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Ford F-250 SD loss of power problems

216 of the 6,554 owner complaints about the Ford F-250 SD describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2020 model year.

owner complaints
216
worst model year
2020
typical repair cost reported
$6,000
typical mileage
60,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Stalling 35Check engine light 33Fuel pump 30Power steering loss 26Engine failure 18Knocking 9Hesitation 8Fire or smoke 8

Trouble codes mentioned

U3035 1U1012 1U0121 1P2291 1P2209 1P203B 1P2002 1P0420 1P0087 1

What owners say

Filed Oct 31, 2026 · Engine · TX

I am hearing knocking (metal on metal) noise at idle. I am concerned it is the cam and lifter oil starvation issue. Also, the idle has become a bit rough with intermittent misses causing vibration. I took to the dealer and they said this is "normal function". while the engine is running, there is no safety risk. but when/if the lifter/cam fails, the truck will lose power completely and, depending on where this occurs, could be quite dangerous.

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Engine · MI

I am filing this complaint regarding a catastrophic engine failure in my 2020 Ford F-250. The engine experienced low oil pressure due to a failure involving the camshaft (cam). The failure resulted in damage severe enough that the entire engine had to be replaced. Component or System Failure: The component that failed was the camshaft within the engine. The failure resulted in low oil pressure and subsequent internal engine damage, ultimately requiring complete engine replacement. The failed engine and/or components may be available for inspection upon request, subject to confirmation of their current location and availability. Safety Risk: This failure created a significant safety concern. A sudden loss of engine oil pressure can result in catastrophic engine failure, loss of engine power, and potentially an unexpected vehicle shutdown while driving. Losing engine power while traveling at highway speeds or in traffic could put the driver, passengers, and other motorists at serious risk of an accident. The possibility of sudden engine failure without adequate warning is particularly concerning in a heavy-duty pickup truck that may be used for towing or hauling. Dealer or Independent Service Confirmation: The engine failure was serious enough that the entire engine required replacement. The low oil pressure and resulting engine damage were identified as the cause of the failure. The repair and diagnosis were handled through a ford dealer. Specific diagnostic findings and documentation can be provided if requested. Inspection by Manufacturer or Other Parties: The vehicle was serviced due to the engine failure and underwent evaluation as part of the repair process. Whether the failed components were independently inspected by Ford Motor Company or other parties is UNKNOWN. Warning Lamps, Messages, or Symptoms Prior to Failure: The primary symptom associated with the failure was low oil pressure. No lights were on at the time of service.

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

On October 9, 2026 at approximately 8:30 AM, my 2019 Ford F-250 6.7L Power Stroke diesel, with 76,512 miles, suffered a catastrophic high-pressure fuel injection pump failure while traveling approximately 55 mph on FM 3351 near Camp Stanley, Texas. The vehicle displayed “Speed Limited” and “Reduced Engine Power” warnings, then lost throttle response and propulsion and the engine shut down while moving. Steering and braking effort increased substantially after the engine stopped. The truck would crank but would not restart. Alamo Diesel Service, an independent diesel repair facility, confirmed no fuel-rail pressure, fuel leaking in the engine valley, and that the injection pump had “blown and cracked the head.” Inspection revealed metallic debris and extensive fuel-system contamination requiring replacement/repair of the pump, injectors, rails, fuel lines, return lines and filters, plus cleaning of the tank and cooler. The estimate is $11,193.97. Diagnostic codes included P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low) and P2291. P0087 freeze-frame data recorded the vehicle at 54.68 mph and 1,300 RPM, confirming the fuel-pressure failure occurred while driving. There were no prior fuel-system problems and the fuel filters were recently replaced. I am concerned because there is a long, documented history of failures involving this type of high-pressure diesel fuel pump, including failures that can introduce metal into the fuel system and cause loss of propulsion. Ford has also recalled certain later-model 6.7L Super Duty trucks for high-pressure fuel pump failures that can cause loss of drive power. I am requesting the federal safety agency evaluate whether my 2019 failure may be related to a broader safety defect. Ford has been notified under case CXH-09644112-L1W2N0 but has not inspected the vehicle. The vehicle and failed components are currently available for inspection.

Filed Oct 8, 2026 · Brakes, Transmission · NC

Wrench light on dash comes on sporadically with message that there is a powertrain malfunction / reduced power. It said the system has detected a powertrain or 4 WD fault. Reduced power may put both the driver and others at risk depending on the area in which this occurs, ex interstate. Dealer has yet to remedy problem. Car has been to the dealer service department 4 times for this issue. Codes present are U0121 (lost communication with ABS control module A), U1012 (invalid internal control module data received from ABS control module), and U3035 (communication authentication signal invalid data)

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

the federal safety agency Vehicle Safety Complain To whom it may concern, My Name is [XXX] I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty equipped with the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine (VIN: [XXX]). At approximately 137,900 miles, my vehicle suddenly lost engine power while driving and stalled without warning, creating a serious safety hazard. After stalling, the truck would not restart and had to be towed to a repair facility. The repair shop diagnosed a catastrophic failure of the diesel high-pressure fuel injection pump. According to the repair invoice, fine metallic flakes were found throughout the entire fuel system, contaminating the fuel lines, fuel tank, injectors, and related components. Because of this contamination, the shop determined that the entire fuel system required replacement, including replacement of all eight fuel injectors, cleaning of the fuel tank and fuel lines, replacement of the fuel filter, and installation of an upgraded diesel injection pump. The estimated repair cost exceeded $11,000, resulting in a significant financial burden. I understand that Ford Safety Recall 24S78 addresses a high-pressure fuel pump issue on certain 2020–2022 Ford Super Duty trucks equipped with the same 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine. Although my 2019 model is not included in the recall, my vehicle experienced what appears to be a very similar failure that resulted in sudden loss of engine power while driving and complete contamination of the fuel system. I am not asserting that my vehicle is covered by the current recall. Rather, I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate whether the same or a substantially similar defect may also affect certain 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty vehicles equipped with the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine. If the investigation determines that these vehicles are affected by the same safety defect, I ask that the recall be expanded accordingly. I have retained the repair invoice documenting the diagnosis INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Fuel system · UT

The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost power, came to a full stop, and was unable to be restarted. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to perform the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted but was unable to recreate the failure. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, there was an abnormal exhaust odor. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.

Filed Sep 4, 2026 · Fuel system · 32,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-250 SD. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart after each failure after two minutes. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that during one failure while hauling a trailer, the vehicle immediately stalled. The contact stated that during the last failure, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Fuel system · NY

I was traveling down the highway at approximately 55mph when truck suddenly lost power. I was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed as truck would not start. It was later determined that the cp4 high pressure fuel pump grenaded causing complete fuel system replacement costing over $11,000 in repairs. Shards of aluminium was sent throughout the fuel system.

Filed Jun 9, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · WI

10 day roundtrip from [XXX] to [XXX]. 5 incidents of catastrophic engine failure on interstates. Truck started to jerk, sputter, lost power at an alarming rate. No engine light until failure ocurred. Very dangerous with heavy holiday traffic. Lives were in danger, us and other vehicles around us. No one expects travel to go from 70 mph,to 50, 30, 15 in such a short period of time. Pulled over to "investigate" code failures we deemed as o2 sensors. Afterwards the truck started back up, no engine lights and drove as normal. Started using premium gasoline, hoping it would help. Started driving in right lane as much as possible but had a failure ocurr right in front of on ramp as well at interstate speeds. Had another family following us so they also witnessed and pulled over all incidents. Brought into Ford 7/18/24 upon return home. Paid $125 inspection fee, concern not present, come back if happens again. Makes no sense that codes not present to pull. 12/13/2024 engine light on, catalytic converter replaced. 06/19/25 truck had catastrophic failure returning from work on hwy. XXX on [XXX], just two miles from leaving home another failure with no warning lights in heavy Friday traffic in construction zone. Couldn't clear the traffic lane completely. Very scary. Waited for clearing and limped it to a nearby off ramp. Same jerking, loss of power. Vehicle towed to shop for 2 weeks, testing, fuel pump replaced. Picked up 07/07/25. Next day received recall notice 25S75 in the mail 7/08/25. Everything made sense. 1/24/26 - Battery failed inspection @ 40% during oil change. Replaced battery ourselves from Costco. 04/23/26- Warning light, P0420 pulled, shop recommended engine tune -up. Paid $175 inspection fee + $671.20 tune up. 5/29/26 engine light on, P0420 pulled, recommend catalytic convertor replaced but not under factory warranty anymore so wants us to pay $4000 bill. Escalated up through Ford. As of 6/5/26 - Ford will pay half. I refuse. Should be covered by recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF I

Filed May 15, 2026 · Engine · MS

Lifter failure causes cylinder to misfire resulting in loss of power while towing. Defect causes catastrophic failure to the engine.

Related recalls

EngineReported April 8, 2019 · 131,068 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Risk
A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S11.

Recall number 19V278000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: dieselReported December 5, 2007 · 1,176,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with 7.3l diesel engines, the camshaft position sensor located on the engine of the vehicle may function intermittently, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Risk
In the event of an engine stall, a crash could result without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the sensor and replace it with an improved camshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on december 29, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1‑866‑436‑7332.

Recall number 07V553000 · Recall details

Questions about the Ford F-250 SD loss of power

Which Ford F-250 SD years have sudden loss of power problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2020 (27 complaints), 2004 (20 complaints) and 2015 (19 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix sudden loss of power on the Ford F-250 SD?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $6,000 (median of 28 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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