The Ford F-250 is America’s best-selling medium-duty pickup. The fifth-generation started in 2023 with two new engine options introduced to complement the legendary Godzilla 7.3L. The F-250 does have a few known problems, however.
The information in this article is derived from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), press releases from Ford, and popular Super Duty forums such as FordForum and Ford-Trucks.
F-250 Engine & Transmission Issues
There are four engines in all for the fifth-generation F-250, two gasoline and two diesels. These range in power output from 405 horsepower to 500 with a similar range of torque numbers. All four engines pair to a 10-speed automatic transmission with shifting tuned to the engine specifications. The following are recalls and service bulletins affecting the drivetrain of the F-250.
Rear Driveshaft (26V-119 & 25V-866 & 23V-595): Certain 2026 models may have rear driveshafts with improper friction weld penetration or heat treating, increasing the risk of separation. Dealers will inspect and replace the driveshaft if necessary.
Fuel Pump Failure (25V-455): Low-pressure fuel pumps in some 2023 F-250 models may fail, causing engine stall. A fix has not yet been determined.
Cracked Fuel Lines (25V-306): Some fuel return lines in certain F-250 models may be prone to cracking, increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire. Dealerships will replace the return lines.
Poor Shift Quality & CDF Drum: TSBs address delayed shifting, harsh engagement, or transmission Malfunction Indicators. The CDF drum is a known area of concern linked to harsh downshifts and lurching at highway speeds.
Transmission Shims: TSB covers select-fit shim issues inside the transmission, requiring transmission replacement in certain 2023-2024 F-250 models.
Major Recalls for the Ford F-250
These are the largest recalls that affect the F-250, sorted by year of recall and NHTSA recall number. Some recalls that included a minimum number of trucks may not appear here for space considerations.
Windshield Wipers (26V-204): Affects certain 2022–2023 Super Duty trucks. The windshield wiper arms may break and fail. Dealers will inspect and replace arms as necessary.
Integrated Trailer Module (26V-104): Affects a massive number of 2022–2026 models. A software error may cause the trailer module to lose communication, leading to a loss of trailer brake lights, turn signals, or brake function. Dealers/over-the-air updates will address this.
Brake Booster Pushrod (25V-401): Affects certain 2025 F-250s. The brake booster may be missing a pushrod retain spring, which could lead to a sudden loss of brakes.
Instrument Cluster Failed Startup (25V-400): Instrument panel cluster may fail on vehicle startup in certain 2025-2026 F-250 trucks. Repair is an over-the-air or dealership-installed software update.
Rearview Camera Delay/Freeze (25V-315): Some 2022-2025 F-250 models may have a software error which causes the rearview camera to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. Dealership or over-the-air software update required.
Steering Column Shifter (25V-163): Affects 2025 Super Duty trucks. The shifter may be improperly welded, increasing the risk of vehicle rollaway. Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column if needed.
Power Window Safety Fail (25V-157 & 23V-507): Replacement power window modules for a previous 2023 F-250 recall may not remedy the issue. Driver and front passenger windows may fail to detect obstacles while closing, increasing the risk of injury.
Pro Trailer Hitch Camera Fail (25V-134 & 23V-573): A previous fix for a failed rearview camera when using the Pro Trailer Hitch feature may not have repaired the issue. A new recall for another fix has been issued.
Tailgate Release (24V-806): Affects 2023–2024 F-250s. Electronic tailgate release switches may short circuit, potentially causing the tailgate to open unexpectedly while driving.
Steering Column Airbag Weld (23V-847): An improper weld on the steering wheel clock spring may cause a loss of electrical connection to the driver’s front airbag, resulting in a lack of deployment in a crash.
Instrument Cluster Solder (23V-506): Some 2023 F-250 models may have an improper solder in the instrument cluster, preventing the panel from illuminating. Cluster will be replaced.
Improper Owner’s Manual (23V-420): Some F-250 models in 2023 did not include correct instructions in the owner’s manual, requiring the manual be replaced.
Tire Load Labels Incorrect (23V-379): Some 2023 models had incorrect Tire and Loading Information labels.
Missing Steering Column Bolts (23V-344): Some 2023 F-250 Super Duty models may have missing or loose steering column bolts, resulting in possible separation of the steering column.
F-250 Super Duty Technical Service Bulletins
A technical service bulletin (TSB) is a group of diagnostic, repair, or replacement instructions issued by the manufacturer to dealerships and technicians. A TSB is usually related to a recall, common warranty claim, or to known issues for the vehicle. These TSBs for the F-250 are those that did not appear in our Engine & Transmission section above.
Illuminated Brake Warning: Bulletins address brake vacuum sensor faults triggering DTCs C0047 and P0557 on vacuum-assist models.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Inoperative: TSBs cover electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) system failures linked to DTC C00A1 in the AWD module.
Diesel Engine & Electronics: Updates to Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) to resolve erratic drivability, check engine lights, and glitchy infotainment screens.
Emissions: TSB addresses an illuminated Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) with DTCs P203B, P206B, and/or P2201 on 6.7L diesel engines.
Camera/Mirrors: TSB provides instructions for updating the Ambient Air Temperature (AAT) sensor and aligning the 360-degree cameras.
Common Problems for F-250
The following common problems are issues reported by owners and technicians that do not have a recall or TSB associated with them. These problems are what is most often found in forums and social media for the F-250 Super Duty.
The “Death Wobble”: Despite suspension redesigns, a violent shaking of the front end when hitting bumps at highway speeds remains an ongoing, widely reported issue. It often requires replacing components like the track bar, steering damper, or ball joints.
Transmission & Electronics: Owners frequently report rough shifting, unexpectedly dropping into lower gears, and “limp mode” issues. Not all of these concerns have been addressed by TSBs. Additionally, the integrated trailer module can lose communication, disabling trailer lights or brakes.
Diesel Engine Concerns: Long idling and heavy towing can lead to low idle oil pressure, which accelerates wear between camshafts and hydraulic lifters. White smoke and coolant leaks tied to the EGR valves are also common in diesel variants.
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.
