall's consequence directly aligns with the reported incidents, highlighting a widespread defect that Ford has acknowledged. Beyond the recall, other significant complaint categories include the ENGINE (17 complaints), with issues ranging from turbocharger malfunction to fuel system failures and engine block heater wire melting, and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7 complaints), which includes problems like brake light failures and touch screen misalignment. The absence of NHTSA overall, frontal, side, and rollover crash test ratings makes it difficult to assess the vehicle's passive safety performance in a collision. However, the active safety concerns, particularly the 'death wobble' and rearview camera issues, are well-documented through owner complaints and the recall. In summary, while direct crash test data is unavailable, the 2015 Ford F-350 exhibits concerning patterns in active safety components. The 'death wobble' in the steering/suspension system and the rearview camera recall are prominent issues that directly impact driver control and situational awareness. The 7 reported fires and 1 injury underscore the potential severity of some of these mechanical and electrical failures.

Our recommendation: Given the significant 'death wobble' issues, rearview camera recall, and reported engine/fire risks, potential buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on steering, suspension, and electrical systems, and ensure all recall repairs have been completed.