What’s the Ford V10 Life Expectancy?

If you are in the market for a used heavy-duty Ford pickup truck, you have probably wondered just how long you can expect the V10 engine to last. That's because Ford installed this engine as part of its modular engine lineup from 1999 to 2010 in its Super Duty trucks. What's more, most of these trucks are priced much lower than comparable diesel trucks.

But is it worth the investment, or will you better off ponying up for the diesel equivalent? To help you find out, we have researched everything there is to know about the Ford V10, so you can know just how many miles you can expect to get out of it.

The Ford V10 has a stellar reputation for reliability. Assuming the engine has been well cared for throughout its life, you can expect it to last at least 200,000 miles before needing to perform any major repairs. That means the big V10 shouldn't scare you away, unless 10 mpg on a good day frightens you, that is. 

But there is a lot more to consider when it comes to the Ford V10 engine. Is it the right engine for you, or should you stick to the diesels and V8s you're used to? Keep reading as we discuss the ins and outs of this big, unusual powerplant.

This post was originally written in May of 2019, but it has been updated with current information.

What is the Ford V10 All About?

First introduced for the 1997 model year, the Ford V10 was initially used in E-series vans and the motorhomes based on them. To create this engine, Ford simply added two cylinders to the modular, 5.4-liter V8 that was introduced at the same time.

The flexible modular engine family had already been around since 1991, so by this point, we can assume that Ford knew the ins and outs of this powerplant. Other engines in this line include the 4.6-, 5.0- and 5.4-liter V8s

The initial version of the V10, a 2-valve unit, was used until 2005. After debuting in Ford's van lineup, they made their way into the F250 through F550, as well as the Excursion SUV. This engine produced between 305 and 310 horsepower and 420 to 425 lb-ft of torque.

In 2005, a new version of the V10 was introduced. Using 3 valves, the new and improved V10 saw a power bump and was installed in a new family of vehicles. Making a maximum of 365 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, this engine was strong enough to be used in the F750 as well as the Blue Bird school bus.

V10 Reliability

We know that, as part of the Ford modular engine family, the V10 has some solid engineering roots. And the fact that Ford decided to use this engine in so many different industrial-strength vehicles should tell us something about its durability. After all, commercial buyers won't put up with weak or fidgety engines in the vehicles they use to make a living.

After checking out the common issues and owner reports on various Ford forums, it appears that the V10 is a very reliable engine as well. In fact, it is quite hard to find anyone voicing any major concerns about the robustness of their Ford V10.

So How Many Miles Can You Expect from a V10?

It can be hard to determine just how long an engine will last you. There is no registry of engines and their lifespans, so all we can really go off are owner and mechanic reports of their experiences with the V10. Sure, it's not an exact science, but this method usually works pretty well. Owners are often quick to warn others when they have had bad experiences with a certain vehicle or engine.

Checking the various Ford truck forums online, there are countless reports of problem-free V10 experiences, as well as engines lasting well over 200,000 miles. One owner even reports having 439,000 miles on their V10, with very few problems along the way. That's diesel engine territory!

If you have a well-maintained V10 in your possession, I see no reason you shouldn't expect at least 200,000 miles out of it, as long as you continue caring for it by the book. That means regular oil changes and everything else as prescribed in your owner's manual - fuel filters, transmission fluid, everything.

A Warning About Longevity Numbers

As we discuss the life expectancy of this engine, keep in mind that no two used vehicles are the same. Owners treat their vehicles very differently, from the levels of use and abuse to the maintenance schedule. A high-mileage engine that has been maintained religiously could very well serve you better and for longer than a lower-mileage truck with a poor maintenance history.

That means there is no one solid answer to the question of how long the Ford V10 engine lasts. Still, all trucks are not created equal. Some are just more reliable than others.

Other Issues with the V10

Okay, so these engines can last a long time, but will there be tons of little issues along the way? According to most owners, the answer is "no." In fact, aside from a couple of minor repairs, very few V10 owners have had to deal with anything but routine maintenance. Still, let's go over some of the concerns with the Ford V10.

Fuel Economy

Okay, no one expects to get Prius-like mileage out of their pickups, especially heavy-duty ones. But the Ford V10 has a reputation for getting even worse mileage than just about anything else out there. Compared to diesel trucks, the V10 sucks down fuel like it's going out of style.

Checking out owner-reported fuel economy on fuelly.com, most of these trucks are averaging between 8 and 10 mpg. That's low, but what can you expect from the diesel engines? After all, these are big, heavy trucks that are more often than not towing and hauling huge loads.

Well, according to the (much more numerous) owner reports, pretty much all of the diesel engines, including the venerable 7.3-liter, get 3 to 6 more miles per gallon than the V10. That's a huge difference when we are talking about fuel economy numbers this low.

Rough Idle

One of the most common complaints about the V10 is a rough idle. For anyone who has experienced this issue, it sure can be annoying. The good news is that the fix is often a simple and cheap one.

If you happen to find an otherwise great V10-engined truck that suffers from this issue, first check the PCV hose. Often, these hoses will develop a crack over time that leads to the rough idle. And there are plenty of videos online showing you how to fix this issue yourself, such as the following:

 

Exhaust Problems

Other than the idle, the other main concern regarding Ford V10 reliability is the exhaust system. Many owners report that their manifold studs rust out and fail, leading to an exhaust leak. You can easily find repair kits online for less than $30 that should remedy the problem.

Check out this repair kit on Amazon.

Clearly, you would rather have an issue with a relatively inexpensive exhaust than an engine. Still, this is something to have checked on your vehicle before purchasing, just so you know what to expect down the road.

And since we mentioned repair kits, it's worth mentioning this one, a favorite with Ford fans:

Click to see this tool kit on Amazon.

Advantages of the V10

Just as there are downsides to this engine, there are also some positive things to consider.

Price

Perhaps because of the poor fuel economy, or maybe it's because people don't know how reliable these engines are, but V10 Fords sell for thousands less than diesel pickups. And because many shoppers will only consider a diesel, they are relatively easy to find on the used market.

Gas Power

If you would rather stick to a familiar gas engine than a diesel, but still want plenty of power for towing, the V10 is a great option. From 2005 to 2010, the Super Duty V10 offered 362 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. Sure, it's not modern diesel-levels of torque, but that's a lot of power for a gas engine. Even the 2018 F-350's 6.2-liter gas V8 engine can't match that torque!

Hey, it's a V10

We haven't really talked about this yet, but V10s are cool! How many vehicles do you know of that use this type of engine? Most are supercars like the Dodge Viper, Audi R8, or the Lamborghini Huracan. So that puts you in some pretty cool company as you tool around in your heavy-duty pickup!

More Ford V10 Questions Answered (FAQ)

Does Ford Still Offer The v10?

Ford discontinued the V10 engine line in 2019. However, if you are looking for one, over 750,000 vehicles were sold with this motor. Many of the newer engines built in the last ten years were used in commercial vehicles like school buses, but you can still get your hands on the motor. 

How much horsepower (HP) does a v10 engine have?

The initial V10 models debuting in 1997 clocked in at 275 hp and reached 310 hp by 2000. The three-valve upgrade in 2005 upgraded the engine to 362 hp. This was one of the final meaningful upgrades to the engine model. 

How much horsepower does a 6.8 v10 have?

The 6.8 liter V10 debuted in 1999 and boasted 305 hp at 4,250 RPM. Through the model years of 2000-2004, the engine upgraded to a value of 310 hp at 4,250 RPM. Finally, engine models from 2005-2010 reached 362 hp at 4,250 RPM.

Is A V10 Better Than A V8 Engine?

The V10 produces more torque than the V8. If your plan is to tow heavy loads, like a camper, the V10 may be a better option because of this extra power. Without swapping over to a diesel engine, the V10 is just about the best towing engine you can get. The only real advantage to the V8 would be gas mileage since it has had continual improvements. On a project vehicle, you could say that the V10 is a better or even a cooler option.

What year did Ford fix the spark plug problem on the v10?

The spark plug blowout issue was resolved in 2002. The solution came through one of the many engine blocks and head design upgrades Ford made during the life of the V10. 

How much oil does a Ford v10 hold?

The oil capacity of your engine depends on the model. The Ford Triton vehicle specs sheet states the oil capacity to be 6 quarts, including the oil filter. Check your owner's manual or find one online for your specific model to be sure of your oil capacity.

What is the best oil for a Ford Triton v10? 

According to Ford, the best oil for a Triton V10 is 5W-20 semisynthetic motor oil. The recommended oil filter to go with that is a Motorcraft FL-820 filter. 

Click here to see this synthetic blend oil on Amazon.

 

Click here to see this oil filter on Amazon.

Some Ford forum site members also suggest using a 5W-30 full synthetic oil. 

Click here to see this synthetic oil on Amazon.

How can I get better gas mileage in my Ford v10?

The super-low gas mileage on the V10 can hurt your wallet, but there are a few things you can do to make some improvements to it. Replace the air filter every 10,000 miles and keep your tires properly inflated. Try to run errands in a way that limits the amount of time the engine has to cool down and drive as much as you can when it is warmed up. 

Installing a chip in the engine can also help out with your miles-per-gallon. Make sure the chip you purchase has a fuel-economy setting. The chip will give you more power when you need it and save gas when you don't. 

There are a few parts you can install to help out your fuel economy. Look into running a dual-exhaust system and a cold air intake. Throttle body spacers are also an option. These installations will allow your engine to take in more air and run more efficiently. 

Ford v10 reliability in motorhomes

Even though the V10 comes with a very high fuel bill, it is an incredibly reliable engine. Similar to other engines, the V10 needs regular maintenance and checkups. But, if you stay on top of that, issues are rare with the V10 engine. Although there are no official stats, V10 engines are known to last well over 200,000 miles. 

How many miles per gallon does a v10 RV get?

The V10 has a similar fuel economy to other RVs, including diesel engines. You can expect between 7 and 10 miles per gallon when you aren't towing another car or extra camper space. If you are towing a car behind, expect a slightly lower mileage, between 5 and 7 miles per gallon.

In Closing

Now that we know all about how amazingly reliable the V10 is, we hope that you know everything you need about making this purchase. According to all of the research, there is really no reason not to go for it. That is, unless the rather appalling gas mileage figures scare you away.

But that really is the only major concern with these engines, and we suspect anyone shopping for a V10-powered, heavy-duty truck isn't too terribly concerned with fuel economy in the first place.