What years did Ford make the F-150 Powerstroke?

The Ford F-150 Powerstroke has been a staple in the world of heavy-duty pickup trucks for decades. This diesel-powered variant of the iconic F-150 has offered unparalleled towing capacity, fuel efficiency, and durability to drivers across the United States. But when exactly did Ford start producing the Powerstroke-equipped F-150?

The Origins of the Ford F-150 Powerstroke

The Ford F-150 Powerstroke first made its debut in the 1994 model year. Ford partnered with Navistar International to develop a 7.3-liter turbocharged diesel engine that would power the F-150 Powerstroke. This engine, known as the 7.3L Power Stroke, quickly gained a reputation for its impressive towing capacity, fuel efficiency, and durability.

The 7.3L Power Stroke engine remained the sole diesel option for the F-150 Powerstroke until 2003, when Ford introduced a new 6.0-liter Power Stroke engine. This updated diesel engine offered even more power and torque, further solidifying the F-150 Powerstroke's position as a top choice for heavy-duty truck buyers.

The Powerstroke's Continued Evolution

In 2011, Ford once again updated the Powerstroke engine, this time with a 6.7-liter V8 diesel. This new engine, known as the 6.7L Power Stroke, delivered even more horsepower and torque than its predecessors, making the F-150 Powerstroke an even more capable and desirable heavy-duty pickup.

The 6.7L Power Stroke engine has remained the standard diesel option for the Ford F-150 Powerstroke since its introduction in 2011. Ford has continued to refine and improve the engine over the years, ensuring that the F-150 Powerstroke remains a top choice for those in need of a powerful, efficient, and durable heavy-duty pickup.

Conclusion

The Ford F-150 Powerstroke has been a staple in the heavy-duty pickup truck market for nearly three decades. From its humble beginnings with the 7.3L Power Stroke engine in 1994 to the current 6.7L Power Stroke, the Powerstroke has consistently delivered unparalleled performance, towing capacity, and fuel efficiency to drivers across the country. As Ford continues to innovate and improve the Powerstroke engine, the F-150 Powerstroke is sure to remain a top choice for those in need of a reliable and capable heavy-duty pickup truck.

Why did Ford stop making F-150 diesel?

Ford stopped making the F-150 diesel primarily due to low sales and the success of its EcoBoost engines. The F-150 diesel was not a strong seller, partly because of its higher initial cost and lack of some popular features like the Pro Power Onboard generator or the heavy-duty payload package. The PowerBoost hybrid option also made the diesel engine obsolete, offering comparable or better towing torque with better fuel economy for less money, and also included the generator system. 
Key reasons for the discontinuation

• Low demand for the diesel: Ford stated that customers overwhelmingly preferred the EcoBoost V6 gasoline engines over the diesel option. 
• Popularity of the PowerBoost Hybrid: The hybrid powertrain quickly became the more compelling option, as it offered more horsepower and torque than the diesel for a lower price and included the popular Pro Power Onboard generator system, which was not available with the diesel. 
• Cost and features: The diesel engine had a significant premium over other engines, and it was not compatible with some popular packages and features, such as the Pro Power Onboard system and certain heavy-duty payload options. 
• Performance compared to other engines: The 3.0L Power Stroke diesel produced less horsepower than many other F-150 engines, including the EcoBoost V6s and the hybrid, and its fuel economy didn't stand out enough to justify the cost. 

Diesel engines are still relevant in other trucks 

• Ford continues to offer diesel engines in its heavy-duty Super Duty line because they are still popular for their high towing and hauling capabilities. 
• Other manufacturers, such as General Motors, continue to offer 3.0L diesel engines in their half-ton trucks, citing market success. 

Did Ford make an F-150 Power Stroke?

History Of Ford's Power Stroke Diesel F-150: Yeah, Ford Did That. For a few short years, Ford gave diesel enthusiasts a reason to look twice at the half-ton truck segment with the introduction of the 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 diesel engine in the eighth-generation F-150.

What year did Ford make the F-150 diesel?

The Ford F-150 offered a diesel engine in the 2018 through 2021 model years. This engine was the 3.0L Power Stroke turbo-diesel V6.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the history of the Ford F-150 engine lineup, including the diesel option: 1mFlying WrenchesYouTube · Jan 10, 2024

• Model years: The 3.0L Power Stroke diesel engine was an option for the F-150 from the 2018 model year to the 2021 model year. 
• Engine: The engine was a 3.0L turbo-diesel V6, codenamed the Power Stroke. 
• Discontinuation: The diesel option was discontinued after the 2021 model year due to factors like strong competition from EcoBoost gas engines and the PowerBoost hybrid. 

This video reviews the Ford F-150 diesel model: 58sMotormouthYouTube · Dec 29, 2018

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.