Is the 2014 Ford 6.7 diesel a good engine?
The 2014 Ford 6.7L Power Stroke is generally a strong, torquey diesel that performs well for towing and heavy-duty use, but it requires diligent maintenance and can incur high repair costs if problems arise.
To understand whether this engine is a good long-term choice, we’ll look at how it’s designed, how it performs in everyday work, common reliability concerns, and practical tips for buying or owning a 2014 model year Super Duty with the 6.7L Power Stroke.
Performance and design
The 6.7-liter Power Stroke that Ford used in the 2014 Super Duty is a modern, turbocharged V8 designed for heavy work. It delivers substantial low-end torque for towing and steady horsepower for highway cruising, paired with a complex emissions system including selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and diesel particulate filtration. The engine is built around a cast-iron block, a high-pressure common-rail fuel system, and an aggressive turbo setup to maximize output while meeting emissions standards. In the 2014 lineup, power and torque were strong for its class, with Ford emphasizing durability for long workdays, heavy trailers, and rugged job-site conditions.
Pros for the 2014 6.7 Power Stroke
The following benefits help make the 2014 6.7L Power Stroke a compelling choice for buyers who need real diesel capability.
- Excellent torque for towing and hauling heavy loads
- Robust design with a purpose-built diesel for heavy-duty use
- Strong aftermarket and factory support for maintenance and performance upgrades
- Good real-world reliability when properly maintained and serviced
- Competitive power delivery with a relatively smooth operation under load
In practice, these attributes translate to a diesel that remains capable and capable of serving as a workhorse for owners who rely on their trucks for daily duties, long trips, or weekend tows.
Reliability and maintenance considerations
Like any modern diesel, the 6.7L Power Stroke benefits from routine maintenance and timely component replacements. The engine has built a reputation for durability when kept up with service schedules, but there are known trouble spots to watch for as the mileage climbs and when buying a used example.
Before you review the key reliability concerns, consider this list as a guide to the engine’s common weaknesses and the maintenance practices that help prevent costly failures.
- High-pressure fuel system components (CP4.2 HPFP) and injectors can fail, especially as the truck ages or if fuel quality varies. Failures here are expensive and can cause performance loss or engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- DEF/SCR system and related sensors can develop faults, leading to limp modes or warning lights. Proper DEF quality and system servicing help prevent issues.
- EGR/EGG system components and cooling can experience wear or leaks over time, which may affect cooling and emissions performance.
- Turbocharger and wastegate components may exhibit wear or boost irregularities, particularly in higher-mileage trucks or with aggressive towing use.
- Oil cooler leaks and occasional gasket/seal issues can occur as the engine ages, potentially leading to leaks or cooling-related problems.
Bottom line: Regular oil changes with the correct synthetic oil, timely DEF system service, and proactive inspection of fuel-system and emissions components are key to keeping a 2014 6.7L Power Stroke performing well over the long term.
Maintenance tips and ownership costs
To maximize reliability and avoid surprise repair bills, here are practical maintenance priorities and ownership considerations for the 2014 6.7L.
- Adhere to conventional maintenance intervals for oil/filter changes and fuel-system service; use high-quality diesel fuel and reputable DEF if applicable
- Monitor and service the high-pressure fuel system and injectors as recommended by Ford or a trusted diesel shop
- Keep the DEF system clean and inspect dosing units, sensors, and lines for leaks or clogging
- Address turbocharger and exhaust-related components at the first signs of lag, whistle, or boost loss
- Inspect cooling components, oil cooler leaks, and coolant/engine oil levels regularly
- Schedule a pre-purchase inspection if buying a used 2014 model to verify proper service history and absence of recurring issues
Owners who stay ahead of maintenance and address issues early tend to report fewer breakdowns and more predictable ownership costs, which is a strong case for the 6.7L in a work-focused vehicle.
Pre-purchase checks for a used 2014 6.7L Power Stroke
If you’re evaluating a used 2014 Ford Super Duty with the 6.7L, these checks can help you avoid a costly mistake.
- Review full service history, especially fuel-system, DEF/SCR, and turbo maintenance records
- Have a diesel mechanic perform a compression test and a leak-down check on cylinders to gauge wear
- Scan the vehicle for diagnostic trouble codes related to HPFP, injectors, EGR, DEF, and turbo systems
- Inspect the high-pressure fuel rails, injectors, and fuel lines for leaks or corrosion
- Check for coolant or oil leaks around the oil cooler and gaskets; verify coolant/oil mixture level and signs of contamination
- Test-drive with a load to verify proper boost, exhaust aftertreatment operation, and transmission behavior under load
Doing these checks can significantly improve your odds of acquiring a reliable truck and avoiding expensive repairs after purchase.
Summary
Overall, the 2014 Ford 6.7L Power Stroke is a capable and durable engine that excels in heavy-duty work when well maintained. It offers strong towing capability, robust construction, and solid aftermarket support. However, it carries a higher maintenance cost than many gasoline equivalents and has known failure points in its fuel-injection and emissions systems as it ages. For buyers and current owners, the key to a good long-term outcome is diligent maintenance, timely servicing of the HPFP/injectors and DEF/ SCR components, and a careful pre-purchase inspection of any used example. When those practices are followed, the 6.7L remains a capable, reliable diesel option in the 2014 Ford Super Duty lineup.
Is the 2014 6.7 Power Stroke a good engine?
The 6.7L Power Stroke is built for longevity – Many owners report reaching well over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. Regular servicing, especially for components like the turbocharger, exhaust systems, and fuel injectors, can extend the engine's lifespan even further.
What year 6.7 has a bad turbo?
Turbocharger failures were common on 2011 and 2012 model year 6.7L Power Stroke-equipped pickups because of weak ceramic ball bearings. A switch was made to steel ball bearings. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to keep this turbo in production.
How long will a 2014 6.7 Power Stroke last?
A 2014 6.7L Powerstroke engine can expect a life expectancy of 200,000 to 300,000 miles, but with diligent maintenance and care, many owners report reaching 300,000 to 500,000+ miles. Longevity is highly dependent on factors like proper maintenance, quality parts, and driving habits.
Factors affecting engine life
- Maintenance: Regular oil changes, fuel filter replacements, and coolant system checks are crucial for extending engine life.
- Driving habits: Driving the vehicle long enough to reach operating temperature can prevent fuel dilution and reduce wear. Frequent short trips can increase stress on the engine over time.
- Parts quality: Using high-quality, reputable parts, especially for filters and sensors, is essential to avoid premature wear and failure.
- Emissions system: The factory emissions equipment can be a point of failure for some owners, especially with high mileage. Some owners choose to delete the emissions system to avoid potential issues, which can further extend engine life if maintained correctly.
Potential issues
- Turbochargers: The first-generation 6.7L Powerstroke (including the 2014 model year) may experience turbocharger issues, particularly the bearing, due to the turbo being potentially undersized for the engine's power levels.
- Other components: As the engine accumulates mileage, components like the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sensors and other related parts in the emissions system are likely to need replacement.
What year to avoid 6.7 Power Stroke?
The 6.7 Powerstroke years to avoid are primarily 2011-2014 due to issues like turbocharger failures (especially in 2011-2012 models with ceramic bearings), oil pan leaks, and intercooler leaks. While later models are more reliable, the 2017-2019 models can also have problems with the high-pressure fuel pump and oil cooler, and the 2020-2021 models had issues with the 10-speed transmission before an update in 2022.
This video explains the common issues in the first generation of the 6.7 Powerstroke: 1mFlying WrenchesYouTube · Jan 29, 2025
2011-2014: The first generation
- Turbocharger: Early 2011-2012 models are notorious for turbo failure due to ceramic bearings. Leaks from the turbo coolant fittings were also common, with a fix implemented in 2015.
- Oil Pan: 2011 models had a plastic oil pan that was prone to leaking, requiring transmission removal for replacement.
- Intercooler: Internal intercooler leaks that push coolant into the engine are more common in this generation.
- Vacuum Pump: Some early models had issues with vacuum pump bolts backing out.
- Exhaust Valves: Some very early 2011 models (pre-mid-March build date) had defective exhaust valves that could cause catastrophic engine damage.
Later generations with issues
- 2017-2019: These models can have issues with the high-pressure fuel pump, leading some to recommend an aftermarket fuel system kit. Problems with the oil cooler and front-end steering components were also reported.
- 2020-2021: These years had problems with the 10-speed automatic transmission. The 2022 model year saw an updated, more reliable 10-speed transmission.
