Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Ford F-350 SD owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 72 MPH going downhill, the instrument panel was failing where it would illuminate and unilluminated. There were fireballs being exhausted from the pipe. The fireballs caused a fire in the desert. The contact then lost power steering and the engine shut down, but the contact was able to pull over safely. The fire department and highway patrol arrived on the scene. The fire department extinguished the fire. The contact was unaware of any report being filed. There were no injuries or medical treatment needed. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed a catalytic converter or blockage in the turbo. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway and started losing motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive at a reduced speed back to the residence. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the intercooler hose had cracked, causing the vehicle to lose motive power. The contact replaced the intercooler hoses and the MAP sensor. Upon investigation, the contact stated that the failure was a known issue. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired however, the contact stated that the turbocharger failed to operate as needed. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the diesel particulate filter was cracked and required a replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 20M06, but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 49,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-350. The contact stated after a visual inspection of the engine compartment, he observed that the engine block heater core wire assembly was melted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Safety Recall 18S45. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle message of "50 Miles until Derate Speed Limitation" was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by a dealer as a failure with the DEF system and a failed NOX module. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 29,593.
The contact a owns a 2015 Ford F-350. The contact stated there was oil on the floor underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the oil pan needed to be replaced and resealed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 96,956.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-350. The contact stated that upon inspecting the oil level, the dipstick had fractured in half. In addition, the contact stated that the dipstick was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.
This vehicle developed a fuel leak in the area of the top of the engine which resulted in a fire that destroyed the vehicle. I spoke to the Ford Motor Company and they said that there are no recalls or Technical Service Bulletins regarding this. I just wanted to make you aware of my experience so if anyone else experienced this it may show a pattern. Thank You
1/4/2022 - TRAVELING TO SOUTHERN OHIO IN F-350. Engine light came on. Truck info screen showed Exhaust Fluid System Fault - indicating truck would lock to 50 mph within a certain number of miles, then possibly shut down. Finally got in touch with Ford dealership in Chillicothe and took truck there. They determined it was a DEF heater and pump causing the issue, and that it would be covered by Ford as an extended warranty issue. Ford decided our truck was not covered. On 1/11, Ford added a new campaign - 21M01, Reductant Heater and Sender Assembly, covering the cost of replacement of these items. We were told we needed to pay the repair and Ford would reimburse. To this date, we have not been reimbursed - in fact have pretty much been ignored. The sensor recalibration they did caused the particulate filter to fail. …
On June 9, 2026, the vehicle received a PCM reprogramming under Ford Recall 21E01. Before the update, the transmission had no symptoms: no slipping, no warning lights, and no diagnostic trouble codes. Between June 9 and August 11, the vehicle accumulated 1,894 miles. On August 11, 2026, while driving about 60 mph, the vehicle suddenly downshifted from sixth to fifth gear without input. A clunk was felt, followed by complete loss of all gears. There were no warning lights, no diagnostic trouble codes, and no limp mode activation. The failure was sudden and total. A diesel shop retrieved the strategy values after the incident, which showed no recorded indication of transmission degradation prior to the PCM update. The failure occurred less than 2,000 miles after the PCM reprogramming. The vehicle was in factory stock condition. …
Engine complaints in other F-350 SD years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2015 Ford F-350 SD?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2015 Ford F-350 SD, 19% of the model year's 208 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2015 Ford F-350 SD engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2015 Ford F-350 SD, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2015 Ford F-350 SD engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 30% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 4 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.