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Ford F-350 SD won't start problems

43 of the 3,653 owner complaints about the Ford F-350 SD describe won't start, most of them for the 2005 model year.

owner complaints
43
worst model year
2005
typical repair cost reported
$1,200
typical mileage
59,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2024
    1
  • 2022
    1
  • 2021
    2
  • 2019
    1
  • 2016
    2
  • 2015
    2
  • 2014
    1
  • 2012
    2
  • 2010
    1
  • 2008
    2
  • 2006
    4
  • 2005
    7
  • 2004
    3
  • 2003
    4
  • 2002
    3
  • 2001
    4
  • 2000
    2
  • 1999
    1

What owners say

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MI

Failed Component & Availability for Inspection: The Bosch CP4 high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failed internally, shedding metallic debris throughout the entire fuel system. This matches the exact defect in the federal safety agency Recall 24V‑957 and Ford Safety Recalls 24S78 and 26S17. The failing CP4 pump and eight injectors were replaced on 03/14/2026 (Eastpointe Invoice #5997) due to contamination. The truck is located at Bob Maxey Ford in Detroit, MI, and is available for inspection alongside work orders from an authorized Ford dealership and two independent facilities. Safety Risk: The failure caused an abrupt, total loss of motive power on an active highway off-ramp, followed by an immediate no-start stall. Coasting without motive power across traffic lanes created an imminent collision hazard before the truck was towed by Troy’s Towing on 06/05/2026 (Invoice #34647). Problem Confirmation: •03/14/2026: Eastpointe replaced the failed CP4 pump and eight injectors (Inv #5997). •04/07/2026: Bill Brown Ford pulled DTC P228F, found debris on the regulator screen, and advised full fuel system replacement (RO #80302). •04/29/2026: Eastpointe confirmed metal contamination upon teardown (Inv #6342). •05/14/2026: Diesel’s Place found metal shavings on the regulator valve (Inv #2118). •Current: Bob Maxey Ford scanned DTC P0087 but reported no debris, contradicting prior documentation. Inspections: Bill Brown Ford inspected the vehicle on 04/07/2026 and documented debris. Bob Maxey Ford retrieved DTC P0087—a qualifying code for full fuel system replacement under Ford Recall 26S17—yet Ford Corporate denied coverage based on their claim of no metal shavings. Warning Signs & Timeline: In March 2026, the Check Engine Light illuminated with severe engine jerking (pump/injectors replaced 03/14). Bill Brown Ford confirmed DTC P228F and screen debris on 04/07. Metal shavings were reconfirmed on 05/14, leading to a highway stall/no-start on 06/05 and a stored DTC P0087 at Bob Maxey.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CA

While traveling with my fifth-wheel camper attached, my 2022 Ford F-350 Super Duty (6.7L Power Stroke) suddenly developed a complete no-crank condition. Prior to the failure, the vehicle displayed multiple electrical warnings, including U0100 (Lost Communication with PCM), High Engine Temperature, AdvanceTrac, Blind Spot System Fault, Hill Start Assist, and Pre-Collision Assist warnings. The vehicle ultimately became disabled and would not crank or start, leaving me stranded away from home while towing a trailer. Repair Description After troubleshooting the vehicle, I discovered severe internal corrosion inside the under-hood Battery Junction Box (BJB). The corrosion appeared consistent with Ford Technical Service Bulletin 23-2133 regarding moisture intrusion into the Battery Junction Box on certain 2020–2022 Super Duty trucks. I purchased a genuine Ford replacement Battery Junction Box from a Ford dealership and installed it. Immediately after replacement, the vehicle started normally and all warning messages disappeared. I retained the failed Battery Junction Box and have photographs documenting the internal corrosion. Safety Concern My concern is not simply the repair cost but the safety implications of this failure. The vehicle became completely disabled while towing a fifth-wheel trailer during travel. A sudden electrical failure affecting the Battery Junction Box can leave occupants stranded and may create hazardous situations if it occurs in remote locations or during travel. Because Ford has issued a Technical Service Bulletin addressing moisture intrusion into the Battery Junction Box, I believe this condition should be evaluated to determine whether additional action is warranted.

Filed Apr 12, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · IA

While sitting at a stop sign, the fuel supply line blue off the fuel filter under the hood. Straying diesel fuel all over. The white clip that hold the hose on had crumbled apart, It soaked the engine with fuel and we were lucky it did not start a fire. The fuel line was reattached and it then blew off again. I had to replace the entire fuel line at a cost of around $1000. Prior to the first event the filter had been on the truck and was being serviced every other oil change in line with the manufactured guidelines. When looking on line this is a major problem with the fuel line and under hood filters causing fires. This needs a repair before more people are hurt

Filed May 25, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Ongoing Fuel System Failures Related to Recall 24S78 – Request for Escalated Review To Whom It May Concern, My name is [XXX] , and I am the owner of two 2021 Ford F-350 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel trucks, both of which are affected by Recall 24S78 / the federal safety agency Campaign 24V957 concerning biodiesel deposit accumulation in the fuel system and a pending PCM software update. Vehicle Information: VIN [XXX] VIN [XXX] Both vehicles have already experienced critical failures that directly align with the described defect in the recall, including: Failure of the CP4 high-pressure fuel pump Repeated clogging of the water/fuel separator filter Loss of power, extended crank times, and intermittent no-start conditions These issues occurred prior to the recall remedy being available and have compromised vehicle performance and safety. I am requesting: A full inspection and evaluation of the fuel systems under the scope of Recall 24S78 once the software becomes available. Coverage or reimbursement for repair or replacement of the CP4 pump and related components if found to be caused by biodiesel-related damage as described in the recall. A formal service record entry acknowledging these failures for future reference and eligibility under the recall. Escalation of this issue to a Ford regional service manager, if needed. Given the significant safety risk and the known failure history of the CP4 fuel system, I ask that Ford address this matter thoroughly and beyond a software update, if necessary. Please confirm receipt of this inquiry and advise me on next steps. I can be reached at: Phone: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 4, 2025 · Electrical · IL

After purchasing our Ford F350 in October 2024, on [XXX], the truck did not start. The starter appeared to work, but the engine would not turn over. An error message appeared about the fuel gauge on [XXX], but then disappeared by [XXX]. The fuel gauge stopped registering fuel in the tank. Fortunately, the non-starting issue occurred locally and the truck had to be towed to a local Ford dealer. Upon inspection by a Ford dealer service department, it appears as though rodents have chewed through the soy-based polymer used for electrical wiring. It is currently at Ford City in Urbana, Illinois and the dealer is taking photos of the damage. This will likely cost several thousand dollars to repair. My [XXX] daughter uses this truck to pull a horse and trailer to horse shows often several hours away. The engine failure would have put her and her horse at great risk had it happened on her way home when she stopped for gas or at a rest stop. We will likely have a Geico insurance representative examine the damage as well. However, I don't feel this should be at our expense and affect our insurance rates as it is a "defect" in the design of the Ford F350. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 19, 2023 · Engine · CA

We purchased the vehicle brand new (33 miles). At 65,142 miles (07/09/18) the engine quit running and we pulled to the side of Interstate 15 barely off the freeway. It had to be towed to the dealership. At 69,345 miles (12/26/18) the engine blew up while we were traveling at 65 MPH on Interstate 10 towing a 5th wheel trailer. Just made it to the beginning of the off ramp in Indio. Towed to the dealership where a short block engine was put in under warranty. At 80,029 miles (08/14/19) the engine locked up, would not turn over. Dealership put in a long block engine also still under warranty. At 115,000 miles (09/06/23) the engine quit running and we had it towed to the dealership where they stated we needed a new engine (#4). Unfortunately, the engine is not available and is no longer under warranty. It has scared us each time there is an engine failure and do not trust the vehicle to keep us out of harms way. I have all of the service order receipts. Thank you for your time.

Filed May 15, 2019 · Fuel system · 132,000 miles · MI

I own a 2014 f350 diesel truck, my buddy owns a 2015 f350 diesel truck, a month or so ago he was driving down the road and his truck stalled/shut down on him driving down the road causing his steering wheel to lock up, he was barley able to get it onto the shoulder and it left him stranded since his truck wouldn't start back up. He brought it to a shop and come to find out it was his high pressure fuel pump. Fast forward a little further, he did some research and found out that ford put faulty fuel pumps on all their diesel trucks, the pumps can't handle us diesel, it's not lubricated enough for the pumps, so the pump destroys itself and sends metal shards through the whole entire fuel system. So he was stuck paying a $6,xxx bill to get it fixed. Fast forward I found out they make a 'disaster prevention kit' so when the pump fails the metal doesn't get through the whole system you only have to replace the pump which is $1,xxx. So I bought the kit and had it installed on my truck but it was too late my system got wiped out. So now I'm out $6,xxx to get it fixed which I can't afford. Ford wont do anything about it because there's no recall. I've done more research and found out the new diesel trucks from ford still have the same fuel pump. This should be recalled, it's only a matter of time till other people start having failures. I would be pissed if I spent $70,xxx on a truck only to have to spend more to fix the fuel system. Nobody is aware of this issues yet but something must be done about it.

Filed Apr 18, 2018 · Electrical · 40,000 miles · FL · fire

Truck is less than 3 years old and recently serviced at ford dealership. After recent service the truck wouldn't start. When the truck was checked both large factory installed batteries had catastrophic failure leading to battery acid corrosion destroying wiring, potential the the braking system and other electronics that were exposed to battery acid and corrosion. There is tremendous damage to the truck and a large chemical spill from the acid. Dealership quoted over $1800 in damages. Truck was a fire and chemical hazard because the failure was hidden by a factory cover, a huge copper cable was free to arc and could have ignited the battery or caused a dangerous electical fire.

Filed Aug 15, 2017 · Fuel system · 10,000 miles · VA

Vehicle has 10k miles on it. Was driving down the road, vehicle shut up, and would not start back up. Took to dealer, stated it was a fuel pump problem, that the fuel pump in the truck blew up and sent metal shreds through the fuel rail system and into the engine. Ford denied the warranty stating the fuel was contaminated with to much water. Upon having my fuel tested, it was determined it was not contaminated and they paid 9000 of repair cost, and I paid 1000. I have two vehicles (the other which I will also make a complaint as well) and both vehicles have unsafetly shut off and lost power. After doing research, the fuel pump in the trucks in not rated for the lubricity the diesel fuel in america offers. I have spoken to several mechanics who said the pump will blow up if you do not use a fuel additive. Fuel specifically states to use united states ultra low diesel fuel in their system, and does not require their consumers to use fuel additives. The pump is not rated, and ford is putting these pumps in their trucks knowing their not rated for ulsd in the untied stated.

Filed Aug 15, 2017 · Fuel system · 30,000 miles · VA

Vehicle has 30k miles on it. Was driving down the road, vehicle shut up, and would not start back up. Took to dealer, stated it was a fuel pump problem, that the fuel pump in the truck blew up and sent metal shreds through the fuel rail system and into the engine. Ford denied the warranty stating the fuel was contaminated with to much water. Upon having my fuel tested, it was determined it was not contaminated and they paid 9000 of repair cost, and I paid 1000. I have two vehicles (the other which I will also make a complaint as well) and both vehicles have unsafetly shut off and lost power. After doing research, the fuel pump in the trucks in not rated for the lubricity the diesel fuel in america offers. I have spoken to several mechanics who said the pump will blow up if you do not use a fuel additive. Fuel specifically states to use united states ultra low diesel fuel in their system, and does not require their consumers to use fuel additives. The pump is not rated, and ford is putting these pumps in their trucks knowing their not rated for ulsd in the untied stated.

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 won't start

Which Ford F-350 SD years have won't start problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2005 (7 complaints), 2001 (4 complaints) and 2003 (4 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix won't start on the Ford F-350 SD?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,200 (median of 10 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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