Problems were widespread and included:
* Head gasket failures: A significant and expensive issue, often occurring relatively early in the engine's life.
* High-pressure oil system issues: Problems with the oil pump, high-pressure oil rails, and injectors led to catastrophic engine failure.
* EGR cooler failures: The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler was prone to cracking and leaking coolant into the engine.
* Injector failures: Injectors were expensive to replace and often failed prematurely.
* Turbocharger failures: Turbocharger issues were also relatively common.
These problems often resulted in significant repair costs, sometimes exceeding the value of the vehicle. While some issues were addressed with later updates and recalls, the damage to the engine's reputation was substantial. Many owners experienced multiple major repairs.
In short, if you're considering a used F-250 with the 6.0L Power Stroke, be prepared for potentially substantial repair costs. Thorough pre-purchase inspections by a mechanic specializing in diesel engines are absolutely crucial. Consider the 6.0L Power Stroke a high-risk engine.
