Monumental towing and hauling capacities, relatively small turning circle, strong performance, comfortable ride when towing, standard trailer brake controller, high-tech options.
Cons
Plus-size width makes the truck unwieldy in traffic and parking lots, stiff ride when unladen, high price.
What’s new
For 2010, the Ford F-450 Super Duty sees a lot of minor changes and feature shuffles among trim levels. Additionally, the axle ratios have been revised for increased fuel economy, Sync is now offered on all but the base XL and a new spray-in bedliner is now available.
Edmunds says
For towing massive loads, you'll be hard-pressed to find anything more capable than the 2010 Ford F-450 Super Duty.
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING CONDITION ONE OWNER ALABAMA RUST FREE LARIAT ULTIMATE 4WD!! If you are looking for the absolute cleanest rust free southern low mil...
Our great looking 2010 Ford F-450 Lariat, 'Harley Davidson' Version Package, Crew Cab Dually 4X4 stands tall whether parked or rolling down the road. ...
Twenty-four thousand six-hundred pounds is a lot of weight. That's equivalent to seven Ford Mustangs, or the Hubble space telescope or 3,000 gallons of beer. It's also the amount of weight the 2010 Ford F-450 Super Duty pickup can tow when properly equipped, giving this Ford the highest tow rating of any consumer-oriented pickup on the market. Its closest competitor, the Dodge Ram 3500, can only pull 17,600 pounds.
It's quite obvious that this is no pretty-boy truck for city folk. Prior to 2008, in fact, it was sold only to commercial and institutional entities to be adapted for a variety of purposes, like towing and emergency services. The big F-450 is meant for the most demanding load-hauling duties, and to take them on, it boasts a sturdy frame, a wider track, a heavy-duty monobeam front suspension, commercial-grade truck tires, a dual-rear-wheel layout (dually) and the robust PowerStroke turbodiesel engine that produces a whopping 650 pound-feet of torque.
Simply put, there is no other truck that can out-truck the 2010 Ford F-450 Super Duty. But this also means that the F-450 is best left for buyers who truly need its capabilities. It's not the easiest truck to drive due to its width, and it's also pretty expensive, with a starting price of more than $45,000. But with its monumental towing capabilities and a variety of trim levels -- from no-nonsense work truck to luxuriously appointed hauler -- buyers can be assured that the F-450 will most certainly get the job done.
Performance & mpg
The only available F-450 engine is a 6.4-liter turbodiesel V8 that pumps out 350 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a five-speed automatic is optional. There is also a choice of either two- or four-wheel drive. Properly equipped, the F-450 Super Duty can haul 6,180 pounds in its bed or tow up to 24,600 pounds (with a fifth-wheel hitch). In performance testing, an unladen F-450 went from zero to 60 mph in 10.8 seconds.
Safety
Antilock disc brakes and the SOS Post-Crash Alert System are standard, but neither side nor side curtain airbags are available. Power-adjustable pedals are optional on models with automatic transmissions (XL model excluded), as are rear parking sensors. In brake testing, the F-450 came to a stop from 60 mph in 151 feet -- not bad for something that weighs more than 9,000 pounds.
Driving
For such a large vehicle, the 2010 Ford F-450 is relatively easy to handle, thanks in part to a turning circle that's smaller than that of the F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks. Still, parking and maneuvering in traffic are tough, as its front end is considerably wider than that of its already-gigantic siblings, not to mention the dually rear end. An unladen F-450 has a stiff ride, the downside of a chassis with such prolific towing and hauling capacities. But with a trailer hooked up to it, the F-450 rides more smoothly, and the turbodiesel engine performs admirably. The brakes are also confidence-inspiring when towing a big load, especially when used with the trailer brake controller.
Interior
The 2010 Ford F-450 Super Duty truck features a blocky, industrial interior design that works quite well for the intended market. On XL and XLT models, interior materials are quite good for the segment. Higher trim levels and option packages, with the addition of leather and wood grain trim, add a much more upscale and luxurious feel.
The well-placed center stack puts controls within easy reach, and the dual door pockets and a massive center console/armrest provide generous in-cabin storage -- in fact, the center console box is big enough to accommodate a laptop and/or hanging files. In crew cabs, folding the rear seats up reveals a flip-out utility tray that keeps the load floor flat.
The 2010 Ford F-450 Super Duty is available only in a crew-cab body style with a long 8-foot bed. All F-450s come with a dual-rear-wheel setup, which allows more weight to be carried in the bed while providing greater towing stability. Three trim levels are offered: base XL, midlevel XLT and luxurious Lariat.
The XL is the workhorse of the bunch, with standard equipment that includes 19.5-inch wheels with commercial-grade truck tires, running boards, air-conditioning, vinyl upholstery, a two-speaker AM/FM radio and manual-telescoping trailer-tow mirrors. The XLT adds keyless entry, power and heated trailer-tow mirrors, an integrated trailer brake controller, rear privacy glass, cloth upholstery, a 40/20/40-split front bench, a center armrest with cupholders and storage bin, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, full power accessories and a four-speaker CD player with an auxiliary audio jack.
The range-topping Lariat model piles luxury items on top of the XLT model that include a power-sliding rear window, power telescoping and folding mirrors, leather upholstery, wood grain interior trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, dual power and heated front seats, a center console, rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and Ford's Sync multimedia voice-control system.
Most features on the higher-spec trim levels are available as options on the XL and XLT models. Other options (depending on trim level) include an FX4 Off-Road package, a heavy-duty suspension, a spray-in bedliner, a flip-down tailgate step, a rearview-mirror-mounted back-up camera display, a sunroof, a navigation system, upgraded audio systems with satellite radio, power-adjustable pedals and a rear-seat entertainment system. Also offered are some very slick high-tech gadgetry for work-focused trucks, like an in-dash computer and Tool Link -- a computer system that keeps an inventory of tools that are removed from the bed.
Also available are the Harley-Davidson and King Ranch packages. The Harley-Davidson package slaps on a long list of Harley-branded exterior and interior trim. The King Ranch package provides two-tone paint, fancy leather seating and western-saddle-inspired trim. Both packages include a premium sound system and a rearview camera.
The 2010 Ford F-450 Super Duty consistently impresses owners with its formidable towing capabilities and robust performance. Many appreciate the truck's ability to effortlessly haul heavy loads, including massive fifth wheels, horse trailers, and car haulers, thanks to its stout turbodiesel engine and commercial-grade components. Drivers frequently commend the F-450's solid ride quality, especially when loaded, attributing this to its wider stance and monobeam suspension that enhances stability. The King Ranch and Lariat trims receive praise for their well-appointed interiors, boasting luxurious touches like leather seating and advanced technology packages. Owners who prioritize towing find the integrated Tow Command system particularly beneficial, as it provides seamless braking and control when maneuvering large trailers. The truck's overall design garners attention, with many noting that it captures a commanding presence that stands out both on the road and at events. Despite its fuel consumption, those who need the truck's power and capability feel that it delivers exceptional value for heavy-duty purposes, making it a popular choice among serious haulers and those who take on demanding jobs.
Common Issues
The 2010 Ford F-450 Super Duty is often criticized for its frequent mechanical issues, particularly with the 6.4-liter engine. Owners report recurrent radiator failures, which can lead to significant frustration and repair costs. There are widespread complaints about fuel inefficiency, with many drivers noting the truck's tendency to guzzle fuel, especially when towing heavy loads. The emissions equipment is another sore point, often leading to problems that can affect engine performance. Many have experienced unexpected engine shutdowns, linked to idle control features, which pose risks during extended stops in traffic or roadside emergencies. Some owners express discontent with service experiences, citing long repair times and frequent dealership visits due to various sensor and turbocharger failures. The vehicle's high maintenance cost and the complexity of addressing engine repairs further exacerbate owner dissatisfaction, leading some to question the truck's long-term reliability.
Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers
The 2010 Ford F-450 Super Duty leaves everyday drivers with a mixed bag of experiences. While its ability to handle substantial towing tasks with ease is highly valued, many find the frequent need for repairs to be a significant downside. The truck's powerful performance and luxurious interior options make it attractive for those preferring comfort alongside heavy-duty functionality. However, drivers consistently face issues with the 6.4-liter engine’s reliability, prompting frequent trips to the shop for many. The high fuel consumption is often noted, becoming a major consideration for those using the vehicle as a daily driver. Although the F-450 is appreciated for its strong presence and capability on the road, persistent problems with components like the radiator and emissions equipment can deter long-term satisfaction. Despite the appeal of its robust towing and hauling abilities, the potential for costly and repeated repairs remains a looming concern for ownership.
The 2010 Ford F-450 Super Duty has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 10 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
10 recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
14V507000
Number of vehicles affected:
76
Defect Description:
Jerr-Dan Corporation (Jerr-Dan) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Ford F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Superduty chassis modified by Jerr-Dan and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
Defect Consequence:
The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
Corrective Action:
Jerr-Dan will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Jerr-Dan customer service at 1-800-926-9666.
Recall Number:
14V498000
Number of vehicles affected:
3
Defect Description:
PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
Defect Consequence:
The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
Corrective Action:
PJ's has notified owners and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2014. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.
Recall Number:
14V496000
Number of vehicles affected:
88
Defect Description:
Versalift East, LLC (Versalift) is recalling certain Aerial devices manufactured on 2009-2013 Ford, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty 6.8L gas engine chassis, modified by Versalift and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products FR67 PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
Defect Consequence:
The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
Corrective Action:
Versalift will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on September 14, 2014. Owners may contact Versalift customer service at 1-888-866-1400.
Recall Number:
14V494000
Manufactured from:
2009-09-01 to 2013-12-31
Number of vehicles affected:
49
Defect Description:
Vanair Manufacturing, Inc. (Vanair) is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperDuty chassis modified by Vanair and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies used with model 60-85 UDSM, 125-185 USDM, and Genair 125-185 driven air compressor systems. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
Defect Consequence:
The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
Corrective Action:
Vanair will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began in November 2014. Owners may contact Vanair customer service at 1-800-526-8817.
Recall Number:
14V453000
Number of vehicles affected:
6
Defect Description:
Godwin Manufacturing Company, Inc. (Godwin) is recalling certain model year 2010 Ford F-450; 2011 Ford F-550; 2012 Ford F-350 and 2013 F-350 Super Duty trucks modified by Godwin and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
Defect Consequence:
The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
Corrective Action:
Godwin will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began October 28, 2014. Owners may contact Godwin customer service at 1-800-892-0181.
Recall Number:
14V382000
Manufactured from:
2009-06-01 to 2013-06-30
Number of vehicles affected:
4
Defect Description:
Somerset Welding & Steel, doing business as J&J Truck equipment (J&J), is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis with 6.8L gasoline engines modified by J&J to be equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
Defect Consequence:
The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
Corrective Action:
Somerset will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began August 2014. Owner's may contact Somerset customer service at 1-800-777-2671.
Recall Number:
14V379000
Number of vehicles affected:
16
Defect Description:
Utility Truck Equipment Company, LLC (Utility Truck) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 UTLI41A, 2011 UTLN41, and 2012 UTLN46 aerial trucks manufactured December 2010 to September 2013 equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies installed on 2010-2013 Ford F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
Defect Consequence:
The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
Corrective Action:
Utility Truck will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began in June 2014. Owners may contact Utility Truck customer service at 1-254-857-8813.
Recall Number:
14V360000
Manufactured from:
2009-06-01 to 2013-06-30
Number of vehicles affected:
10
Defect Description:
Palfleet Truck Equipment Company, LLC (Palfleet) is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 super duty vehicles modified by Palfleet and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
Defect Consequence:
The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
Corrective Action:
Palfleet will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on July 29, 2014. Owners may contact Palfleet customer service at 1- 502-376-2458.
Recall Number:
14V328000
Number of vehicles affected:
21
Defect Description:
Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. will notify owners and dealers to inspect the Muncie PTO pressure switch to determine if it is from the range of defective switches and if required, remove the pressure switch assembly and put a plug in the port where the PTO switch had been installed. This switch was never being utilized. This will be done free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-July 2014. Owners may contact Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. at 1-800-247-5958.
Defect Consequence:
The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
Corrective Action:
Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2014. Owners may contact Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. at 1-800-247-5958.
Recall Number:
14V327000
Number of vehicles affected:
10
Defect Description:
Stahl is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Ford F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty vehicles modified by Stahl and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
Defect Consequence:
The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
Corrective Action:
Stahl will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. Owners may contact Stahl customer service at 1-800-277-8245, or Muncie at 1-800-367-7867.
2008 Ford F-450 Super Duty Lariat 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.4L 8cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
I bought this when my 2005 f 350 blue its motor the third time while stuck in Wyoming with six horses and a family in a motel, the 2008 got me home but over the last three years it broke down seven times, four radiators,
two turbos an engine and now another break down and a new engine, now its 2000 miles out of extended warranty.
It is unreliable, poorly built and only a fool would … recommend it, the ones that do have never used it for long hauls or extensive ranch work which is what it was built to do.....FORD found on the road dead how true is that.
Ford should be ashamed to sell this crap and a class action suit should be had. 29 repair items this time around....
Probably worst mistake in my life
3 out of 5 stars
Yuri, 10/30/2009
2008 Ford F-450 Super Duty Lariat 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.4L 8cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
Since 11/07, truck has been in shop 7-8 times. Last time it had the entire head replaced; took about 30 days. Absolutely NO POWER to this date. Also have an 08 GMC 2500 Duramax, blows this Ford out of water with power. I am sad to find all these posts as I am doing research tonight on my new truck- 2009 Sierra 3500. Will be at GMC tomorrow getting trade-in appraisal for it. I do … excavating so I am daily towing 10-12k trailer w/ either a mini-ex or skid-steer. Absolutely a dog in power. Took to Ford dealer several times, they say it's fine. Get literally 7-8 mpg avg. GMC gets 11-12 towing same exact load w/ tons more power. If you love yourself, PLEASE do not buy this truck.
Another one bites the dust
2.88 out of 5 stars
seehorse, 11/01/2012
2008 Ford F-450 Super Duty Lariat 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.4L 8cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
I bought it in Texas thanks to a blown head gasket on my 05 F350 that left me stranded (5th time) and I had to get my 40' trailer to NM by the next day.
Since the repair would have been a 3 day event I bought the 08 F450 off the dealer's lot.
At first all was well, the truck pulled better than the 350 and it ran perfectly.
It was trouble free for the first 4 years I owned it aside from … it's abysmal fuel efficiency (6 MPG towing, the older 350 averaged around 10 with the same trailer).
Then, things started to happen.
A sensor crippled the truck.
Repair.
A turbo blew. Repair. Oil leak. Repair. DPE failure leading to blown engine.
Currently broken, 66k and 10 days out of warranty.
Defective 6.4L Engine life expectancy = 100,000
1 out of 5 stars
Laura, 12/31/2016
2008 Ford F-450 Super Duty Lariat 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.4L 8cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
After my last review (below) and after investing $20,000 for a new engine and being refused a better warranty then the 2 year warranty they gave us, the truck had another $3500 repair, 8 days after the 2 year warranty was up, and would not honor the warranty. Penske, the dealer, did cut the cost in 1/2..probably because they felt sorry for us after benefiting from so many repairs made … to the truck. Ford, on the other hand, makes sure you can not reach a real person with real authority. I planned to take Ford to small claims, but we sold the truck instead and I decided I didn't want any more stress or grief trying to get Ford's attention.
My husband & I were Ford truck "believers" for many years until 2016! From our past experience, we expected our 2008 F450 diesel (with the 6.4L engine), to take us into retirement and beyond until the engine blew up this year, with just over 100,000 miles! $18,455.66 later (this doesn't count the $7600 repair one year ago), and a lousy 2 year warranty on the new (same defective engine), we found out that this engine is "expected" to fail around 100,000 miles making it the worst engine in the Ford truck line. (Our 1999 F350 is still on the road at 250,000+ miles!) I tried to contact Ford's customer service (which is really their customer dis-service as the one answering the phone only has a first name and no boss to appeal to). My expectation was to get a reasonable 10 year/100,000 mile warranty on the new engine instead of a crappy 2 year warranty (which is equivalent to a 30,000 mile warranty). The mechanics told us they could bullet proof the replacement engine, after the 2 year warranty expired, for about $8000! My question is, why isn't the replacement engine "bullet proofed" already? What was once a great company with integrity has been replaced by fraud and failure. I am embarrassed to be driving a Ford after my humble retirement account has been robbed of $20,000.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2010 Ford F-450 Super Duty, so we've included reviews for other years of the F-450 Super Duty since its last redesign.