Ford F-150 7.3L Godzilla

The Ford F-150 7.3L Godzilla has a reliability score of 78/100, rated "GOOD". Tough commercial-grade V8, still building a long-term track record

The most frequently reported issues are Valve Cover Wiring Harness Failures, Reported Engine and Powertrain Complaints (Lemon Law Cases), NHTSA Electrical System Recalls (Battery/Starter/PDB Cable), Rearview Camera System Recall, among others. See the Known Issues section above for symptoms, affected mileage, and repair costs.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the 7.3L Godzilla, typically appearing around 40,000-120,000 km. 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. Typical repair cost: €400-1,200. DIY difficulty: Moderate.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the 7.3L Godzilla, typically appearing around 10,000-80,000 km. 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 on a subset of early production trucks. Typical repair cost: €1,500-6,000. DIY difficulty: Not DIY, dealer/specialist required.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the 7.3L Godzilla, typically appearing around 0-50,000 km. Multiple NHTSA recalls affect 2020 model year 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, not engine wear issues. Typical repair cost: €0-500. DIY difficulty: Low, dealer recall remedy.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the 7.3L Godzilla, typically appearing around 0-30,000 km. Certain 2020 model year trucks were recalled due to a back-over prevention sensing system/camera fault that could reduce driver awareness during reversing. Typical repair cost: €0-200. DIY difficulty: Low, dealer recall remedy.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the 7.3L Godzilla, typically appearing around 0-30,000 km. Certain trucks fitted with LED headlamps were recalled for an autolamp software fault that could cause the headlamps to malfunction, reducing forward visibility in low light conditions. Typical repair cost: €0-300. DIY difficulty: Low, dealer recall remedy (software update).

Yes, this is a documented issue on the 7.3L Godzilla, typically appearing around 0-20,000 km. Certain 2020 model year 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. Typical repair cost: €0-300. DIY difficulty: Low, dealer recall remedy.

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. 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 a pre-purchase inspection should not be skipped. Verify all five NHTSA recalls are resolved before handing over money. If the service history is clean and recalls are cleared, this is a capable and honest workhorse engine worth buying, though buyers should budget for the possibility of an out-of-warranty harness repair.

For a pickup or Super Duty pickup application, the 7.3L is the version you will almost always find and there is no lower-displacement alternative to worry about. If shopping a medium-duty chassis cab (F-600 and above), confirm whether the truck has the 6.8L or 7.3L Godzilla, since they are different engines with different parts, not just a power detune, and this affects service costs and parts sourcing long-term.

Before buying, check: 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, paying 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.

There's no fixed mileage limit, it depends on maintenance. The parts worth budgeting for proactively are: Valve Cover Integrated Wiring Harness (40,000-120,000 km), Battery Positive Cable / PDB Fastener (Pre-purchase / 0-50,000 km), Spark Plugs (8 cylinders, large displacement) (80,000-120,000 km). Engines that clear these checkpoints with documented maintenance commonly continue well beyond typical ownership periods.

Damaged spare tire bead may make spare unusable in an emergency Remedy: Inspect and replace affected spare tire

Headlamp malfunction reducing forward visibility Remedy: Software update or headlamp module replacement

Loose PDB cable fastener could cause electrical arcing or fire Remedy: Inspect and re-torque or replace fastener

Camera system may not function correctly, reducing reversing safety Remedy: Software update or camera system repair

Estimated ownership cost is €3,500-9,000 over 3 years depending on use intensity, fuel costs, and whether any harness or powertrain repairs are needed outside warranty, based on known issues and typical service needs.

Community-reported real-world usage suggests changing oil every 8,000 km using Ford-approved 5W-20 or 5W-30 full synthetic (check door placard); community recommends 8,000 km intervals given heavy-duty use and large displacement, often more conservative than the official service schedule.

The 7.3L Godzilla is 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 F-600/650/750 Super Duty (6.8L variant, 2023+), Ford E-Series Cutaway (2021+), Ford Godzilla Crate Engine (various), Ford Megazilla Crate Engine (performance variant, aftermarket supercharged builds).

Cautiously positive. Enthusiasts praise the naturally aspirated simplicity and commercial-grade design, but early owners flag valve cover harness issues and unresolved powertrain complaints in a minority of trucks. Long-term reliability data is still accumulating given the engine's 2020 introduction, and most high-mileage commercial users report few complaints beyond routine maintenance.