12 Best & Worst Ford F-250 Years (With Facts & Stats)

The Ford F-250 is a heavy-duty pickup truck that was introduced in 1999 and is part of the Super Duty range.

It has great tech, advanced safety features, and stellar towing capabilities, on top of an upscale and premium cabin. 

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the best and worst model years of the F-250.

Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Ford F-250 Are:

The best Ford F-250 model years are 2022, 2021, 2014, 2013, 2009, and 2007. The worst model years of the F-250 are 2019, 2017, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2006. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.

What Are The Best Years For The Ford F-250?

2022 Ford F-250

The 2022 F-250 is an excellent choice thanks to its modern tech and swanky cabin, it is also one of the brawniest heavy-duty pickup trucks in today’s market.

If money is no object, this is the best pick.

It provides strong towing and hauling performance, plenty of passenger space, and immense power and torque.

This model is powered by a massive V8 engine, beginning at 6.2 liters, and can come in either a gasoline variant or diesel variant. 

There are a total of 6 trim levels, beginning with the entry-level XL trim (approx. $44,800) and ending with the Limited trim (approx. $91,700). 

  • Edmunds: 4.1 / 5.0
  • Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
  • JD Power: 83 / 100

2022 F-250, Edmunds review:

“Best new truck I have ever had. The roar the power of the 6.2L is more than enough for me. This truck can pull like a train.”

2021 Ford F-250

The 2021 F-250 is a 3rd-generation model and is another reliable choice when shopping for a Super Duty.

It boasts plenty of payload and towing capacity, a lighter aluminum body for better efficiency and maneuverability, and several variants and configurations to boost convenience and tech options.

While there are no official EPA fuel economy estimates, Edmunds.com places combined driving efficiency at around 19 miles per gallon.

Among the various trim levels available for this model year, it is best to go with the XLT trim level (one step above the entry-level XL trim) to have all the essentials, 3 cab configurations, and a slew of optional features. 

  • Edmunds: 4.1 / 5.0
  • Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
  • JD Power: 81 / 100

2021 F-250, Edmunds review:

“I have owned Toyota Tundra’s for the last 10 years, did not think Ford could come close to the Value that my Tundra provided. I recently purchased a 5th wheel trailer and needed a diesel with major towing capacity, but was skeptical on the vehicles. After driving all 3 of the big trucks (GMC, Dodge,Ford, not Nissan! I decided to get a Platinum F250, its been the best decision that i ever made, love this Ford Truck. Amazing power to row, amazing comfort and love all the technology. The ride is a little stiff and breaking is lacking, but overall this Truck has been awesome!”

2014 Ford F-250

The 2014 F-250 looks as powerful as it performs, and is undoubtedly one of the most dependable pickup trucks of its time.

Aside from the typical strong towing and payload capacities, it is known for its wide range of equipment and body styles, appealing and practical tech options, and relatively quiet riding experience.

No major changes were implemented in comparison to its direct predecessors as it is a carryover model.

Future truck owners can choose from three styles: crew cab, super cab, and regular cab.  

  • Edmunds: 4.3 / 5.0
  • Kelley Blue Book: 4.5 / 5.0
  • JD Power: 80 / 100

2014 F-250, Edmunds review:

“This truck is designed to be a workhorse. I tow a 35′ fifth wheel; often through mountains. The F-250 doesn’t even notice it. Braking is excellent. I’ve owned Chevy’s and Toyotas, but for hauling and heavy loads, I’ll take the Ford F-250.”

2013 Ford F-250

The 2013 F-250 blends power, refinement, and advanced technology for work and play. Much like other models on this list, the 2013 F-250 received minimal complaints according to NHTSA data.

It boasts updated and stronger brakes, the automaker’s patented MyFord touch system, and an additional trim level known as the Platinum trim.

This truck comes standard with a 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine that provides 385 horsepower while the optional 6.-7 liter turbodiesel V8 engine provides 400 horsepower and a whopping 800 pound-feet of torque. 

It can seat up to 6 full-sized adults and has a maximum towing capacity rating of 14,000 pounds. 

  • Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
  • Kelley Blue Book: 4.5 / 5.0
  • JD Power: 82 / 100

2013 F-250, Edmunds review:

“I drive an employer-owned F-250. I can only say positive things about its ability to carry a load, including at least four passengers. I recommend it if you need a real work horse of a vehicle, but not for the average “Harry Homeowner” who wants to drive a pickup. The size and wheelbase of this truck can make it a hassle to manuever; especially in tight spaces and parking lots…”

2009 Ford F-250

The 2009 F-250 is quite a dated model year but still provides the best qualities that an owner would expect out of a heavy-duty pickup truck.

The 2009 F-250 was one of the least problematic models made thanks to its robust design.

The model has refined ride and handling dynamics, a smooth-shifting automatic transmission, and an available trailer brake controller add-on feature. 

Several new features were implemented, including a power-telescoping tow mirror package and the Sync multimedia voice control system.

It comes in 4 main trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, and FX4. 

  • Edmunds: 4.3 / 5.0
  • Kelley Blue Book: 4.3 / 5.0
  • JD Power: 79 / 100

2009 F-250, Edmunds review:

“This is one very srong pulling truck. nice ride,looks great,Love that turbo feel and sound. Make’s almost any pulling job seem like it isnt even there. I average 17.0 mpg 65mph. 10,000 mile’s on it now.”

2007 Ford F-250

The 2007 F-250 is the oldest on this list but is still considered by many to be one of the greatest.

Aside from receiving relatively low problem reports and complaints, this model year is praised for its power, practicality, and towing capacity across all trim levels and cab configurations.

Its interior design was nothing special, but was made with high-quality materials to provide comfortable seating for years to come. 

Various customization packages are available, such as the Lariat Outlaw Package, which offers black-with-red accents and a unique color scheme for both the interior and exterior. 

  • Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
  • Kelley Blue Book: 4.3 / 5.0
  • JD Power: 79 / 100

2007 F-250, Edmunds review:

“Great truck. Tows excellent, good mileage, well made – I have the 6.0 diesel engine with auto transmission – quiet compared to Dodge and seems to be a better engine than my last two F-250’s that had the 7.3 diesel engine. Don’t like where the fuel system water drain is located but that is a minor inconvenience. Lots of room inside, and it has plenty of power.”

Consumer Scores For Best Ford F-250 Years

Model YearEdmunds
Consumer Rating
Kelley Blue Book
Consumer Rating
JD Power
Consumer Rating
2022 Ford F-2504.1 / 5.04.7 / 5.083 / 100
2021 Ford F-2504.1 / 5.04.7 / 5.081 / 100
2014 Ford F-2504.3 / 5.04.5 / 5.080 / 100
2013 Ford F-2504.4 / 5.04.5 / 5.082 / 100
2009 Ford F-2504.3 / 5.04.3 / 5.079 / 100
2007 Ford F-2504.4 / 5.04.3 / 5.079 / 100

Related: 9 Most Common Ford F-250 Problems (You Should Know)

What Are The Worst Years For The Ford F-250?

2019 Ford F-250

Based on statistics obtained from CarProblemZoo.com, the 2019 F-250 is the most problematic model year ever produced. 

Shaking was the biggest culprit, according to numerous reports. 

Numerous owners reported instances of an uncontrollable steering wheel paired with intense vehicle shaking when the truck is driven between 60 miles per hour and 75 miles per hour. 

This is also known as “Death Wobble”.

The 2019 F-250 had a total of 24 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 1,624 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common problems:

  • Severe wobble at high speeds
  • Wobbling front end
  • Touchscreen, radio failure

2017 Ford F-250

The 2017 F-250 was another model prone to the infamous “Death Wobble”.

Death Wobble refers to violent shaking of the truck, rendering the vehicle virtually impossible to control.

This typically happens at speeds greater than 50 miles per hour, according to some reports. 

Ford has not offered a solution for this issue and some experts state there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

The 2017 F-250 had a total of 55 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 1,612 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common problems:

  • Death wobble
  • Steering wheel wobbles
  • Front end wobble

1999 Ford F-250

The ’99 Ford F-250 was notorious for its V8 engine which would eject spark plugs. It is though this was caused by the threads on the cylinder head being too short and soft.

Here’s one owners report:

“Spark plug blew out of my 6. 8l v-10 Ford F-250. Caused extensive damage and a small fire.”

The 1999 F-250 also had several significant problems with its stock tires.

According to numerous reports, the tires that came standard with the truck experienced premature wear and tear. 

The 1999 F-250 had a total of 39 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 1,476 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common problems:

  • Spark plug failure, ejection
  • Broken manifold studs
  • EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) cooler failure
  • Oil cooler failure

2000 Ford F-250

Much like the 1999 model year, the 2000 F-250’s most widely reported issue revolved around faulty stock tires.

This model year also had quite a sizable amount of complaints regarding its engine, specifically that it would blow out spark plugs.

This would lead to severe engine damage.

Power steering issues were quite common too with owners complaining that the steering would lock up whilst driving.

The 2000 F-250 had a total of 34 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 928 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common problems:

  • Blown spark plug out of head
  • Transmission not working properly
  • Head gasket went out

2001 Ford F-250

The 2001 F-250 did not do so well in terms of engine performance and reliability, which was caused by spark plugs been ejected from the engine.

According to reports, the engine would spontaneously produce smoke or catch fire without symptoms or warning indicators illuminating.

Transmission issues were also widely reported with owners reporting that it was not shifting properly causing the vehicle to jerk.

The 2001 F-250 had a total of 46 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 733 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common problems:

  • Spark plug blowout
  • OD (overdrive) light blinking 
  • Transmission will not go into gear
  • Lost second gear
  • Broken intermediate sprag

2006 Ford F-250

The 2006 Ford F-250 is another model to steer clear of, this is another “Death Wobble” victim.

Death Wobble problems were commonplace, according to owners of this model year.

Violent shaking, loss of vehicle control, and front end vibration were experienced by a lot of owners when driving along a freeway or highway at speeds greater than 50 miles per hour. 

The 2006 F-250 had a total of 88 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 578 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common problems:

  • Shaking, loss of control
  • Hyper shaking
  • EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) and EGR cooler failure

Related: Ford F-250 Alarm Going Off? (9 Causes & Solutions)

What Years Have The Most Complaints?

Model YearComplaints
(CarComplaints.com)
Problems
(CarProblemZoo.com)
2022 Ford F-250316
2021 Ford F-250144
2020 Ford F-2502108
2019 Ford F-250241,624
2018 Ford F-25012560
2017 Ford F-250551,612
2016 Ford F-25016262
2015 Ford F-25021348
2014 Ford F-25011208
2013 Ford F-25011161
2012 Ford F-25018452
2011 Ford F-25055522
2010 Ford F-25017134
2009 Ford F-2509115
2008 Ford F-25038381
2007 Ford F-2507136
2006 Ford F-25088578
2005 Ford F-25035495
2004 Ford F-25014554
2003 Ford F-25045394
2002 Ford F-25045529
2001 Ford F-25046733
2000 Ford F-25034928
1999 Ford F-250391,476
1998 Ford F-2505122
1997 Ford F-25013351
1996 Ford F-2504193

What Problems Do Ford F-250 Have?

  • Vehicle shakes
  • Loss of control
  • Death wobble
  • Hyper shaking
  • EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) and EGR cooler failure
  • Fuel pump blew out
  • Transmission shifts hard
  • Steering wheel wobbles
  • Front end wobble
  • Spark plug blowout
  • OD (overdrive) light blinking
  • Transmission will not go into gear
  • Lost second gear
  • Broken intermediate sprag
  • Spark plugs loose, jump out
  • Transmission failure
  • Engine missing and skipping
  • Rusting
  • Blown engine
  • Broken manifold studs
  • Oil cooler went out

What Are The Best Alternatives To The Ford F-250?

Make & ModelScoreMSRPFuel Economy (MPG)
Toyota Tundra8.0$40,810 – $77,040City: 15 /Highway: 17
Ram 25007.9$48,190 – $72,405City: 15 /Highway: 20
Ford F-2507.7$44,830 – $91,675City: 16 /Highway: 19
Nissan Titan7.1$43,285 – $60,465City: NA /Highway: NA
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HDNA$42,295 – $46,495City: NA /Highway: NA

Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com

Related: 12 Best & Worst Ford F-350 Years (With Facts & Stats)

References

https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/super-duty

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/used-cars/for-sale/ford_f-250

https://www.edmunds.com/ford/f-250-super-duty/

https://www.kbb.com/ford/f250/

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2022/ford/f-250

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/F-250/

https://www.carproblemzoo.com/ford/f-250/

Author:

  • Ian Sawyer

    Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...