NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Ford F-250 Safety Ratings
The 2019 Ford F-250 scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 8 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Frontal and side crash protection for the 2019 Ford F-250 are genuinely impressive, yet a low rollover star rating tempers its overall safety profile. This model earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. Four recall campaigns have been issued, indicating areas that warrant continued attention. Despite these concerns, the F-250 stands as a solid safety performer.
The 2019 Ford F-250 Crew Cab 4x4 holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100 and a 4-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 3 Trucks from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Ford F-250 ranks 1 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 29.2% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 8 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 1 of 3 Trucks tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Ford F-250?
The 2019 Ford F-250 Crew Cab 4x4 carries a 29 percent rollover risk, earning it 3 out of 5 stars in that category. This result aligns with typical figures for heavy-duty trucks but remains a key consideration for consumers. The overall Safety Index for this variant stands at 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This score is largely driven by its crash protection, which achieved 62 out of 70. Federal testing awarded 5 out of 5 stars for both frontal and side impact protection. Its defect record contributed 16 out of 20 to the Safety Index, reflecting four recall campaigns. Two of these recalls specifically address axle and differential components, critical to the 4x4 drivetrain. Avoidance technology scores 6 out of 10 because both forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional for this model year, dependent on trim level and package selections. Electronic stability control is standard.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Ford F-250 perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Ford F-250 Crew Cab 4x4 achieved a 4 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While its frontal and side impact protection both earned the maximum 5 stars, the truck’s rollover performance was weaker, with a 3-star rating. The measured rollover risk for this model stands at 29 percent, although the dynamic tip test did not result in a tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13290
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Ford F-250 have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover this model year. Two target the powertrain axle assembly, including a front-axle concern on 4x4 trucks and a rear-differential axle-shaft issue on vehicles with electronically locking differentials. A third addresses front seat recliner assemblies shared with other Super Duty trucks. A fourth, initiated before the model year launched, covers an engine concern spanning multiple Ford truck lines. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the provided campaign data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Ford F-250?
Eight owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2019 F-250, with no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths alleged. The most frequently cited components are Steering, with 5 unverified allegations, and Suspension, with 4. These are consumer allegations only and have not been independently verified.
8 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Ford F-250?
The 2019 Ford F-250 enters the used vehicle market with a notable safety concern: four open recall campaigns. Buyers are advised to verify completion of these recalls, particularly those addressing the axle assembly and seat recliners, via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. These unresolved safety issues transfer to new owners, though remedies are available at no cost through Ford dealerships.
- Two of the four 2019-specific recall campaigns target axle components: one covers the front axle on 4x4 trucks and a separate campaign addresses the rear electronically locking differential axle shaft, making axle recall verification a priority for this exact model year and drivetrain.
- The 2019 F-250 achieved perfect 5-star frontal and 5-star side crash-test scores from NHTSA, the strongest results in its rating profile and a direct contributor to its 62 out of 70 crash-protection sub-score.
- Rollover risk is rated 3 out of 5 stars with a 29 percent probability figure from NHTSA testing; the dynamic tip test showed no tip, but the statistical risk score is the lowest star rating this model year received.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional for this model year, meaning the avoidance-technology sub-score of 6 out of 10 can vary by individual vehicle depending on how the truck was originally equipped.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Ford F-250 places
The 2019 Ford F-250 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Ford F-250 safety questions
Was the 2019 Ford F-250 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Ford F-250, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Ford F-250 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Ford F-250 earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 29.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Ford F-250 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Ford F-250. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Ford F-250?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 8 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Ford F-250. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other F-250 years
Rivals in Truck (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Nissan Titan | 75/100 | 4 of 5 | 4 |
| 2019 Nissan Frontier | 71/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13290), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford F-250 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 1 of 3 in the Truck class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.