What are the Best Years for Ford Super Duty Trucks? (Buyer beware?)

If you need a truck for commercial applications, you can rely on the Ford Super Duty trucks to give you the power you need. This truck has a 1-ton capacity that is double that of the full-size Ford F-150. 

For a long time, the Super Duty trucks have run on either a diesel or a gas V8 engine that gives them the power to tow more than 18,000 pounds. 

While Ford has enjoyed great success for many years, there are some trucks that had some issues and had recalls. Other years enjoyed the most success as we have discussed below. 

What are the Best Years for Ford Super Duty Trucks? 

The best Ford Super Duty Trucks to buy are the models 2012 and any model from 2013 or newer, except for model 2017, which had a few issues. In 2012, Ford recalled some of their Super Duty Trucks that had issues and made the trucks better for the years that followed. 

But what made some models stand out and others fall out of the consumers’ favor? Read on to learn more. 

Ford Super Duty Trucks Years to Avoid

You should avoid the 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 Ford Super Duty Trucks. Engine failure is one of the most serious problems for the Ford F-350, and it started occurring in 2008 and continued up to 2011. 

Consumers complained that the engine would give up abruptly, and they had to part with about $10,000 to make the engine functional again. Models that followed the 2008 model did improve on the issue and consumers continued complaining. 

The 2011 model developed additional issues, such as steering and suspension problems. These issues were experienced when drivers drove faster than 60 miles per hour where the truck would start wobbling. 

However, Ford did not issue any recalls even after the many complaints from the drivers. 

Of all these years, the 2008 model received the most complaints from consumers. Most of these complaints said that the steering had issues. The steering wheel would seize with no warning indicators. 

Some drivers noted that the ride was bumpy and erratic. Other drivers experienced serious engine issues where the engine smoked on attempts to accelerate and for some, the engine switched off during a trip 

There was one instance where the driver claims the engine caught fire. The 2008 model had nine recalls, but none of which was related to the truck that caught fire. 

A few other problems:

Blown Head Gasket

The 2004 model of the Ford Super Duty Trucks with a 6.0L diesel engine had issues with a blown head gasket. At that time, drivers needed about $4,500 to fix a blown head gasket. However, because the blow caused damages to other parts of the engine, the drivers had to change other parts of the engine too. 

Transmission Problems

There were transmission problems with the 2001 Ford Lariat with a 7.3L diesel engine. This issue led to the burning of the transmission seal, and replacing the seal would cost up to $5,000, and it required several replacements. 

Ford issued a recall for the transmission systems. When issuing the recall, Ford noted that the engine camshaft was misplaced and this is what caused the engine to stall. 

Other Model Years to Avoid

The 2006 model did not live up to the reputation that the Ford Super Duty Trucks had set. Ford failed to use the same metal to create the EGR valve as they had with other models, and this made the head studs weak. 

According to the owners of this model, problems started when they drove the truck home. After 25,000 miles of driving, the power steering was producing some strange noises. At 50,000 miles, the truck started blowing head gaskets.

Some drivers also reported severe issues with the electrical system. Consumer Reports gave the 2006 Ford Super Duty trucks a satisfaction rating of one out of five. You are better off avoiding the 2006 model completely as it will lead to several issues. 

From 2012, the Ford Super Duty trucks had a good run. The run only started issues in 2017 when the truck reported a number of issues. 

One of the main problems was with the tailgate and door latch issues where the door and the tailgate would open when the truck was in motion. However, most dealerships fixed this issue for free. 

Another issue was a shaky steering wheel. The problem, according to the drivers, was common at high speeds and would disappear when the vehicle slows down.

The 2017 model also had issues with the electronic system settings where they would mysteriously disappear. Further, drivers reported ABS braking issues. If you are looking for a Ford Super Duty truck, avoid a 2017 model. 

What Makes the 2012 and other Models the Best? 

After the many problems that the 2011 model experienced, Ford was ready to make the models that followed better. In 2012 and 2013, there were a series of recalls for different issues that the models had faced. 

From 2013, the Ford Super Duty Trucks would operate with fewer issues, if any, and this made the truck operate better. For a long time, the Ford Super Duty Trucks have been work trucks that did not offer anything more than power.

The Ford Super Duty Trucks were redesigned in 2011, which might be why the 2011 model had so many serious issues. Later, after the trucks were recalled, Ford improved the trucks to make them more comfortable besides being powerful. 

The cabin for newer models looks more advanced and so do the seats and other features. 

The 2008 model was bare-bones, but it did not have any issues that made the engine or any other systems stall. If you want comfort, balance, and drivability, and better handling, you need one of the new Ford Super Duty Trucks. 

The Future of Ford Super Duty Trucks

The V8 gas and V8 diesel engines have been the heart of the Ford Super Duty Trucks. Today, an improvement of these same engines is still running. Ford uses a 7.3L OHV V8 gas engine. 

There is also an available Power Stroke Turbocharged V8 diesel engine. The engines offer impressive ratings for horsepower and torque. Its available engine generates 475 horsepower. 

You will have several convenience and safety features when you pick. One of the features you will have is Ford Co-Pilot360, which supplements the driving skills of the driver. The system alerts you in case there is an imminent collision. 

Because these trucks are engineered to tow heavy loads, Ford offers Pro Trailer backup assist, pre-collision assist, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot information system, and lane-keeping assist. 

Other features include automatic high beam headlamps, rearview camera, hill descent, and trail control. There is also an off-road package, the Tremor Package, that allows you to drive off the road with ease. 

Inside, the trucks feel more comfortable than ever before. The spacious cabin is comfortable enough for the passengers and also allows in-cabin storage. 

Features such as Ford Sync 3, Ford Alexa, Truck apps, and Wireless charging pad make the Ford Super Duty Trucks fun to drive. 

Closing Thoughts

For many years, the Ford Super Duty Trucks have been the most powerful trucks for commercial drivers. Although there are a few years that fell short of that reputation, the truck has performed exemplary most of the years. 

When shopping for a used truck, you need to take your time and research on any issues that the truck might have had.

In almost all years, there is always a driver who will complain about a thing or two. However, you need to consider the years where there are only a few or no complaints at all. Avoid models with engine and transmission system problems as these will cost you thousands of dollars to fix.