Ford Super Duty Used Buying Guide: Known Issues

• Although Ford’s heavy-duty trucks have a solid reputation for reliability, there are a few problems that tend to crop up more than others.
• Before you purchase a used Super Duty, verify that it’s up-to-date on any necessary recall-related repairs.
• Keep your used Super Duty truck running like new by giving it the maintenance care it needs!
• At Jarrett Ford, we inspect every used Super Duty for common issues before we put it up for sale. We help you avoid common pitfalls by selecting only the best used trucks for our lot.

Both Edmunds and JD Power list the modern Ford Super Duty as one of the most reliable heavy-duty trucks money can buy — especially when equipped with the turbodiesel Power Stroke V8! That said, life happens. No vehicle is immune to time, not even Ford’s best-in-class heavy-duty pickup. However, you can stave off issues by following the automaker’s recommended maintenance guidelines. We also recommend regular service visits to ensure your truck is performing as it should be. That said, here are some common Super Duty issues to keep an eye out for!

• Coolant leaking from radiator: The Super Duty’s thermostat bypass has been known to fail, increasing pressure in the coolant system and potentially causing radiator leaks.
• Coolant seeping from engine: If you see white smoke coming from your Super Duty’s tailpipe, it’s a sign the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve is leaking.
• Liner cavitation/pitting: Without regular maintenance, bubbles may form in your diesel truck’s coolant system. Bubbles that implode near metal or plastic lining can cause erosion, leakage, or component failure.
• Sudden drop in power: A loose hose between the turbocharger and intake manifold may cause your truck to lose power. You may hear a tapping sound right before this occurs.

Shopping the used market? Use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle lookup page to see whether a certain Super Duty truck has any recalls. Just enter the vehicle’s VIN number! Recalls are free to fix at your local Ford dealer, so it’s easy enough to obtain necessary repairs. Here’s a look at some recent issues that should be fixed before you hit the road.

• Faulty high-pressure diesel fuel pump: Some diesel Super Duty trucks from 2020 through 2022 equipped with diesel engines and fueled with biodiesel were recalled because their fuel pumps may fail after sitting unused too long.
• Driver’s airbag may become deactivated: Affected 2023 Ford F-450 trucks should not be driven until this issue is fixed.
• Front wheel and hub extender may detach: In certain 2022-2023 F-350 and F-450 trucks, the front wheel hub’s fasteners may be insufficiently tightened, which may result in the wheel extender detaching from the vehicle. These trucks aren't safe to drive until this issue has been resolved!

Believe it or not, some of the Super Duty’s common problems come down to improper maintenance. For example, draining the fuel/water separator once a month (or more, depending on local conditions and engine usage) can help you avoid a whole host of expensive mechanical issues, including engine failure. Using high-quality diesel fuel can also help keep your powertrain running at peak efficiency. Overall, carefully following your Super Duty’s manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule will help you enjoy these trucks’ famously reliable ride.

In addition to these items, make sure to follow the recommendations in your truck’s user manual!

• Oil changes: Keep your Super Duty’s engine lubricated to absorb heat and prevent carbon buildup — things that are absolutely necessary for a lasting performance.
• Fuel filters: Both gas and diesel powertrains require timely fuel filter replacements. In addition to the primary fuel filter between the tank and engine, diesel trucks have an extra fuel filter near the engine. After replacing the filters, a diesel fuel system typically needs to be bled to remove any bubbles from the fuel supply.
• Air filters: For both gas and diesel trucks, replacing air filters at recommended intervals to prevent blockage.
• Draining the water separator: For diesel Super Duty trucks, this is an important extra maintenance step. Compared to regular gasoline, diesel fuel is more easily contaminated by water. That’s why diesel trucks feature a self-cleaning water separator. It must be drained manually, via an easy-to-use drain valve, so that the collection chamber can continue to separate water from fuel.