"Anyone know where to find information supporting the claim that the 7.3L Godzilla had to pass a stress test that included 1000 hours of WOT — that's the kind of durability testing that gives you confidence."
The integrated wiring harness routed under or through the valve covers is known to develop faults, causing misfires, rough running, and check engine lights. Harness chafing and connector corrosion are primary culprits on the 7.3L Godzilla.
Check engine light
Misfires
Rough idle
Intermittent power loss
DIY: Moderate
Reported Engine and Powertrain Complaints (Lemon Law Cases)€1,500-6,000 · 10,000-80,000 kmHIGH
The 7.3L Godzilla engine has generated documented lemon law complaints and legal actions related to powertrain faults. Issues are described as varied and include driveability concerns that Ford has struggled to resolve under warranty.
Unexpected power loss
Persistent check engine lights
Repeated dealer visits for same fault
DIY: Not DIY — dealer/specialist required
NHTSA Electrical System Recalls (Battery/Starter/PDB Cable)€0-500 · 0-50,000 kmMODERATE
Multiple NHTSA recalls affect 2020 F-150 trucks including an incorrect attachment nut on the battery positive cable at the starter assembly and a fastener issue on the Power Distribution Box 12V cable. These are safety-relevant electrical faults.
No-start condition
Intermittent electrical faults
Battery/charging warning lights
DIY: Low — dealer recall remedy
Rearview Camera System Recall€0-200 · 0-30,000 kmMODERATE
Certain 2020 F-150 trucks were recalled due to a back-over prevention sensing system/camera fault that could reduce driver awareness during reversing.
Certain 2020 F-150 trucks with 17-inch spare tires may have sustained bead damage to the spare during manufacturing or fitment, rendering it unsafe for use as an emergency spare.
Spare tire unable to hold air
Visible bead damage on spare
DIY: Low — dealer recall remedy
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Buying Checklist
Run a full VIN recall check and confirm all 5 NHTSA recalls have been completed at a Ford dealer before purchase
Scan the ECU for stored and pending DTCs — pay particular attention to any ignition, injector, or valve cover harness fault codes
Inspect the valve cover area and visible wiring harness connectors for chafing, heat damage, or corrosion
Check the battery positive cable at the starter and Power Distribution Box for correct fastener installation and cable condition
Verify the spare tire bead is undamaged and the spare holds air correctly
Request full service history and confirm oil changes were performed at or below 8,000 km intervals with correct Ford-spec synthetic oil
Service Reality
Community oil interval8,000 km
Oil specificationFord-approved 5W-20 or 5W-30 full synthetic (check door placard); community recommends 8,000 km intervals given heavy-duty use and large displacement
Est. ownership cost (2yr)€1,200–3,500 per year depending on use intensity, fuel costs, and whether any harness or powertrain repairs are needed outside warranty
Real fuel consumptionNo data
Also Found In
Ford F-250 Super Duty (2020+)Ford F-350 Super Duty (2020+)Ford F-450 Super Duty (2020+)Ford F-550 Super Duty (2020+)Ford E-Series Cutaway (2021+)Ford Godzilla Crate Engine (various)Ford Megazilla Crate Engine (performance variant)
Buying Advice
The 7.3L Godzilla is a promising engine built with commercial durability in mind, and its naturally aspirated layout avoids many modern turbo-related headaches. However, it is still a relatively young engine with limited long-term high-mileage data, and documented lemon law complaints and valve cover harness issues mean you should not skip a pre-purchase inspection. Always verify all five NHTSA recalls are resolved before handing over money. If the service history is clean and recalls are clear, this is a capable and honest workhorse engine worth buying.
Parts People Buy
Ford 7.3L Godzilla Valve Cover Wiring HarnessLink unavailable
Ford 7.3L Godzilla Spark Plugs Set (8 plugs)Link unavailable
Full Synthetic 5W-20 Engine Oil (7.3L capacity)Link unavailable