MODEL
Ford F-250
NHTSA safety across every Ford F-250 model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Ford F-250 we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2021 at 88 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2022 at 71. 46 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Ford F-250 is a heavy-duty, full-size pickup truck aimed squarely at buyers who need serious towing and hauling capability without compromising on daily usability. Sitting above the half-ton F-150 in Ford's lineup, the F-250 targets contractors, fleet operators, and truck enthusiasts who demand a workhorse that can also serve as a family vehicle. It is one of the most recognizable and widely sold heavy-duty trucks in the United States.
At MotorCaliber, we evaluate the Ford F-250 across the 2019 to 2025 model years, and the safety picture here is genuinely mixed. The best NHTSA Safety Index score we recorded is 88 out of 100, achieved in the 2021 model year, which lands in the Strong band. That is an encouraging headline number for a heavy-duty truck. Crash-test performance in the best year shows impressive results where it counts most, with 5-star ratings in both the frontal and side-impact categories. The rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars is the soft spot, and that is not surprising given the F-250's tall, truck-based body and high center of gravity. Shoppers should take that rollover number seriously. The recall count across covered years is substantial at 66, including at least one park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which signals a serious safety concern serious enough for Ford to advise owners to stop driving the vehicle. That is a flag any buyer should investigate before purchasing. Owner complaints total 261 across the covered years, with 9 reported crashes, 4 fire-related allegations, and 2 injury claims. These are unverified allegations, but the fire complaints in particular warrant attention on any vehicle. The F-250's safety floor is high when the truck is performing as designed, but the recall volume and fire complaints mean diligent ownership and staying current on recall remedies is non-negotiable.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Ford F-250 as a benchmark heavy-duty pickup, praising its towing capability, powertrain options, and interior refinement relative to its work-truck roots. Most acknowledge it as a capable, well-rounded choice in the segment. Concerns typically center on its large footprint making everyday driving more demanding, and some reviewers note that the ride can feel stiff when the truck is unladen.
- The 2021 model year earned the best NHTSA Safety Index score of 88 out of 100, landing in the Strong band, but not all model years perform equally. Check the specific year you are considering before buying.
- Rollover protection is rated at just 3 out of 5 stars in the best tested year. The F-250's tall, heavy-duty body raises its center of gravity compared to passenger cars and even some lighter trucks, making this a meaningful risk factor, particularly in emergency maneuvers.
- With 66 recalls across the 2019 to 2025 model years, including at least one do-not-drive or park-outside campaign, buyers must run any used F-250 through NHTSA's VIN recall lookup tool and confirm all open recalls have been remedied before taking delivery.
- Owner complaints include 4 fire-related allegations across the covered years. While these are unverified, fire complaints on any vehicle deserve extra scrutiny. Ask your dealer about any fire-related technical service bulletins or recalls associated with the specific model year you are evaluating.
Most-recalled year on record: 2022 Ford F-250 with 17 recalls.