The 2020 F-350 Super Duty represents the tail end of the third-gen platform before the 2023 redesign. The 6.7L Power Stroke is generally solid but has specific failure points around emissions and cooling; the 7.3L Godzilla gas engine has proven bulletproof but thirsty.
6.7L Power Stroke CP4 Fuel Pump Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden loss of power, rough running, or complete no-start, Metal contamination throughout entire fuel system when pump grenades, Fuel in oil (dilution) as early warning sign
Fix: Complete fuel system flush required: injectors, lines, tank cleaning, new CP4 pump replacement. 18-24 labor hours for full remediation. This is catastrophic when it happens — metal shavings destroy injectors and contaminate everything downstream.
Estimated cost: $8,000-12,000
6.7L Power Stroke EGR Cooler Failure and Coolant Loss
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Coolant loss with no visible external leaks, Rough idle, extended cranking when hot, P0401 or P0402 EGR codes
Fix: EGR cooler replacement involves cab removal for proper access on these chassis. 16-20 hours labor. Often discover intake manifold gasket and oil cooler issues during this job, so budget for additional work. Coolant enters combustion chamber through cracked cooler.
Estimated cost: $4,500-6,500
10R140 Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severity
Symptoms: Transmission fluid pooling under truck, often passenger-side frame rail, Low fluid level causing delayed engagement or slipping, Fluid visible on crossmember or running down frame
Fix: Factory cooler lines and connections at radiator are known weak points. Lines corrode or fittings crack at crimp points. Replace lines and often the in-radiator cooler section. 4-6 hours labor depending on configuration and access.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Actuator and VGT System Issues
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Limp mode with P0299 underboost or P003A overboost codes, Poor throttle response, lack of power under load, Whistling or surging on acceleration, Turbo vanes sticking (carbon buildup)
Fix: Turbo actuator replacement or full turbo rebuild if vanes are seized. Carbon cleaning of VGT mechanism sometimes buys time. 6-8 hours for actuator, 10-14 for turbo R&R. Catch early or risk complete turbo failure.
Estimated cost: $1,200-3,800
Front Seat Recliner Mechanism Failure (NHTSA Recall)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Driver or passenger seat back suddenly reclines without input, Recliner handle feels loose or ineffective, Seat back won't lock in position
Fix: Covered under NHTSA recall 20V-636. Seat recliner mechanism replacement, typically 2-3 hours per seat at dealer. Safety issue — seat can collapse rearward in crash or hard braking. Check recall status before purchase.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall)
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Clogging and Regen Issues
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Frequent active regen cycles (noticeable fuel smell, higher idle), Reduced power, derate events with DPF differential pressure codes, Check engine light with P2002 or P244B codes, Poor fuel economy
Fix: DPF cleaning or replacement if too far gone. Short-trip driving accelerates clogging. DPF service (bake/clean) runs 4-6 hours; full replacement 8-10 hours. Many owners face this if truck never sees highway miles for proper passive regen.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200 (cleaning) or $3,500-5,000 (replacement)
Dana M275 Rear Axle Seal Leaks (Super Duty Specific)
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil on inside of rear wheel or diff cover, Visible drips from pinion seal or axle tube seals, Low differential fluid level on inspection
Fix: Pinion seal or axle shaft seals replacement. Common on work trucks that see towing or heavy loads. 2-4 hours depending on which seal. Catch early to avoid bearing damage from low fluid.
Estimated cost: $400-800
Owner tips
6.7L Power Stroke: Use Motorcraft oil and fuel filters religiously — off-brand fuel filtration invites CP4 failure. Run quality diesel additive for lubricity.
Highway miles are your friend with the diesel — helps keep DPF and EGR system clean through passive regen. Avoid short-trip-only use.
Check transmission fluid level every oil change — 10R140 cooler line leaks are common and low fluid kills these transmissions fast.
If buying used diesel, demand complete service records showing EGR cooler and fuel system health. Budget $3-5k reserve for deferred emissions work.
7.3L Godzilla gas owners mostly worry about fuel costs — mechanically these are tanks. Diesel owners face complexity tax.
Buy the 7.3L gas if you can stomach 10 MPG — dead reliable. Diesel is capable but expect $5-8k in emissions/fuel system work over 150k miles; still worth it for serious towing, just budget accordingly.
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.
Fitment notes: Dual battery system standard on 6.7L Power Stroke diesel; this spec is for primary battery
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2018-2020 Ford F-350 — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Not a separate module; function within BCM; key programming required
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-350 trucks equipped with 7.3L gas engines and ambulance prep packages. These vehicles were ordered with Wide Track rear axles, but were built with base (narrower) axles. Depending on the body installed by the body builder, the inner tires on the dual wheel rear axle may contact the body.
Consequence: Inner tire contact with the body could result in a tire blowout, potentially causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will rebuild the rear axle as a Wide Track axle on vehicles already built. For remaining vehicles, body builders will be given the option to accept the base axle and build a different second unit body that meets Ford's specifications or have the rear axle rebuilt as a Wide Track axle, free of charge. An interim letter notifying owners of the safety risk was mailed on October 23, 2020. The recall began January 11, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S57.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER · 19V633000
2019-08-28
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Performance
Horsepower
475hp
Torque
1,050lb-ft
0–60 mph
6.1sec
Quarter mile
14.8sec
Top speed
98mph
Capability & size
Towing capacity
35,750lb
Payload
7,850lb
Curb weight
7,450lb
Wiper blades
Fourth generation Super Duty. Pickup trucks do not have rear wipers.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2020 Ford F-350 6.7L V8 Power Stroke Diesel and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.