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Ford F-550 SD engine failure problems

10 of the 466 owner complaints about the Ford F-550 SD describe engine failure, most of them for the 2003 model year.

owner complaints
10
worst model year
2003
typical mileage
54,500
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2008
    2
  • 2005
    1
  • 2004
    3
  • 2003
    3
  • 2000
    1

What owners say

Filed Mar 7, 2018 · Engine · 33,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f-550 sd. While driving 65 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle stalled. The check engine and engine overheating indicators illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was towed to chapman ford of horsham (1100 easton rd, horsham, pa 19044) where it was diagnosed that the engine failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 33,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Aug 31, 2015 · Engine · 294,731 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford f-550 sd. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer numerous times, but the failure was unable to be determined. The dealer replaced the engine electronic control unit, the fuel tank was aligned, the filters and the fuel injectors were replaced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 294,731.

Filed Aug 21, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 23,000 miles · WA

Ford 6.4l diesel engines (2008-2010) in f-250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 trucks contain radiators that were improperly constructed and unable to withstand engine pressures and leak coolant, and can cause catastrophic engine failures due to overheating. Ford replaced countless radiators in its 6.4l vehicles under warranty and issued a number of service bulletins related to its 6.4l radiator failures. However, even its redesigned radiators continue to fail. In our very low mileage f550 diesel, the radiator failed at 23000 miles even after being inspected by ford and "approved" as adequate. Ford refuses to provide a fix. The ford dealership tells us that some customers have replaced radiators as many as 10 times, or more. An internet search (e.g., google) for "ford 6.4l radiator" shows countless others have experienced multiple radiator failures. Again, ford is unwilling to recall the defective engine parts or provide a warranty replacement.

Filed Oct 11, 2012 · Engine · 80,687 miles · NY

I have experienced numerous engine failures, of which I have the receipts, on my f500 ford with the 6.0 diesel engine, at a cost to me of over $7,000. At the time of the failures, the engine was only out of warranty for a short period of time. Because a diesel should last for a relatively long period of time and should not have these types of problems, I asked ford to cover the bill. In short, ford would not give me the time of day or admit to anything. I am very concerned as I don' t make the kind of money it takes to continually invest in an engine that should still run fine. I have also discussed this with others that own the same engine and have found that the type of problems that I've had are quite common with the 6.0 engine. I have all the receipts and expect ford to take responsibility for what is clearly a poorly built engine. I'm also having trouble with the air conditioner for years and have been unable to find the problem. I await your reply and can send you a copy of the bills and my correspondence with ford.

Filed Aug 18, 2011 · Engine · 6,500 miles · OR

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 f-550 sd. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact noticed steam coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics where the technicians advised that the turbo had over boosted and caused the engine to fail. The engine was replaced and after the repairs, the contact noticed white smoke from the exhaust pipe and an anti-freeze smell emitting from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic stated that the inner cooler had to be replaced and the head gasket exhibited a leak. The inner cooler was replaced. The approximate failure mileage was 6,500. Updated 10/05/11

Filed Feb 22, 2011 · Fuel system · 77,000 miles · MD

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 ford f-550 super duty. While having the vehicle serviced at an authorized dealer for engine failures, the contact was told the fuel tank was rusting from the inside out. The contact was also informed that the rusting of the fuel tank was causing the engine failures. The vehicle was experiencing troubles starting the vehicle as well as a loss of power while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 77,000.

Filed Mar 4, 2010 · Engine, Fuel system · 25,000 miles · MD

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford f550 sd. The contact was driving approximately between 45- 55 MPH. The engine stalled without warning. The engine failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer. The failure was contributed to the fuel injector which was replaced on three separate occasions. The failure continued with no resolutions. The failure mileage was 25,000. The current mileage was 184,602. Updated 12/08/10. *lj the radiator hose was replaced. Updated 12/13/10

Filed Dec 13, 2009 · Fuel system · 57,493 miles · VA

Engine failed and vehicle stopped working. The culprit was the ford fuel tank that had delaminated. The tank had to be replaced. The cost: $2223.41. Additionally, there was a loss of revenue as this vehicle is used for production purposes. Ford denied responsibility for any defects of their fuel tanks. With no other choice, we had to pay for the repairs out of pocket. This is a safety issue, as these vehicles are used for commercial usage daily. This is also a financial burden that has been forced onto us unfairly. They need to take responsibility and recall these fuel tanks.

Filed Nov 28, 2009 · Engine, Fuel system · 54,500 miles · VA

Engine failed and vehicle stopped working. The culprit was the ford fuel tank that had delaminated which caused debris to move through the fuel filter and engine. The engine had o be replaced. The tank had to be replaced. The cost: $10,345.00. Additionally, there was a loss of revenue as this vehicle is used for production purposes. Ford denied responsibility for any defects of their fuel tanks. With no other choice, we had to pay for the repairs out of pocket. This is a safety issue, as these vehicles are used for commercial usage daily. This is also a financial burden that has been forced onto us unfairly. They need to take responsibility and recall these fuel tanks.

Filed Aug 3, 2007 · Engine · 6,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford f550. The contact had the head gasket replaced in his vehicle two weeks ago. The repair cost $800. In august of 2002, while driving 55 MPH, the engine failed without warning. He stated that there have been multiple engine related failures over the four years that he has owned the vehicle such as the hoses, planetary gear, o-ring was replaced three or four times, head gaskets, wiring harness for the injectors, injectors, high pressure oil pump, clutch fan, egr cooler, oil cooler, turbo system, oxygen sensor, exhaust sensor, and lower radiator hose. The current mileage was 58,000 and failure mileage was 6,000. Updated 01/02/08.

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-550 SD engine failure

Which Ford F-550 SD years have engine failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2003 (3 complaints), 2004 (3 complaints) and 2008 (2 complaints).

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