We operate numerous 7.3L Ford engine equipped vehicles in our fleet of ambulances. Over the past year we have experienced 4 engine failures of this 7.3L engine in vehicles ranging form around 60,000 to 90,000 after exceeding the service recommendations stated from the manufacturer. I have contacted the Ford Pro Fleet experts and have asked repeatedly about what could be causing the failures, trying to figure out if we are doing something wrong in our maintenance or operation. They assure us we are not doing anything wrong, however we continue to lose engines. Each time the repair bill is around $12,000. We have been lucky that Ford has offered financial assistance, but now that has gone away. At first, we were told that we were the only ones experiencing these failures, but now I am hearing from other operators of similar vehicles that they are experiencing the same concern. We cannot afford to keep replacing engines in relatively new vehicles, especially when there is an apparent defect in parts or standard operation. Symptoms we experience that lead to engine replacement are loss of power while driving caused my multiple cylinder misfires. Loss of power while running an emergency call pose a significant safety risk to operators and patients.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11567652 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2022 Forest River Forester built on a 2022 Ford E-450 chassis. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH downhill, he was depressing the brake pedal however, the RV failed to stop as needed. The contact stated that he was towing a 2000 Jeep Wrangler during the failure and the brakes on the vehicle were also applied and caused the motorhome to stop. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the brakes and steering were inoperable. The motorhome was not drivable. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure but was informed they were unable to service a trailer that size. The dealer referred the contact to another repair shop. The motorhome was towed to repair shop and was informed the power steering hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V089000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,300. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired and Ford paid for all of the expenses.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11467764 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2022 Ford E-450. The contact received notification of Customer Satisfaction Program: 24N03 (Hydro boost or Hydro max Power Steering Pressure and Jumper Line Replacement). The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact downshifted the transmission from fifth to first gear to stop the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist while turning. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the hydro boost power steering pressure and jumper line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V097000 (Steering, Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 12,750.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11621919 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov