2023-2026 Ford Super Duty Known Problems: Death Wobble, Electronic Glitches, Fuel System & Rear Axle Shaft Recalls

Now in its fifth generation, the Ford Super Duty lineup of heavy duty trucks remains the best-selling heavy-duty (HD) trucks on the market. But that doesn’t mean they’re perfect. Known problems include the now infamous “death wobble” in the front suspension, electronic and tech issues (including an issue with trailering), fuel system pressure problems, cooling system leaks, and a big recall for rear axle shaft fracture. 

Despite a Suspension Redesign, the Death Wobble Still Persists

Ford’s engineers had hoped they’d solved the violent shaking of the truck’s front end after hitting bumps at highway speeds. Commonly called the “death wobble” by truck owners, the issue was well-documented among the previous-generation Super Duty series. 

This new generation of HD trucks is still having this issue, though reports so far have it being far less of an issue than it was before. As with previous models, the fix seems to be replacing track bars, ball joints, and steering dampers. 

So far, no recall has been issued for this in 2023-2026 F-Series trucks. 

Electronics and Infotainment Glitches Abound, Add To Recalls

There are gremlins everywhere in the F-250’s electronics. The most common of these are backup camera color distortions and blank screens. The large center touchscreen freezing or rebooting mid-drive is also a common issue. 

Bigger problems, however, have resulted in recalls.

Integrated Trailer Module Recall: Ford campaign 26C10, filed with NHTSA as recall 26V-104, covers approximately 1.14 million 2022-2026 F-250 trucks. A software error can cause the integrated trailer module to lose communication at startup, disabling trailer brake lights, turn signals and, on trucks with the high-series module, trailer brakes. Ford provides an over-the-air update or dealer reprogramming.

Windshield Wiper Failure: Ford campaign 26S24, filed with NHTSA as recall 26V-204, includes 326,239 certain 2022-2023 Super Duty trucks. A wiper arm can operate erratically, stop working or detach, reducing visibility. Dealers inspect and replace affected wiper arms.

Driver Airbag Clock-Spring Recall: Ford campaign 23S63, filed with NHTSA as recall 23V-847, covers certain 2023 F-150 and Super Duty trucks. An insufficient weld in the clock spring can interrupt the electrical connection to the driver’s airbag, preventing it from deploying during a crash. Dealers inspect and replace affected clock springs at no charge.

Rearview Camera Software Recall (25V-315): Certain 2023-2024 Super Duty trucks equipped with affected SYNC 4 software can display a delayed, frozen or missing rearview-camera image. The recall includes 65,385 Super Duty trucks and is addressed through a software update.

Fuel Pump Pressure Failure Recall

The complete recall covers approximately 850,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, including more than 113,000 Super Duty trucks.

Gasoline Fuel-Pump Failure Recall: Ford campaign 25S75, filed with NHTSA as recall 25V-455, covers certain 2021-2023 Super Duty trucks equipped with the 6.2-liter, 6.8-liter or 7.3-liter gasoline engine. Power Stroke diesel trucks are not included. The low-pressure fuel pump can lose pressure and fuel flow, potentially stalling the engine while driving. Ford says failure is more likely with a low fuel level or during hot-weather and hot-fuel conditions. Warning signs can include rough running, reduced power or a check-engine light.

Editor’s note: Although the recall lists certain 2023 model-year trucks, Ford says the affected vehicles were produced between July 2021 and July 2022.

Cooling System Leaks and the Dreaded White Smoke

Some owners of 2023 and newer Super Duty trucks equipped with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke report coolant leaks involving the EGR cooler and thermostat-bypass system. An internal EGR-cooler leak can allow coolant to enter the intake or exhaust, producing white smoke, a sweet exhaust smell and unexplained coolant loss.

External leaks involving bypass connections, hoses or O-rings may instead leave coolant around the engine or beneath the truck. Ford has not issued a recall for these reported problems, so owners experiencing coolant loss should have the system pressure-tested to identify the source.

Rear Axle Shaft Fracture Recall

The rear axle generated the most significant hardware-related recall of this Super Duty generation.

Rear Axle Shaft Fracture Recall: Ford campaign 23S49, filed with NHTSA as recall 23V-595, covered 41,468 certain 2023 F-250 and F-350 trucks equipped with single rear wheels and a 10.5-inch rear axle. An improperly completed heat-treatment process could cause the left rear axle shaft to fracture, resulting in a loss of power and an inability to hold the truck in park. Dealers inspect the axle-shaft date code and replace affected shafts at no charge.

How Reliable Is This New Generation of F-250 Super Duty Trucks?

The 2023 model year accumulated several recalls involving axle shafts, airbags, wiper arms, fuel pumps and rearview-camera software. Some of those problems were limited to relatively narrow production periods, but the integrated trailer module recall extends through the 2026 F-250. Owners should check their VIN rather than assuming a newer model year is unaffected.

The lone major issue for owners to really keep an eye out for is the death wobble. That appears to be a rare, but ongoing issue.

How To Check For Recalls On Your Truck

The easiest way to check for current recalls that may affect your Ford Super Duty is to visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Recalls page and enter your license plate or 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) to run a search. You can also do this at the Ford Service website.