Ford Super Duty (F-250/F-350) problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

Super Duty problems track the diesel: the 2003–2007 6.0L for oil- and EGR-cooler failures, the 2008–2010 6.4L for radiator, EGR and fuel-dilution trouble, and the 6.7L for alleged CP4 pump failures. 2017–2019 4x4s can develop front-end shimmy, and several driveline, tailgate and 2023 steering and axle recalls apply. Check every VIN.

CarWhere lists 9 documented Super Duty (F-250/F-350) issues, including 5 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, engines, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.

Super Duty (F-250/F-350) generations at a glance

Ford Super Duty (F-250/F-350) generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
1999–2007 Super Duty1999–20076.0L Power Stroke EGR cooler, oil cooler and head gasket failures
2008–2010 Super Duty2008–20106.4L Power Stroke radiator leaks, EGR cooler failure and fuel-diluted oil
2011–2016 Super Duty2011–2016CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump failure on the 6.7L Power Stroke
2017–2022 Super Duty2017–2022Front-end shimmy (“death wobble”) on 4x4 trucks · Electric tailgate release can open the tailgate while driving · Driveshaft radial damper can shift and fracture the driveshaft · High-pressure fuel pump recall for biodiesel deposits (6.7L)
2023+ Super Duty2023–presentSteering column upper shaft bolts may be missing or loose (2023) · Rear axle shaft may break from improper heat treatment (2023)

1999–2007 Super Duty Super Duty (F-250/F-350) problems

6.0L Power Stroke EGR cooler, oil cooler and head gasket failures (2003–2007)

Major repair
Generation:
1999–2007 Super Duty (2003–2007, 6.0L)
Years:
2003–2007

The Navistar-built 6.0L is known for EGR cooler and oil cooler failures, and the class actions Ford settled in 2013 covered problems with the EGR system, oil cooler, fuel injectors and turbochargers on 2003–2007 Super Duty trucks. A clogged oil cooler starves the EGR cooler of coolant, which can then rupture, and coolant loss under load can lead to blown head gaskets. Many surviving trucks have been rebuilt with upgraded parts, so documentation matters more than the year.

Symptoms

  • Coolant loss with no external leak, or white exhaust smoke
  • Pressurized coolant reservoir or overheating when towing
  • Oil in the coolant or coolant in the oil

Check before buying

  • Ask for invoices for oil cooler, EGR cooler, head studs and injectors
  • Compare engine oil and coolant temperatures on a scan tool at full warm-up
  • Check the degas bottle for bubbling or oil residue
  • Have a diesel specialist do a cold start and load test

Sources: [1]

2008–2010 Super Duty Super Duty (F-250/F-350) problems

6.4L Power Stroke radiator leaks, EGR cooler failure and fuel-diluted oil (2008–2010)

Major repair
Generation:
2008–2010 Super Duty
Years:
2008–2010

The 6.4L uses a diesel particulate filter, and the extra fuel injected during filter regeneration can wash past the rings into the oil. Owners also report leaking radiators, failed EGR coolers (often around 100,000 miles) and, less commonly, cracked pistons. A well-maintained example with cooling-system work documented is a very different truck from a neglected one.

Symptoms

  • Oil level rising on the dipstick or smelling of fuel
  • Coolant drips at the radiator or a dropping coolant level
  • White smoke, overheating or frequent DPF regeneration

Check before buying

  • Check whether the oil level is over full and ask for an oil analysis
  • Look at the radiator end tanks and under the truck for coolant
  • Ask for EGR cooler and radiator replacement records
  • Have the truck scanned for regeneration history and codes

Sources: [2]

2011–2016 Super Duty Super Duty (F-250/F-350) problems

CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump failure on the 6.7L Power Stroke (2011–present)

Major repair
Generation:
2011–2016 Super Duty (and later 6.7L trucks)
Years:
2011–present

Several class actions allege that the Bosch CP4 high-pressure pump used on the 6.7L Power Stroke can wear and shed metal into the fuel system, contaminating injectors and sometimes the whole fuel system. Ford disputes the claims and says proper fuel-filter maintenance prevents failures. Plaintiffs cite repair bills of roughly $10,000 or more; separately, Ford has recalled 2020–2022 trucks over biodiesel deposits on the pump (see 24V-957).

Symptoms

  • Hard starting, stalling or sudden loss of power
  • Low fuel rail pressure codes
  • Metal debris found in the fuel filters

Check before buying

  • Ask for fuel-filter change records at Ford's intervals
  • Have a shop inspect the filters for glitter or debris
  • Check for low rail pressure codes and confirm recall status by VIN

Sources: [3][4]

2017–2022 Super Duty Super Duty (F-250/F-350) problems

Front-end shimmy (“death wobble”) on 4x4 trucks (2017–2019)

Moderate
Generation:
2017–2022 Super Duty
Years:
2017–2019
Engine:
All engines (4x4)

Some 2017–2019 F-250/F-350 4x4s develop a sustained, violent steering-wheel oscillation after hitting a bump or expansion joint above about 45 mph. Ford bulletin 19-2274 blames excessive lag in the steering linkage damper and replaces it; owners in a class action say the damper only masks the problem. This is not a recall, and worn track bars, ball joints and tie rods can cause the same symptom.

Symptoms

  • Steering wheel shakes hard after a bump at highway speed
  • Shake continues until the truck slows well down

Check before buying

  • Drive over expansion joints at 50–65 mph
  • Have the track bar, ball joints, tie rods and damper inspected for play
  • Ask whether the 19-2274 damper was installed

Sources: [5][6]

Electric tailgate release can open the tailgate while driving (2017–2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
2017–2022 Super Duty
Years:
2017–2019
Engine:
All engines (electric tailgate release)

Ford recalled certain 2017–2019 F-250, F-350 and F-450 trucks with an electric tailgate latch release switch in the handle. Water can get into the wiring, short the switch and release the tailgate latches, letting cargo fall out.

Symptoms

  • Tailgate opening on its own
  • Tailgate release acting intermittently

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN for 19V-864 and confirm the remedy
  • Test the tailgate release and latch several times

NHTSA recall: 19V-864 (2019-12)

Sources: [7]

Driveshaft radial damper can shift and fracture the driveshaft (2017–2018)

Safety recall
Generation:
2017–2022 Super Duty
Years:
2017–2018
Engine:
All engines (4x4)

Ford recalled certain 2017–2018 F-250, F-350 and F-450 4x4s because a radial damper inside the driveshaft can move out of position, unbalancing the shaft until it fractures. A separate recall (22V-087) covers 2017–2022 gas trucks whose underbody insulators can rub through aluminum driveshafts.

Symptoms

  • Vibration that grows with speed
  • Clunk from under the truck

Check before buying

  • Check the VIN for 22V-880 and 22V-087
  • Look for vibration at 45–70 mph on the test drive

NHTSA recall: 22V-880 (2022-11)

Sources: [8]

High-pressure fuel pump recall for biodiesel deposits (6.7L) (2020–2022)

Safety recall
Generation:
2017–2022 Super Duty
Years:
2020–2022

Ford recalled certain 2020–2022 Super Duty diesels because biodiesel deposits can form on the high-pressure fuel pump's roller parts and cause the pump to fail. Some trucks were repaired incorrectly and are covered again under 26V-158.

Symptoms

  • Engine stall or no-start
  • Loss of power and fuel-pressure warnings

Check before buying

  • Check the VIN for both 24V-957 and 26V-158
  • Ask whether the truck regularly ran high-blend biodiesel

NHTSA recall: 24V-957 (2024-12)

Sources: [9]

2023+ Super Duty Super Duty (F-250/F-350) problems (2023–present)

Steering column upper shaft bolts may be missing or loose (2023) (2023)

Safety recall
Generation:
2023+ Super Duty
Years:
2023
Engine:
All engines

Ford recalled certain 2023 F-250, F-350 and F-450 trucks because the steering column upper shaft coupler bolts may be missing or not tightened, which can let the column separate and cause a loss of steering control. Dealers inspect and tighten or install the bolts.

Symptoms

  • Clunk or free play felt through the steering wheel
  • Steering that feels loose or disconnected

Check before buying

  • Check the VIN for 23V-344 and confirm the remedy
  • Feel for play in the steering wheel with the engine running

NHTSA recall: 23V-344 (2023-05)

Sources: [10]

Rear axle shaft may break from improper heat treatment (2023) (2023)

Safety recall
Generation:
2023+ Super Duty
Years:
2023
Engine:
All engines (single rear wheel, 10.5-inch axle)

Ford recalled certain 2023 F-250 and F-350 single-rear-wheel trucks with the 10.5-inch rear axle because the left rear axle shaft may not have been heat-treated correctly and can break, causing a loss of drive power or a rollaway in Park. A similar campaign (25V-866) covers the right rear shaft on some 2026 trucks.

Symptoms

  • Grinding or clunking from the rear axle
  • Loss of drive power
  • Truck moving while in Park without the parking brake set

Check before buying

  • Check the VIN for 23V-595
  • Always set the parking brake when testing Park on a slope

NHTSA recall: 23V-595 (2023-08)

Sources: [10]

Related Super Duty (F-250/F-350) research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints is a different question, answered in the years-to-avoid research from NHTSA complaint counts.

Confirm exactly how a Super Duty (F-250/F-350) was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and equipment decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a Ford Super Duty (F-250/F-350) VIN into its factory record — powertrain, equipment groups and options as built. $9.99, instant.

Ford build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Ford Super Duty problems?

The best-documented Ford Super Duty issues are 6.0L Power Stroke EGR cooler, oil cooler and head gasket failures (1999–2007 Super Duty, 2003–2007), 6.4L Power Stroke radiator leaks, EGR cooler failure and fuel-diluted oil (2008–2010 Super Duty, 2008–2010), CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump failure on the 6.7L Power Stroke (2011–2016 Super Duty, 2011–present) and front-end shimmy (“death wobble”) on 4x4 trucks (2017–2022 Super Duty, 2017–2019). Which ones matter depends on the generation and engine, so check the section for the exact truck or car you are looking at.

Has the Ford Super Duty had any recalls?

Yes. Recalls covered on this page include electric tailgate release can open the tailgate while driving (NHTSA 19V-864), driveshaft radial damper can shift and fracture the driveshaft (NHTSA 22V-880), high-pressure fuel pump recall for biodiesel deposits (6.7L) (NHTSA 24V-957) and steering column upper shaft bolts may be missing or loose (2023) (NHTSA 23V-344). Recall repairs are free at a Ford dealer; check any specific vehicle’s VIN with NHTSA to see whether the work was completed.

What should I check before buying a used Super Duty?

Ask for invoices for oil cooler, EGR cooler, head studs and injectors. Check whether the oil level is over full and ask for an oil analysis. Ask for fuel-filter change records at Ford's intervals. Drive over expansion joints at 50–65 mph. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic covers these and should include a scan for stored fault codes.

Is the Ford Super Duty reliable?

Most well-known Super Duty problems are tied to a specific generation, engine or transmission rather than the model as a whole, and many have a published fix, updated part or recall remedy.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. Ford settles class-action suits over 2003–2007 Navistar diesels — Cars.com
  2. The most common problems with Ford's 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engine — SlashGear
  3. Ford truck fuel pump problems cause class action lawsuit — CarComplaints.com (secondary reference)
  4. Ford Super Duty fuel pumps are defective, claims new class action lawsuit — Ford Authority
  5. TSB 19-2274: 4WD – sustained steering wheel oscillation above 45 mph (2017–2019 Super Duty) — Ford Motor Company (via NHTSA)
  6. Ford Super Duty 'death wobble' lawsuit partially dismissed — Ford Authority
  7. NHTSA recalls: 2019 Ford F-350 SD — NHTSA
  8. NHTSA recalls: 2018 Ford F-350 SD — NHTSA
  9. NHTSA recalls: 2021 Ford F-350 SD — NHTSA
  10. NHTSA recalls: 2023 Ford F-350 SD — NHTSA

More Ford tools

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.