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Power
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific model year and powertrain.
7 problems reported (1 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 4 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequent6.4L Powerstroke diesel engine reliability
Severe and costly failures including oil leaks, coolant issues, and general unreliability.
- RecurrentGeneral maintenance costs
Higher cost of ownership compared to half-ton trucks, with diesel emissions system repairs noted as particularly expensive.
- RecurrentPoor ride quality
Described as riding "like absolute shit" when unloaded, making it unsuitable as a comfortable daily driver.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedTransmission failure
Complete loss of drive in a 2023 model with 35k miles, suspected torque converter or internal failure.
- IsolatedRoof strength/safety concerns
Allegations of insufficient roof strength-to-weight ratio in models from 1999-2016, linked to a major lawsuit.
- IsolatedStarter motor failure
Premature replacement required at approximately 40,000 miles on an unspecified model year.
- IsolatedMoonroof/sunroof issues
Recalls and technical service bulletins for deflector clip detachment (2022) and glass bracket failures (2017-2019) causing noise or glass damage.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a single "best" version. Recommendations are engine-specific: For diesel, the 6.7L Powerstroke from 2015 onward (with a preference for 2020+ "Gen3" for maximum reliability) is strongly favored. For gas engines, the 7.3L "Godzilla" is mentioned positively. The Lariat trim level is frequently sought for its amenity package.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Chevy/GMC 2500, Ram 2500, Toyota Tundra and Ford F-150.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific model year and powertrain. Long-term owners of the 6.7L Powerstroke diesel (particularly 2015 and later models) report high satisfaction with engine performance, towing capability, fuel mileage, and the 10-speed transmission. The 7.3L "Godzilla" gas engine is also mentioned favorably. However, significant criticism is directed at specific engine generations, notably the 6.4L Powerstroke, which is associated with severe reliability issues and costly repairs. Isolated but serious concerns are raised about transmission failures in newer models (e.g., 2023) and potential structural safety issues with roof strength in models from 1999-2016. The vehicle is widely acknowledged as a capable workhorse, but owner satisfaction is conditional on avoiding problematic model years and engines.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more heavy-duty and capable towing vehicle compared to the Ford F-150, with a solid front axle and greater payload capacity. Compared to rivals, owner discussions suggest Ford Super Duty trucks are perceived by some as easier to work on and more reliable than contemporary Ram or GM offerings, though this is not a universal consensus. The 6.7L Powerstroke is frequently compared favorably to competitor diesels for its power and modern refinement, while the gas V8 options (6.2L, 7.3L) are considered for their simplicity and lower maintenance cost compared to diesel.
Recommended configurations
Diesel engine (6.7L Powerstroke) recommended for serious towing. All-wheel drive (4x4) is standard for intended use cases. Crew cab configuration is common for family/daily use. An extended warranty is suggested for diesel models, particularly older or higher-mileage examples. For gas engines, the 7.3L is preferred over the 6.2L for towing. Avoiding the 6.4L Powerstroke engine entirely is a recurrent recommendation.
General recommendations
Suitable for owners who require serious towing or payload capacity for work, campers, or heavy trailers. Not recommended as a daily driver or commuter vehicle for those without a need for its capability, due to its size, ride quality, and operating costs. Essential to thoroughly research the specific model year and engine history before purchase. A pre-purchase inspection is critical, especially for used diesel trucks. For used purchases, prioritize maintenance records and avoid modified examples. For new purchases, verify any open recalls (e.g., moonroof deflector clips on 2022 models).
Remarks
Owner feedback spans multiple generations, from the 1999-2016 models discussed in safety litigation to the current generation. The 6.4L Powerstroke (2008-2010) is universally panned in owner discussions, with strong warnings to avoid it regardless of modifications or deletion. The 6.7L Powerstroke's reputation improves significantly in post-2015 models. The 10-speed automatic transmission, while generally praised, has an isolated report of a catastrophic early failure. The data contains strong opinions but limited quantitative data on widespread issue frequencies beyond the notorious 6.4L engine. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions and inquiries.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 370 | 2 | suspension |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices2 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2011 · electrical system:softwarecampaign 11V128000
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 FORD F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, EDGE, AND LINCOLN MKX TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 25, 2010, THROUGH NOVEMBER 20, 2010. THESE VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED USING INTEGRATED DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (IDS) THAT HAD A CUSTOM SOFTWARE ROUTINE TO READ THE SUSPECT BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) SERIAL NUMBER. BASED ON THE SERIAL NUMBER THE BCM WAS EITHER NOT AFFECTED OR REPLACED. THE CUSTOM SOFTWARE ROUTINE WAS NOT READING THE CORRECT SET OF CHARACTERS, AND WAS NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY A BCM THAT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AFFECTED BCMS MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INTERNAL SHORT.
2011 · structure:bodycampaign 10V659000
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, EDGE AND LINCOLN MKX VEHICLES. DURING A SIX-DAY PRODUCTION PERIOD, THE SUPPLIER OF THE BODY CONTROL MODULE MANUFACTURED MODULES THAT MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INTERNAL SHORT.
Specifications
6.7 V8 Power Stroke TD
6.7L 8-cylinder diesel · 400 hp · RWD · automatic
Built 2011–2016