https://torqueindex.com/blog/Buyer's checklists and problem explainers for diesel and gas trucks, built from NHTSA owner complaints, manufacturer bulletins and recalls.en-ushttps://torqueindex.com/blog/first-30-days-with-a-used-diesel-truck/https://torqueindex.com/blog/first-30-days-with-a-used-diesel-truck/What to do after buying a used Power Stroke, Cummins or Duramax: run the VIN for open recalls, read the codes, change the fuel filters, learn the truck's normal coolant and oil levels, and do the one preventive job each engine needs.Owner guideMon, 02 Nov 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/diesel-exhaust-smoke-color-guide/https://torqueindex.com/blog/diesel-exhaust-smoke-color-guide/What white, black and blue-gray smoke from a diesel truck means: coolant or unburned fuel, too much fuel or too little air, or burning oil, with the documented failures behind each color on Power Stroke, Cummins and Duramax engines.Field guideSun, 01 Nov 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/truck-recalls-2026/https://torqueindex.com/blog/truck-recalls-2026/Every 2026 safety recall on Ford, Ram, Chevrolet and GMC pickups and vans through October: 50 campaigns, the 11 new since September, two do-not-drive recalls and the drivetrain recalls to check first.Recall digestSat, 31 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/how-a-modern-diesel-truck-engine-works/https://torqueindex.com/blog/how-a-modern-diesel-truck-engine-works/How a modern diesel pickup engine works, step by step: turbo, intercooler, glow plugs, high-pressure fuel pump, injectors, EGR, DPF and DEF, with how many of 2,037 owner complaints name each part.Illustrated explainerFri, 30 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/ford-navistar-power-stroke-history/https://torqueindex.com/blog/ford-navistar-power-stroke-history/Who made the Power Stroke diesel? International Harvester and Navistar built Ford's diesel V8s from the 1983 6.9 IDI to the 2010 6.4, until a warranty dispute over the 6.0 ended the deal and Ford built the 6.7 itself.HistoryThu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/7-3-power-stroke-cruise-control-switch-fire/https://torqueindex.com/blog/7-3-power-stroke-cruise-control-switch-fire/Why 7.3 Power Stroke Super Duty and Excursion trucks caught fire at the speed control deactivation switch, why diesels were left out of Ford's recalls until 09V-399 in 2009, and how to check a truck today.Case fileWed, 28 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/3-5-ecoboost-cold-start-rattle/https://torqueindex.com/blog/3-5-ecoboost-cold-start-rattle/Why a 3.5 EcoBoost F-150 rattles on a cold start: cam phasers on 2017-2020 trucks, the timing chain on 2011-2016, Ford's bulletins TSB 20-2315 and 16-0027, and what the repair costs.Quick answerTue, 27 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/sprinter-limp-mode-owner-stories/https://torqueindex.com/blog/sprinter-limp-mode-owner-stories/Why a Mercedes Sprinter goes into limp mode, told by owners in NHTSA complaints: half name a rear wheel speed sensor with ABS and ESP lights, not the engine. Recall 21V-042 and what to check.Owner voicesMon, 26 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/diesel-repair-costs-owners-paid/https://torqueindex.com/blog/diesel-repair-costs-owners-paid/How much do diesel truck repairs cost? 434 repair bills and quotes from owner complaints on Power Stroke, Cummins and Duramax trucks, by system and engine, and why CP4 fuel pump trucks cost the most.By the numbersSun, 25 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/what-breaks-when-towing/https://torqueindex.com/blog/what-breaks-when-towing/Diesel truck problems when towing a trailer, camper or fifth wheel: power loss, stalls, overheating and turbo trouble, from 358 NHTSA complaints on Power Stroke, Cummins and Duramax trucks.Data storySat, 24 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/diesel-or-gas-super-duty/https://torqueindex.com/blog/diesel-or-gas-super-duty/Diesel or gas F-250 and F-350? 6.7 Power Stroke vs 7.3 Godzilla on the same 2020+ trucks: what owners complain about, the recalls and programs on each, and who each engine suits.Decision guideFri, 23 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/diesel-truck-terms-explained/https://torqueindex.com/blog/diesel-truck-terms-explained/What DEF, DPF, regen, EGR, VGT, FICM, HPOP, CP4 and other diesel truck terms mean, in plain English, which trucks have each part, and how often owners mention it.ExplainerThu, 22 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/diesel-and-gas-truck-engines-timeline/https://torqueindex.com/blog/diesel-and-gas-truck-engines-timeline/Which engine is in which truck year: a one-page timeline of every Power Stroke, Cummins and Duramax since 1994, plus the gas V8s and van engines, and the years when everything changed.ReferenceWed, 21 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/how-the-cummins-got-into-the-dodge/https://torqueindex.com/blog/how-the-cummins-got-into-the-dodge/The 5.9 Cummins history in one read: a 1980s farm and construction engine, the 1989 Dodge pickup, and the 12-valve, 24-valve and common rail eras, with what each means for buyers today.HistoryTue, 20 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/is-the-6-0-powerstroke-that-bad/https://torqueindex.com/blog/is-the-6-0-powerstroke-that-bad/Is the 6.0 Powerstroke as bad as its reputation? Six common claims about head gaskets, good years and bulletproofing, checked against 980 owner complaints and Ford's own bulletins.Myth checkMon, 19 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/half-ton-diesel-comparison/https://torqueindex.com/blog/half-ton-diesel-comparison/EcoDiesel vs 3.0 Power Stroke vs 3.0 Duramax for a used half-ton diesel: recalls, what owners report to NHTSA, repair prices and what to check by VIN.Buyer's guideSun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/diesel-truck-cold-weather-problems/https://torqueindex.com/blog/diesel-truck-cold-weather-problems/Diesel truck won't start in the cold? Glow plugs, grid heaters, gelled fuel, frozen DEF and block heater cords by engine, with recalls, bulletins and costs.Problem explainerSat, 17 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/6-7-power-stroke-p0299-low-boost/https://torqueindex.com/blog/6-7-power-stroke-p0299-low-boost/6.7 Powerstroke P0299 underboost: Ford's bulletin on the charge air cooler tube, turbo and actuator by generation, what is normal, what to check first and costs.Problem explainerFri, 16 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/power-stroke-vs-cummins-vs-duramax-complaints/https://torqueindex.com/blog/power-stroke-vs-cummins-vs-duramax-complaints/Power Stroke, Cummins and Duramax compared by what owners report to NHTSA: fuel system, DEF, turbo, EGR and cooling shares for ten engines, and why we do not rank them.Where people disagreeThu, 15 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/5-9-cummins-vp44-failure/https://torqueindex.com/blog/5-9-cummins-vp44-failure/VP44 failure symptoms on the 24-valve 5.9 Cummins: dead pedal, hard starts, stalling, code P0216. Why the lift pump kills it, what to test first and the cost.Problem explainerWed, 14 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/buying-used-duramax-lb7-lly-lbz-lmm/https://torqueindex.com/blog/buying-used-duramax-lb7-lly-lbz-lmm/LB7 vs LLY vs LBZ vs LMM: best years for a used 2001-2010 Duramax, what owners report to NHTSA for each engine, GM's injector coverage and what to check.Buyer's guideTue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/7-3-power-stroke-wont-start/https://torqueindex.com/blog/7-3-power-stroke-wont-start/7.3 Powerstroke crank no start or stalling? Check the cam sensor, fuel supply and tank lining, ICP and glow plugs in order, with Ford's recall, bulletins and costs.Problem explainerMon, 12 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/diesel-truck-recalls-and-warranty-extensions/https://torqueindex.com/blog/diesel-truck-recalls-and-warranty-extensions/Every diesel-specific recall and warranty extension we found for Power Stroke, Cummins and Duramax trucks, 1994-2026, and how to check yours by VIN.Data reportSun, 11 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/6-7-cummins-mileage-when-problems-start/https://torqueindex.com/blog/6-7-cummins-mileage-when-problems-start/When 6.7 Cummins owners hit DEF, DPF, turbo actuator and grid heater problems, by the mileage they gave NHTSA. A 3-minute read with one chart.By the numbersSat, 10 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/buying-used-6-7-cummins/https://torqueindex.com/blog/buying-used-6-7-cummins/Best years for a used 6.7 Cummins Ram, 2013 vs 2015 vs 2018, what to check before you buy, and the mileage when owners hit turbo, DPF and DEF problems.Buyer's guideFri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/5-4-triton-cam-phaser-noise/https://torqueindex.com/blog/5-4-triton-cam-phaser-noise/5.4 3V Triton cam phaser rattle explained: how to tell phasers from the timing chain or an exhaust leak, Ford's bulletins (TSB 14-0114, SSM 47331) and repair costs.Problem explainerThu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/duramax-l5p-problems/https://torqueindex.com/blog/duramax-l5p-problems/Common L5P Duramax problems from NHTSA complaints and GM bulletins: DEF heater and tank, injector connectors, fuel contamination, glow plugs, recalls and costs.Data reportWed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/buying-used-6-4-power-stroke/https://torqueindex.com/blog/buying-used-6-4-power-stroke/6.4 Powerstroke problems, years to avoid and what to check before you buy a 2008-2010 Ford Super Duty diesel, with Ford's campaigns and part prices.Buyer's guideTue, 06 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/cp4-pump-failure-owner-stories/https://torqueindex.com/blog/cp4-pump-failure-owner-stories/What a CP4 fuel pump failure feels like on a Ford 6.7, Duramax LML or 2019-2020 Ram, told by five owners in NHTSA complaints, and what to do if it happens.Owner voicesMon, 05 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/cp4-pump-which-diesel-trucks-have-it/https://torqueindex.com/blog/cp4-pump-which-diesel-trucks-have-it/Which diesel pickups have the Bosch CP4 pump (Ford 6.7, Duramax LML, Ram 2019-2020), which do not, the recalls, the failure signs and what a CP4 failure costs.Data reportSun, 04 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/buying-used-5-9-cummins/https://torqueindex.com/blog/buying-used-5-9-cummins/How to buy a used 1994-2007 Dodge Ram with the 5.9 Cummins: the three generations, what each breaks (dowel pin, VP44, 53 block, injectors) and what it costs.Buyer's guideSat, 03 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/6-7-power-stroke-problems/https://torqueindex.com/blog/6-7-power-stroke-problems/6.7 Powerstroke problems by year from 666 NHTSA complaints: the CP4 pump and recall 24V-957, DEF and DPF on 2015-2016, Ford's warranty extensions, and the best years.Data reportFri, 02 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/def-warning-5-mph-derate/https://torqueindex.com/blog/def-warning-5-mph-derate/Why your diesel shows a DEF warning and a countdown to 5 mph, what to do right away, the common causes on Ford, Ram and GM trucks, and the manufacturer programs.Problem explainerThu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/p2609-code-6-7-cummins/https://torqueindex.com/blog/p2609-code-6-7-cummins/P2609 on a Ram 6.7 Cummins is the intake grid heater. Why replacing only the relay is not enough, the grid heater bolt, recalls and what it costs.Quick answerWed, 30 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/ram-6-7-cummins-2019-problems/https://torqueindex.com/blog/ram-6-7-cummins-2019-problems/What goes wrong on 2019 and later Ram 2500/3500 diesels: the CP4 pump recall (Y78), 2022 DPF and sensor problems, the grid heater bolt and relay recalls.Data reportTue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/6-0-power-stroke-bulletproofing/https://torqueindex.com/blog/6-0-power-stroke-bulletproofing/What a 6.0 Powerstroke bulletproof job includes, which parts each truck actually needs, head studs or not, the costs, and where builders disagree.Where people disagreeMon, 28 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/ford-7-3-godzilla-lifter-ticking/https://torqueindex.com/blog/ford-7-3-godzilla-lifter-ticking/Why the Ford 7.3 Godzilla gas engine ticks, what Ford's program 24B27 says about idling and lifter wear, the cracked oil pump gear, and what repairs cost.Problem explainerSun, 27 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/duramax-lml-problems/https://torqueindex.com/blog/duramax-lml-problems/What breaks on the 2011-2016 Duramax LML: the CP4 pump by year, why it takes the whole fuel system with it, DEF coverage from GM, and what each repair costs.Data reportSat, 26 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/buying-used-7-3-power-stroke/https://torqueindex.com/blog/buying-used-7-3-power-stroke/Common 7.3 Powerstroke problems, best years and what to check before you buy a 1994.5-2003 Ford diesel, with the CPS recall and current part prices.Buyer's guideFri, 25 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/hemi-tick-ram-2500/https://torqueindex.com/blog/hemi-tick-ram-2500/Is your 6.4 HEMI tick a broken exhaust manifold bolt or a failing lifter? How to tell them apart, what Ram says, and what each fix costs on a Ram 2500/3500.Problem explainerThu, 24 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/6-7-cummins-problems/https://torqueindex.com/blog/6-7-cummins-problems/What breaks on the 2007.5-2018 Ram 2500/3500 6.7 Cummins, by year: DPF, turbo actuator, DEF, the grid heater bolt and the water pump recall, with costs.Data reportWed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/triton-spark-plug-problems-2v-3v/https://torqueindex.com/blog/triton-spark-plug-problems-2v-3v/Why Ford 5.4 and 6.8 Triton spark plugs blow out (2V) or snap on removal (3V): which years and trucks, Ford bulletins, repair options and what it costs.Problem explainerTue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://torqueindex.com/blog/buying-used-6-0-power-stroke/https://torqueindex.com/blog/buying-used-6-0-power-stroke/How to inspect a used 2003-2007 6.0 Powerstroke: years to avoid, FICM and oil cooler tests, what 'bulletproofed' means, and what repairs cost.Buyer's guideMon, 21 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000