Steer clear of potential engine troubles. This article uncovers which Ford EcoBoost years owners suggest avoiding due to timing chain and cam phaser problems. Early 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engines (pre-2015) are prone to failure, while 2017-2020 models face cam phaser issues. Discover the most reliable years, according to owner feedback on forums like Reddit. News Directory 3 provides insights to save you costly repairs. could your vehicle be at risk? Discover what’s next for these engines.
Ford EcoBoost Engine: Which Years to Avoid, According to Owners
The Ford 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine powers a range of vehicles, including the F-150, Explorer, Expedition, and Transit. While generally well-regarded, some model years have exhibited reliability issues, according to owner reports on forums like Reddit. Timing chain problems and cam phaser failures are among the top concerns.
Timing Chain Issues Plague Early EcoBoost V6 Engines
Owners on the ford F-150 forum suggest that 2015 and 2016 EcoBoost engines are the most dependable. Concerns arise regarding engines manufactured before and after these years. One forum user noted that 2011-2014 models had condensation issues, while 2017-2019 versions experienced cam phaser and rattling noises.
The potential for timing chain failure is a meaningful worry for many F-150 owners.One user on the F-150 Ecoboost forum claimed a design flaw made timing chain issues unavoidable for 2011-2014 models. However, the 2015 and 2016 models seem more reliable, with many owners reporting high mileage without major problems. Regular oil changes with the correct oil grade are essential for maintaining the EcoBoost V6 engine’s health.
Cam Phaser Problems Affect Later EcoBoost V6 Engines
While timing chain issues were addressed, later EcoBoost-powered Ford models, specifically 2017-2020 trucks, began experiencing cam phaser problems. A search of the F-150 Forum reveals numerous owners who had to replace cam phasers, sometimes multiple times.
Many owners had repairs covered under warranty, saving them from expenses around $3,800. However, as these models age, fewer repairs will be covered, potentially leading to substantial bills for owners. Despite up to 17 recalls for these model years, the NHTSA has not addressed the cam phaser issue with a recall. Ford extended warranty coverage for cam phasers with undesirable noise in 2017-2020 Ford F-150 3.5-liter EcoBoost engines,2018-2020 Expedition,2018-2020 Navigator and the 2017-2020 F-150 Raptor/Limited variants until January 1,2023. Ford has as updated the design of cam phasers for the EcoBoost V6.
