Severe mechanical engine failure occurred while operating my 2023 Ford Super Duty equipped with the 7.3L gasoline V8 engine (Godzilla) at approximately 76,000 miles. While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power, dropped into limp mode, and began displaying a flashing Check Engine Light alongside a violent rough idle and loud mechanical valvetrain tapping/grinding noises coming from the engine block. A professional diagnostic evaluation confirmed zero compression in Cylinder #2, caused by a catastrophic lifter failure that ground down and destroyed the camshaft lobe (wiped cam). This failure path stems directly from manufacturing vulnerabilities regarding the variable-displacement oil pump and low hot-idle oil pressures, which Ford has semi-acknowledged via Customer Satisfaction Program 24B27. This is a severe safety hazard, as the sudden loss of engine power and transition into limp mode occurred without warning in active traffic, jeopardizing vehicle control and highway safety. I am filing this report to document the premature mechanical failure of a modern, meticulously maintained 2023 powertrain for the ongoing federal investigation into these 7.3L powerplants. Complete independent maintenance records using specified 5W-30 oil are available to verify this engine was never neglected.
- NHTSA ID
- 11775286
- Incident
- Oct 7, 2026