Ford F-350 SD overheating problems

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Seats · MT

Here’s a clean, strong the federal safety agency synopsis that sticks to their rules (no personal info, clear safety framing, and specific details): --- **What happened:** The heated seat system in a 2024 Ford F-350 Super Duty Platinum exhibited excessive and uneven heat output in both the driver and passenger seats. While in use, the seat heaters produced a burning sensation at the skin level for both occupants, requiring the heaters to be turned off to avoid injury. The condition appears to involve the seat heating element and/or temperature regulation system. During a subsequent seat cover replacement, the heating element was exposed and showed visible signs of localized overheating, including distinct heat concentration patterns and degradation of the surrounding foam material. The component is available for inspection upon request. This condition presents a safety risk due to the potential for skin burns during normal operation. It also raises concern about possible overheating of seat materials if the system remains active for extended periods, such as during remote start or unattended operation, which could increase the risk of material damage or combustion. The issue was experienced multiple times and is not isolated to a single seating position. The problem has been visually confirmed by an installer during disassembly of the seat, though it is unknown if a dealer has formally documented the condition at this time. There were no warning lights, messages, or prior indicators before the excessive heat condition occurred.

Filed Dec 4, 2025 · Engine · TX · 1 injury

I have a 2017 F-350 SuperDuty with the Engine Block Heater option, two recalls have been issued related to a condition that can cause overheating of the power cord with the possibility of a fire. Recall 18V‑894 and 19V‑278 have both been applied and verified by Ford Customer Service. During the recent cold weather in the Houston, Texas area, the engine block heater was used to keep the engine warm to assist with starting. When I disconnected the power cord the was hot enough to have melted the plug to the point where the blades in the plug were loose and I had to use gloves to separate the engine heater cord from the extension cord. This should have been fixed under one or both of the previous recalls. It represents an electrical hazard that could lead to fire and loss of property. I asked Ford to remedy the situation under case XXX and they have declined to resolve the hazard. Please review this case and have Ford issue a third recall to remedy this safety issue. I have provided pictures to assist in your determination. Regards, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 16, 2025 · Electrical, Seats · 115,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-350. The contact stated that the front passenger’s seat warmer was overheating and emitting a burning odor and smoke. The contact pulled over and noticed that the smoke was coming from underneath the seat, and the wires were burning and had started melting. The contact arrived at the residence, and her spouse disconnected the wires underneath the seat. The seat belt warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the main information center failed to immediately activate certain electrical systems intermittently. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed there was no recall on the VIN. The manufacturer opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Filed Mar 5, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · GA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the transmission shifted hard into gear, and the vehicle was shaking erratically. Additionally, the engine overheated. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Sep 21, 2023 · Engine · 317 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the temperature gauge started rising quickly. The engine overheated message was displayed. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer who diagnosed and determined that there was coolant leaking into the cylinders and might have been caused by a defective head gasket. The dealer was unable to identify the exact location of the leak. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 317.

Filed Mar 1, 2019 · Engine · 21,000 miles · WA

Coolant leak from "tee" connections on line from overflow bottle across engine. Ford part: hc3z-8075-d. Smelled coolant leak while driving on freeway. While hundreds of miles from home had one of the hose connections at the plastic tee above the engine air intake come loose causing coolant leak. Inspected other connections on both tee's and found all to be loose and/or leaking. Secured all hose connections (6) on both tee's with screw type clamps to get home. Ford has used oetiker clamps and single barb plastic tee instead of a more robust spring or screw type clamp on a multi barb connection.

Filed Nov 30, 2015 · Brakes, Electrical · 11,000 miles · GA

Engine stopped once in the road pulling a 40 ft.r.v. .intermintley severe loss of power and trying to overheat. Comeing down a 7200 ft. Mountain I lost the r.v. Brakes,engine brakes & the tow haul mode (to help slow down) all I had was the truck brakes going around 80 m.p.h. By the time I got stopped all 4 wheels were smokeing cooking the related parts, rotors, brake pads, calipers,wheel bearings in my opinion.later in a town going slow and stopping the brakes pulled violently to the right, a few more traffic lights then violently to the left. Failing to clean the diesel exhaust filter as needed. Sometimes the wipers come on one time when starting the engine. 3 attemps to fix the engine problems and in my mind it is not fixed yet, most of these problems happened at higher altitudes. All this information should be in the trucks black box, since I could have gotten killed twice I have not let the dealer have the truck again as it is running o.k. Now and I have ordered a new truck because I am afraid of this truck. The dates are approximate, the dealers and I have a copy of the repair attemps . I was on the same roads two years ago with a 2011 f-250 same engine and a heaver load and did not have any problems.

Filed Dec 5, 2013 · Engine · 39,500 miles · CA

While in tow/haul mode towing 40' 5th wheel, engine overheated quickly which resulted in loss of power. No leaks seen and coolant was spraying out of overflow cap only. No lights came on in dash. Seems fan is not kicking on when needed? When fan does kick on, engine cools immediately. This is only at low speeds under heavy towing. Truck runs great otherwise with no overheating problems. This has happened twice with this truck and I'm sure it is causing damage. Warranty just ran out of course. There is a coolant loss as well, but unknown where it is going. No milky oil, nothing on the ground, and no wet exhaust pipe.

Filed Mar 29, 2013 · Engine · 21,768 miles · OR

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford f350 sd. The contact stated that while driving uphill, the vehicle overheated without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle was not driven enough, which was the cause of the failure. The failure mileage was 21,768. Updated 5/9/13

Filed Dec 6, 2012 · Engine · 128,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 ford f-350 sd. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the engine overheated due to the cylinder head gasket failing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that there were no recalls for the failure and offered no further assistance. The manufacturer was notified who confirmed with the contact that there were no recalls and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 128,000.