2018-2021 Ford F-150 3.0L Powerstroke Exhaust Parts

Exhaust system on the 2018-2021 Ford F-150 3.0L Power Stroke

Ford's F-150 diesel came with a full emissions package from day one. Up front there's cooled exhaust gas recirculation. Downstream there's a diesel oxidation catalyst and a diesel particulate filter with active regeneration, then selective catalytic reduction dosed with diesel exhaust fluid. The DEF tank holds 5.6 gallons, and the fluid has to meet Ford spec WSS-M99C130-A. Ford credited the 3.0L Power Stroke's 29,000-psi injection calibration with reduced emissions and made Auto Start-Stop standard to cut fuel use and emissions in city driving. It all ends at a single tailpipe.

For an owner, that layout draws a clear line. Everything from the DPF forward is emissions equipment and stays as Ford built it. Everything from the DPF outlet back is where compliant aftermarket parts go: pipe, mufflers, resonators, tips and clamps. That's the DPF-back approach.

What fails and why

The emissions side of this engine has a clean record. No documented DPF, SCR or DEF failure pattern for the 2018-2021 3.0L turned up in Ford, NHTSA or forum sources, and DEF use and regen behavior weren't a complaint topic in the owner subforum. The one item worth knowing applies to 2021 trucks. NHTSA recall 23V509 covers 2021-2023 F-150s with a single exhaust system: the exhaust could contact the wiring harness on the rear axle housing and damage it, which can make the electric parking brake apply unexpectedly. If you own a 2021 diesel, have the VIN checked for open recalls at a Ford dealer, and keep that harness in mind any time the exhaust is modified or rehung.

Stock replacement vs. upgrade

On the replacement side, this collection covers sensors and hardware: exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensors and a V-band clamp. On the upgrade side, it's about sound and looks. A complete DPF-back kit for the 2018-2020 3.0L can be built with no muffler at all, just 4-inch stainless pipe after the DPF, and still be rated moderate outside and mild inside, because the DPF and SCR bricks do most of the silencing. That tells you a muffler or resonator on this engine is a tone choice. Add a quiet-tone muffler or a resonator if you want it calmer, a high-flow muffler if you want less restriction, and a bigger tip if you want the look.

What we carry

MBRP makes up the bulk of this collection: universal 4-inch and 5-inch 409 stainless mufflers, the Armor Plus 5-inch high-flow muffler (GP290022), Armor Lite and universal quiet-tone mufflers, the Armor Lite resonator muffler (M20681), diesel resonators in aluminized and stainless steel, a universal exhaust adapter and pipe section, and a long run of 4-inch-inlet tips in straight-cut, angle-cut, rolled-edge, turndown, dual-wall and black hex styles with 4- to 8-inch outlets. PPE offers 3-inch and 4-inch stainless tips. Mishimoto has the MMTW-235 exhaust heat wrap set and a 6-inch polished angle-cut rolled-edge tip. XDP supplies the XD1061 and XD1033 EGT sensors, titled for the 2018-2020 3.0L. BD Diesel adds the 1405926 exhaust V-band clamp and the 1036756 E-PAS emergency engine shutdown, titled for 2018-2021 3.0L trucks. The universal mufflers and pipe are built to be cut in and clamped or welded, not bolted on as a kit. To shop across platforms, browse all exhaust parts.

Fitment notes

The 3.0L Power Stroke is F-150 only, 2018-2021, and was never offered in a Regular Cab. 2018-2020 is the 13th-generation body; 2021 is the new 14th-generation truck with the same engine. That body change matters for exhaust. Most DPF-back kits list 2018-2020 only, because the frame and bed changed for 2021 even though the engine did not, so confirm 2021 fitment separately. Even on 2018-2020, confirm your cab and box before ordering a complete system. The XDP EGT sensors are titled for 2018-2020, so check with us before using one on a 2021. Tips are sold by inlet size, so measure your tailpipe before you order. When in doubt, verify by VIN.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of aftermarket exhaust is compliant on the 3.0L Power Stroke?

DPF-back. The piping, mufflers and tips from the particulate filter outlet rearward can change, while the EGR, DPF, SCR and DEF hardware stays in place and keeps working as Ford designed it.

Will a DPF-back exhaust make my F-150 diesel loud?

Not very. A complete 4-inch DPF-back kit for this truck built with no muffler is still rated moderate outside and mild inside, because the DPF and SCR do most of the silencing. If you want it quieter, add a resonator or a quiet-tone muffler.

Is there an exhaust recall on the 2021 F-150?

Yes. NHTSA 23V509 covers 2021-2023 F-150s with a single exhaust system, where the exhaust could contact the rear axle wiring harness and cause the electric parking brake to apply unexpectedly. Have a Ford dealer check your VIN.

Which EGT sensor does my 3.0L need?

XDP lists both the XD1061 and the XD1033 for the 2018-2020 3.0L, and they are different parts. Compare the replacement to the sensor you're removing, or call us with your VIN before you order.

What does DEF have to do with the exhaust?

The SCR catalyst uses diesel exhaust fluid to cut NOx, and it's integral to the truck running normally. Keep the 5.6-gallon tank topped with fluid that meets Ford WSS-M99C130-A.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.