Table 1 shows one common power train related problems of the 2020 Ford F-550.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Power Train problems |
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 After repairs, Ford corporate recommended a 3-year/36,000-mile premiumcare warranty, then rescinded it a week later and offered only free oil changes.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. Nhtsa investigation is warranted into Ford’s 7. 3l godzilla engine design and VIN-exclusion practices.
Low on fluid and transmission.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle unintentionally rolled away while the transmission was in park(p). No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle jerked while driving uphill. The vehicle also jerked violently while downshifting from third to second gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 22v256000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
I have more files and receipts vehicle information: •make: Ford •model: F-550 super duty •year: 2020 issue summary: after a recall service (22e04) for powertrain and transmission software updates, the vehicle experienced a complete power failure within 40 miles, leading to a stall and loss of control, resulting in the vehicle veering into a ditch. Incident details: •recall service date: ] •mileage at service: 63,993 •incident mileage: ~64,030 miles •description: post-recall, multiple warning lights activated, including powertrain malfunction and traction control off. The vehicle stalled, became unresponsive, and veered off the road. After multiple attempts coming after multiple attempts to call the dealership and corporate with no answer, forced to leave a bad survey and then someone contacted follow-up actions: the dealership attributed the issue to a missing 10-amp fuse. However, prior warnings from the Fordpass app indicated powertrain malfunctions since October 2024. A subsequent recall notice (24s78/24v957) in January 2025 highlighted potential high-pressure fuel pump issues leading to power loss. After multiple attempts coming after multiple attempts to call the dealership and corporate with no answer was forced to leave a bad survey and then someone they’ve let me leave the dealership twice now saying that there was nothing wrong with my truck and then to find out that there’s a recall a couple weeks later safety concerns: the unexpected power loss and control failure pose significant safety risks. The recurrence of issues post-recall raises concerns about the effectiveness of the initial repair and overall vehicle safety. Requested action: I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter to ensure driver safety and hold the manufacturer accountable for providing a reliable remedy.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-550. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, the transmission started slipping. The engine . The contact pulled to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the planetary ring gear needed to be replaced under NHTSA campaign number: 22v256000 (power train) as the VIN was included. The vehicle was then towed the local dealer who informed the contact that they could not accommodate the vehicle for recall repair due to its size. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, northside Ford truck sales, inc. (6221 ne columbia blvd, portland, or 97218), who informed the contact that the vehicle would be repaired at his own expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to follow up with the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.