Ford’s EcoBoost engines have been a staple in the brand’s lineup for years, powering a wide range of models from compact cars to heavy-duty trucks.

These engines are known for their turbocharging technology, which offers impressive performance while keeping fuel efficiency in check.

The Ford EcoBoost series includes various engine sizes, including the popular 1.0L, 2.7L, and 3.0L V-6 variants. Despite the accolades Ford has received for the EcoBoost technology, recent issues with the V-6 variants have placed the brand in the middle of a high-profile lawsuit.

The twin-turbocharged 2.7L and 3.0L V-6 engines, which are found in some of Ford’s most popular models, are facing serious reliability concerns. It’s been reported that the intake valves in these engines are prone to cracking and breaking, leading to severe engine failures.

This issue has led to a class action lawsuit against Ford, raising concerns among many EcoBoost owners who have experienced or are worried about engine failure. Let’s take a closer look at why Ford’s EcoBoost V-6 engines are under fire and what is being done to address the problem.

The Problem with Ford’s EcoBoost V-6 Engines

Ford’s EcoBoost V-6 engines, specifically the 2.7L and 3.0L twin-turbocharged models, have been plagued with a manufacturing flaw that makes the intake valves prone to cracking and breaking.

These valves are a critical part of the engine’s performance, controlling the intake of air into the engine. If a valve cracks or breaks, it can cause catastrophic engine failure, resulting in a loss of power and potentially even rendering the vehicle inoperable.

This issue first gained attention when owners of Ford F-150s, Broncos, and other Ford models equipped with the 2.7L and 3.0L EcoBoost V-6 engines reported serious engine problems. Ford’s own National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a recall notice in August 2024, describing the technical problem in detail.

The recall pointed out that the intake valves in these engines could have “grinding burn” and “over-specification hardness” at a specific location on the valve. This manufacturing flaw results in the valves being too hard, making them vulnerable to cracking.

The NHTSA explained that the grinding burn happens during the valve manufacturing process when excessive heat is generated, weakening the surface of the valve.

As a result, the valve becomes susceptible to failure. When an intake valve breaks or cracks, it can lead to “catastrophic engine damage,” which ultimately causes a loss of power, leaving the vehicle unable to function as intended.

What is Being Done to Address the Issue?

Ford has been working on fixing the issue by issuing a recall and offering a remedy for the affected vehicles. According to the NHTSA’s recall notice, Ford will be inspecting vehicles affected by the problem and replacing the defective engines if necessary.

The replacement engines will come equipped with valves that meet the required hardness specifications, which will prevent the problem from recurring.

The recall affects several Ford models, including the Ford F-150, Bronco, Explorer, and Edge, along with Lincoln vehicles like the Aviator and Navigator.

However, only the 2021 and 2022 models are affected by the issue. If your vehicle falls within the affected range, Ford will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine free of charge.

For many owners, this has been a positive step, but it still doesn’t erase the frustration of discovering that their vehicles, which they may have spent thousands of dollars on, were equipped with potentially faulty engines.

As of now, it seems that Ford is doing what it can to address the issue, but the concerns of owners continue to grow, especially as the lawsuits unfold.

The Class Action Lawsuit Against Ford

The ongoing lawsuit against Ford stems from the growing frustration of owners who feel that they were not adequately informed about the potential risks of owning a vehicle with a defective EcoBoost V-6 engine.

Two car owners, Matthew Barkus from Pennsylvania and Dan Silberman from New York, are the main plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit filed against Ford.

They claim that they never would have purchased their Ford vehicles if they had known about the faulty V-6 EcoBoost engines.

Barkus owns a Ford F-150, while Silberman drives a Ford Bronco. Both vehicles are covered by the recall Ford issued for the defective engines. The two plaintiffs are seeking around $5 million in damages from Ford, citing both the inconvenience caused and the financial burden of repairing or replacing the faulty engines.

Ford has responded to the lawsuit by pointing to the recall and the efforts the company has made to rectify the issue. The recall has been widely publicized, and Ford has been offering free replacements and repairs for affected vehicles.

However, the lawsuit raises valid concerns about the long-term consequences for owners who are left dealing with the issue or potentially facing the cost of engine replacement after their warranties expire.

How Big is the Issue?

The recall is affecting a significant number of Ford vehicles in the U.S., which is why the lawsuit has gained so much attention.

The recall covers multiple Ford models, including the Ford F-150, Bronco, Edge, and Explorer, which are all popular vehicles among consumers. These models are used by thousands of people across the country, making the potential impact of the defective engines widespread.

Ford is offering a remedy for affected owners, but there are still many concerns surrounding the reliability of the EcoBoost V-6 engine moving forward.

Despite the company’s efforts to fix the issue, many vehicle owners are frustrated and feel that they should not have to deal with a problem that was caused by a manufacturing flaw in the first place. The lawsuit is a direct result of these frustrations, and more owners will likely join the class action as the case develops.

Will Ford Win the Lawsuit?

It’s unclear whether Ford will be able to resolve the lawsuit in its favor. The company has made efforts to address the issue through the recall, and they are offering free replacements for affected vehicles. However, the lawsuit has the potential to bring further scrutiny to Ford’s practices, especially if more consumers join in.

The outcome of the case may hinge on whether the court deems the recall and the engine replacement efforts as sufficient.

If the court finds that Ford has adequately addressed the issue and made efforts to compensate owners for the inconvenience, the company may avoid paying out any damages. However, if the court sides with the plaintiffs, Ford could face significant financial penalties.

Conclusion: What Does This Mean for Ford and Its Customers?

The EcoBoost V-6 engine issue has certainly caused a stir in the automotive world, especially for Ford fans who depend on the brand for its performance and reliability.

The lawsuit is still ongoing, and Ford is facing significant challenges in restoring consumer confidence. While the company has taken steps to fix the problem with the recall and replacement engines, it’s clear that this issue will leave a lasting impact on Ford’s reputation for reliability.

For now, Ford owners of affected vehicles will need to take action by getting their vehicles inspected and repaired. Those who have already experienced engine failure are left hoping for fair compensation from the class action lawsuit.

As the case continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how Ford handles this situation and whether the company can regain the trust of its customers.