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2020 Ford F-350 Sd Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
14
Latest May 21, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
8%
of 185 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2020 Ford F-350 Sd submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 14 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming engine

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

EngineFuel system
Filed May 21, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11739265
Incident
May 4, 2026
Mileage
126,136 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed May 8, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11736551
Incident
Apr 29, 2026
Engine
Filed Dec 4, 2025

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?

NHTSA ID
11703037
Incident
Nov 20, 2025
Engine
Filed Oct 30, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11696597
Incident
Oct 16, 2025
Mileage
35,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Sep 24, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11689394
Incident
Sep 8, 2024
BrakesEngineFuel system
Filed Jun 18, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11667772
Incident
Jun 3, 2025
Mileage
106,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Feb 21, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11644171
Incident
Dec 10, 2024
Mileage
120,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Jan 14, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11635914
Incident
Jan 23, 2024
Mileage
192,202 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Feb 13, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID
11571630
Incident
Jun 1, 2023
Engine
Filed Oct 2, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID
11547866
Incident
Sep 1, 2023
Engine
Filed Aug 17, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID
11539059
Incident
Jul 1, 2023
Mileage
39,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Feb 22, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID
11508554
Incident
Feb 10, 2023
Mileage
164,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 8, 2022
Fire reported

The contact owned a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 mph when the vehicle started emitting a smoke odor. Shortly after smoke started coming from the vents of the vehicle. There were no warning lights. The contact attempted to depress the brake pedal to pull over however the brakes began to melt causing an extensive time before the brakes stopped 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 Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 20,050.

NHTSA ID
11468270
Incident
May 11, 2022
Mileage
20,050 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Jan 3, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID
11446029
Incident
Dec 23, 2021

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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