Ford F-450 SD loss of power problems

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 Jan 30, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · IL · fire

n October 28th, I left Atlanta, Georgia with a load going to Pittsburgh–Philadelphia. On October 29th, 2025, around 12:30 a.m., I was approximately two miles north of Birch River, West Virginia. While driving uphill at a steady speed of about 60–65 mph, I suddenly heard a loud popping sound, as if something had exploded or blown inside the engine. Right after that, the truck immediately lost power, and I pulled over to the shoulder as quickly as I could. As I was stopping, I saw flames coming through the hood directly in front of me, mostly from the driver’s side. I grabbed the fire extinguisher from inside my cab and opened the hood. On the driver’s side of the engine, I saw heavy flames coming out under high pressure. I emptied the entire extinguisher, but the fire did not stop. Then I ran to get my second extinguisher from the trailer and used it completely as well, but the flames kept burning. I noticed that strong flames were also coming from underneath the front driver’s side wheel area.

Filed Jul 16, 2024 · Engine · CA · fire

I was towing my 5th wheel trailer on a highway and up an incline. Almost at the top of the hill a notification appeared on the dash screen stating, "low power mode". As I was on top of a hill, towing a trailer, on a highway, and with no available offramps, I coasted down the hill trying to find a place to pull off of the highway. At the bottom of the hill I heard a loud noise from the engine, noticed smoke in my rearview mirror, and lost all power to the vehicle including power steering. I managed to pull off to the side of the busy highway. I exited the vehicle and removed my kids from the car, moving them up a hill on the side of the highway as it was the safest place I could find. It was at that point I noticed flames coming from the right font front wheel well. I quickly opened my trailer, grabbed my fire extinguisher, and doused the flames. Had I not acted quickly the entire truck, trailer, and hillside would have caught fire. The vehicle is still at the dealership waiting on Ford Motor Company to approve the repairs. The vehicle has approximately 26,000 miles on it and is unmodified.

Filed Jan 14, 2020 · Engine · 125,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford f-450. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the dashboard illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer in nevada where a diagnostic test was performed. The technician stated that the engine needed to the repaired. A complete diagnosis of the failure was not provided. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic who kept the vehicle for a week and repaired an unknown failure. The vehicle lost power when it was started and then had to restarted. The vehicle was taken to a third independent mechanic who replaced eight injectors. The vehicle operated as intended for a while however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired another time. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximate 125,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed May 18, 2018 · Acceleration, Engine · 15,000 miles · IA

When traveling down the hiway,sometimes you will lose power. You will feel a jerk. The engine is still running but no power to the wheels. Pretty scary when you are trying to pass a vehicle on the interstate. You try to pull over to the side of the road. You have no means of movement. You can now turn off the vehicle and put it in neutral and restart the engine,you can now continue down the hiway until it happens again. This has happened multiple times. We have driven with our horse trailer down to arizona 3 times and this has happened 3-4 times each way. Ford dealer where purchased has no clue what is causing this. This vehicle was purchased brand new. We have had this problem since new.

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 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 Feb 5, 2015 · Fuel system · 156,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford f-450 sd. The contact stated that the inner lining of the fuel tank would flake causing the fuel system to become clogged. As a result, the vehicle would lose power while driving. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the injectors and front fuel tank had to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.

Filed Nov 14, 2014 · Brakes, Steering · 23,000 miles · AL

Vehicle was initially not running and in driveway. There had been no prior indication of any problem, and no issue noted with on-board diagnostic system. Vehicle had recently been serviced at local ford dealer for oil/filter change. Dealer inspection noted no issues with the vehicle. Vehicle was cranked up and put into drive. Vehicle experienced a sudden, immediate, and total loss of power steering and brake capability. Vehicle lurched forward. Extreme pressure was applied to brake pedal but it would not stop vehicle from moving forward. Power steering was non-functional causing extreme difficulty in steering vehicle. Vehicle was immediately put into neutral until it slowed enough to put into reverse and stop the vehicle from moving forward. Vehicle almost hit road sign before coming to a stop. Brakes and power steering were non functional. Vehicle was slowly moved backward to get it out of the road path using reverse/neutral positioning. Vehicle was shut off and checked for possible loss of power steering/brake booster system fluid. Fluid level was just below maximum level mark, so no loss of fluid in power steering/power braking booster system had occurred. Upon restart, power steering system was marginally functional with grinding noise coming from power steering/power braking booster system when steering wheel turned or brake pedal applied. Pulsating feel coming from brake pedal when pressure applied. Power brakes were still non-functional. Vehicle was not drivable due to complete loss of braking function and only marginal steering function. Vehicle had to be towed to ford dealer for diagnostic testing. After 4 days, dealer has still not looked at vehicle.

Filed Sep 17, 2014 · Engine · CO

2008 ford f-450 based type I ambulance. Contact alleges that improper manufacturing of 6.4l powerstroke diesel engine cylinder number 8 resulted in reduced compression and excessive blow by of combustion gases and particulate matter. Reported consequence includes engine stall, reduced power, no start condition, exhaust gas temperature sensor contamination and catastrophic turbocharger damage. Engine problems had negative impact on delivery of ambulance services.