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Recalls and bulletins
7.3 Godzilla (gas) recalls and service bulletins
1 NHTSA safety recall name this engine, and we document 3 manufacturer bulletins, programs or coverages tied to its known failures. Each entry shows the campaign number, the model years, what was wrong and what the fix is.
Check a specific truck: enter its VIN at
nhtsa.gov/recalls for open safety recalls, and ask a dealer about emissions recalls and coverage programs, which NHTSA's lookup does not always show. Recall repairs are free on an eligible VIN.
Safety recalls (NHTSA)
Newest first. NHTSA's own summary and remedy text, for the models and years this engine was sold in.
20V-599
Safety recall
September 30, 2020 · maker's number 20S57 · 2020
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk: 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.
Models in our scope: F-350
Federal defect investigations (NHTSA)
Investigations NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation opened into trucks with this engine, newest first. An open investigation is not a recall: NHTSA is still deciding whether a safety defect exists. Subject and summary are NHTSA's.
DP26011
Defect petition
Open
Opened October 23, 2026 · 2021-2022
Camshaft and Lifter Failure in Ford 7.3L Gasoline Engines.
NHTSA's summary
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on June 13, 2026, requesting an investigation into camshaft and lifter failures in Ford 7.3L gasoline engines used in 2021-2022 Ford E-350 and 2021 Ford F59 and F-750 vehicles. The Petitioner alleges that insufficient oil lubrication at low idle (~6 psi) causes severe wear on lifter rollers and camshaft lobes, leading to catastrophic engine failure and sudden loss of motive power while driving at highway speeds with little to no warning. The petition further alleges that Ford Motor Company was aware of the root cause and released a software calibration patch raising idle speed to ~1,000 RPM, but failed to initiate a public safety recall or notify vehicle owners. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11764421. This defect petition has been opened to evaluate the issue and determine whether to grant or deny the petition.
Models in our scope: Ford E-350
Bulletins, programs and coverage
Manufacturer service bulletins, special coverages, programs and emissions recalls that bear on this engine's documented failures. Identifier, date and scope only; bulletin text is the manufacturer's.
In affected vehicles, the Variable Displacement Oil Pump (VDOP) delivers oil to the engine at low pressure/capacity during idle conditions. Routine occurrences of prolonged idle time may result in excess wear to the engine camshaft lobes and valve tappet surfaces due to reduced lubrication. Over time, the engine may progressively run rough due to cylinder misfire. Additionally, customers may hear engine tapping noises and the Check Engine Light (CEL) may illuminate.
Failure mode: Cam lobe and lifter (tappet) wear, worst with long idling
SSM 51330
Special service message
2023-03 · 2020-2022
Some 2020-2022 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 7.3L engine may exhibit a ticking/clicking/tapping noise at idle that is loudest at the front of the engine where the front timing cover meets the oil pan. This may be due to a cracked oil pump drive gear.
Failure mode: Cracked oil pump drive gear (front-of-engine tick at idle, 2020-2022 7.3)
SSM 50830
Special service message
2022-06 · 2020-2022
Some 2020-2022 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 7.3L engine and built on or before 11-May-2022 may exhibit a ticking/clicking/tapping noise at idle that is loudest at the front of the engine where the front timing cover meets the oil pan. This may be due to a cracked oil pump drive gear.
Failure mode: Cracked oil pump drive gear (front-of-engine tick at idle, 2020-2022 7.3)