According to Au7o's analysis of 1,560+ owner reports, the 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty has 3 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is 6.7L Power Stroke DEF/SCR System Failure - P207F and P20EE Codes with 1,560 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $100 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2015-2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel, the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system on 2015-2022 6.7L Power Stroke trucks - which uses Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to reduce NOx emissions - is prone to failure, most commonly triggering DTC codes P207F (Reductant Quality Performance) and P20EE (SCR NOx Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold). Causes include degraded or crystallized DEF fluid (DEF has a shelf life of 1-2 years and degrades faster in heat), a failed DEF injector, SCR catalyst failure, DEF quality sensor failure, or NOx sensor failure. In limp mode, the truck's performance is severely limited. The system is complex and diagnosis requires a professional scan tool. The DEF injector is a particularly common failure point on 2017+ trucks.
Truck will not restart after excessive limp mode cycles
Rough running at idle
Increased fuel consumption
How to Fix
Diagnose with Ford IDS or quality OBDII scanner capable of reading all PCM codes. Common fixes: (1) Drain and refill DEF tank with fresh fluid (AutoZone DEF, Ford Motorcraft DEF VC-10-B) - $15-$30. (2) Replace DEF quality sensor ($150-$300). (3) Replace DEF injector ($300-$600 + labor). (4) SCR catalyst replacement ($2,000-$4,000). Always use fresh, quality-brand DEF (avoid bargain/store-brand DEF). Do not let DEF tank run to empty repeatedly.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 1,560+ owners who fixed this issue
TipP207F almost always starts with degraded or contaminated DEF fluid. First fix: drain and completely refill the DEF tank with fresh Motorcraft DEF VC-10-B or a name-brand DEF. Cost is $15-$30. This clears the code in 30%+ of cases. Do not buy bargain DEF from no-name brands.
NoteP207F is a "conditional code" - the PCM monitors must complete 3 consecutive drive cycles without fault before it clears. Simply erasing the code without fixing the root cause will just set the code again. Diagnosis requires a capable scan tool that reads all PCM monitors.
UpgradePrevent DEF issues: use Motorcraft VC-10-B DEF or major brands (BlueDEF, Peak Blue DEF). Replace DEF every 12-18 months even if level is fine - DEF degrades over time especially in heat. Never let the tank run completely dry as this can crystallize deposits in the injector. (Motorcraft #VC-10-B)
High Confidence1,560 reportsLast reported by owners Nov 2025Reviewed Feb 2026
On the 2011-2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty, the 6.7L Powerstroke diesel engine exhaust manifold studs are prone to breaking due to thermal cycling. The extreme heat cycles of the diesel exhaust cause the studs to fatigue and snap, creating an exhaust leak at the manifold-to-head junction. This produces a ticking noise on cold starts that may diminish when warm, exhaust smell in the cabin, and can trigger check engine lights for exhaust leaks. The driver side manifold is more commonly affected.
Exhaust smell in cab, especially with windows open
Check engine light with exhaust leak codes
Visible soot at manifold-to-head junction
Noise diminishes as engine warms up
How to Fix
Replace the broken exhaust manifold studs. Stud extraction can be challenging if broken flush — a skilled diesel shop can often drill and extract without removing the head ($500-1,200). If multiple studs are broken, manifold removal and replacement with upgraded ARP studs is recommended ($800-2,000). Upgraded ARP stainless steel studs ($50-80 for a set) are significantly stronger than the factory studs and resist thermal fatigue.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
High Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date
On the 1999-2025 Ford F-250 Super Duty, the factory steering damper on the F-250 Super Duty wears out and fails, leading to increased steering shimmy, vibration at highway speeds, and reduced ability to dampen road imperfections. The single factory damper is often inadequate for the weight and solid front axle of the Super Duty. A worn damper does not cause death wobble directly but removes the last line of defense against oscillation. Most factory dampers are worn out by 50,000-80,000 miles.
Replace the steering damper with a heavy-duty aftermarket unit. Fox 2.0 ($150-250), Bilstein 5100 ($100-150), or Rancho RS9000XL ($100-150) are popular upgrades. Some owners install dual steering damper kits ($200-400) for additional stability. Installation is a simple bolt-on job taking 30-60 minutes. Replace the damper every 50,000-60,000 miles as preventive maintenance.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
Tip
UpgradeMoog tie rod end — premium chassis component for steering repair (Moog Tie Rod End)
What are the most common Ford F-250 Super Duty problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,560+ owner reports, the 2020-2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 6.7L Power Stroke DEF/SCR System Failure - P207F and P20EE Codes, 6.7L Powerstroke Exhaust Manifold Stud Failure, Steering Damper Failure and Shimmy. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
Is the Ford F-250 Super Duty reliable?
The 2020-2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty has 3 known issues documented across 1,560+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford F-250 Super Duty problems?
Repair costs for known Ford F-250 Super Duty issues range from $100 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2015-2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty 6.7L Power Stroke DEF/SCR System Failure - P207F and P20EE Codes?
The Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system on 2015-2022 6.7L Power Stroke trucks - which uses Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to reduce NOx emissions - is prone to failure, most commonly triggering DTC codes P207F (Reductant Quality Performance) and P20EE (SCR NOx Catalyst Efficie… Repairs typically run $3,000-$4,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2011-2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty 6.7L Powerstroke Exhaust Manifold Stud Failure?
The 6.7L Powerstroke diesel engine exhaust manifold studs are prone to breaking due to thermal cycling. The extreme heat cycles of the diesel exhaust cause the studs to fatigue and snap, creating an exhaust leak at the manifold-to-head junction. This produces a ticking noise on c… Repairs typically run $500-$2,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 1999-2025 Ford F-250 Super Duty Steering Damper Failure and Shimmy?
The factory steering damper on the F-250 Super Duty wears out and fails, leading to increased steering shimmy, vibration at highway speeds, and reduced ability to dampen road imperfections. The single factory damper is often inadequate for the weight and solid front axle of the S… Repairs typically run $100-$400. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.