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Ford F-350 SD misfire problems

15 of the 3,653 owner complaints about the Ford F-350 SD describe misfire or rough idle, most of them for the 2003 model year.

owner complaints
15
worst model year
2003
typical mileage
29,900
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2024
    1
  • 2022
    3
  • 2021
    1
  • 2015
    1
  • 2012
    1
  • 2005
    1
  • 2004
    1
  • 2003
    6

What owners say

Filed Oct 17, 2026 · Engine · VA

The vehicle is a 2022 Ford F-350 Super Duty equipped with the 7.3L Godzilla gas engine. This vehicle has experienced recurring, catastrophic internal engine component failures involving the lifters and camshaft, resulting in severe powertrain malfunctions while operating under load. The original factory engine began demonstrating progressive valvetrain symptoms and mechanical ticking at approximately 36,000 miles, which ultimately resulted in a complete engine failure and replacement under warranty at 50,000 miles. A factory replacement engine block was subsequently installed under the Ford Service Parts Warranty. At approximately 75,000 total vehicle miles, the replacement engine began demonstrating the exact same symptoms and lifter failure characteristics. The dealership has officially diagnosed this second engine failure under the manufacturer's Technical Service Bulletin (TSB). While actively hauling a trailer at highway speeds, the vehicle developed severe engine misfires and a pronounced mechanical ticking noise from the valvetrain, creating an immediate and alarming concern of imminent mechanical failure. The vehicle's onboard diagnostics generated critical powertrain malfunction alerts, which were broadcast in real-time via the FordPass application. This recurring failure represents a severe safety hazard. A high-risk valvetrain failure that threatens an immediate breakdown while a heavy-duty truck is actively trailering commercial or heavy loads creates an extreme danger of a high-speed highway collision or roadside emergency. Furthermore, the repeating nature of this failure indicates a systemic manufacturing or design defect in the 7.3L valvetrain components, which presents an ongoing safety risk even after a full engine replacement has been performed.

Filed May 29, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · WA

1.Spark Plug Wire Failures: oIncident 1: On December 15, 2024, a spark plug wire failure on cylinder #1 caused a misfire and check engine light (code P0301), reducing engine power while towing a 10,000-pound trailer on I-90. Wendle Ford Spokane repaired it under warranty. oIncident 2: On April 10, 2025, another failure on a different cylinder triggered a misfire and check engine light, requiring a $766 repair (invoice attached). These failures are a known defect in 2020–2022 Super Duty trucks, per owner forums and a 7.3L motorhome Technical Service Bulletin. oSafety Risk: Misfires reduce power and control, endangering occupants and other drivers, especially during heavy towing in winter conditions. 2.Front Differential Failure: oOn April 5, 2025, the front differential failed, disabling 4x4 throughout the 2024–2025 winter. Discovered during a snowstorm on a rural job site, the loss of 4x4 compromised traction and stability, requiring a one-week repair. oSafety Risk: Loss of 4x4 in adverse conditions increases the risk of skidding or stranding, particularly for a heavy-duty truck used in construction.

Filed Mar 12, 2025 · Engine · 8,000 miles · AK

The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was a misfire in cylinders #6 and #8. The dealer later determined that the misfire was in cylinders #6 and #7. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,000.

Filed Jan 9, 2025 · Fuel system · 128,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, he had had a failure of the diesel fuel pump prior to receiving the recall letter. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact was observing that the check engine warning was illuminated and that he was having engine misfires. The contact stated that he was also hearing abnormal noises from the engine compart all prior to receiving the recall letter from the manufacturer. The contact stated that the failures were reoccurring until he was no longer able to start the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the high-pressure diesel fuel pump had failed. The fuel pump and the fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Dec 14, 2023 · Engine · AL

I purchased this truck brand new in August 2022. I have performed routine preventive maintenance on it as prescribed by the manufacturer. (FORD) At just over 96,000 miles and just days after a professional oil change service, the truck began to misfire and the check engine light came on. I took it to the dealer that i purchased it from and they diagnosed a lifter and cam shaft failure. (A delamination problem.) I've researched it online and have discovered that it is a pretty common issue with this relatively new engine. I've contacted Ford consumer affairs and filed a complaint and as of yesterday Dec 14, 2023 they finally got an answer for me. They are offering to pay $5400.00 of a almost $15,000 repair. I cannot afford this! I take their offer as an admission of liabilty and that they know of the problem. As common as this is becoming I believe there should be a recall on this 7.3 litre gas engine. One blogger on the internet estimates that about 20,000 of these engines have had this same issue already. (So far) I believe it to be a defect in the parts and not a lubrication issue because its happening in different cylinders. Mine is cylinder #2. I know for a fact that this engine is being used in motor homes and RVs that won't have the 30 to 50 thousand miles on them to make this problem show itself for probably several years. Google; "Ford 7.3L problems" or "Ford 7.3L lifter and cam issues" and see for yourself what I have read. I use this truck to make a living, I paid $60,000.00 for it and expected it to last over 300,000 miles. I tried to upload photos and emails but it wouldn't allow me to. Please help!

Filed Jul 17, 2018 · Engine, Fuel system · 32,000 miles · RI

My truck has 32,000 miles on it. 6.7 diesel. Upon starting the truck ( stationary in my driveway ) #3 fuel injector popped out of the engine, causing a misfire and spraying diesel fuel all over the engine. It was found that the #3 injector hold down clamp had broken caused by a crack in it. . Ford is well aware of this defect.. This could have resulted in a fire and possible loss of life if it had happened on the highway. Ford agreed to replace half of the defective injector clamps. (4) this leaves the other 4 prone to fail at any time. I was charged $897.67. For the" half repair". Ford should be forced to recall these vehicles as it is a well known failure and documented on numerous internet websites. There is a tsb from ford to their dealers on it. It also filled the crankcase with diesel fuel which did not do it any good. This truck has only 32 k miles and has been meticulously maintained since new. The ford dealer repair order states:"found vehicle leaking fuel.found injectors # 1 & # 3 blew out breaking hold down clamps. Also found other clamps cracked and return line broke as well and leaking fuel.ordered parts on back order paco # 5934349 contact ford case # cas-15233762-q2p6to. Ford agreed to assist $ 1500. . Ford should pay for the whole repair because it is a defective part that caused this dangerous failure and they are aware of it. Please force them to initiate a recall on these defective fuel injector clamps on their 6.7 diesel engines before there is a catastrophic failure resulting in vehicle fires. The engine will most likely shut down if the vehicle is driven with the injector out of the engine. If someone was towing a trailer this could be life threatening. Luckily mine failed in the driveway with the engine at idle..

Filed Aug 18, 2015 · 8,800 miles · MO

Runs rough, shakes, vibration, the exhaust cleaning system will not finish, and the truck has had multiple occurences but it was worse today, when pushing on the gas pedal it would just keep declining in speed and it was like it could not get any power so I parked the truck called ford had it towed, and while waiting I thought I would start it and back up and take to see if it was still bad and it would not even go in reverse so I put truck back in park and shut it off, ford says there is an issue with the system but they have not figured it out yet nor do they no how to even fix it at this point and they sent me home in the truck.

Filed Dec 29, 2010 · Fuel system · 68,000 miles · CA

2004 ford f3500 6.0 l diesel in last year 4 months have had engine an fuel injected problems had in shop 5 times pickup stalls out dies in intersections runs rough sometimes lots of white smoke bad fuel mileage they fix it problem comes back have complained but no one seams to care need help!

Filed Mar 23, 2010 · Engine · 120,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford f350 super duty. The contact started the vehicle and allowed it to sit idle with the engine running for several minutes. While traveling at speeds of 10 MPH, the vehicle began smoking, misfiring and then it stalled. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. There were no repairs made to the vehicle when the complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 122,845.

Filed Dec 10, 2009 · Engine · 25,000 miles · CO

Vehicle stalls - surges - runs rough - problem has existed since new - have taken to ford garage and they have never fixed to last.

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-350 SD misfire

Which Ford F-350 SD years have misfire or rough idle problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2003 (6 complaints), 2022 (3 complaints) and 2004 (1 complaints).

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