3.0 Power Stroke: years, specs & known problems

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The 3.0 Power Stroke is the V6 turbo-diesel Ford offered in the F-150 for 2018 through 2021, rated 250 hp and 440 lb-ft with a 10-speed automatic. It was dropped after 2021. It uses a CP4-type high-pressure pump plus DPF and DEF systems, so service and fuel-filter records matter most.

Ford added the 3.0-liter Power Stroke to the F-150 for the 2018 model year. It is a dual-overhead-cam V6 from Ford’s Lion diesel family with a compacted graphite iron block, aluminum heads, common-rail piezo injection and a variable-geometry turbo.

It was paired only with the 10R80 10-speed automatic and ended after the 2021 model year. NHTSA’s recall list for 2018–2021 F-150s contains no campaign specific to the diesel engine.

3.0 Power Stroke at a glance

Ford 3.0L Power Stroke V6 turbo-diesel: model years, fuel and peak Ford-published output
EngineModel yearsFuelPeak hpPeak torque (lb-ft)Documented problemsRecalls
Ford 3.0L Power Stroke V6 turbo-diesel2018–2021Diesel25044010

CarWhere lists 1 documented problem and 0 NHTSA recalls for the 3.0 Power Stroke, each with a source.

3.0 Power Stroke specifications

3.0 Power Stroke: design facts (2018–2021)
SpecificationValue
ConfigurationV6 turbo-diesel, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, belt-driven camshafts[1]
Displacement3.0 L (183 cu in)[1]
Bore × stroke84 × 90 mm[1]
Compression ratio16.0:1[1]
Block / headsCompacted graphite iron / aluminum[1]
Fuel systemCommon rail with belt-driven Bosch CP4 pump (about 29,000 psi) and piezo injectors[1]
TurboHoneywell variable-geometry, ball-bearing, electric vane actuator; intercooled[1]
Emissions hardwareCooled EGR, diesel particulate filter, SCR with DEF[1]
Transmission10R80 10-speed automatic[1]
Engine familyLion V6 diesel[1]

3.0 Power Stroke horsepower and torque by year

3.0 Power Stroke: Ford-published horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft) by model year and application
Model yearsApplicationHorsepower (hp)Torque (lb-ft)Source
2018–2021F-150250 hp at 3,250 rpm; 440 lb-ft at 1,750 rpm250440[1]

"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.

Which Fords have the 3.0 Power Stroke?

Ford models and model years offered with the 3.0 Power Stroke
ModelModel yearsNotes
F-1502018–2021Not offered for 2022

3.0 Power Stroke problems and what to check

Emissions-system and fuel-system upkeep (2018–2021)

Minor

Like other modern diesels, the 3.0 relies on a particulate filter, SCR with DEF and a high-pressure common-rail pump. Short-trip use increases filter regenerations, and contaminated fuel or overdue filters put the high-pressure pump and injectors at risk.[1][2]

Symptoms

  • DEF or emissions warning messages
  • Frequent regeneration
  • Reduced-power mode

Check before buying

  • Ask for fuel-filter and oil-service records
  • Scan for stored emissions codes
  • Confirm no emissions equipment has been removed

Related Ford research

Confirm a truck or car really has the 3.0 Power Stroke.

Engine, transmission and axle options are recorded against the VIN. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a Ford VIN into its factory record — powertrain, equipment groups and options as built. $9.99, instant.

Ford build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years was the F-150 Powerstroke diesel available?

Ford offered the 3.0 Power Stroke V6 in the F-150 for the 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 model years. It was not offered for 2022.

How much horsepower does the 3.0 Powerstroke have?

It is rated 250 hp at 3,250 rpm and 440 lb-ft at 1,750 rpm, paired with the 10-speed automatic.

Are there recalls on the 3.0 Powerstroke?

NHTSA’s recall listings for 2018–2021 F-150s do not include a campaign specific to the 3.0 diesel engine. Truck-wide recalls such as transmission or driveshaft campaigns can still apply, so run the VIN.

Is the 3.0 Powerstroke a Ford engine?

It wears the Power Stroke name but comes from the Lion V6 diesel family, which is also used in European vehicles. It has a compacted graphite iron block and a single variable-geometry turbo.

Sources

Ratings are Ford-published figures as cited; descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs appear only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. 3.0L Power Stroke specs — Diesel Hub (secondary reference)
  2. NHTSA recalls by vehicle – Ford F-150 (2018–2021) — NHTSA

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Ford Motor Company. Ford, Power Stroke, EcoBoost, Coyote and the model names are trademarks of their owner.