Ford F-450 SD check engine light comes on

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Engine · NJ

I own a 2020 Ford F-450 equipped with the 7.3L Godzilla gasoline engine, currently with approximately 81,000 miles. The vehicle developed an engine misfire and illuminated check engine light. I initially brought the truck to an independent mechanic, believing the issue could be something minor, such as spark plugs. After inspecting the vehicle, the independent mechanic suspected a lifter failure and advised that the engine needed replacement. I then brought the truck to Chapman Ford for a second opinion. The Ford dealership identified low compression in cylinder 1 and also recommended replacing the engine. The engine has a ticking noise, and both repair facilities provided estimated replacement costs ranging from $15,000 to $17,000. Currently, the truck still starts, runs, and drives, despite the check engine light and diagnosed mechanical issues. I am concerned that continued operation could result in sudden engine failure or loss of power while driving, particularly because this is a commercial work truck used to transport materials and equipment. At approximately 81,000 miles, I believe this type of major engine problem is premature and raises concerns about the reliability and safety of the 7.3L gasoline engine. The estimated cost of replacement also places a substantial financial burden on my business. I recently became aware of the federal safety agency defect petition DP26-011 regarding reported failures involving Ford's 7.3L gasoline engines, including concerns about lifter failures and low oil pressure. I am submitting this complaint to formally document my vehicle's condition and request that the federal safety agency consider this case as part of its ongoing investigation into potential engine defects. I am concerned that other owners of similarly equipped vehicles may experience comparable failures, potentially resulting in unsafe driving conditions.

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · Fuel system · 59,350 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-450 SD. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond and shut down unexpectedly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and operated as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V957000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,350.

Filed Sep 3, 2025 · Transmission · WA

Less than 4000 miles- first transmission failed while pulling a large trailer- ford replaced the transmission and the new transmission, only 200 miles later did the same thing when pulling a trailer, up hill. It throws the transmission into 10th gear and you loose all power, Check engine light comes on and it slams back into 4th gear. Will not shift in or out of 4th. We were almost in a head on collision pulling a trailer because it did it while passing a semi and we had no power. Two transmissions this low of mileage seems like it must be a batch of faulty transmissions that need to be recalled asap.

Filed Feb 6, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 75,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-450SD. The contact stated while driving 50-65 MPH, the vehicle lost drive power and the instrument panel lights started flickering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart, and the contact resumed driving. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that both batteries had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jun 26, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 124,000 miles · TX

I was making a left hand turn afyer stoping at a traffic light and loss power. The engine light came on and the turbo pressure gauge dropped. I took the truck into the dealer and the dealer told me that a manafold bolt had broken which caused a bad exhuast leak. Repair cost was $3500. I drove the truck less than 50 miles over the next two days and the problem happened again with loss of power and engine light on. I took the truck back the dealer and was informed that the high pressure fuel pump had exploded and sent metal debris through out the fuel system. I was then told the repair cost were going to $7500 ($6000 for parts and $1500 for labor). This is a bad ford engineering design problem and should be paid for by ford as well as a recall on all models using the same hpfp assembly.

Filed Jun 22, 2015 · Engine · 77,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford f-450 sd. While driving at any speed, the vehicle stalled without warning and the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The failure recurred numerous times. The dealer diagnosed that the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred a week later. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v659000 (structure). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.

Filed Feb 22, 2015 · Brakes, Fuel system · 39,500 miles · FL

Truck was pulling my 16k 5th wheel camper over the passes between montana and idaho in tow haul mode up and down. These are only 4,200 foot passes but steep. Usually in 6th gear but sometimes 4th going 50-55; oil temps show as 220 to 239 then the big fan kicks in to cool it. On one of the smaller passes, shortly after I crested the hill the truck sharply down shifted (I think it skipped 4th and went into 3rd. Immediately thereafter the "check engine" light came on, ?tool? Emblem showed on dash, "low power" notice showed on dash, and I barely had time to get halfway off the road before I lost power steering and brakes. This could have been a horrific disaster on just about any other interstate highway location, let alone two lane roads that we have been with our truck/trailer. As it was, it was one very scary ten seconds. I had no power steering or brakes. Later I learned that if it happens again that I should keep it above 5 MPH to get off road and lined up, then stomp on brakes because you only have one chance. On the side of the road, "?check engine" light is red, but no other warning lights now. I can get no revs out of engine. I turn off key and shut down. Check fluids underneath, and under hood all is well. Try phone - no coverage. Closest town is 16 miles. Restart engine after 5 minutes. It was about 60 outside at the top of the pass, and I can now rev engine, but engine light is on. Head to town, get cell coverage on next rise and call ahead to nearest ford dealer for directions. Another pass is between us - 4th of july, a taller one than the shutdown event. Idaho dealer ([xxx], lake city ford) kindly squeezes me in. See engine light on. Tech [xxx] sees light and runs scan and sees no record of any codes in any systems. What the?? Next morning, ford told dealer that there is no way that a code did not register if the light was on. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Oct 21, 2013 · Engine · 96,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f-450 sd. The contact stated that while the vehicle was hauling a trailer at 60 MPH uphill when the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH independently as the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure was recurring. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the mechanic stated that the computer would need to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 96,000. Updated 11/15/13*cn updated 12/2/2013

Filed Oct 18, 2012 · Engine, Fuel system · 10,000 miles · SD

2010 ford f-450. Consumer writes in regards to diesel fuel getting into oil due to open injectors. *tgw the consumer also stated engine light illuminated and the exhaust was emitting smoke.

Filed Nov 28, 2011 · Fuel system · 200,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford f-450. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving 55 MPH. The check engine light illuminated after the failure occurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the dealer performed a diagnostic that located the failure as the fuel liner delaminating. The dealer replaced the fuel tank and the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure and the current mileage was 200,000. Updated 01/11/12