Vehicle went into limp mode and we towed it to the dealership. They ran diagnostics and found that the fuel filter was causing a fault for water in the fuel filter. They replaced the fuel filter and ran diagnostics again and it flagged failure for Low pressure fuel pump. They replaced the low pressure fuel pump and reran diagnostics. When they reran diagnostics it flagged for High pressure fuel pump failure and now they are in the process of tearing it down to the point of failure to find out the cause. My vehicles vin was not included in the original recall and believe that it should have been included.
Ford F-350 SD won't shift problems
35 of the 3,653 owner complaints about the Ford F-350 SD describe stuck in gear or won't shift, most of them for the 2020 model year.
- owner complaints
- 35
- worst model year
- 2020
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,100
- typical mileage
- 55,708
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 7Loss of power 5Fuel pump 5Stalling 3Headlights 2Transmission failure 1Sudden acceleration 1Pulling 1
Trouble codes mentioned
P20EE 1P0420 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH and towing a dump trailer, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's storage yard, where an independent diesel mechanic performed a diagnostic scan and retrieved diagnostic trouble codes indicating a fuel system failure. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was disassembled and diagnosed with a CP4 pump failure resulting from a water separator failure. The contact was informed that the CP4 pump replacement was not covered and needed to be replaced at the owner's expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and contacted the dealer, but no further assistance or information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
The component/system that failed or malfunctioned is the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) NOx Catalyst Efficiency system, triggering DTC P20EE – SCR NOx Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1). This issue began immediately after Ford Recall 24S78 (PCM software update) was performed on April 29, 2026 at Ferman Ford of Countryside. The truck had zero emissions or check-engine issues prior to the recall flash and was perfectly maintained to Ford standards with Howes diesel treatment every tank. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed multiple times by the dealer: After the May 4 PCM reprogram per TSB 21-2248 After replacement of both NOx sensors on May 5 (code returned in under 17 miles) After replacement of the DEF injector (code returned again) The dealer only performed one manual DPF regeneration instead of the two required by Ford SSM 49202 and pinpoint test RD15, and they did not complete the SCR Parameter Reset. They are now quoting an additional ~$2,000 out-of-pocket for a DPF replacement after partial goodwill assistance was approved. The vehicle has been repeatedly inspected and repaired by Ferman Ford. No independent inspection yet. Ford Customer Service has been contacted and partial goodwill was approved, but significant out-of-pocket costs remain. Warning lamps/messages (Service Engine Soon light + “exhaust emission control system is not operating as expected”) first appeared immediately after the April 29 recall PCM flash and have continued ever since. Safety risk: A loss of motive power, entry into limp mode, or reduced power while driving could result in a crash or inability to maintain highway speed. This appears to be a direct consequence of the Recall 24S78 PCM software update tightening emissions monitoring. All repair orders, photos of warnings, and supporting documents are attached for your review. There is 12. I was not able to upload the last of the documents.
Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2021 Ford F-350 I am submitting this complaint regarding a safety-related failure involving my 2021 Ford F-350. While driving under normal conditions, the vehicle suddenly entered “limp mode,” resulting in a significant and immediate loss of power. Approximately 20 miles later, the vehicle completely shut down, leaving me stranded and requiring the truck to be towed to Gene Messer Ford for diagnosis and repair. The failure created a potentially dangerous situation, as the loss of power limited my ability to maintain safe speeds and respond to surrounding traffic conditions. After the vehicle was delivered to the dealership, it took approximately one week for inspection and an additional two weeks to complete repairs. During the repair process, I was informed that newly installed components—including the fuel rail and two fuel injectors—were defective and required replacement again. This raises concerns about whether the root cause of the failure was properly identified and whether contamination or systemic failure within the fuel system was present. I am also aware of widely reported issues involving high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in Ford diesel engines, which can result in catastrophic damage to the entire fuel system, including injectors, fuel rails, and lines. Given the nature of my vehicle’s failure and the components involved, I am concerned that this incident may be related to a broader, known defect. This type of failure—sudden loss of power followed by complete shutdown—poses a serious safety risk, particularly if it occurs at highway speeds or in high-traffic conditions. I am requesting that this complaint be reviewed as part of a broader investigation into potential fuel system defects in Ford diesel trucks. I believe this issue may warrant further scrutiny and possible recall action to prevent similar incidents.
Vehicle has gone into LIMP mode multiple times. Was driving the vehicle and the check engine light went on and the vehicle reduced its speed to 25 mph. This is very dangerous because the traffic was moving at 70 mph and could have rear ended me. The F350 has been at the dealership since March 18. The dealer has diagnosed it but claim they cannot get the part they need to fix it. They insist I return the loaner and drive the F350 home with the problem.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and unintendedly decelerated and shut off. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and a dealer was contacted. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V957000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the CP4 high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The engine was repaired, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the recall was on pause. The failure mileage was 270,000.
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
Truck went into limp mode wile driving on highway had to have trailer towed 980 miles egr cooler rubbing on wire harness on firewall staffing wires ro short out fuel injection this is a manufacturer defect.why would egr cooler and electrical wire harness be placed so close is a big safety and fire hazard ....cost of repairs at ford dealer in Columbia Tennessee $800 for repairs
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 45–55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle, which reset the vehicle. The vehicle then went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the RPM failed to exceed 2,500 RPM. The vehicle was idling. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to a Ford dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the turbo. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the turbo charger was good for approximately three to four years; no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
While driving my 21 F350 my truck would go into limp mode. The climate control stopped working, passenger window stopped, blind spot monitors, along with the mirror. After running forscan it showed every code possible. After an exhaustive search I finally found the main plug under the bed just above the spare tire. The wires inside of the insulation had corroded away to the point it had to be stripped back at least 1/2 inch before getting decent wires that wouldn't crumble when touched. This is a terrible place to put a plug that controls so much.
Related recalls
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026-2025 F-250 SD and F-350 SD vehicles. The driveshaft friction weld may fail, resulting in rear driveshaft separation and a sudden loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the driveshaft serial number and replace the driveshaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 6, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S13. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on March 4, 2026.
Recall number 26V119000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Super Duty F-250 and F-350 vehicles. The right rear axle shaft may have been improperly heat-treated during manufacturing and may break.
- Risk
- A broken rear axle shaft can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the right rear axle shaft date code and replace the axle shaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 15, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on December 15, 2025.
Recall number 25V866000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Super Duty F-250, F-350, and F-450 vehicles. The steering column shifter may have been improperly welded and detach from the steering column.
- Risk
- A detached shifter will prevent the driver from shifting into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the steering column serial numbers and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S20.
Recall number 25V163000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Super Duty F250 and F350 vehicles equipped with single rear wheels and a 10.5-inch rear axle shaft. The left rear axle shaft may have been improperly heat-treated during manufacturing and may break.
- Risk
- A broken rear axle shaft can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the left rear axle shaft date code and replace the axle shaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S49.
Recall number 23V595000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, and F-450 4x4 vehicles. A radial damper inside the driveshaft may move out of position over time, which can cause a driveshaft imbalance and result in a fracture.
- Risk
- A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power. Additionally, a vehicle rollaway could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Either of these scenarios increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S74.
Recall number 22V880000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. A washer within the vehicle's transmission can disintegrate, causing metallic debris to become lodged in the 'Park' mechanism.
- Risk
- Debris lodged within the 'Park' mechanism may prevent the vehicle from achieving or holding 'Park,' increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway and a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace a gearset within the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 19, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S22.
Recall number 22V256000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-350 Super Duty pickup trucks equipped with 6.7L diesel engines and Dana model 275 rear axles. The rear axle housing may not support the load of the pickup truck and deform, which could result in driveshaft separation.
- Risk
- Driveshaft separation may result in a loss of drive power, or unintended vehicle movement if the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the axle housing for deformities, and repair or replace the housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall 21S31.
Recall number 21V536000 · Recall details
Power train: axle hubs
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-350, F-450, F-550, and F-600 vehicles equipped with dual rear wheels and front wheel hub extenders. The front wheel hub extenders may be improperly attached to the front rotor hub assemblies, which could result in separation of the wheels and wheel extenders from the vehicle.
- Risk
- A detached wheel and wheel extender can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Owners are instructed not to drive their vehicles until the torque of the wheel extender nuts can be verified. Dealers will inspect and tighten the front wheel hub extender nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S26.
Recall number 21V390000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Super-Duty F-250, F-350, and F-550 diesel pickups. The transmission torque converter damper plate was not tempered, resulting in a brittle damper plate that may fracture and cause the engine to stall or require increased brake pedal effort in order to stop the vehicle.
- Risk
- An engine stall or requiring additional braking effort to stop the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission assembly, free of charge. This recall began July 6, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S33.
Recall number 20V365000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty and F-450 Super Duty vehicles. An incorrect transmission case casting may cause the park pawl assembly to not be secured, possibly resulting in unintended vehicle movement.
- Risk
- Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners and dealers will inspect the transmission case, replacing the transmission as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 7, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S36.
Recall number 18V802000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford F-350 SD won't shift
Which Ford F-350 SD years have stuck in gear or won't shift problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2020 (10 complaints), 2016 (5 complaints) and 2001 (3 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix stuck in gear or won't shift on the Ford F-350 SD?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,100 (median of 8 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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