What diesel engine does Ford use now?
Ford currently relies on two main diesel engine families, with regional variations: the Power Stroke lineup in North America for trucks and commercial vehicles, and the EcoBlue family in Europe and other markets for vans and passenger models.
Power Stroke: North America diesel lineup
The following summarizes Ford’s diesel options available in the United States and Canada. Availability can vary by model year and trim, and certain engines may be restricted to specific configurations or markets.
Heavy-duty applications
- 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel — the mainstay for Ford’s Super Duty trucks (F-250, F-350, F-450, etc.), delivering high torque for towing and heavy payloads.
The 6.7-liter Power Stroke remains Ford’s flagship diesel option for the heavy-duty segment in North America, underpinning Ford’s strongest-duty pickups and commercial configurations.
Light- to medium-duty applications
- 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 turbo diesel — offered on select models and configurations as a lighter-duty diesel option, used in certain F-Series variants and commercial setups where a smaller turbo-diesel is preferred.
In recent years, Ford has marketed the 3.0-liter Power Stroke as an alternative to gas engines in some trucks and commercial vehicles, though its availability varies by year and market.
EcoBlue: Europe and other markets
Across Europe and many other regions, Ford’s diesel strategy centers on the EcoBlue family, which replaces older Duratorq designs and provides a range of four-cylinder and, in some cases, larger-torque options for vans and passenger models.
Main European diesel family
- 2.0-liter EcoBlue four-cylinder diesel — the workhorse in many Ford models in Europe, including vans such as the Transit and Transit Custom, as well as various passenger and utility vehicles, available in multiple power outputs to suit different applications.
The 2.0-liter EcoBlue is Ford’s most widely deployed diesel engine in European markets, designed for efficiency and strong low-end torque across a broad lineup.
What this means for buyers
If you’re shopping Ford with diesel in mind, your options depend heavily on your region and the model you’re considering. North American buyers will primarily encounter the Power Stroke family, with the 6.7L V8 serving as the backbone for heavy-duty work and the 3.0L V6 offering a lighter alternative on certain models. European and other international buyers will encounter the EcoBlue family, led by the 2.0L four-cylinder diesel across vans and a range of passenger models.
Always verify current specifications with a local Ford dealer or the official Ford website, as engine availability and outputs can change with model-year updates and regional regulations.
Summary
Ford’s diesel strategy today centers on two main engine families. In North America, the Power Stroke lineup anchors the heavy-duty and select light-duty applications, led by the 6.7L V8 and a smaller 3.0L V6 option. In Europe and many other markets, the EcoBlue four-cylinder diesel drives most vans and passenger models, marking Ford’s modern, efficiency-focused diesel approach. For precise choices and specifications, consult local Ford documentation for your region and model year.
What's better, Duramax Power Stroke or Cummins?
There is no single "better" engine; the choice between Duramax, Power Stroke, and Cummins depends on your priorities. Cummins is known for reliability and heavy-duty, long-haul performance, Power Stroke is a torque titan often leading in towing capacity and horsepower, and Duramax is praised for a balance of performance, efficiency, and a smooth, quiet ride.
This video compares the Duramax, Cummins, and Power Stroke engines and discusses their historical performance and power: 58sTruck KingYouTube · May 5, 2024
Cummins
- Strengths: Extremely reliable and durable, a favorite for heavy-duty and long-haul applications. The inline-six design is often associated with a strong low-end torque, which is beneficial for towing from a standstill.
- Considerations: Can be slightly less powerful in terms of horsepower compared to the others and sometimes requires more frequent service.
Power Stroke
- Strengths: Often leads in horsepower and has a reputation for being a "torque titan" with exceptional towing and acceleration performance.
- Considerations: Can be less fuel-efficient than the Duramax, especially under heavy use.
Duramax
- Strengths: Provides a balance of power, efficiency, and a smooth, quiet ride. It is known for being user-friendly for maintenance and has a strong reputation for towing and recreational use.
- Considerations: While generally reliable, some older models had specific fuel system issues, and some may note it doesn't have the same low-end grunt as a Cummins.
This video discusses the Duramax engine's performance and driving experience: 57sBen HardyYouTube · Jun 24, 2023
Which is right for you?
- For long-haul reliability and heavy-duty work: Choose Cummins.
- For maximum towing power and acceleration: Choose Power Stroke.
- For a balanced daily driver with good performance and fuel economy: Choose Duramax.
What year of 6.7 Power Stroke to avoid?
You should be most cautious with 2011-2014 6.7 Powerstroke models, particularly 2011, due to early-production issues like ceramic turbo bearings, defective exhaust valves on early builds, and a poorly designed plastic oil pan. However, many problems from the first generation were addressed or resolved in later models, with 2015 and newer versions generally being more reliable. Be aware of potential problems across all years, such as the CP4 fuel pump failure, intercooler pipe leaks, and EGR system issues, even in newer models.
Years to avoid or be cautious with
- 2011: This model year is often considered the most problematic due to a combination of issues, including ceramic turbo bearings, defective exhaust valves in early builds (prior to March 2011), and a plastic oil pan.
- 2012: This year still had the problematic ceramic turbo bearings, though the oil pan was improved.
- 2013-2014: While the turbo was improved with steel ball bearings, these models still fall under the first-generation design and can be subject to some of the other issues, such as the CP4 fuel pump and intercooler pipe leaks.
Potential problems in many years
- CP4 high-pressure fuel pump: This is a known failure point across multiple model years, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure if metal contaminates the fuel system.
- Intercooler pipes: Leaks, cracks, or explosions of the cold-side intercooler pipe are common in both early and late model engines.
- EGR system: The exhaust gas recirculation cooler can become restricted and fail on various model years.
- Oil pan leaks: The stock oil pan can leak on many models and can be difficult to repair.
Recommendations for buying
- Prioritize 2015 and newer: These second-generation models are generally more reliable, as they have a larger turbo and other improvements.
- Look for retrofits: If buying an earlier model, check if the owner has already addressed known issues like the turbo or CP4 pump, or consider purchasing one with a pre-installed retrofit kit.
- Be aware of symptoms: When buying any used truck, look for signs of trouble like turbo screeching or a high-pitched noise, which could indicate a failing turbo or exhaust manifold.
Who makes Ford diesel engines now?
Ford Power Stroke engine
| Power Stroke engine | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Navistar International (1994–2010) Ford Motor Company (2011–present) |
| Also called | Ford Powerstroke |
| Production | 1994–present |
| Layout |
Is the 3.0 V6 turbo diesel a good engine?
Reviews of the 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo diesel engine (often the GM Duramax) highlight its excellent fuel efficiency and strong low-end torque for towing and everyday driving. However, some potential issues include emissions system problems and leaks, which may require significant labor to repair.
This video provides an in-depth review of the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine, discussing its performance, fuel economy, and potential issues: 58sGetty's GarageYouTube · May 14, 2025
Pros
- Excellent fuel economy: This is a major advantage, with some reviews noting figures well above 252525 MPG even while towing, and higher MPG in city and highway driving compared to comparable gasoline engines.
- Strong torque: The engine provides significant low-end torque, making it responsive for towing and accelerating from a stop.
- Smooth and quiet: Many reviews describe the engine as smooth and quiet once underway, especially compared to larger diesel engines.
- Good for daily use: The combination of efficiency, quiet operation, and smooth power delivery makes it suitable for daily driving and "tweener" situations for those who need a light-duty truck but want diesel capability.
Cons
- Emissions system complexity: Modern diesel engines have complex emissions systems (EGR, DPF, SCR) that can lead to potential issues and error codes.
- Potential for oil leaks: Both older (LM2) and newer (LZ0) versions have been noted to have potential oil leaks from spots like the rear main seal and oil pan.
- Labor-intensive repairs: Several key components, like the oil pump belt and timing chain, are located at the back of the engine, making replacement extremely labor-intensive and costly, potentially requiring transmission or even cab removal.
- Oil consumption concerns: Some owners report unacceptable oil consumption, although GM states its acceptable rate is higher for towing and personal use.
- Lower heavy-duty capacity: While capable, it is not ideal for heavy-duty work like frequently pulling large gooseneck trailers, where larger engines may be more suitable.
You can watch this video to see the 3.0L Duramax engine in action while towing a heavy trailer: 1mGetty's GarageYouTube · Apr 27, 2025
