2017 Ford F-350 Safety Report
2017 Ford F-350: High complaint volume, 'death wobble' and fuel system failures are common, two recalls for fire and door latch risks.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Ford F-350
Reliability Score
The 2017 Ford F-350 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 2017 Ford F-350
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Ford F-350:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Death Wobble (Steering/Suspension) Violent, uncontrollable shaking of the front end, often occurring at highway speeds or after hitting bumps, leading to loss of steering control. |
High | Common | various miles |
| Fuel System Failure (Diesel) Sudden loss of motive power, engine stalling, and complete fuel pump disintegration reported, sometimes without warning. |
High | Occasional | various miles |
| Door Latch/Lock Malfunction Doors failing to latch, opening unexpectedly while driving, or freezing in cold weather, addressed by a recall. |
Medium | Common | various miles |
| Engine Block Heater Fire Risk Corrosion in the engine block heater wiring can cause resistive shorts, leading to overheating, melting, and increased fire risk, subject to recall. |
High | Rare | various miles |
| Sunroof Leaks And Malfunctions Panoramic sunroofs cracking, leaking water onto electronics, or failing to open/close properly. |
Medium | Occasional | various miles |
| Transmission Failure Sudden and complete transmission failure due to valve body malfunction, resulting in loss of power and drivability. |
High | Rare | various miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Ford F-350:
Predominantly related to the 'death wobble' phenomenon, causing violent shaking and loss of control.
Issues contributing to the 'death wobble' and general steering instability.
Problems contributing to vehicle instability and the 'death wobble'.
Potentially related to the 'death wobble' or other wheel-related issues.
Failures of the diesel fuel pump leading to loss of power and stalling.
General issues with the vehicle's fuel and propulsion, including loss of motive power.
Includes transmission failures and other drivetrain-related problems.
Issues such as engine shutting off, check engine lights, and block heater problems.
Door latch failures, including freezing and unexpected opening, subject to recall.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Ford F-350
Is the 2017 Ford F-350 safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Ford F-350 has a significant number of complaints (557 total), including 7 crashes, 4 fires, and 2 injuries. While crash test ratings are unavailable, there are two recalls addressing a fire risk from the engine block heater and a door latch issue that could increase injury risk in a side impact. The prevalence of the 'death wobble' and fuel system failures are serious safety concerns.
What are common problems with the 2017 Ford F-350?
The most reported issues for the 2017 Ford F-350 are related to STEERING and SUSPENSION, accounting for 128 and 115 complaints respectively, largely due to the 'death wobble'. Other common problems include fuel system failures (13 complaints for FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL and 13 for FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM), door latch malfunctions, sunroof leaks, and various engine and power train issues.
Has the 2017 Ford F-350 been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 Ford F-350 has been subject to two recalls. NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V894000 addresses a fire risk from the engine block heater wiring, and NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V483000 concerns door latches that may unlatch in a side impact collision.
What is the 'death wobble' in the 2017 Ford F-350?
The 'death wobble' is a severe and violent shaking of the front end of the 2017 Ford F-350, often triggered by hitting a bump or driving at highway speeds. It can cause the vehicle to drift and lead to a temporary loss of steering control, as indicated by numerous complaints under STEERING and SUSPENSION components.
Are there fire risks with the 2017 Ford F-350?
Yes, there is a known fire risk associated with the 2017 Ford F-350 due to a recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V894000) concerning the engine block heater. Prolonged corrosion can cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, which can lead to a fire. There are 4 reported fires in the complaint data.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the high volume of complaints, particularly regarding the 'death wobble' and fuel system issues, and two safety recalls, prospective buyers should proceed with caution and ensure all recalls have been addressed. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on steering, suspension, and fuel system components is highly recommended.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Ford F-350
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Ford F-350. The data includes 557 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 7 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 2 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.