Ecoboost reliable?
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
TWO recalls affecting 1.6T Eco-Boost installed in 2013 Escape and Fusion.
12/2012 ~ The 1st recall: "The valve cover gasket and/or the fuel rail O-rings may leak, could cause an engine fire."
STOP driving the vehicle, turn it in to local dealer, a free rental car will be provided until the parts become available."
It took 3 months to get the parts, the free rental car was a Hyundai from Enterprise.
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The 2nd recall is ongoing now: Engine overheating may cause the cylinder head to crack,
fluid will leak causing an engine fire.Monitor coolant level in recovery tank, owners will be notified when the parts (a coupla heat shields) will be available. Neighbor with Fusion received the 'parts available' letter last week.
1.6T & 2.0T Eco's are made in England.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 730
Likes: 9
From: plymouth mi
I believe that the 2.0 ecoboost engine is produced in Spain, with plans to build it in Cleveland as well in the near future, Ford transfers 2L EcoBoost from Spain to Cleveland » Automotive World my wifes Escape has the 2.0 and has not yet had a recall, to the engine at least, there are two non powertrain recalls coming to the escape line dealing with side canopy airbag system and improperly aligned door handles, we have had this vehicle since dec 2012, so far this vehicle has been trouble free, as has my 2012 f150 with the 3.5l ecoboost.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 6
From: Garden Valley, Idaho
If it was me, I'd go for the 5.0 over the egoboost, just too many potential issues once the warranty goes out. Plus the 5.0 is cheaper and it's mileage isn't that far off the boost. I would also look at all of the TSB's for both engines just to see how things were going.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
The 3.5 EB is a stronger built engine, using 6 bolt mains, and forged piston rods and crank.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,314
Likes: 4
I can only report on our experience... with no extrapolation suggested...
We have the Explorer Sport with the twin turbo econboost and haven't had an issue in 20k+ Dallas - Fort Worth miles....
Now, the Audi 2.0 we just traded in has had basically the same direct injection turbo engine design and reports are coming out that it is starting to experience issues with deposits on the intake that can only be removed via mechanical means --- the direct injection is not 'washing' down the intakes and deposits are forming to create an expensive out of warranty repair...
will the DI on the ecoboost start having the same issues, dunno ?!?
We have the Explorer Sport with the twin turbo econboost and haven't had an issue in 20k+ Dallas - Fort Worth miles....
Now, the Audi 2.0 we just traded in has had basically the same direct injection turbo engine design and reports are coming out that it is starting to experience issues with deposits on the intake that can only be removed via mechanical means --- the direct injection is not 'washing' down the intakes and deposits are forming to create an expensive out of warranty repair...
will the DI on the ecoboost start having the same issues, dunno ?!?
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 3
From: Manteca, CA
just bought our 2013 Edge 2.0l EB two weeks ago and is now in dealership service center for second time. First was fuel line recall that was never done, turns out we had the bad line and was replaced, now is in for a cracked fuel pump cap allowing gas to leak out of top of tank. filled her up and came out to a puddle of gas yesterday, all covered under warranty-while these are not exactly ecoboost related, thought I would share
Joe
Joe
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, AB.
I have 2013 with ecoboost. Works just fine. My son has a 2012 5.0 works just fine. Our mileage is almost identical. Mine pulls a load much better than his. So if you want the truck for towing, the torque specs speak for themselves.
The question of reliability. I know people who drive them from Edmonton to Fort Mac every couple weeks for work. Some with more than 200k on them now, and they don't seem to have any more problems than the 5.0
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, AB.
I can add this as well. I've noticed a lot of former diesel guys like the ecoboost a lot. Where as folks that has only driven gassers not so much.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
3.5 is amazing
Had a 2008 Fx2 w/ 5.4 pulling a 11k camper wet. Sold it to CarMax and got a 2013, crew cab, 4x4, 6.5' box, pulling the same camper. All I can say is that I am impressed. The torque is amazing, and the fuel economy can be as good as 22mpg, but you have got to monitor the "instant" at all times, 8-10 towing up moderate terrain. I am concerned about long term maintenance costs, however having 20k miles on it, well again, I'm just really impressed with this truck. My dad bought a 2014 Chevy 2500 gasser, to pull the same camper, and i'll beat him any day towing, hands down, I wouldn't second guess this engine at all. In the end, everyone has their opinion, and I'm hands down EB.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
The Eco boost has problems with carbon build up on valves, fords TSB. It also states that injector cleaning can not been done do to damage to turbos. Part of the reason is for rich mixture on start up. Under warranty for hesitation, misfire ford techs to check for carbon build up if located recommended to replace heads. So on Eco boost if you have or do de carbon flush say good by to your warranty. How in gods name can ford design a engine that can not be survived for carbon build up. Also from what I understand the 5.0 lt is nothing more the a 4.6 bored
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Southwestern, Ontario
My dad bought a 2011 F150 with the 3.5 EcoBoost and loves it. His was an early build and had the intercooler issue resulting in a warranty replacement of 3 turbos (replaced 1 last year and both got replaced this year to the new revision). Even with those problems, he loves it. My girlfriend just bought a 2014 F150 and I suggested if she wants it for towing to get the EcoBoost. She also loves it.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, AB.
I think the way the ecoboost was designed is much like a diesel engine. They need to be worked hard from time to time. They were designed as a towing motor. Except for an ongoing software bug with the battery monitor system and a parasitic battery draw, my truck has been a good truck so far. My trade in truck was a 04 Superduty diesel and as a former diesel guy I like the way the motor runs. There is a bit of turbo lag sometimes, but when the power comes on, it's pretty good.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Mazda 90,00 km turbo done, oil change ever 5,000 km. dealer said its because of sludge. I told them I'll come down and let's pull the rocker cover, no sludge you pay, sludge I pay. The bill was going to 2,800.00 bucks. To the dealer surprise crustal clear. Removed the line plugged up, being a tech I knew there was a TSB. It's my daughters car and has a turbo timer. A shop I know that rebuilds them told me he rebuilds hundreds of the turbos for this make.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 730
Likes: 9
From: plymouth mi
Well the turbos aren't the problem it's the oil lines going to the turbo.
Mazda 90,00 km turbo done, oil change ever 5,000 km. dealer said its because of sludge. I told them I'll come down and let's pull the rocker cover, no sludge you pay, sludge I pay. The bill was going to 2,800.00 bucks. To the dealer surprise crustal clear. Removed the line plugged up, being a tech I knew there was a TSB. It's my daughters car and has a turbo timer. A shop I know that rebuilds them told me he rebuilds hundreds of the turbos for this make.
Mazda 90,00 km turbo done, oil change ever 5,000 km. dealer said its because of sludge. I told them I'll come down and let's pull the rocker cover, no sludge you pay, sludge I pay. The bill was going to 2,800.00 bucks. To the dealer surprise crustal clear. Removed the line plugged up, being a tech I knew there was a TSB. It's my daughters car and has a turbo timer. A shop I know that rebuilds them told me he rebuilds hundreds of the turbos for this make.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, AB.
The Eco boost has problems with carbon build up on valves, fords TSB. It also states that injector cleaning can not been done do to damage to turbos. Part of the reason is for rich mixture on start up. Under warranty for hesitation, misfire ford techs to check for carbon build up if located recommended to replace heads. So on Eco boost if you have or do de carbon flush say good by to your warranty. How in gods name can ford design a engine that can not be survived for carbon build up. Also from what I understand the 5.0 lt is nothing more the a 4.6 bored
Your comparison between the F150 eco to the Mazda / Focus engine seems to be apples and oranges. They are two completely different power plants.
Besides myself, I know people in construction and oilsands work who punish these trucks and they seem hold up well.