MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2019 Ford F-250

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2019 Ford F-250

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

4Recalls
8Complaints
3Investigations
ABOUT THE FORD F-250

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.

VERDICT

The 2019 Ford F-250 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 4 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers 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.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 29.2%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13290

Index breakdown

Crash protection62/70
Avoidance tech6/10
Defect record16/20
Forward collision warning: OptionalLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY20V576000

Risk: An improperly welded axle may affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners and dealers will inspect the front axle wheel yoke weld location. If the weld is found to be inaccurately located, the axle assembly will be replaced free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S56.

Reported 2020-09-23

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT19V688000

Risk: A broken passenger side rear axle could result in a loss of drive power and the inability to hold the vehicle still when in Park. If the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger side rear axle shaft, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S31.

Reported 2019-09-30

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER19V633000

Risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.

Reported 2019-08-28

ENGINE18V894000

Risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S45.

Reported 2018-12-18

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

8 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsSteering 5Suspension 4Unknown Or Other 2Structure 1

Other F-250 years

Rivals in Truck (2019)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 13290), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Ford F-250 2019. Class rank 1 of 3 in Truck 2019. Methodology · Disclosure