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Ford EcoBoost Engine Replacement Issue with These Model Years You Need to Know

Do you currently own a Ford with an EcoBoost engine or are considering buying a used Ford that has one? If so, you need to know which models are currently listed as having a coolant intrusion problem necessitating an engine replacement as the fix.

Not All EcoBoost Engines are Made Equal

For the most part, the Ford EcoBoost found in many models has proven overall to be a good and reliable engine. However, due to design engineers trying to improve on a design that already works to improve its performance, it can sometimes turn into one of those “the best laid plans of mice and men” type of thing.

According to a recent Ford Tech Makuloco YouTube video, that apparently is what has happened and is affecting many Ford owners requiring an engine replacement even before the vehicle has many miles on it.

Related article: Ford EcoBoost Engine Problems All Ford Owners and Used Car Shoppers Should Understand

According to a Ford Technical Service Bulletin dated June of this year shown by the host, Ford acknowledges that some of their models with the 4-cylinder 2.0 L EcoBoost engine are experiencing a common problem of coolant escaping into the cylinders manifesting as white smoke, engine misfiring, loss of coolant and engine overheating. Essentially what is happening is that cracks in the block between cylinders are forming and leading to a blown engine.

Related article: Consumer Reports Analysts Reveal the Used Cars Most Likely to Need an Engine Rebuild and What to Buy Instead

Ford Models Affected

The TSB lists the following affected vehicles:

One of the following vehicles with a 2.0 L EcoBoost engine:
• 2015-2018 Edge
• 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ (Lincoln) built on or before 8-April-2019
• 2017-2019 Escape built on or before 16-May-2019
• 2017-2019 MKC (Lincoln) built on or before 18-April-2019

What’s Going On?

To understand just what changes were made to the EcoBoost engine that led to the problem, here is a video posted below that is well worth understanding why the problem occurred and what has been done to correct the design problem so as not to misunderstand the reliability of the EcoBoost engine model and miss out on some otherwise good used cars with an EcoBoost engine.

Ford 2.0L EcoBoost Engine Misfire and Coolant Consumption Issue Fix!

And finally…

For additional articles related to blown engines, here are a few for your consideration:

Blown Engine Blame Game, Who’s at Fault?

New Ford Broncos are Having Major Engine Problems

Consumer Reports Mechanics Advise Avoiding These Models Known for Blowing a Gasket

COMING UP NEXT: The One Toyota Corolla Model You Might Want to Avoid Unless the Engine's Been Fixed

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

Image Source: Pixabay

Comments

Terry Rocher (not verified)    November 5, 2022 - 12:41PM

I have 2015 Ford focus eco boost with only 31,484 miles and is sitting can't drive and still owe on death trap! Cannot get anyone to do the right thing. I have over $12,000.00 and still owe and cannot drive. I am just asking for buy back. Almost died on highway and have reported to Ford Corp, NHSTA and FTC and still nothing. I just want Ford to do the right thing!!

ray (not verified)    December 2, 2022 - 12:16PM

In reply to by Terry Rocher (not verified)

Hi. Exact same issue with 2015 Escape. Sitting in my garage for 13 mos with #1 cylinder misfire. Still owe $10k on payments. being quoted 3500-5000 to replace engine or replace engine block.

Colleen (not verified)    December 2, 2022 - 7:39PM

In reply to by Terry Rocher (not verified)

I also reported to these agencies it cost me 6,500 at the dealer than they want to give you the run around. I have a case with the lemon laws. That’s all I wanted was for them to own up to it, and fix it.

CATHY LEVIN (not verified)    March 17, 2023 - 10:52AM

In reply to by Colleen (not verified)

I have a 2018 Ford Escape with 32000 miles. The engine has to be replaced. Ford is covering $5000. I am stuck paying almost $4000. I will also get in touch with lemon law.

Brian (not verified)    May 6, 2023 - 1:54AM

In reply to by CATHY LEVIN (not verified)

The powertrain warranty is 5 year/60k miles. I see you were under the mileage threshold. Was it not still within 5 years? I was curious why you were out of pocket at all. I am about to face the same battle.

Justine A. (not verified)    August 1, 2023 - 9:29PM

In reply to by Brian (not verified)

I’m curious if anyone has had success of any kind of recourse towards Ford if you bought the vehicle used as a certified preowned vehicle it may be covered up to 100,000 miles and seven years I just passed my seven years on June 10 and my vehicle was diagnosed as needing a new engine, mid July of course they won’t cover it under the warranty. They won’t give me full value for a trade and they are just pathetically sorry for my position. I would like to take legal action against them and I’m curious if anyone has done so? There is a class action lawsuit for this exact issue, which is currently pending litigation in California. Unfortunately, it is too late to join the class action lawsuit, but the attorney’s office litigating it said to keep my receipts and perhaps I could be reimbursed in the future. I will not be replacing the engine. I will take the loss on a trade-in not with Ford! I’m going to file a complaint with the Nevada attorney generals office for unfair business practice, and I may contact consumer protection attorney or take them to small claims court. Just wondering what everyone’s experience has been if they’ve had a positive outcome. Additionally, while googling, I did find a customer satisfaction program back from 2020 and 2021 or dealerships were supposed to reach out to owners and let them know of this potential issue. Of course I was never notified, were you?
Former Ford owner.

Derek Kooren (not verified)    September 25, 2024 - 6:49PM

In reply to by Justine A. (not verified)

I took Ford to small claims court and lost. The Judge did a write up that may help people with different options (Mine was allegedly outside of warranty). You would need to go to Kern County Superior Court and look up KOOREN vs FORD MOTOR COMPANY. You are able to download the file. You will need to register with the website in order to search cases.

Sarah harris (not verified)    February 3, 2023 - 12:38PM

In reply to by Terry Rocher (not verified)

I have a ford focus 2017 and my engine bles at 65k miles then again at 130k miles. The first one was not covered because it was out of warranty. This definitely needs to be a recall.

Lee John Hobbs (not verified)    July 4, 2023 - 6:18PM

In reply to by Sarah harris (not verified)

probably should've got the manufacturer to do the first one on good will if you have up-to-date servicing on it.
"The engine blew at 60k. seeing as you warranty your vehicles at 3 years or 100,000 miles, its quite clear you expect your engines to last more than 100k miles. This this one has not. As the vehicle has been kept in good serviced order, please can you cover the cost to replace your defective engine?"
probably more polite, less passive aggressive than what i wrote. Goodwill is an option. just putting this here incase anyone passing through had a similar issue currently.

James (not verified)    January 1, 2023 - 12:27AM

"...due to design engineers trying to improve on a design that already works to improve its performance, it can sometimes turn into one of those 'the best laid plans of mice and men' type of thing..."

With all due respect to the author, the quote above is pure jibberish and needs to be rewritten. The editor should never have allowed such a meaningless, ridiculous sentence.

LG (not verified)    January 23, 2023 - 8:08PM

I just reached 75,000 miles, went for a ride on the highway round trip less than 100 miles. On the return trip my car was not accelerating like it’s supposed to. At first, I thought maybe my foot is not on the gas pedal. It wasn’t me it was the car. I was so scared and prayed all the way home. Thankfully I made it safely. I get my car towed to Ford shop, they did a diagnostic, came back with crank shaft and cam shaft code, they asked if they could take valve cover off to check for slug. I said yes, then they came back with “jump engine” I asked what does that mean and the said I need a new engine. What.??? My suv is a 2016 that I purchased in 2018. The Certified Warranty expired in October 2022. I asked what caused this, the reply “this happens”. The repair bill is quoted $7,900. This doesn’t make sense. I have no car, there's no loaner available AND a new engine was ordered and it’s going to take a month to arrive. What do a person do when you invest in a supposedly good American made car and your engine goes?

Roy G (not verified)    February 28, 2023 - 3:59PM

My daughter just had her 2016 Edge looked at, same issue. I talked to the guys at the shop, I've done business with them for 35 years, and they said they've done 3 replacements in the last couple weeks and they were all 2016 And fairly close in VIN numbers....

Jamie Rood (not verified)    March 25, 2023 - 11:11AM

I bought a 2015 ford edge titanium in June of 2016 in March of 2018 it broke down I was told the flex plate broke and it took out my motor I took it to ford in dushore pa where they replaced my motor at 72k miles and charged me 5400 bucks because I was 3 months out of warranty. I proceeded to have the same issue occur but I knew the sound to look for and got it "fixed" before my engine went again. Now I have been in limp mode for over a year and it's coming up turbo issue but somehow I do not have a turbo. How does that happen??? Nothing but issues with this vehicle. I contacted ford corporate when it happened they told me verbatim " oh if you were a more loyal customer we would help you like if you bought 7 or 8 brand new ford's I was 32 at the time that would have been a brand new ford every 2 years from the time I was 21. I've had it to shops that have had it for 3 weeks then told me to come pick it up because they couldn't tell what the issue was. And how was it not caught the 2nd and 3rd time I had to have the same issue fixed. Disgusted

Sandra Cornelison (not verified)    March 26, 2023 - 7:13PM

What does Ford plan to do? Will they pay to replace a 2.0 eco boost engine in a 2018 Ford Edge with 53,000 miles on it. I certainly cannot afford to replace the engine, I am still making payments on it. The Ford motor company should stand behind their products.

Wayne (not verified)    April 12, 2023 - 3:17PM

In reply to by Sandra Cornelison (not verified)

Please keep me in the loop.... Our 2017 Ford Edge Titanium just threw a check engine light on Monday..... Dealership just called and told me our engine needs replaced. Our car has 34,000 miles on it..... Absolutely ridiculous.

I have been a Ford guy my entire life but honestly this is enough to make me walk away from the brand if they dont own up to this mess.

Jim (not verified)    August 27, 2023 - 10:52PM

In reply to by Sandra Cornelison (not verified)

I decided to try my own fix for my escape. I bought a can of bluedevil block sealer and put it in my 2.0. It took about 30 minutes to put it in and we immediately started driving it again. I am not happy with Ford abandoning everyone with an Ecoboost but I am happy with the block sealer. After sealing the engine it doesn’t leak antifreeze into the oil and the running temperature is back to normal and we have put several thousand miles on it with no problem, it’s not the solution I wanted but we can drive the car again anyway.
Edit: I drove it 15,000 miles and traded it in but I don’t think it lasted much longer. The Blue Devil Block Sealer was awesome, buy that and trade it in to the same dealer you got it from. lol

Christina Doody (not verified)    March 27, 2023 - 12:23PM

I bought a used Ford Edge. I was told about the active recalls and took it to the Ford Dealership and they are saying Ford or my warranty won't cover it. They say anything over 100000 miles they won't cover I bought the car with 99106 miles. I've looked up the guidelines on Ford recalls and seeing it's the Flex plate which is a safety recall they are required too fix it at no cost but the Ford dealership is statijg they won't pay for it.

Gail Lemke (not verified)    May 17, 2023 - 3:24PM

I have a 2016 Ford Edge. In November 2022 (with approx 114,000 miles), I had the acceleration problem and white smoke. The local dealer diagnosed it as needing valve cover and gasket replacement with a few other smaller issues. I learned of al the issues with this engine and contacted Ford Corporation. They paid 80% of my bill. However, the local dealer took over 3 months to get the job done! I said many times that I suspected it would need a new engine. They test drove it for 60 miles after their repairs and said no lights were on so it was good. I drove it for 2 weeks and the engine light came on. Yes, I needed a new engine. It has now been with the local dealer for over 3 weeks and still not complete. I contacted Ford Corp again and they said it's "not related" to the first issue and basically gave me a run around. They are paying 60% of my bill this time. I said many times this should be a recall!

Charles D Heiser (not verified)    November 22, 2023 - 7:09AM

In reply to by Gail Lemke (not verified)

How did you contact Ford to get them to pay some of the engine repair/replacement costs? I have a 2018 Ford Edge that is in the shop now waiting for the replacement engine to come in. Estimated cost to replace the engine is $8100. I would sure like to have some help on that. Please let me know.

Val Renee (not verified)    May 26, 2023 - 5:12AM

So, I, too, have the dreaded 2015 Ford Fusion SE 1.5L EcoBoost.
I have driven this car like a grandma. I have only now just hit 52k. I have kept perfect maintenance. And now I'm. looking at a car w misfires in cylinder 3 and 4, they replaced my spark plugs. coils were ok, and replaced fuel injector on 4. Did a leak down test bec codes will still wonky. c
Compression still messed up on 3 and 4. Air escaping from piston rings. Told I need a rebuild of top of engine; valve job, etc. $5500. gtfo, r u kidding??!!
Of course my car has been paid off, I got a great deal bec of Ford A plan. And now, the car I took such good care of has me in a nice spot. I am about to call Ford tomorrow and see what they say, threaten lawsuit if needed bec this is ultimately their engineering issue. It's funny bec my mechanic told me 2 years ago, he noticed coolant missing but couldn't figure out why. And he nor I wasnt troubled by it bec the car ran well, no smoke, no temps issues, no check engine ligh ever. I thought I had my dream car. Wish I had known about these ecoboost motors previously. They seem to be junk from all I've read. I'm prob gonna get a rebuilt w this issue resolved in it and hope the great warranty on the motor out lasts me driving the car. But I am going to persue Ford and the class action lawsuit bec this should not happen. BTw, when I called the dealer to make an appt when the check engine light came on...service guy immediately tells me its a coolant intrusion issue as soon as I tell him model and motor. What a joke. He said it was a 5 week wait for service. So disgusted.

Jon Thornton (not verified)    June 6, 2023 - 3:44PM

I had to replace my 2017 ford fussion 2.0 engine out of pocket. Does anyone know if or when ford will start replacing or paying for the replacement engine it only had 40,000 miles on it

Caylynn (not verified)    July 31, 2023 - 9:19PM

Ford! My grandparents, uncle, mom, etc are all life long ford customers..until now..: just out of college trying to make it on my own and my new/used 2015 Fusion 2.0 eco has the same issue at 111,067 miles and only 13 months into loan… I can not afford the repair!!! Any suggestions on how to best cut my loss? Or get help with costs?

Sue (not verified)    September 6, 2023 - 3:55PM

I purchased my 2016 Fusion 1.5L EcoBoost in July 2019 with 30,000 miles. In August 2020, low coolant light went on. Antifreeze was extremely low but there were no apparent leaks. Added coolant. In September 2020, engine light went on. Our local mechanic said cylinder 3 was misfiring. We brought it to Ford dealer in October 2020 to be told there's coolant intrusion and needed engine replacement. Car was at 54,000 miles. The warranty I purchased with car covered full replacement. I thought it was a fluke. Fast forward to August 2023, with 42,000 on NEW engine, same exact situation. EXACT. Except this time warranty won't cover it because I have 96,000 total miles on car and my warranty expired 6,000 miles ago. Ford Corp won't help because I'm beyond the time and the 84,000 mileage limit they had with their customer service one-time replacement program that, unbeknownst to me, went out in June 2022.
So I've owned the car for 4 years and it now needs a 3rd engine for $8500 which is more than the resale value of the car. It's sitting in my driveway. Don't know what to do. And still have 10 months on my loan. So frustrating.

Shannon (not verified)    September 14, 2023 - 8:22PM

I have a 2017 2.0 with 105k miles. After trying to diagnose the issue for over a year, even taking it to Ford, it finally blew a head gasket I guess and white smoke just came billowing out of the exhaust (took it several minutes to stop even after turning the engine off). Somebody alerted me to this issue and I had it towed to Ford and quoted the TSB. It does seem to be the exact issue and I need a new engine. Turns out I am lucky enough to have purchased an extended warranty but am waiting on Ford Corporate to respond to the dealer and approve the repair. Should they be paying the entire cost or might I still be hit with a several thousand dollar bill?