Vehicle Guide

2017 Ford F-350 Problems, Reliability & Owner's Guide

Common problems with the 2017 Ford F-350, reliability ratings, maintenance tips, and owner reviews. Get your complete owner's guide.

Overview

The 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty is a heavy-duty full-size pickup built for towing, hauling, and commercial-grade work, while still offering modern comfort and technology. It’s part of the fourth-generation Super Duty redesign introduced for 2017, bringing major updates to the frame, body, powertrains, and driver-assist features. This model is ideal for contractors, ranch and farm owners, RV and trailer haulers, and anyone who needs serious payload and towing capability. In the heavy-duty truck market, the 2017 F-350 is positioned as a high-capacity alternative to the F-250, with higher ratings when properly equipped.

Key Features

1) Fourth-generation Super Duty redesign (2017): High-strength steel frame and military-grade aluminum-alloy body panels to reduce weight and improve capability and efficiency compared to prior models. 2) Engine choices: 6.2L gasoline V8 (paired with a 6-speed automatic) and the available 6.7L Power Stroke turbo-diesel V8 (paired with a 6-speed automatic), offering strong torque for heavy towing and steep grades. 3) Heavy-duty towing tech: Available trailer brake controller, integrated towing features, trailer sway control, and optional trailer camera/visibility aids depending on trim and configuration. 4) Multiple configurations: Regular Cab, SuperCab, and Crew Cab with various bed lengths, plus single rear wheel (SRW) or dual rear wheel (DRW) setups for higher payload stability. 5) Updated interior and safety options: Depending on trim (XL through Platinum/Limited), available SYNC infotainment, upgraded materials, and optional driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping aids.

Common Issues & Reliability

Shoppers commonly search “2017 Ford F-350 problems,” “2017 Ford F-350 reliability,” and “2017 Ford F-350 common issues” because heavy-duty trucks often see hard use. Overall reliability can be solid when maintained, but there are a few recurring complaints worth knowing: 1) Diesel emissions system issues (6.7L Power Stroke): Some owners report check-engine lights, reduced power, or regeneration problems tied to EGR/DPF/DEF-related components. These concerns may show up anywhere from 30,000–120,000 miles depending on driving style (short trips and lots of idling can make it worse). 2) Steering and front-end wear: Trucks that frequently tow or run heavy front-axle loads can develop steering wander, vibration, or clunks. Common wear items include steering stabilizer components, ball joints, tie rods, and track bar bushings, often noted between 40,000–100,000 miles depending on road conditions and tire setup. 3) Transmission shifting complaints (gas and diesel): While many trucks run trouble-free, some owners report harsh shifts, delayed engagement, or driveline “clunk,” especially under load or when towing. Sometimes a fluid service, software update, or driveline inspection resolves it; persistent symptoms should be diagnosed early to prevent secondary wear. 4) Electrical and sensor-related glitches: Modern Super Duty trucks can see intermittent issues such as camera faults, parking sensor errors, or warning lights triggered by failing sensors or wiring concerns. These can be sporadic and may be more common on higher-trim trucks with more electronics.

Frequently Asked Questions

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