Ford F-550 stalling problems

Filed Apr 11, 2026 · Fuel system · CA · fire

I had my truck serviced, engine oil and fuel filters replaced, I picked up truck and while driving home, engine loss of power came on screen, truck then stalled, I observed smoke coming from under the hood, I exited vehicle to try and open hood, but flames were already present, I called 911 fire department came and put fire out. truck is a total loss. Fire Capt observed that fire seem to have started near the fuel filter housing, I was fortunate to escape the cab along with my dog, I have read several reports about filter housing leaking and starting fires, my brother inlaw, actually had the same issue, filter split causing fuel to leak, but fortunately he had just started the truck and was not driving very long before he smelled the fuel and was able to shut down the engine before it got hot and repolace the faulty filter housing.

Filed Oct 8, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CT

At ~93,000 miles, my 2020 Ford F-550 (7.3L “Godzilla” V8) suffered catastrophic engine failure due to a roller lifter bearing failure, causing internal valvetrain damage and requiring full engine replacement. Ford dealer stated they recommended 90% coverage of the repair under goodwill through corporate, but later reduced coverage to 40% without explanation. After repairs, Ford corporate recommended a 3-year/36,000-mile PremiumCare warranty, then rescinded it a week later and offered only free oil changes. The 7.3L engine in my truck shares the same design as the F-53/F-59 motorhome chassis, which have multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for lifter bearing failure, overheating of cylinders #2–3, and low oil pressure at idle. My vehicle shows identical symptoms but was excluded from those VIN ranges, suggesting Ford is segmenting related defects to limit recall exposure. Inspection revealed a cracked and arcing spark-plug wire on cylinder #2, matching the motorhome TSB’s overheating issue. This arcing poses a fire risk and likely contributed to localized heat and mechanical failure. The truck was often driven in Eco Mode, which holds low RPMs under load. This can increase cylinder pressure, reduce oil flow, and exacerbate heat in cylinders #2–3—factors that align with the failure pattern. This combination of design-related overheating, lifter bearing failure, oil-pressure fluctuation, and spark-wire arcing presents a clear safety hazard. Engine stall or fire could occur under towing or heavy-load conditions. the federal safety agency investigation is warranted into Ford’s 7.3L Godzilla engine design and VIN-exclusion practices.

Filed Jul 25, 2025 · Fuel system · 123,483 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-550. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that occasionally, when the vehicle was started, the vehicle would idle roughly. The contact used a diagnostic machine and retrieved a fault code related to the fuel pump module. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with fuel pump module failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that when the fuel pump module was removed, there were metal shavings inside. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,483.

Filed Dec 4, 2024 · Engine · 6,500 miles · AL

The contact's local fire department owns a 2011 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled out as several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact made multiple attempts to restart the engine but the failure persisted. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic was performed. The mechanic discovered diesel fuel in the oil reservoir which had resulted in engine failure. Upon investigation, the mechanic referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty or recall. The manufacturer then referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to file a safety complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 6,500.

Filed May 23, 2024 · Engine, Steering · 72,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-550 chassis with an Earth Roamer RV. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle was making an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the turbocharger needle on the instrument cluster fell to zero. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the abnormal banging sound was louder, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled off the highway and then stated that the power steering had failed. The contact was turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the power steering and the abnormal engine sound remained present. The contact was able to drive several yards before the vehicle stalled. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

Filed Apr 28, 2022 · Engine · 35,800 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact made multiple attempts to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle repeatedly failed to start up. Due to the failure, the contact called the dealer and had the vehicle towed there for an inspection. The contact then called an independent mechanic who informed him that based on what he described; his vehicle had experienced engine failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 35,800.

Filed Sep 17, 2019 · Brakes, Engine · 55,000 miles · WV · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford f-550. While the contact was hauling sand and reground gravel up a hill, the emergency brake was engaged and the gear shifter was placed into park. The engine was running and the contact exited the vehicle. When the contact re-entered the vehicle, shifted gears, and released the emergency brake to drive, the engine stalled. The vehicle rolled down the hill. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The contact stated failure occurred twice june 05,2019 and sept.6, 2019. There was a full tank of fuel in the vehicle. While driving up a hill hauling sand and gravel, the contact stopped on the hill, released the brake pedal, depressed the accelerator pedal, and the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle started to roll down the hill in reverse with no power. The contact shifted into park and the brakes could not stop the vehicle due to the lack of power. The contact quickly cut into the bank; however, the rear end of the vehicle went up on the bank and the vehicle rolled over on the passenger side down the embankment. The contact sustained injuries to the head and knee, and a broken left hand, neck, ribs, lower back, arm, and legs. Medical attention was not received. The front passenger was not injured. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was pulled out of the bank to the top of the hill and remained on the hillside. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000. *pm consumer stated both incidents happened at the same place.

Filed Aug 29, 2019 · Brakes, Engine · NY

I have only used the truck for five months and have had several business interruptions and issues with the truck from the gas tank leaking, problems with the brakes and the box hoist that would not raise. I have had the box hoist fixed multiple times but the weld keeps breaking. I am sure ford knows about the hoist problem but they have not issued any recalls for it. As a consumer I feel cheated. My recent problem is the engine, it had stalled unexpectedly and shut down completely for no reason at all and without warning while my son was driving on the highway. It was a safety issue and put my son's life at risk. I looked up the above VIN number on the internet but could not find direct recalls relating to it. Ford has put out recalls on some of the engines for ford f550s yr 2012 but only for ambulance type trucks not dump trucks. I am complaining because my dump truck has the same engine stalling problem as on the ambulance type f550s from year 2012, when it unexpectedly shuts down completely and without warning.

Filed Apr 3, 2018 · Engine · 100,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford f-550. While driving on an incline at 60 MPH, the engine power loss indicator illuminated. Suddenly, the contact heard a loud pop sound and the engine stalled and lost power. The vehicle was towed to worthington ford (2950 n bellflower blvd, long beach, ca 90815, (562) 420-3333) where it was diagnosed that the high pressure fuel pump failed and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Nov 2, 2016 · Engine · 36,000 miles · MT

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford f-550. While driving 65 MPH with the exhaust cleaning cycle operated, the cycle suddenly stopped. The vehicle lost power, stalled, and the check oil warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred on two separate occasions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,000.