Ford compensating 7.3L owners for inaccurate power stats, offering up to $300 [UPDATE]

Super Duty Trucks with Discrepancies in Horsepower and Torque: E-Series Rigs Report Biggest Losses

On January 8, 2023, we were informed by a customer who owns an E-Series motorhome that they had received a $300 check from Ford, but unfortunately, it bounced. A Ford spokesperson confirmed in a statement to Motor1 that there was a problem with a file between December 22 and January 3, which affected a small number of customer checks. However, they assured us that the issue has been resolved and those affected will receive new checks within the next two to three weeks.

According to the spokesperson, there have been no alterations made to any other vehicle features due to the error in power. As a result, the towing and cargo capabilities remain unaffected.

In August 2023, Ford made a startling revelation that some of their Ford Super Duty trucks and E-Series-based vehicles equipped with the 7.3-liter “Godzilla” V8 engine were actually producing 15 or 25 less horsepower than what was initially advertised. As a result, the company has taken action by sending notifications to affected owners, accompanied by a form of financial compensation to make amends for the error.

As per the notification sent to dealers by Ford Special Field Action 22L03 in the previous summer, a total of 161,512 cars in the United States are impacted by a flaw during the production process. These affected cars belong to the 2021 and 2022 model years. The models under this recall include Super Duty trucks (including chassis cabs), F650/F750 trucks, and F53/F59 chassis trucks. According to Ford’s investigation, these specific vehicles have been reported to have a reduced horsepower by 15. For the E-Series vehicles, the reduction is greater, with a decrease of 25 horsepower and 18 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, all the affected vehicles have also been noted to have a lower rated engine speed of 150 RPM.

According to the recent notification, the Special Field Action seems to have a particular emphasis on commercial vehicles. While the list includes both E-Series and Super Duty trucks, Ford specifically highlights the F53 Motor Home, F59 Step Van, and other models equipped with a “premium rated” 7.3-liter V8 engine. Although the notification does not disclose the original power figures, Ford does offer a more cost-effective version of their Godzilla engine for commercial use, which is currently rated at 325 horsepower for the E-Series and 335 horsepower for the trucks. Looking ahead to 2021, the engine will receive a boost in power with a rating of 350 horsepower.

It appears that the problem is not a mechanical malfunction, but a misinterpretation in the promotional materials that failed to mention the updated horsepower figures. As a result, there has been no mention of a solution to compensate for the power loss that was initially promised, although at least one dissatisfied owner has expressed their frustration on YouTube. In response, Ford is providing affected Super Duty owners with a $100 compensation for the oversight. For E-Series owners who experienced a greater decrease in power and torque, the offer is increased to $300.

After reaching out to Ford, we inquired about the feasibility of making a mechanical adjustment or revising the engine tune to meet the promised power output. Let us not overlook that the 7.3-liter V8 currently produces 430 hp in heavy-duty trucks. Under the expert craftsmanship of Ford Performance, the Megazilla engine boasts an impressive 615 hp. While there may be room for further enhancement, Ford has affirmed that they have no intentions of pursuing this course of action.

Is a $100 or $300 payment sufficient as a peace offering to appease impacted owners? We must commend Ford for acknowledging their error, considering the fact that not many individuals would go through the trouble of testing their trucks on a frame dynamometer to measure horsepower. Share your thoughts on Ford’s handling of this matter below.

Source: Ford via TFLNow / YouTube