MODEL
Ford F-250 Safety
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.
A serious safety concern exists for the Ford F-250 across the 2019 to 2025 model years, with at least one park-outside or do-not-drive recall campaign issued. This signals a critical flaw warranting immediate action from owners and close investigation from prospective buyers. The overall recall count for this period is substantial, at 66. Despite these recall figures, the 2021 model year achieved an 88 out of 100 on our Safety Index, placing it in the Strong band. This is a commendable score for a heavy-duty truck. Crash-test performance in that year included 5-star ratings for both frontal and side-impact protection. However, consistent with its tall body and high center of gravity, the F-250 received a 3 out of 5-star rating for rollover risk. Owner complaints across the 2019-2025 models total 261. These include 9 reported crashes and 2 injury claims. Of particular note are 4 fire-related allegations. While these remain unverified, fire complaints require scrutiny for any vehicle. The F-250 demonstrates a high level of crash protection when operating as intended, but the volume of recalls and specific fire allegations underscore the importance of diligent ownership and timely recall remediation.
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.