Ford’s 7.3-liter Godzilla V8 engine is under federal investigation following allegations of camshaft and lifter failures that could lead to sudden engine damage. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reviewing a defect petition covering approximately 54,787 vehicles, including certain Ford E-350, F-59 and F-750 models from the 2021 and 2022 model years.
Which Ford Vehicles Are Included in the Investigation?
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has opened a review of defect petition DP26011, which was originally submitted in June. The petition asks the agency to investigate potential engine problems affecting several Ford vehicles equipped with the 7.3-liter gasoline V8, commonly known as the Godzilla engine.
The investigation covers approximately 54,787 vehicles, including:
- 2021 Ford E-350
- 2022 Ford E-350
- 2021 Ford F-59
- 2021 Ford F-750
All of these vehicles are equipped with Ford’s 7.3-liter gasoline V8 engine, which is commonly used in heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles.
Ford Godzilla V8 Camshaft and Lifter Failure Allegations
The defect petition alleges that the engine could experience camshaft and lifter damage when oil pressure falls to approximately 6 psi at low idle. According to the complaint, the low pressure could cause the lifter rollers and camshaft lobes to wear or fail.
The complaint further alleges that severe damage could result in sudden engine failure without warning, including while a vehicle is traveling at highway speeds.
The petition also claims that Ford was aware of the alleged problem and issued a software update intended to increase engine idle speed to approximately 1,000 rpm. However, the complaint alleges that the update was not accompanied by a recall or notification to vehicle owners.
These claims remain allegations under review and have not been established as findings by the NHTSA.
How Many Engine Failures Have Been Reported?
The agency’s initial summary references only one reported incident. It does not report any crashes, fires, injuries or fatalities associated with the alleged defect.
The approximately 54,787 vehicles covered by the petition represent the potential scope of the investigation, not a confirmed count of vehicles that have experienced engine failure.
The available summary also does not specify how many vehicles have experienced the alleged problem or establish whether low oil pressure is responsible for the reported failure.
Will Ford Recall the Godzilla V8?
The NHTSA is currently evaluating the defect petition. Opening an investigation does not mean the agency has determined that the engine is defective or that Ford must issue a recall.
Regulators will examine the allegations and available evidence before deciding whether to pursue further action or close the review.
The outcome will depend on the agency’s findings, including whether the alleged camshaft and lifter failures are linked to the reported oil pressure conditions. For now, the investigation remains at the petition review stage, and no recall requirement has been established by the information provided in the agency’s initial summary.
