2011 Ford F-550 Super Duty
The 2011 Ford F-550 Super Duty is a robust work truck designed for heavy-duty applications. Engine options included the 6.8L Triton V10 gasoline engine (362 hp, 457 lb-ft of torque) and the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel (390 hp, 735 lb-ft of torque). The standard transmission was a 6-speed automatic. Owners often appreciate the F-550’s towing capacity and overall ruggedness. However, potential downsides include high fuel consumption and some reliability concerns, particularly related to the diesel engine’s emissions system.
Engine
6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Catastrophic failure of the CP4 high-pressure fuel pump can contaminate the entire fuel system with metal shavings. Symptoms include rough running, stalling, and eventual inability to start the engine. This is often triggered by contaminated fuel.
- Solution: Replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rails, fuel lines, and fuel tank. Some owners opt for a CP3 conversion (replacing the CP4 pump with the more robust CP3 pump) to prevent future failures.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $8,000 - $12,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Clogging of the DPF due to excessive soot buildup, leading to reduced engine performance, frequent regeneration cycles, and eventual engine shutdown.
- Solution: Forced regeneration, DPF cleaning, or DPF replacement. Sometimes, underlying issues with the engine (e.g., faulty injectors) can contribute to DPF problems and need to be addressed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning EGR valve can cause rough idling, poor acceleration, and increased emissions. The valve can become clogged with carbon deposits.
- Solution: EGR valve cleaning or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive black smoke from the exhaust, and unusual noises from the turbocharger. This can be caused by oil starvation or foreign object damage.
- Solution: Turbocharger repair or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
6.8L Triton V10 Gasoline Engine
- Spark Plug Ejection
- Description/Symptoms: Spark plugs can be ejected from the cylinder head, causing a loud popping noise and misfires. This is due to insufficient threads in the cylinder head.
- Solution: Repairing or replacing the cylinder head. Options include installing thread inserts or replacing the entire head.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Exhaust Manifold Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the exhaust manifold, leading to exhaust leaks and a ticking noise, especially when the engine is cold.
- Solution: Exhaust manifold replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Torque Converter Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations during acceleration, especially at lower speeds. Can lead to transmission slipping.
- Solution: Torque converter replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Valve Body Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, harsh shifts, or failure to shift. This can be caused by worn or sticking valves in the valve body.
- Solution: Valve body repair or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Leaf Spring Sagging/Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: Rear end sag, reduced load-carrying capacity, and potential for cracking in the leaf springs.
- Solution: Leaf spring replacement or installation of helper springs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Ball Joint Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive play in the front suspension, causing clunking noises and poor steering.
- Solution: Ball joint replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Glow Plug Module Failure (Diesel)
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the engine in cold weather, excessive white smoke from the exhaust during startup.
- Solution: Glow plug module replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Alternator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, warning lights on the dashboard, and eventual battery drain.
- Solution: Alternator replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust on Undercarriage/Frame
- Description/Symptoms: Corrosion on the frame, suspension components, and other undercarriage parts. This is more prevalent in areas with road salt.
- Solution: Rust removal, rust converter application, and/or frame repair/replacement (in severe cases).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $5,000+ (depending on severity)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- HVAC Blower Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The blower motor stops working, resulting in no airflow from the vents.
- Solution: Blower motor replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary:
The 2011 Ford F-550 Super Duty, while a capable work truck, can suffer from several notable issues. The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine has some complex and costly problems revolving around the HPFP and emissions systems. The 6.8L V10 gas engine has its own issues such as spark plug ejection. Suspension and electrical problems can also be a source of concern, as well as corrosion problems. Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars to upwards of $10,000 for major engine or fuel system repairs. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues and carefully inspect any used F-550 before purchase.