The 2017 F-250 with the 6.7L Power Stroke is a workhorse diesel known for strong towing capability, but this generation suffers from CP4.2 fuel pump failures that can grenade the entire fuel system, plus transmission cooler leaks and EGR/emissions system issues that can sideline trucks and cost serious money.
CP4.2 High-Pressure Fuel Pump Catastrophic Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: sudden loss of power or no-start, metal contamination throughout fuel system, rough running before complete failure, fuel in oil or excessive crankcase pressure in severe cases
Fix: CP4.2 pump self-destructs and sends metal debris through injectors, fuel rails, lines, and tank. Requires complete fuel system flush/replacement: new pump, all 8 injectors, high and low-pressure fuel lines, fuel rails, tank cleaning or replacement. 18-25 labor hours depending on contamination severity. Many owners install CP3 conversion kit during repair to prevent recurrence.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure and Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission fluid leaking near radiator, low transmission fluid warnings, pink fluid visible under truck, transmission overheating if severe
Fix: Factory cooler lines corrode at fittings or crack at bend points. Lines run through frame rails and require removal of skid plates and heat shields. Replace both supply and return lines as set, flush cooler. 3-5 hours labor. Use upgraded stainless or reinforced lines to prevent repeat failure.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
EGR Cooler Clogging and Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: check engine light with P0401 or P0402 codes, white smoke on startup, coolant loss with no external leaks, rough idle and reduced power, coolant in exhaust or oil in extreme cases
Fix: EGR cooler clogs with soot or develops internal leaks between exhaust and coolant passages. Requires EGR cooler replacement, often with EGR valve, intake cleaning, and new coolant. Delete is illegal for road use. 6-9 hours labor depending on cab configuration and access.
Estimated cost: $2,000-3,500
Turbocharger Actuator and Vane Position Sensor Failures
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: check engine light with P0299 (underboost) or P2263 codes, significant loss of power under load, turbo whistle or unusual noises, black smoke during acceleration, limp mode activation
Fix: Variable vane turbo actuator sticks or position sensor fails, preventing proper boost control. Carbon buildup on vanes is common culprit. Can sometimes clean and reset, but usually requires turbo removal for service or actuator replacement. 5-8 hours labor for removal, inspection, and reinstallation or rebuild.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,800
DEF System Component Failures (Injector and Heater)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 75,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: DEF system fault warnings, reduced engine power message, 5 mph speed limiter after warning countdown, DEF consumption stops or spikes abnormally, check engine light with U0401 or P20EE codes
Fix: DEF injector clogs with crystallized urea or heater element fails in tank. Injector failure more common in cold climates or with poor-quality DEF. Requires DEF tank removal for heater, 4-6 hours. Injector replacement is 2-3 hours from underneath. Use OEM parts only—aftermarket DEF components have high failure rates.
Estimated cost: $800-2,000
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: clunk when shifting from park to drive or reverse, vibration at idle in gear, excessive driveline movement visible when applying throttle, transmission noise transmitted to cab
Fix: Rubber transmission mount separates or tears, especially on trucks used for towing. Simple replacement from underneath, 1-2 hours. Often discovered during other service. Recommend polyurethane upgrade for heavy-use trucks.
Estimated cost: $250-500
Glow Plug Failures and Swelling
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: hard starting in cold weather, extended cranking time, white smoke on cold start, check engine light with P0380-P0387 codes, one or more cylinders miss until warmed up
Fix: Glow plugs fail or swell in cylinder head, making extraction difficult or impossible without head removal. Test all plugs before removal—if swollen, may need head removal to extract broken plugs. Simple replacement is 2-3 hours for all eight. Extraction of swollen/broken plugs can add 8-12 hours if head removal required.
Estimated cost: $500-1,000 (simple), $3,000-5,000 (with extraction issues)
Capable towing machine with excellent payload ratings, but the CP4 fuel pump is a ticking time bomb that can cost five figures when it grenades—only buy if maintenance history is pristine and you budget $3,000-5,000 for preventive CP3 conversion or accept the catastrophic failure risk.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.