Ford F-250 SD Fuel System, Diesel Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 15, 2026 · 193 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 193 complaints with NHTSA about fuel system, diesel problems on the Ford F-250 SD across 26 model years. The 2020 model year has the most (36). The words owners use most often: “fuel pump” (26% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Fuel pump: mentioned in 50 of 193 complaints (26%)
  • High pressure: mentioned in 36 of 193 complaints (19%)
  • Motive power: mentioned in 28 of 193 complaints (15%)
  • Diesel contacted: mentioned in 14 of 193 complaints (7%)

At what mileage do fuel system, diesel problems happen?

Based on 161 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles7 · 4%
10k–25k miles12 · 7%
25k–50k miles22 · 14%
50k–75k miles22 · 14%
75k–100k miles31 · 19%
100k–150k miles44 · 27%
150k+ miles23 · 14%

How serious are the reports?

Of 193 complaints, 5 a fire, 1 an injury.

Ford F-250 SD fuel system, diesel complaints by model year

Peak: 2020, with 36 complaints
1996: 119961999: 32000: 320002001: 12002: 420022003: 92004: 1820042005: 152006: 220062007: 12008: 420082009: 12010: 120102011: 52012: 220122013: 22014: 120142015: 112016: 1020162017: 122018: 720182019: 132020: 362020362021: 252022: 520222023: 1

n = 193 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearFuel System, Diesel complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2023 F-250 SD12%44,000
2022 F-250 SD54%73,000
2021 F-250 SD2515%100,000
2020 F-250 SD3614%97,000
2019 F-250 SD131%133,000
2018 F-250 SD72%112,000
2017 F-250 SD121%108,471
2016 F-250 SD103%140,000
2015 F-250 SD114%101,000
2014 F-250 SD14%—
2013 F-250 SD210%30,000
2012 F-250 SD24%34,264
2011 F-250 SD54%30,000
2010 F-250 SD13%47,000
2009 F-250 SD14%25,000
2008 F-250 SD43%37,065
2007 F-250 SD12%88,000
2006 F-250 SD21%67,175
2005 F-250 SD155%60,000
2004 F-250 SD187%73,000
2003 F-250 SD95%16,000
2002 F-250 SD42%76,000
2001 F-250 SD10%—
2000 F-250 SD31%78,250
1999 F-250 SD31%230,000
1996 F-250 SD19%230,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2025, with 68 complaints
2003: 420032004: 22005: 320052006: 72007: 120072008: 42009: 1020092010: 142011: 1320112012: 12013: 420132014: 72015: 120152016: 22019: 120192021: 32022: 520222023: 82024: 1920242025: 68682026: 162026

n = 193 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (5)

Fuel system, diesel:delivery:fuel pumpMar 17, 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V158000 · 9,839 vehicles

Model years: 2020, 2021, 2022

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, 2021-2022 F600, and 2022 F750 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V957. Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump.

Risk: High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed mailed April 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S17. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 18, 2026.

Fuel system, diesel:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMay 9, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V306000 · 5 vehicles

Model years: 2025

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain F-250 and F-350 vehicles. Cracked fuel return line connectors may leak fuel into the engine compartment.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel return lines, free of charge. All vehicles have been repaired. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S44.

Fuel system, diesel:delivery:fuel pumpDec 20, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V957000 · 295,449 vehicles

Model years: 2020, 2021, 2022

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, F600, and 2021-2022 F-650, F750 vehicles. Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump.

Risk: High pressure fuel pump failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S78.

Fuel system, dieselJan 14, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V013000 · 19,697 vehicles

Model years: 2021

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, and Medium Duty F-650 and F-750 vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. A small void may be present in the top-center of the vehicle's underhood secondary fuel filter cap, which may progress to a pinhole over time, allowing fuel to leak from the top of the secondary fuel filter.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire or injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the primary and secondary fuel filters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S01.

Fuel system, dieselOct 26, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V778000 · 170 vehicles

Model years: 2017

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, and F-550 SD trucks manufactured March 21, 2016, to August 28, 2016. The protective shield on the fuel conditioning module may have inadequate adhesion, allowing the shield to become dislodged.

Risk: If the shield becomes dislodged, the drain valve may open resulting in a fuel leak. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire. Under certain conditions, significant liquid fuel on the road surface may cause a slip hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the protective shield, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S39.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a no-start condition and was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. However, the contact was informed that the repair was…

Received Sep 2, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11761676

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, while driving 40 MPH approximately two months later, the vehicle was running rough and stalled. The check engine warning light was…

Received Aug 11, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11756201

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated and the message "LIMP Mode in 34 Miles" was displayed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was diagnosed with a diesel emission fuel injector failure. The contact associated the…

Received Jul 21, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11751901

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount…

Received Jun 12, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11743767

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated and the engine seized. The contact stated while attempting to…

Received May 22, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11739540

Frequently asked questions

Do all Ford F-250 SDs have fuel system, diesel problems?

No. NHTSA has 193 owner complaints about fuel system, diesel for the Ford F-250 SD. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Ford F-250 SD fuel system, diesel?

Yes: 5 safety recalls list fuel system, diesel. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

What do owners say about fuel system, diesel problems on the Ford F-250 SD?

The most frequent phrase is “fuel pump”, in 50 of 193 complaints, followed by “high pressure” (36).

Other Ford F-250 SD problems

See all Ford F-250 SD problems.