Ford F-350 SD fire or smoke problems

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Engine · 150,000 miles · SC · fire

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in the driveway of their residence, the DPF regeneration process activated and completed, and the vehicle was turned off. The contact exited the vehicle. Approximately 15 minutes later, the contact discovered flames coming from under the hood. The fire department responded and extinguished the fire. The cause of the fire was not determined. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NV · fire

Wife was driving the truck(I was the passenger) while towing our dump trailer. After approx 100 miles into this trip the dash showed a "Reduced Engine Power Warning", and then shuddered. That was immediately followed by a "Service Engine Soon" warning on the dash, and the truck shut down as we were pulling to the shoulder. I smelled diesel fuel as we slowed to a stop. I got out and saw some smoke coming from under the hood. I looked under the truck and saw burning material falling from underneath, I shouted fire, and my wife exited while I retrieved our dog from the back seat. The cab was filling with smoke. Wife called [XXX] while I retrieved a few more small items from back seat. We stepped back and the truck was fully engulfed in flames in a few minutes. Fire crews were on scene after several more minutes, and by that time the truck was burnt to the ground. This truck was in excellent condition with no prior running issues or warnings of mechanical problems. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 120,000 miles · SD · fire

The contact called on behalf of a Federal Agency that owned a 2019 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Reduce Power Mode" was displayed. The driver pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle shut off. The driver became aware of smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The driver opened the hood and became aware that the engine compartment was engulfed in flames. The driver attempted to extinguish the fire with fire extinguishers; however, the fire persisted, and the vehicle was completely burned. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department. The contact believed that a Fire Department report was filed. A Police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. There was no property damage. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was deemed a total loss. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Action Number: PE24014 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Other). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Jul 9, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · VA · fire

I am filing this complaint regarding my Ford F-350, VIN [XXX], which caught fire on XXX. The truck had approximately 130,000 miles, which I consider low mileage for a properly maintained diesel Ford F-350. These trucks are known for long service life, and many Ford diesel trucks routinely remain in service for 20 years or more and exceed 250,000 miles when properly maintained. For that reason, I did not expect a sudden and catastrophic fire in a truck with only 130,000 miles. While driving, passing motorists alerted us the truck was on fire. The fire appeared to originate in the engine compartment and spread extremely rapidly. Within a very short period, the front of the truck was engulfed in flames and sustained catastrophic damage. Based on the speed and severity of the fire, I am concerned a failure in the engine compartment, fuel system, electrical system, or another vehicle component may have caused or contributed to the fire. This truck has been well maintained, kept clean, and responsibly cared for. I followed the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines and did not expect a sudden engine-compartment fire. After the fire, I found reports of other F-350 fires and references to fire-related complaints and investigations. This raises serious concerns Ford may have known of a potential fire risk involving these trucks. This incident created major safety hazard not only to the occupants of the truck, but to other motorists and anyone nearby. Had passing drivers not alerted us, the outcome could have been far worse. The severity of the fire required a major emergency response, including multiple fire trucks and police. A vehicle fire of this magnitude presents an obvious risk of serious injury or death. I request the federal safety agency investigate Ford F-350 and vehicle fire incidents to determine whether a defect involving the fuel system, electrical system, or related parts may cause these trucks to catch fire without warning. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 6, 2026 · Electrical · 170,000 miles · OH · fire

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while parked and turned off, he observed a loud explosion noise while he was inside his residence. The contact stated that he left his residence to investigate, and he observed the front of the vehicle and the cabin of the vehicle engulfed in flames. The fire department was called, and they extinguished the fire. Medical attention was not needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed, repaired, or moved. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000

Filed Feb 2, 2026 · Fuel system · SD · fire

Failed component was the upper fuel filter/ fuel filter connecting lines located on top of the 6.7 power stroke engine broke and poured diesel all over the engine and into the valley causing the engine and engine bay to catch on fire while driving down the road. Safety was the fact that our entire truck burnt down and there was extreme risk of loss of life and ended up total loss of property. There have been multiple cases of power strokes from 2011-2026 equipped with the 6.7L power stroke diesel engine having this exact same problem due to the poor placement and inadequate materials to be used in high pressure fuel lines and filters. The vehicle was inspected by insurance and they did determine that was the cause of the fire. There were no warnings, we started smelling something and then smoke began coming through the vents. Pulled over and by then the engine bay was on fire and even the fire extinguisher could not put the diesel out and the entire truck was engulfed in flames in a matter of minutes. Ford needs to fix this issue with the placement of their upper fuel filters and should be held accountable to their customers who have suffered loss for this.

Filed Jan 9, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA · fire

Driving uphill at approx 20mph near my home. Loud bang/explosion from engine or front driver-side wheel well. Red alarm flashed on instrument cluster (something like “Front Brake Failure”) and strong odor of fuel or exhaust entered cab. I immediately pulled into a pullout and put vehicle in park when I noticed flames coming from the engine compartment through the gaps in hood and wheel well. I splashed a small amount of water on the driver side front tire, but the fire continued to grow. I backed away to a safe distance and called 911. Within 5 minutes, the entire engine compartment was on fire and I captured on video explosions as the fire raged Local fire department arrived within 15 minutes, but the entire engine and cab had already been destroyed by fire. Had I been driving at high speed or with passengers, this incident could have resulted in serious burn injuries and death. Had I been driving during summer months, this incident would have caused a devastating wildfire. Had I been in traffic, I may have caused a multi-car wreck. There were absolutely no warning indicators that such a violent incident could occur. Tow truck driver said it may have been a fuel filter issue which has caused other Super Duty’s to experience sudden and catastrophic engine compartment fires. Minimal research showed me that NHSTA is investigating Ford Super Duty for this very issue. My F350 is model year 2017. I also have video of fluids dripping from the burning vehicle and the droplets are on fire which leads me to believe that leaking fuel — possibly from a cracked plastic filter — may be to blame for this incredibly dangerous incident. The vehicles remains have been searched by California Highway Patrol and the remains are currently being investigated by State Farm Auto Insurance claims experts.

Filed Nov 7, 2025 · Electrical · MA · fire

I bought a new Ford F350 superdury on 10/24/2025 with 73 miles on it. I drove 110 miles to my parking lot and then on 10/27/2025 morning the vehicle spontaneously caught fire under the dashboard.

Filed Oct 14, 2025 · Electrical · VA · fire

The contact owned a 2025 Ford F SD-350. The contact stated that while driving back to the residence, after picking up the vehicle from the dealer, a burnt odor was emitting from the vehicle. The burnt odor was emitting from the A/C vents. Smoke was emitting from underneath the dashboard where the driver-side windshield was located. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact called the dealer and advised them that the vehicle was on fire. The contact was not injured. No police report was filed. The contact returned to the dealer; flames were visible, and some of the employees used water to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was diagnosed with the speaker located on the driver's side having melted and damaged the curtain side air bag located above the driver's side door. The contact stated that this was the second time the vehicle had caught fire due to the speaker on the driver's door. The contact stated that the vehicle was bought this year after he sold the first vehicle when multiple messages were displayed: hill assist not available, limited parking brake function not required, and unknown collision not available. The infotainment system screen displayed a dark screen or would fail to turn on. The contact bought a 2025 Ford F350 in April 2025. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the ignition failed to function as intended. It would take several attempts to start the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. However, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, multiple messages were displayed on the dashboard. The contact stated that after a stop, the vehicle failed to switch gears independently, the vehicle went into limp mode, and the contact had to switch to manual mode. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact sold the vehicle and purchased the new vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that someone would be contacting them back. The manufacturer asked that the contact not take the vehicle to the dealer u

Filed Jul 26, 2025 · CA · fire

The car had not been driven and was only in use for about 20 minutes. Then, the check engine light came on. I was planning to take the next exit to investigate. About a minute after the check engine light came on, several other lights came on. They stopped about 20 seconds later. The car began to smoke and as I was pulling over, smoke began to enter the cab. When I pulled over, the car began was on fire. Highway patrol and Cal Fire arrived. Cal Fire put the fire out. It was a total loss. Highway 101 was shut down for a bit while the truck was on fire.