Many EcoBoost owners are worried about engine recalls. If you own a 2021/2022 Ford or Lincoln model, your vehicle may have a defect. This defect targets the 2.7-liter and 3-liter V6 EcoBoost engine because of malfunctioning engine intake valves. These faulty valves can fracture and fall into the combustion chamber, causing severe engine damage or failure. Similar reliability concerns have already been reported in other Ford models, including the 2023 Ford Explorer problems that led to recalls and lemon law claims.
If your vehicle falls within this range, you have to understand the specifics of the recall. Also, recognize the symptoms of engine failure in your Ford EcoBoost model. We’ll go over both the symptoms of engine failure and steps to take if your EcoBoost turns out to be a lemon. If your car is a lemon, you need to contact reliable lemon law experts online for assistance.
We at Lemon My Vehicle are 24/7 available to take a look at your case and determine your claim’s eligibility. We’ve helped many vehicle owners get compensated for their lemons.
Did you know that Ford has been sued twice in recent years alone for its defective EcoBoost models? Most of the litigation involves alleged engine defects and owner complaints. Ford and Lincoln models have experienced major recalls affecting 91,000 vehicles equipped with 2.7-liter and 3.0-liter V6 engines. These models were produced between May 1, 2021, and October 31, 2021. This recall was first made in August 2024 after the NHTSA did a thorough investigation that uncovered defects in these models’ engine intake valves.
If you own any of these models, your EcoBoost’s intake valves must have a fault as well:
| Model | How Many Vehicles? |
| Ford F-150 | 47,700+ |
| Ford Bronco | 15,800+ |
| Ford Explorer | 14,200+ |
| Ford Edge | 2,300+ |
| Lincoln Avatar | 7,100+ |
| Lincoln Nautilus | 3,300+ |
This was the largest recall Ford has faced in its 15 years of production! In fact, lawsuits were filed over faulty engine intake valves by EcoBoost model owners who claimed that their cars were lemons and that Ford was aware of these inherent engine problems. These valves (as we explained before) could fracture and break under normal operating conditions. Then, they would fall into the combustion chamber and lead to sudden engine failure.
This defect is dangerous because it makes you lose control of your car and causes engine breakdown with little to no warning for drivers. So, it presented a serious safety concern. A thorough forensic analysis by the NHTSA determined that these valves were suffering from a key problem called the grinding burn, a manufacturing flaw where the microstructure of the valve material altered as a result of overheating when these models were made.
Ford was investigating reports of engine failures as early as January 2022 (i.e., three months after the production was finished). A thirteen-month-long investigative period by the NHTSA and Ford involved a lot of testing and reviewed field data. This investigation revealed that:
Ford revamped its manufacturing process after this investigation to improve the durability of these crucial intake valves in the engines manufactured in the subsequent batches.
The EcoBoost engine went into production in 2009. It was supposed to be Ford’s response to the problems of climate change. The manufacturer claimed that this engine would reduce Ford vehicles’ greenhouse emissions by 15% while increasing fuel efficiency by 20%. Sadly, many models equipped with this engine faced several issues. Consider the 2023 Ford Explorer’s multiple problems that have resulted in multiple recalls and a few lemon law cases filed.
That’s why you need to recognize the signs of a faulty EcoBoost engine. Recognizing these signs will help you prevent unexpected engine failures and subsequent costly repairs. The 2.7L and 3.0L engines that have defective intake valves exhibit several symptoms that result from the brittle valve metal alloy. It can crack or fracture under normal engine conditions.
So, if you notice any of these symptoms, you should inform your dealership right away.
One of the most common symptoms that led to the Ford EcoBoost engine recall was the loss of power while driving. This engine power loss happens out of the blue. It’s also very dangerous, as you may crash into other drivers or run pedestrians over (especially if you’re driving on a busy road). It happens when your car’s intake valve fractures and disrupts the combustion process. So, your vehicle loses its motive power without warning, catching you off guard.
These defective vehicles also emit knocking sounds. You hear something grinding from the engine bay, almost like a ticking time bomb. These noises happen because of the broken valve fragments that affect other moving engine parts. You may be inclined to dismiss these sounds at first, but they usually precede more severe mechanical failures.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is also known as the Check Engine Light. It indicates problems like valve damage. A faulty valve affects engine sensors and causes the onboard diagnostics to register faults that illuminate the MIL, suggesting that immediate inspections are necessary.
You may also notice your engine performing irregularly. You may experience sputtering or hesitation. Even rough idling can be observed. These performance issues worsen over time as valve damage increases. Your engine doesn’t speed up properly and becomes less and less responsive. It happens when defective valves make the air intake inconsistent.
If you face problems cranking or starting your vehicle, it means that valve fractures have made it difficult for the engine to generate the necessary power & compression to start. This symptom often manifests intermittently before eventually becoming persistent.
This one is arguably the most severe manifestation of the valve defect. Your engine fails at remarkably low mileage. You often drive your vehicle less than 20,000 miles before facing this issue. This leads to the engine shutting down permanently. Then, you require an expensive engine replacement or vehicle write-off.
The Ford EcoBoost engine recall was designated 24V635 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It covers around 91,000 vehicles equipped with 2.7L and 3.0L EcoBoost engines built between May and October 2021. We’ll give you a detailed breakdown of the recall actions you can take if your EcoBoost falls under this category.
The engine cycle accumulation test lies at the core of this recall. Authorized dealerships perform this test to check the condition of your EcoBoost four-wheeler’s intake valves. This test simulates engine operating conditions in a highly controlled manner. It involves:
If your engine passes this test, it means that the valves haven’t reached the critical failure point yet. So, your engine doesn’t need to be replaced, but remains covered under extended warranty protection. However, failing the test means that your valves are prone to breaking (or might’ve already fractured). So, you will get an engine replacement costing $0.
This warranty-covered replacement ensures that affected vehicles are safe to operate and prevents future unexpected engine breakdowns. So, get this test done on your car!
Ford started sending notifications to vehicle owners regarding this recall. Notifications began on October 7, 2024. If you own an EcoBoost, you must have received these notifications. An email containing this Ford EcoBoost engine recall notification details:
Dealers have been told to prioritize repairs for vehicles affected by this recall to minimize inconvenience and risk for customers. It is strongly advised that you schedule appointments promptly upon receiving notifications to avoid engine damage or failure.
Ford has also established a reimbursement program for customers who paid out of pocket for EcoBoost model repairs related to this particular valve defect. If you have kept all these receipts and repair documents, you should apply for this reimbursement. Contact customer service or go to an authorized dealership right away. Submit proof of payment and relevant repair details linked to your defective valve issue.
Ford will evaluate these claims on a case-by-case basis and reimburse you if you’re deemed eligible for compensation, alleviating your financial burden.
Ford recognized the severity and potential long-term impact of this defect by launching a customer satisfaction campaign (24N12) alongside the recall. This campaign offers an extended warranty for all affected EcoBoost engines covering 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first. It protects you whether your engine passed the cycle accumulation test or you received a replacement engine, covering repairs related to the intake valve.
Does your Ford EcoBoost model suffer from persistent engine problems? If your dealership is unable to repair your vehicle after a reasonable number of attempts, you may have rights under your state’s lemon laws. Yes, Ford models are subject to these laws. These laws give you important remedies in different forms. You can get compensated in these formats:
You need to recognize the difference between participating in a class-action lawsuit versus pursuing a lemon law claim on your own. Even though class-action suits provide settlements to a broad group, an individual lemon law claim often yields higher compensation based on your vehicle’s value and personal experiences. Consulting with a lemon law attorney helps you understand your options and guides you through the claims process effectively.
If you want to check if your vehicle is subject to the Ford EcoBoost engine recall, you have to stay vigilant for the symptoms described above. Address recall notices proactively if you wish to prevent irreparable engine damage. So, here’s what you need to do?
If your Ford EcoBoost model is defective, you should check your vehicle’s recall status via official channels. Monitor your vehicle for warning signs like engine stalling, weird noises, an illuminated Check Engine Light, etc. Should you experience such issues or require proper legal guidance, exploring options through lemon law experts can be helpful.
Feel free to visit Lemon My Vehicle to better understand how to protect your rights as a car owner. We offer free case reviews to help secure your compensation. Staying proactive is the best way to safeguard your investment and ensure the safety of your ride!
These are actual amounts recovered for Ford owners in recently closed claims:
Lemon My Vehicle currently accepts 2022 and newer vehicles that are still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. If your 2021 Ford with the 2.7L EcoBoost falls outside that range, we may not be able to take the case. It still costs nothing to ask, because a small number of exceptions apply and your state’s warranty law may give you options we can point you to.
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every claim is decided on its own facts, its own repair history, and the law of the state where the vehicle was bought or leased.
Your engine replacements can take several days at the dealership due to the complexity of the job. Your dealer may offer you loaner vehicles during this period.
Yes, all repairs or engine replacements under the recall program are performed at no cost to you.
Modifications can complicate repairs or warranty coverage. You should discuss these details with your dealer and legal advisor to understand your rights.
Keep detailed records and receipts of any past repairs related to the defective intake valves. Submit a claim to Ford following their reimbursement process.
You should monitor Ford’s official website, NHTSA announcements, and your dealership communications for the most current information.
$26,534 $24,110 $23,345 $23,000 $22,195 $22,000 $21,586 $21,550 $20,183 $20,000 $20,000 $19,411 $18,000 $18,000 $17,000 $16,000
Call (213) 531-2056