30th Jul 2003, 23:16
I bought a 94 F250 7.3 liter in 98 with 68,000 miles. I tow a 26 ft 5th wheel on average about 2000 miles per year. I typically do not exceed 60 MPH when towing. I have replaced the transmission twice. The second time it was out of warranty by 27 days. Guess I will be replacing it again. This time (third) the transmission is out of warranty by 5 months, but has under 20,000 miles on it. Total miles on the vehicle is 140,000. The vehicle performs well except for the transmission.
24th Nov 2003, 20:07
I bought 1996 7.3 power stroke diesel and I put 300000 on it all towing a 15k 5thwheel and I had transmission problems I put 3 in it 2 while under warranty. the last one I put I brought to a guy and he build a transmission and added a cooler and we 200000 with no problems on it. The truck just loved to pull and nothing could stop if you wanted to. I now own a 2003 6.0 and this truck even has more power and room would not trade it for the world Ford super duties rule.
21st Jun 2004, 13:28
If your having transmission problems, why replace with another stock tranny? Do a little research on the net for some upgrades that can be installed on the next rebuild. The E40D/4R100 is virtually bullet proof with a few upgrades.
2nd Sep 2004, 00:04
Ford may sell a bunch of these trucks, but as the unfortunate owner of a very well cared for, very problematic one, I cannot understand why.
Things that have gone wrong in 70,000 miles include:
Front wheel hubs never properly engaged from brand new, have been replaced 3 times.
All 4 door actuators replaced once, one is again not functioning.
Rotors warp like clockwork every 7000-10,000 miles. I am told Ford knew of the defective design, but the only cure is continuous replacement.
Springs have squeaked since day one, dealer put urethane bushings in at 65,000 miles. Again, this was a known defect, but the consumer foots the bill.
Tailgate has a mind of it's own, it either will not open, or will not stay closed. It is also showing rust bubbles at the seam where the inner and outer panels meet. This is unacceptable for a $35,000 vehicle that is only 4 years old.
The engine definitely does not like cold weather... it stalls immediately and then will misfire for a few miles or driving.
The interior is showing far more wear (cracking leather on the seats and steering wheel) than is normal for the care it receives.
The door weatherstripping has come loose on three of the four doors.
The wiper linkage self destructed at 16,000 miles. You cannot buy a linkage only, you must buy the motor as well. A $400 item BEFORE labor.
The ABS sensor has gone bad at 28,000 miles and again at 69,000 miles.
There have been numerous small problems as well. Overall, my 1998 Chevy S10 at $13,000 brand new was a far better built and far better truck than this one is. Hence, I still own the S10, I am hoping to get rid of the Ford.
2nd Dec 2005, 21:34
I have a 2000 F250 7.3 super-duty ford truck with only 34206 miles on it. I tow a 5th wheel camper now and then and I just had to replace the transmission. I'm a little disappointed. Not to mention poorer.
1st Feb 2006, 02:15
I am the proud owner of a 2005 F250 4x4 6.0 Super Duty diesel. The truck has got to be worst riding truck I have ever owned. Ford Customer service would be better off in India at this point as they folks answering the phones seem to be the one who may have received pink slips.
I was asked by a Ford Rep who came to see my truck if it had ABS? Then he said my truck may really be a 1 ton with a 3/4 body. The left front tire is cupping after 4,500 miles and he said to change them every 3,000 miles even though my prepaid service plan only pays every 5,000 miles.
After this lease is up that will be the last Ford I ever own. No wonder Ford is now down to # 3. Own a Honda and Nissan and they are built well, much better than Ford.
24th Aug 2007, 19:52
Owner of a 1999 f250 7.3 diesel. This has been a great truck. I bought the truck used from a dentist, a fellow duck hunter, with 82,000 miles I now have 108,000. I just replaced the pads and rotors, had all the fluids changed and put on new tires.
I had issues with the cam sensor last fall and replaced it. I'm sorry to hear others having problems with their fords. This truck has been perfect for me it is big with plenty of room for the grandkids all the hunting gear, the dog and towing the boat. Were heading up to Manitoba this fall on a hunting trip and I have faith in this truck.
27th Aug 2007, 11:05
I bought a 2004 F250 with a Powerstroke and manual transmission precisely to avoid the inevitable issues of automatics failing under load. I don't believe the previous users are mistreating their trucks, yet one lady has been having issues with transmission failures. My advice is two-fold: 1. Add the biggest aftermarket transmission cooller you can find! This will help a lot. 2. Consider (and install) the best transmission reprogramming kit you can find. The firmer shifts will help prevent heat buildup in the first place, and the cooler will help eliminate the heat you can't avoid generating when towing. If these are not enough, consider purchasing a "built" transmission.
A general comment: The Big Three still refuse to provide stock automatics that can withstand the loads imposed by regular useage of these heavy duty trucks. That is why I purchased a new diesel with a manual transmission. It was difficult to find, but it has been (almost) reliable to 57000 miles.
Don't expect any of the manufacturers to engineer anything properly, no matter how many times they are forced to repair things under warranty. They appear to be determined not to do things correctly initially. My Powerstroke was detuned against my will at the dealer when a clutch return pedal assembly failed. The dealer would not detail the changes, and I found that I could not reason with them. They ultimately started threatening me over the issue. What a way to treat a paying customer! Now I understand that this is because somebody placed weak cylinder head bolts in these diesels; the detune was intended to prevent me from blowing a head gasket under load. Why not just install better hardware at the factory? The Cummins people do not have this issue. I paid big$ for this truck, and I expected a tough, durable efficient diesel, not an involuntary detune with threats included.
So now I plan to take matters into my own hands, and replace the inadequate hardware myself. I will finally own the tough truck I paid retail for three years ago. I advise others to do likewise, and make sure you post your experiences with these products. If we all sound off where appropriate, the people who make decisions at these corporations will learn that they cannot get away with betraying their (formally) most loyal customers.
Just imagine how loyal their customers would be if they provided tough, efficient, reliable vehicles in the first place!
PS I get 19.5 MPG at 70 MPH with no load... and expect more when I add a propane unit. But that will have to wait until the cylinder head bolts are replaced.
14th Sep 2007, 11:02
Just a word of advice to you truck owners. I have a 2000 ford F250 with the 7.3L power stroke with 165,000 miles. I pull a trailer everyday of the year with her. I also plow snow in the winter months. the truck is also taken on the beach during the summer. I have not had any problems with this truck and I believe it is because of PROPER MAINTENANCE! if you tow, change the tranny fluid and use trailer brakes. if you use 4x4 don't abuse it. it is a big truck so don't think that it will stop like your wife's miata.
Another thing, if you buy your truck used know how it was driven. if some 18 year old put a chip in it and raced all his buddy's then yeah your gonna have issues. also most people don't realize that if a chip is installed and the tranny is not reprogrammed your gonna blow 'em.
You spent a lot of money on your truck so make sure you spend the money to maintain it, don't use knock-off parts and use a regular maintenance schedule.
19th Jun 2003, 15:35
I am on my third F250 Power Stroke diesel. Never had any problems with any of the machines. Solid, strong performer, good mileage. I pull 7K trailer with landscape equipment and/or materials. Never missed a job. Chevy would be my next choice if the Ford wasn't available, but thank God it is!