Loading

How many miles is a Ford 6.7 diesel good for?

There is no fixed mileage limit for a Ford 6.7L Power Stroke. With diligent maintenance and sensible use, many trucks reach well beyond 300,000 miles, with a solid share surpassing 500,000 and some exceptional examples pushing toward or past 700,000 miles.


What the engine is built for and how it’s used


The 6.7L Power Stroke is Ford’s heavy‑duty diesel used in the F-Series Super Duty lineup. It’s designed to deliver high torque and long uptime for towing, hauling, and sustained work-duty use. Real-world longevity depends on routine maintenance, how the truck is operated, and how aggressively it’s used for heavy loads. Years, model variations, and maintenance history all influence the actual mileage that a given unit will achieve.


Typical lifespan for a well-maintained 6.7L Power Stroke


The figures below reflect common reports from owners and shops under standard maintenance and typical work patterns. Because usage and upkeep vary, these ranges offer a rough sense of durability rather than a guaranteed outcome.



  • 300,000–500,000 miles: The baseline range for a well‑maintained truck used for regular towing and highway driving.

  • 500,000–700,000 miles: Achievable with consistent service, clean fuel, and controlled operation; many long‑haul or work‑truck owners aim for this level.

  • 700,000+ miles: Possible for exceptionally maintained units, especially with proactive emission-system care and timely component replacements.

  • Rare conditions: Some anecdotal reports claim 800,000 miles or more; while not typical, dedicated owners say meticulous upkeep can push toward higher milestones.


In practice, you’ll see engines reach well beyond 300,000 miles, but mileage outcomes vary widely based on maintenance quality, fuel quality, cooling-system health, turbo wear, injector timing, and how aggressively the truck is worked.


Maintenance practices to maximize longevity


Keeping a 6.7L Power Stroke running for as long as possible hinges on disciplined maintenance and attention to the diesel’s emissions and fuel systems. The following practices reflect what many owners consider essential.


Key failure points to monitor



  • Adhere to the factory service intervals for oil changes, filters, coolant, and fuel system maintenance. Use OEM or high‑quality equivalents and follow the manual for viscosity and capacity.

  • Regularly inspect and service the cooling system, radiators, hoses, and thermostat to prevent overheating, a common cause of long‑term wear in heavy‑duty use.

  • Address diesel particulate filter (DPF) and EGR-related issues promptly; maintain clean regeneration cycles and avoid neglecting emission-system service.

  • Maintain fuel quality and the fuel system: use clean diesel, replace primary/secondary filters as scheduled, and monitor for any signs of injector or fuel‑pump trouble.

  • Monitor turbo health and ensure reliable oil supply to the turbo; replace worn components early to prevent cascading failures.

  • Track oil consumption and adhere to the recommended oil change intervals with the correct grade and quality to protect engine bearings and tolerances.

  • Develop a sensible cold-start routine in winter and allow adequate warm-up time before heavy operation to reduce stress on bearings and turbos.


Following these practices helps maximize engine life and minimize unscheduled downtime as the vehicle ages.


Know‑your‑usage: Costs and upkeep considerations


As mileage climbs, maintenance costs can rise. Components such as injectors, fuel pumps, turbochargers, and emissions-related hardware may require attention or replacement with age. Prospective owners should budget for ongoing maintenance and the possibility of major repairs as the engine accumulates miles.


Summary


The Ford 6.7 Power Stroke is capable of long service life when well cared for. While there isn’t a guaranteed mileage, practical experience shows many trucks reaching 300,000–500,000 miles, with a meaningful number surpassing 500,000 and some well-maintained examples approaching or exceeding 700,000 miles. Sustained longevity depends on disciplined maintenance, mindful operation, and proactive emission-system care, along with readiness to address component wear as the engine ages.

What is the life expectancy of a 6.7 Powerstroke?


The average life of a 6.7 Powerstroke is 200,000 to 300,000 miles, but with proper maintenance, many owners report reaching well over 200,000 miles and some have achieved 400,000 miles or more. Key factors for extending its lifespan include diligent maintenance, such as regular oil changes and fuel filter replacements, and addressing potential issues with components like the turbocharger, exhaust systems, and fuel injectors.
 
Factors for extending engine life

  • Regular maintenance: Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule in the owner's manual, which includes regular oil changes and filter replacements. 
  • Consistent service: Properly serviced components like the turbocharger, exhaust system, and fuel injectors are crucial for longevity. 
  • Avoid frequent short trips: Allow the engine to reach operating temperature to properly burn off soot, which is important for the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and overall engine health. 
  • Address fuel system issues: Some versions of the 6.7 Powerstroke have a CP4 pump that can be vulnerable. Upgrades like the DCR conversion can help prevent fuel system failures. 
  • Consider oil and fuel additives: Some owners use additives to improve the condition of their oil and fuel. 
  • Use quality parts: When performing maintenance, use high-quality parts, especially for filters, and be cautious with delete kits as poor-quality ones can shorten engine life. 



What are signs of a failing 6.7 powerstroke?


How To Detect Early Signs of Failure in a 6.7 Powerstroke

  • Unusual Engine Noises.
  • Decreased Fuel Economy.
  • Loss of Power or Performance.
  • Smoke Discharge From the Exhaust.
  • Overheating Engine.
  • Difficulty Starting the Engine.
  • Warning Lights on the Dashboard.
  • Oil Quality and Consumption Issues.



Is it worth buying a diesel with 200k miles?


Buying a diesel with 200k miles can be a good value if it has a thorough maintenance history and has already had major components like fuel injectors, the turbo, or a transmission replaced. However, it is a gamble; the engine may be near a major repair, and you should prioritize inspecting the vehicle for signs of rust and poor maintenance, and consider the vehicle's intended use and if any previous modifications could be issues.
 
What to look for

  • Maintenance records: A history of regular maintenance is crucial. Look for evidence of replaced parts like fuel injectors, glow plugs, and head gaskets, especially if the vehicle is an older model that is known for those issues. 
  • Major component health: Diesels with 200k miles have likely had or will need major repairs. Check for signs of a healthy turbocharger (no whining), evidence of transmission work (especially if it's an automatic), and that the suspension and steering components are in good shape. 
  • Emissions systems: Newer diesel trucks have complex emissions systems that can be problematic. A truck that has been "deleted" might be a better option, but be aware of the legality of this in your area and the potential for future issues if you need to pass emissions testing. 
  • Rust and frame integrity: Check the frame for rust, which can be a deal-breaker regardless of the engine's condition. 
  • Hours vs. mileage: For commercial trucks, the number of idle hours can be a better indicator of wear than the total mileage. 

Why 200k miles might be acceptable
  • Value: At 200k miles, the vehicle may be significantly cheaper, and many of the expensive repairs have already been done by a previous owner. 
  • Longevity: Properly maintained, many diesel engines can last well beyond 200k miles. 

Why it might be a risky purchase
  • Unexpected repairs: A 200k mile diesel truck may be on the verge of needing major and expensive repairs. 
  • Emissions system failures: Newer trucks have emissions systems that are expensive to repair if they fail. 
  • Rust: If the truck is from a rust-prone area, it's at higher risk for frame damage, which can make it a poor investment. 

Final thoughts
  • The decision depends on a combination of the truck's price, its maintenance history, and the potential for future repairs.
  • For a collector, a lower-mileage truck will always command a higher value.
  • For a practical driver, a 200k mile truck can be a smart purchase if it has been well-maintained and the price reflects its condition. 



How many miles is too many for a 6.7 powerstroke?


For a 6.7 Powerstroke, "high mileage" is generally considered to be over 200,000 miles, as many owners see this as a milestone where major components may require attention. However, a well-maintained 6.7 Powerstroke can last significantly longer, with many reaching 300,000 to 400,000 miles or even more if properly cared for, according to Blessed Performance and Bob Sight Ford. 
What to consider

  • The vehicle's history: A history of consistent maintenance is more important than the exact mileage. Check for service records to see how the previous owner(s) cared for the truck. 
  • Regular maintenance: Proper and regular oil changes, fuel filter replacements, and other fluid changes are crucial for longevity. 
  • Typical lifespan: With good care, 6.7 Powerstroke engines are known to last 200,000 miles or more, with many achieving 300,000–400,000 miles or beyond. 
  • Potential issues: Even with good maintenance, certain components like the CP4 injection pump and turbochargers may require service around 100,000–200,000 miles. 
  • The context of usage: How the truck was used matters. A truck with high mileage from heavy towing or constant hard use will have more wear than one with the same mileage from highway driving. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.