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

Now in its sixth generation, the Ford Super Duty lineup of heavy duty trucks remain 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. An Integrated Trailer Module Software Fault (Ford Recall 26C10) affects over 4.3 million vehicles, including both F-150 and Super Duty). The trailer module may lose communication at startup. When this happens, a connected trailer’s brake lights and turn signals may fail, and the trailer brakes may not function. Ford is providing free over-the-air (OTA) software updates or dealer reprogrammings for this.

Some Super Duty trucks are experiencing windshield wiper failure. This affects 2022-2023 F-Series HD trucks under Ford Recall 26S24. This recall covers nearly 423,000 vehicles to address windshield wipers that can fail due to stripped wiper arms. Affected Super Duty models require dealer replacement of those wiper arms. 

And, of course, the dreaded airbag problems are there. The airbag clock spring in 2023 F-150 & Super Duty trucks can have a bad weld. This insufficient weld in the steering wheel clock spring can lead to loss of electrical connection to the driver’s front airbag. Ford considers this recall resolved, but owners should double-check to make sure they’ve had it fixed.

Fuel Pump Pressure Failure Recall

This affects Ford vehicles from the 2021-2023 model years, including Super Duty trucks. The issue is low pressure in the fuel pump, causing engine shutoff and other problems because a low fuel level leads to contaminants in the fuel line. This was one of the largest recalls in Ford’s history, affecting trucks and SUVs across the lineup such as the high-selling Explorer. 

Recall number 25S75 (Ford) affects about 850,000 vehicles. 

Cooling System Leaks and the Dreaded White Smoke

Coolant leaks from the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and thermostat bypass are becoming a common complaint. These leaks can lead to white smoke from the tailpipe as the coolant is evaporated into the exhaust. Symptoms include increased system pressure, sweet-smelling white smoke, and low coolant levels. 

This is a known issue that does not yet have a technical service bulletin or recall associated with it. It can be present in models with gasoline engines. 

Major Powertrain Recall and Rear Axles Snapping

Ford has issued a recall on Super Duty trucks with a 10-speed automatic transmission and high-output engine. The rear axle shaft can fracture in these trucks, causing a loss of power or loss of the ability for the truck to remain stationary in park. 

The recall for this (23S49, Ford) is limited to 2023 model year Super Duty trucks and some F-150 models. The fix is a replacement of the left-rear axle shaft, which may have been improperly heat-treated when manufactured. 

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

Most of the long-term reliability issues affected early model years for this current generation of the Super Duty. For the 2026 model year, nearly all of these complaints (sans some of the ongoing electronics glitches) are resolved. Most of the major issues listed here, including fracturing axles and trailer modules failing, are limited to 2023-2024 model year trucks and shouldn’t be affecting newer builds. 

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 Transportation 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.