2017 Ford F-550 Safety Report

2017 Ford F-550: Low complaint volume, but multiple safety recalls and no crash test ratings raise concerns.

12Complaints
5Recalls
55/100Reliability Score
2Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
Most reported components: Engine And Engine Cooling (2)Structure (2)Fuel System, Diesel (1)Engine (1)Wheels (1)Tires (1)Suspension (1)Service Brakes (1)Power Train (1)Steering,Unknown Or Other,Service Brakes (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Ford F-550

The 2017 Ford F-550 presents a mixed safety picture, with a relatively low number of overall complaints but several significant recalls and a lack of formal crash test ratings. With only 12 total complaints to NHTSA, including 2 crashes and 1 fire, the raw complaint volume is low for a commercial vehicle. However, the absence of NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover are all N/A) means there's no independent assessment of its crashworthiness, which is a notable gap for potential buyers. The 1 fire complaint, described as the 'truck exploded on the expressway,' is particularly concerning, though its root cause isn't detailed in the provided data. The recall history is more extensive, with 5 recalls addressing various safety-critical components. Three recalls (EQUIPMENT, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS by Unruh Fire, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS by Taylor Made Ambulances) relate to issues that could increase the risk of a crash due to driver confusion or inadvertent actions. A significant recall for the ENGINE addresses a potential fire risk from prolonged corrosion in the engine block heater wiring, which aligns with the single fire complaint. Another recall for LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH highlights a risk of increased injury in side-impact collisions if doors unlatch. Common complaint patterns, despite the low volume, point to issues with the ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints), STRUCTURE (2 complaints), and individual instances across FUEL SYSTEM, WHEELS, TIRES, SUSPENSION, SERVICE BRAKES, POWER TRAIN, and STEERING. Specific complaints include a diesel fuel-burning odor entering the cabin, a loose and separating front cab over with significant water leaks, engine stalling and seizing, and brake hose failure leading to a low-speed collision. The tire/rim selection complaints also suggest potential issues with load ratings. While the overall complaint count is low, the nature of some complaints (e.g., engine seizing, brake failure, fire) indicates serious potential safety hazards.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Ford F-550 receives a reliability score of 55 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-550

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Ford F-550:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Block Heater Fire Risk
Recall for engine block heater wiring corrosion potentially leading to overheating, melting, and fire. One complaint mentions a truck exploding.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Brake Light Malfunction
Recalls for brake lights illuminating incorrectly, potentially confusing other drivers and increasing crash risk.		 Medium Occasional N/A miles
Door Latch Failure
Recall for door latches potentially unlatching in side-impact collisions, increasing occupant injury risk.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Engine Stalling/Seizing
Complaint of engine stalling and seizing while driving, with check engine light illuminated.		 High Rare N/A miles
Brake Hose Failure
Complaint of a rubber brake hose failing instantly, leading to a low-speed collision due to loss of brakes.		 High Rare N/A miles
Structural Integrity/Water Leaks
Complaint of front cab over getting loose, separating, and significant water leaks into the cabin.		 Medium Rare N/A 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-550:

Engine And Engine Cooling 16% of complaints

Issues include diesel fuel odor in the cabin and engine ticking/rattling noises.

Structure 16% of complaints

Problems with the front cab over separating and water leaks into the cabin.

Fuel System, Diesel 8% of complaints

Complaint of diesel fuel-burning odor entering the cabin.

Service Brakes 8% of complaints

Complaint of brake hose failure leading to loss of brakes and collision.

Power Train 8% of complaints

Complaint of abnormal noise, loss of power, and damaged driveshaft components.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Ford F-550

Is the 2017 Ford F-550 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Ford F-550 has a low number of overall complaints (12 total), but it has been subject to 5 safety recalls addressing issues like engine fire risk, brake light malfunctions, and door latch failures. Crucially, there are no NHTSA crash test ratings available, meaning its crashworthiness is unassessed by this agency. While the complaint volume is low, some reported issues like engine seizing and brake failure are severe.

What are common problems with the 2017 Ford F-550?

The most reported issues, based on NHTSA complaints, are related to ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints) and STRUCTURE (2 complaints). Specific problems include diesel fuel odors, engine stalling/seizing, loose cab structures with water leaks, and individual reports of brake failure and power train issues. There are also multiple recalls concerning exterior lighting, door latches, and engine block heaters.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Ford F-550?

Yes, the 2017 Ford F-550 has 5 recalls. These include recalls for EQUIPMENT (potential for driver to turn wrong direction), EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS (incorrect illumination), ENGINE (fire risk from engine block heater wiring), and LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH (doors unlatching in a side impact).

Does the 2017 Ford F-550 have good crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not provided any crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover) for the 2017 Ford F-550. Therefore, its crashworthiness has not been formally assessed by this agency.

What is the biggest safety concern for the 2017 Ford F-550?

The biggest safety concerns for the 2017 Ford F-550 are the potential fire risk associated with the engine block heater recall (which aligns with one complaint of a truck exploding), the brake light malfunctions that could increase crash risk, and the lack of formal NHTSA crash test ratings, leaving its crash protection unknown.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the lack of crash test data and multiple safety recalls, potential buyers should prioritize verifying all recall repairs have been completed and consider a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine, brakes, and structural integrity.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Ford F-550

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Ford F-550. The data includes 12 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 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.