Ford E-450 loss of power problems

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Engine · WY

Severe mechanical engine failure occurred while operating my 2023 Ford Super Duty equipped with the 7.3L gasoline V8 engine (Godzilla) at approximately 76,000 miles. While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power, dropped into limp mode, and began displaying a flashing Check Engine Light alongside a violent rough idle and loud mechanical valvetrain tapping/grinding noises coming from the engine block. A professional diagnostic evaluation confirmed zero compression in Cylinder #2, caused by a catastrophic lifter failure that ground down and destroyed the camshaft lobe (wiped cam). This failure path stems directly from manufacturing vulnerabilities regarding the variable-displacement oil pump and low hot-idle oil pressures, which Ford has semi-acknowledged via Customer Satisfaction Program 24B27. This is a severe safety hazard, as the sudden loss of engine power and transition into limp mode occurred without warning in active traffic, jeopardizing vehicle control and highway safety. I am filing this report to document the premature mechanical failure of a modern, meticulously maintained 2023 powertrain for the ongoing federal investigation into these 7.3L powerplants. Complete independent maintenance records using specified 5W-30 oil are available to verify this engine was never neglected.

Filed Oct 25, 2024 · Brakes, Steering · 12,750 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2022 Ford E-450. The contact received notification of Customer Satisfaction Program: 24N03 (Hydro boost or Hydro max Power Steering Pressure and Jumper Line Replacement). The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact downshifted the transmission from fifth to first gear to stop the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist while turning. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the hydro boost power steering pressure and jumper line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V097000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 12,750.

Filed Jan 24, 2024 · Engine · NC

We operate numerous 7.3L Ford engine equipped vehicles in our fleet of ambulances. Over the past year we have experienced 4 engine failures of this 7.3L engine in vehicles ranging form around 60,000 to 90,000 after exceeding the service recommendations stated from the manufacturer. I have contacted the Ford Pro Fleet experts and have asked repeatedly about what could be causing the failures, trying to figure out if we are doing something wrong in our maintenance or operation. They assure us we are not doing anything wrong, however we continue to lose engines. Each time the repair bill is around $12,000. We have been lucky that Ford has offered financial assistance, but now that has gone away. At first, we were told that we were the only ones experiencing these failures, but now I am hearing from other operators of similar vehicles that they are experiencing the same concern. We cannot afford to keep replacing engines in relatively new vehicles, especially when there is an apparent defect in parts or standard operation. Symptoms we experience that lead to engine replacement are loss of power while driving caused my multiple cylinder misfires. Loss of power while running an emergency call pose a significant safety risk to operators and patients.

Filed Mar 27, 2023 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · CO

The component that failed was the transmission and transmission pump. We have receipts and digital verification of this situation as a common problem with this Ford model. Our safety was put at risk as the vehicle suddenly lost power on the highway in a rural area and we had to drift with what speed we had left to the right lane shoulder and hope there was a shoulder as we could not back up or go forward. The vehicle is in claims processing with insurance, however 3 experts in the auto industry reported this a common problem for this make/model of Ford. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure--specifically there is not a dash gauge for the transmission temperature and there should be.

Filed May 11, 2022 · Brakes, Steering · CA

Regarding the recall #22S08 Hydroboost or Hydromax power steering pressure line. We took our Motorhome in to have the recall addressed and for service before a planned camping trip. Apparantly the recall was worded "to inspect OR replace" and our vehicle was only inspected. On our ruined Mother's Day vacation, we were driving highway speeds at a downgrade coming into Nevada and lost all power steering which took our motorhome and trailer we were pulling off of the highway and dangerously close to falling off the highway and tumbling down a hill. We went to exit at the next offramp to look at the power steering issue and found that we also had no brakes. By downshifting, we were able to stop safely. There were no warning lights or signals, and no warning signs what so ever. The motorhome is currently being looked at and hopefully repaired at a Rush Truck Center in Las Vegas. Ford Motor Company and the original dealership have been notified. Our main concern is the word "OR" in the recall verbiage, which we blame Ford Motor Co. The problem is clearly this part must be replaced, not just inspected. A change in the verbiage literally will save lives. We really should have been dead on the side of the road, but we were lucky and are contemplating hiring a lawyer, as we feel that the unacceptable recall wording by Ford unneccessarily put our lives at risk. Our Ford Claim number is: CAS-36721973-S8H5X3

Filed Mar 14, 2022 · Brakes, Steering · 3,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2021 Ford E-450. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V089000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then experienced a loss of power steering assist. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that they were not equipped to perform recall repairs on RVs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the nearest dealer able to perform the recall repair was more than 100 miles away. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.

Filed Aug 12, 2019 · Brakes, Steering · 20,000 miles · MI

Sudden brake system and power steering loss. Vehicle was being moved from the storage lot heading towards main roadway (low speed) when it made a strange grinding noise; brake pedal went soft and lost power steering. Vehicle was leaking fluid, could see fluid leaking beneath vehicle. Fortunately this did not occur on the main roadway and driver was able to avoid a crash. Vehicle cannot be safety driven; need to call for a tow. This happened on a sunday afternoon; vehicle cannot be towed to dealer until monday for inspection/repair. Vehicle maintained at the ford dealer and at general rv; vehicle is a thor four winds motorhome on a 2017 ford e-450 chassis. Vehicle had recent service at ford dealer for oil change/maintenance.

Filed Aug 17, 2018 · Fuel system · 33,305 miles · UT

Vehicle in motion going up hill. Stalled out because of fuel filter plugged, located in fuel tank. Almost was hit by semi because vehicle stopped running. July 9, 2018. Ford no longer puts filter in tank. Most fuel filters on this type of vehicle are located on frame outside of fuel tank. Engineer's mistake? Repairs had to be made and charge was $1414. Contacted ford complaint div. July 20. They have not replied or answer my complaint. These vehicles should have been recalled years ago, however seems as it has gone unnoticed. Mechanic who repaired vehicle agreed that it was not a good place to put the filter, do to owners reluctance to change filter on a regular basis, because of the extra cost to drop the fuel tank to access the fuel filter and pump. I am sure other owners have experienced this problem, but ignored it and had their vehicle fixed. Again with loss of power going up a hill and stalling in front of heavy traffic could result in injury or death if one would be rear ended. Again... Ford has not called or written with an explanation or reply. Your attention would be appreciated. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *cc

Filed Jul 5, 2018 · Engine · 46,000 miles · IL

This vehicle is a motorhome, build on the 2005 e450 cab/chassis with a gas v10 engine. While driving in a single lane construction zone on the interstate the electronic throttle body system failed, and the engine suddenly stopped responding to the accelerator pedal. As a result the vehicle suddenly lost power and slowed to a very very low speed (a few inches per second). As traffic approached and built up behind I inched the vehicle onto the shoulder. The vehicle was unable to move under it's own power any further and required a tow. It was an extremely dangerous situation on a crowded highway, in a construction zone, with my family.

Filed Oct 1, 2014 · Engine · 24,000 miles · KS

Engine loss of power. Multiple times over the years requiring repairs that never resolved the issue. Ambulance service ended up having to pull from service because of frequency.