Ford F-Series Fuel Pump Recall: A Comprehensive Guide for Owners

A significant number of Ford F-Series trucks, specifically certain 2018-2020 F-150, 2017-2020 F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty models, are under a critical safety recall due to a defective fuel pump. This component can fail unexpectedly, causing the engine to stall while driving, losing power steering and brake assist, and potentially preventing the vehicle from restarting. This condition significantly increases the risk of a crash. Ford Motor Company has initiated recall campaign number 23S27 to address this serious issue. Owners of affected vehicles must immediately check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the official Ford website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to confirm their truck's status and schedule a free repair with their local Ford Dealer.

​Understanding the Recall and the Defective Part​

The recall centers on a specific component within the vehicle's fuel delivery system: the fuel pump. The fuel pump is an electric motor housed inside the fuel tank. Its primary job is to draw fuel from the tank and deliver it under high pressure to the engine's fuel injectors. The engine control module relies on a steady supply of pressurized fuel to mix with air for combustion, which powers the vehicle. The defective part in this recall is the fuel pump's internal impeller. The impeller is a rotating disc with vanes that acts as a centrifugal pump, pushing fuel toward the engine.

The specific problem involves the material composition of this impeller. According to Ford's investigation and subsequent filings with NHTSA, the impeller supplied by a specific vendor was constructed from a substandard material. This material is excessively absorbent of moisture and other fuels. Over time, as the impeller is constantly submerged in fuel, it can swell and become distorted. A swollen and distorted impeller creates excessive friction against the fuel pump housing. This friction places an immense strain on the electric motor that drives the pump. Ultimately, the motor can seize or fail entirely. When the fuel pump motor fails, it immediately ceases delivering fuel to the engine.

​The Dangers of a Sudden Fuel Pump Failure​

The failure of this component is not a minor inconvenience; it is a direct and serious safety hazard. The primary danger is a complete engine stall without any prior warning. A driver will experience a sudden loss of power. This means the accelerator pedal will no longer function, and the vehicle will begin to decelerate rapidly, regardless of the surrounding traffic conditions or the vehicle's location.

This loss of motive power has two immediate and critical consequences. First, it leads to a loss of power assist for the brakes. Modern vehicles use vacuum or hydraulic systems assisted by engine operation to make braking easier. When the engine stalls, the driver retains the ability to brake, but it requires a much greater physical effort to press the brake pedal, significantly increasing the stopping distance. Second, power steering assist is lost. Maneuvering the vehicle, especially at lower speeds or in an emergency swerve situation, becomes extremely difficult and physically demanding.

A stall that occurs at high speed on a highway creates a scenario where the driver is attempting to control a heavy, rapidly decelerating truck without power steering and with compromised brakes, all while navigating to a safe position off the road. This situation drastically elevates the risk of a rear-end collision or a more severe crash. Furthermore, if the stall happens in the middle of a busy intersection or while merging into traffic, the consequences could be catastrophic. Unlike a simple breakdown, the vehicle cannot be restarted after this failure until the entire fuel pump module is replaced, leaving occupants stranded in a potentially dangerous position.

​Identifying the Affected Ford F-Series Vehicles​

This recall is not for every Ford truck on the road. It targets a specific range of model years and engine types due to the batch of faulty fuel pumps used during their production. The recall encompasses the following vehicle lines and years:

• ​2018-2020 Ford F-150​
• ​2017-2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty​
• ​2017-2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty​
• ​2017-2020 Ford F-450 Super Duty​
• ​2017-2020 Ford F-550 Super Duty​

It is crucial to understand that not every truck within these model years has the defective pump. The recall is based on the specific parts used on specific production dates. The only definitive way to know if your individual vehicle is included is by checking its unique 17-character Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN. The VIN is the most accurate identifier for any recall campaign. You can find your VIN on the driver's side dashboard, visible through the windshield, on the driver's side door jamb sticker, or on your vehicle registration and insurance documents.

​How to Check if Your Vehicle is Part of the Recall​

The process to check your vehicle's recall status is straightforward and takes only a moment. Owners have two primary, authoritative sources for this information.

The first and most direct method is to use the Ford official recall lookup page. Visit the Ford website and navigate to the "Support & Service" section, then to "Recalls & Customer Satisfaction Programs." There, you will find a field to input your VIN. The system will instantly display any open safety recalls, including 23S27, that are associated with your truck. This system is updated in real-time with the latest information from Ford.

The second official method is to use the database maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Visit the NHTSA recalls website and enter your VIN in the search field. This government database aggregates recall information from all automakers and is a reliable, unbiased source for confirmation. It will show all unrepaired recalls for your vehicle.

If you discover your vehicle is included in recall 23S27, the website will provide the next steps. You should also expect to receive formal notification from Ford Motor Company via first-class mail. However, do not wait for the mail to arrive. If you have an affected truck, you should proceed with scheduling service immediately.

​The Repair Process: What to Expect at the Dealer​

The remedy for recall 23S27 is a complete replacement of the faulty fuel pump module. Ford has instructed its dealers to install a new fuel pump that features an impeller made from a different, non-absorbent material that is not susceptible to swelling and distortion.

The repair is performed completely free of charge to the vehicle owner. This is a standard principle of all safety recalls; the manufacturer is obligated to fix the safety defect at no cost. The process involves several steps. The service technician will first depressurize the fuel system. Then, depending on the truck model, they will likely need to drain and drop the fuel tank from the vehicle to gain access to the fuel pump module, which is mounted on top of the tank. The old module is removed, and a new, corrected one is installed in its place. The tank is then reinstalled, the system is repressurized, and the technician will verify that the new pump is operating correctly and that there are no fuel leaks.

The time required for this repair can vary, but owners should expect the vehicle to be at the dealership for several hours, if not a full day, depending on the service department's schedule. It is highly recommended to schedule an appointment in advance. When calling, inform the service advisor that you are scheduling an appointment for safety recall 23S27. This allows them to ensure they have the correct replacement part, a revised fuel pump module, in stock before you arrive.

​What Owners Should Do Immediately​

If your vehicle is part of this recall, your immediate action is to contact an authorized Ford Dealer to schedule the repair. Until the repair is completed, it is important to be aware of the potential symptoms of a failing fuel pump. While a total failure may occur without warning, some drivers might notice preliminary signs such as engine hiccups, a sudden loss of power for a second that then returns, or difficulty starting the vehicle. If you experience any of these issues, you should park the vehicle safely and contact your dealer or Ford Customer Service immediately.

For those awaiting their appointment, driving the vehicle with this known defect carries inherent risk. If you must drive, be extra vigilant and avoid situations where a sudden stall could be particularly dangerous, such as entering high-speed highways. Always have a plan for what to do if the engine quits: focus on steering firmly to the side of the road and pressing hard on the brake pedal to stop.

​Ford's Response and Historical Context​

Ford has acknowledged the defect and reported it to NHTSA in accordance with federal safety regulations. The company's investigation began after an analysis of warranty data and field reports indicated a higher-than-expected failure rate for the fuel pump in these models. Ford has stated it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition, but the company is conducting the recall to prevent any potential future incidents.

This recall is part of a larger automotive industry pattern where a single component from a supplier can affect millions of vehicles across multiple model lines and years. It underscores the complex supply chains in modern manufacturing and the critical importance of robust quality control processes for even the smallest parts.

​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)​​

• ​Q: Is it safe to drive my Ford F-Series truck if it's under this recall?​​

  • A: Driving a vehicle with an open recall for a faulty fuel pump involves risk. The engine could stall unexpectedly, leading to a loss of power steering and brake assist. It is recommended to schedule the free repair as soon as possible and exercise extreme caution if you must drive before the appointment.

• ​Q: How long will the repair take?​​

  • A: The actual repair time is several hours. However, you should plan for your vehicle to be at the dealership for a majority of the day, as the process requires draining and dropping the fuel tank. Scheduling an appointment is essential.

• ​Q: What if I already paid for a fuel pump replacement out of pocket?​​

  • A: If you experienced a fuel pump failure and paid for its repair before the recall was announced, you may be eligible for reimbursement from Ford. You must contact Ford Customer Service and provide copies of the repair order and proof of payment. They will guide you through the reimbursement claim process.

• ​Q: I haven't received a recall notice in the mail. Is my truck still included?​​

  • A: The only way to confirm is to check your VIN on the Ford or NHTSA website. Mailing campaigns can take time, and notices may be sent to a previous owner if the vehicle was recently purchased. The VIN lookup is the most reliable source of truth.

• ​Q: Does this recall affect the vehicle's warranty or resale value?​​

  • A: Having the recall repaired has no negative impact on your factory warranty. In fact, completing all open recalls is a positive step for vehicle maintenance and can provide peace of mind for future owners. The repair itself is documented in Ford's system, which can be reassuring during a vehicle history check.

In conclusion, the Ford F-Series fuel pump recall is a serious matter that requires prompt attention from owners. The potential for a sudden engine stall creates a hazardous driving situation. By checking your VIN and scheduling a free repair with an authorized Ford Dealer, you can ensure your vehicle is safe and operational, protecting yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.