US road safety authorities have issued warnings following reports that a critical engine failure can occur without warning in Ford's 7.3-litre V8 engine, which is used in commercial and heavy-duty vehicles.
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated a preliminary investigation on October 23, 2026, to examine a petition alleging potential defects in a propeller. The review encompasses approximately 54,787 units, with no current market recall issued.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has recognized the 2026-27 Nissan Kicks as a Top Safety Pick, while excluding five other models from its safety ratings. The IIHS conducts rigorous crash tests to evaluate the safety performance of vehicles, and the Nissan Kicks has demonstrated its ability to protect occupants in various crash scenarios. Conversely, the IIHS has denied Top Safety Pick status to five other models, citing inadequate performance in certain safety tests.
A potential issue has been identified with the lubrication system and internal engine components, which could lead to premature engine failure. This failure mode may result in the engine shutting down unexpectedly, leaving the driver with insufficient time to react and respond.
The list comprises vehicles from Ford, specifically the E-350 model from 2021 and 2022, as well as the F59 chassis and the F-750 truck, all of which were manufactured in 2021.
The Godzilla engine is also featured in other variants of Ford's Super Duty pickups, but those models are not the focus of this particular evaluation.
A case file, designated as DP26011, was initiated on June 13, 2026, following a request received by the relevant authorities. The next step will be for law enforcement to assess the available evidence and decide if it warrants further investigation.
A recent petition claims that engine oil pressure can decrease to approximately 6 pounds per square inch when the engine operates at low revolutions, potentially leading to inadequate lubrication of critical components, including the rolls of the drives and the lobes of the lifters.
Ford is alleged to have implemented a software modification that increased the vehicle's slowdown rate to approximately 1,000 rpm, without publicly disclosing the change. This assertion is included in the petition and is currently under review by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
A Charlotte, North Carolina-based owner of a distribution fleet has identified issues with nine vehicles equipped with the engine in question. In one instance, a Ford E-350 was repaired under warranty in 2023, but the replacement engine also exhibited problems. The company subsequently quoted a price of $16,000.82 for a second replacement engine.
No casualties or injuries have been reported by the agency in relation to the defect, and no seismic activity has been recorded.
No formal recall or withdrawal campaign has been announced in conjunction with this review. However, owners of the affected vehicles can contact a Ford dealership to inquire about any pending software updates or campaigns.
Vehicle owners can verify the status of their vehicle by accessing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's official recall portal and searching for the vehicle identification number (VIN).
The investigation may proceed if sufficient grounds are established, potentially leading to a more comprehensive inquiry and subsequent recommendations or demands for corrective actions.
