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2010 Ford F-450 Super Duty

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By Research the Car 5 min read

Alright, here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints associated with the 2010 Ford F-450 Super Duty, formatted as requested.

The 2010 Ford F-450 Super Duty is a heavy-duty work truck known for its towing and hauling capabilities. Engine options include the 6.4L Power Stroke diesel V8 (350 hp, 650 lb-ft of torque) and the 6.8L Triton V10 gasoline engine. Transmissions are the 5R110 TorqShift 5-speed automatic. Owners often praise its power and work capabilities but dislike its fuel economy and some reliability issues. The 6.4L Power Stroke diesel V8 is prone to several issues, which we will discuss further.

Engine

6.4L Power Stroke Diesel V8

  • EGR Cooler Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, and potentially hydro-locking the engine.
    • Solution: Replace the EGR cooler. Upgraded EGR coolers are available that are more robust.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Fuel Injector Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough running, misfires, white smoke from the exhaust, fuel in the oil, and potential engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace the failed fuel injector(s). It’s often recommended to replace all injectors at the same time to ensure balanced performance.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ per injector, $2500 - $5000+ for all 8 injectors including labor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • High-Pressure Oil Pump (HPOP) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, no-start condition, poor performance, and stalling.
    • Solution: Replace the HPOP.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive black smoke from the exhaust, and unusual noises from the turbocharger. The 6.4L has two turbochargers, so determining which one failed is important.
    • Solution: Replace the failed turbocharger.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+ depending on single or dual turbo replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Cylinder Head Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, poor engine performance. Can be difficult to diagnose early.
    • Solution: Replace cracked cylinder head(s). Often requires significant engine disassembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4000 - $8000+ depending on severity and if one or both heads need replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found

6.8L Triton V10

  • Spark Plug Ejection
    • Description/Symptoms: Sudden loud popping noise, misfire, loss of power. Spark plug is ejected from the cylinder head.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the cylinder head. Thread inserts may be used to repair the damaged threads.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on the repair method and extent of damage.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5R110 TorqShift 5-Speed Automatic

  • Erratic Shifting/Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, slipping between gears, or failure to shift.
    • Solution: Could be caused by a faulty solenoid pack, valve body issues, or internal wear. Diagnose the specific cause and repair or replace the affected components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3500+ depending on the severity of the issue and components needing replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, stalling, and poor acceleration.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter. It is often recommended to flush the transmission and replace the filter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Worn Ball Joints
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front end, wandering steering, and uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replace worn ball joints.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per side.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Leaf Spring Issues (Cracking/Sagging)
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced ride height, poor ride quality, and potential for cracking or breaking of the leaf springs.
    • Solution: Replace or add-a-leaf to the leaf springs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ per side.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Alternator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, warning lights on the dashboard, and a dead battery.
    • Solution: Replace the alternator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Glow Plug Issues (Diesel Only)
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting in cold weather, excessive white smoke on startup, and a rough idle.
    • Solution: Replace faulty glow plugs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ depending on how many need replacing and accessibility.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Wiring Harness Chafing
    • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical issues, such as lights flickering, sensors malfunctioning, or starting problems. Often located in areas of movement or vibration.
    • Solution: Locate and repair the chafed wiring.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the complexity of the repair.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust (Frame/Body)
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust on the frame, body panels, and undercarriage. Common in areas with road salt exposure.
    • Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels. Apply rust inhibitor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $5000+ depending on the severity.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Inability to control the temperature of the air coming from the vents, clicking noises behind the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty blend door actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ depending on the location of the actuator and ease of access.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Instrument Cluster Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Gauges malfunctioning, flickering lights, or complete failure of the instrument cluster.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2010 Ford F-450 Super Duty, particularly with the 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engine, is prone to a number of potentially costly issues. Engine problems such as EGR cooler failure, fuel injector failure, and turbocharger failure are common. Transmission issues like erratic shifting and torque converter failure can also occur. Suspension and electrical problems add to the potential maintenance costs. Rust can be a significant concern, especially in regions with harsh winters. The severity and cost of these issues range from a few hundred dollars for minor repairs to several thousand dollars for major engine or transmission work. Potential buyers should thoroughly inspect the vehicle, review its maintenance history, and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic before making a purchase.

Ford, F-450 Super Duty
Ford F-450 Super Duty 2010
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