Engine And Engine Cooling Related Problems of the 2020 Ford F-350

Table 1 shows one common engine and engine cooling related problems of the 2020 Ford F-350.

Table 1. Engine And Engine Cooling related problems of Ford F-350

Problem Category Number of Problems
Engine And Engine Cooling problems
16

Engine And Engine Cooling problem #1

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he had a loss of motive power and check engine warning light was illuminated when driving, almost causing an accident due to not being able to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed to have metal shavings in the combustion system. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v957000 (fuel system, diesel); however, the sssc (special service center assistance request) was declined by Ford agency (sssc), due to the issue not having metal shavings although the dealer technician stated there were shavings. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,136.

Engine And Engine Cooling problem #2

The component/system that failed or malfunctioned is the scr (selective catalytic reduction) nox catalyst efficiency system, triggering dtc p20ee – scr nox catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1). This issue began immediately after Ford recall 24s78 (pcm software update) was performed on April 29, 2026 at ferman Ford of countryside. The truck had zero emissions or check-engine issues prior to the recall flash and was perfectly maintained to Ford standards with howes diesel treatment every tank. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed multiple times by the dealer: after the may 4 pcm reprogram per TSB 21-2248 after replacement of both nox sensors on may 5 (code returned in under 17 miles) after replacement of the def injector (code returned again) the dealer only performed one manual dpf regeneration instead of the two required by Ford ssm 49202 and pinpoint test rd15, and they did not complete the scr parameter reset. They are now quoting an additional ~$2,000 out-of-pocket for a dpf replacement after partial goodwill assistance was approved. The vehicle has been repeatedly inspected and repaired by ferman Ford. No independent inspection yet. Ford customer service has been contacted and partial goodwill was approved, but significant out-of-pocket costs remain. Warning lamps/messages (service engine soon light + “exhaust emission control system is not operating as expected”) first appeared immediately after the April 29 recall pcm flash and have continued ever since. Safety risk: a loss of motive power, entry into limp mode, or reduced power while driving could result in a crash or inability to maintain highway speed. This appears to be a direct consequence of the recall 24s78 pcm software update tightening emissions monitoring. All repair orders, photos of warnings, and supporting documents are attached for your review. There is 12. I was not able to upload the last of the documents.

Engine And Engine Cooling problem #3

I have the 7. 3 gas engine. It is now sounding like a typewriter. I've been told I could have a $8,000 to $13,000 repair or total engine replacement. My truck is just under 97,000 miles and this has been a known issue for the job 1 engines. Ford is not taking ownership of these lifter/cam issue. I was told I could have my engine lock up on me while driving. I am autistic and have an autoimmune issue that cause me to have a disabilities. It does not seem right, that a long term, multiple Ford owner now could have their engine fail or lock up while I'm driving, not to mention I may need a complete new engine from this design error. From what I've read, the job 2 of these engines they've enlarged oil recyclers or something to correct this issue. Can you help us that have this major saftey issue?.

Engine And Engine Cooling problem #4

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the lifter in cylinder #2, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the original engine was replaced at 39,400 miles in 2022. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000. The VIN was not available.

Engine And Engine Cooling problem #5

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving and approaching a stop, the vehicle lost motive power, the brake pedal depressed and went to the floorboard, and the vehicle rolled into the intersection. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump had disintegrated and there was metal in the fuel system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.

Engine And Engine Cooling problem #6

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v957000 (fuel system, diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the low fuel pressure message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to accelerate, there was a lag in motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel filters had failed. The fuel filters were replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine And Engine Cooling problem #7

I have sent in a previous complaint as our truck would die in the middle of the road, due to the fuel pump. It is unacceptable that Ford has not resolved the recall issue in 9 months. Our truck is needed daily for our business. Please make Ford take action.

Engine And Engine Cooling problem #8

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving 60-63 mph, the vehicle began to shudder and lost motive power and stopped. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated after the failure. The contact had to abandon the vehicle on the highway due to safety concerns. The vehicle was towed to his place of employment. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump had exploded through the fuel system line. The fuel line and engine were contaminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. Additionally, after the failure, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v957000 (fuel system, diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 192,202. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine And Engine Cooling problem #9

The engine failed on our 2020 f350 at 75,989 miles of normal usage. We only purchased this vehicle used may 2, 2023 from a Ford dealership in michigan and drove it 5k miles when the check engine light came on. It is currently at the Ford dealership in olympia washington getting a new engine at a cost of $13k. Per the Ford service representative in text, the issue was "there is internal damage in the motor and metal in the oil from the camshaft being damaged. " we were told that an engine valve failed, the initial error code was p03035. We are understandably very frustrated that such a young truck/engine failed.

Engine And Engine Cooling problem #10

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while shifting gear. Additionally, on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000.

Engine And Engine Cooling problem #11

Emissions control system has "failed" 5 times. Check engine light illuminated. Each time: p0420 dtc code: "catalyst system efficiency below threshold (bank 1). Manufacturer is unable to fix. Vehicle will go into "limp mode" stranding owners/passengers.

Engine And Engine Cooling problem #12

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was a loss of power steering, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact used an obd scanner to retrieve failure codes for the powertrain control module (pcm) and the engine control module (ecm module). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuse box and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 164,000.

Engine And Engine Cooling problem #13

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 mph when the vehicle starting emitting a smoke odor. Shortly after smoke starting coming from the vents of the vehicle. There were no warning lights. The contact attempted to press the brakes to pull over however the brakes began to melt causing an extensive time before the brakes to stop the vehicle. The shifter then slipped when they attempted to maneuver the vehicle. The contact and passengers exited the vehicle. The vehicle then became engulfed in flames while the vehicle continued to run off into the field due to the brakes and shifter completely melting. The vehicle was deemed totaled and was towed. A police report was filed, there were no injuries and no medical attention was needed. The dealer was made aware of the failure and was not able to confirm any recalls. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and transferred them to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 20,050.

Engine And Engine Cooling problem #14

The Ford is under a customer satisfaction program 21b03, and Ford will not honor this for our vehicle, however our truck has the number one planetary and ring gear assembly that has gone out.

Engine And Engine Cooling problem #15

Sudden surging at slow speeds. When trying to idle through an area that is tight, crowded etc. Rpm's will rise to 1,200 or slightly higher.

Engine And Engine Cooling problem #16

Vehicle rpm will not drop when taking foot off the gas and in gear. Rpm stays at 1100 and vehicle speeds up on its own. No difference with engine brake on or off. Seems to happen in parking lots or at stop lights when moving at slow speeds 5 to 10 miles per hour. Vehicle will accelerate unless brakes are applied. Brakes have to be applied sometimes very hard to get vehicle to stop and engine rpm to drop. Documented by the dealer with no fix. Ford motor company contacted with no fix. This has occured multiple times.


Engine And Engine Cooling related problems in other Ford F-350 model year vehicles:



F-350 Service Bulletins
F-350 Safety Recalls
F-350 Defect Investigations