Turbo engines require more maintenance than the average engine. Although mostly reliable, a Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engine has problems including carbon build-up, oil pan leaks, and spark plug and ignition coil issues. If not maintained, it could mean sending the car to the junkyard sooner than you think.
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There is always some risk in buying a used car. Many people try their hardest to get some guarantee about the vehicle’s engine, as it is vital to a dependable vehicle and often the most expensive to repair. The Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engine is in a variety of cars and is not without problems.
The first generation of the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engine had some problems with carbon build-up and oil pan leak; however, this was quickly fixed by Ford in recalls. Besides this, there are some spark plug and ignition coil issues, but not more than any vehicle has.
This blog outlines the three common problems the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engine has and, where applicable, the cost of the repair. These are simply “estimates.” The price will vary depending on location, severity, availability of parts, and labor costs.
Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Carbon Build-Up Problems
The first-generation engines on the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost had a carbon build-up problem.
Most direct injection engines like the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost suffer from some type of carbon build-up because oil ends up sticking to the intake ports and valves. Carbon build-up slows down the engine and causes worse emission situations. It’s a problem that needs to be avoided.
Since direct injection sprays directly into the cylinder, there is no fuel to clean the intake ports, meaning over time, the oil sticks and hardens. This is known as carbon build-up. This can restrict airflow, causing the 2.7 EcoBoost to receive inconsistent amounts of air. This can cause some issues while driving.
Symptoms of carbon build-up include:
- Engine misfires
- Rough idling
- Engine hesitation
- Power loss
Normally, the problems begin with engine misfires. Inconsistent airflow into the cylinders causes engine misfires. The 2.7 EcoBoost may also idle rough or feel hesitant when accelerating. It could even cause significant power loss.
In extreme cases, the carbon build-up may be so severe that the intake valves come to a complete close.
One of the most common and effective methods of cleaning the intake valves is known as walnut blasting. No replacement parts are needed but certain parts need to be removed to clean them properly. This service costs between $400 and $600. Take the car to a mechanic for the work.
This is not an urgent repair unless severe, although it is good maintenance in keeping a well-running engine and should be done every 70,000 to 100,000 miles. If you want to keep the car around for the long haul, such care is imperative.
Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Oil Pan Leak Problem
The first-generation Ford 2.7 EcoBoost had another issue: oil pan leaks.
These oil pans are made from plastic and prone to expanding with the hot engine oil it has to hold. That can cause problems with the oil pan sealing to the block properly.
Once the sealant fails, the oil will begin leaking from the engine oil pan. Unfortunately, the only symptom that is a dead give-away is a visible oil leak underneath the 2.7 EcoBoost.
Luckily, in 2018, Ford fixed the issue with an update to the oil pan design. If your vehicle requires this repair, it can cost around $500, with the majority of the bill being labor costs.
A good mechanic will remind you that leaking oil or a bad oil pan happens in all types of engines. It might happen in the 2.7 EcoBoost, especially in older vehicles, but it isn’t a major repair if you have the money to spare.
Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Spark Plug and Ignition Coil Problems
Spark plugs and ignition coils are common problems in vehicles including those with a Ford 2.7 EcoBoost. All engines require these to be replaced at one point or another.
Turbochargers may sound good when the salesman mentions them, but they come with a cost.
Engines with turbochargers put extra stress on the ignition parts because of high cylinder pressure. On engines that do not have turbochargers, the spark plugs should last around 80,000 miles and ignition coils around 160,000 miles.
Vehicles with a Ford 2.7 EcoBoost are not so lucky in this regard. There’s a problem with the spark plugs because of the stress.
The Ford 2.7 EcoBoost will need new spark plugs every 40,000 to 60,000 miles and ignition coils every 80,000 to 120,000 miles. Any engine modifications will more than likely require the spark plugs and ignition coils are changed even earlier, some every 10,000 miles.
There are a few symptoms that may mean the spark plug and/or ignition coil needs to be replaced, including:
- Engine misfires
- Rough idling
- Engine hesitation
- Power loss
- Check engine light on
Unfortunately, spark plugs and ignition coils show similar symptoms as they fail. These symptoms could also mean there are other issues within the car. It is best to get a diagnosis from a mechanic to be sure.
If the car is particularly older, there might be a lot of problems with the vehicle. Some of the repairs could be related, and others not. It’s important to be economical and logical. It can be hard to say goodbye to an older vehicle, but if it’s costing too much to keep running, a change must be made.
If you’re thinking of buying a used vehicle with this engine, then think twice about the investment you are making. Can you afford these repairs if they spring up? If not, find something newer or more reliable.
Some people make changing the spark plugs a Saturday DIY affair. It isn’t recommended unless you know what you’re doing. The spark plugs have to be treated in a special way, and the process can be overwhelming for amateurs.
Spark plugs and ignition coils are a fairly inexpensive repair requiring an hour or two of your time. Spark plugs range from $40 to $100 while ignition coils range from $200 to $300.
Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Recalls
The Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engine is available on the Ford F-150, Ford Bronco, Ford Edge Sport, Ford Edge ST, Ford Fusion Sport, Lincoln MKX, Lincoln Continental, and Lincoln Nautilus. Although many of the vehicles have recalls, none are related specifically to the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engine.
If you have one of the vehicle models mentioned and are interested in learning if your vehicle has any recalls, contact a Ford dealership for advice. The company also has a hotline that can be called to check the recall status of a vehicle. Have the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) handy before you call.
Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Reliability
People ask whether or not a vehicle with a Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engine is reliable and the answer is yes. The engine does not suffer from many common problems, especially once the kinks were worked out from the first-generation engine.
However, reliability depends on things the owner has control over such as a well-maintained engine and fixing problems as they arise instead of waiting.
Most well-maintained engines shouldn’t have any problem making it to 200,000 miles. The truth is that this engine was built with quality in mind, and as seen by the list of vehicles in which it finds itself, was often in mid- to high-market automobiles.
This means that Ford must be responsive to the problem as the consumer base will certainly follow up on the repairs.
That being said, if the vehicle owner was too lax in maintaining the vehicle, and it shows, then you should think twice before signing the title over to your own name. You could be making a bad deal.
How Many Miles Will a Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Last?
Used car buyers are particularly interested in a car’s engine and what problems it may have, especially a Ford 2.7 EcoBoost. Knowing how many miles are on a vehicle and how much longer the vehicle will last aids in better decision making.
Most engines will last approximately 200,000 miles and as long as the vehicle receives regular maintenance, vehicles containing a Ford 2.7 EcoBoost are the same. If an owner doesn’t do all necessary repairs or take care of the vehicle properly, this often isn’t the outcome.
However, the answer may not be this simple. For example, some cars have other issues and are ready for the junkyard far before they reach 200,000 miles (if they last that long).
Some conditions that impact mileage is the weather, terrain, or climate where the car was mostly driven. Salt can spell disaster for the undercarriage. Sand and surf bring their own problems. The type of driving, city or expressway, can also have an impact on how well the engine performs in later years.
If all other variables align, buying a vehicle with a Ford 2.7 EcoBoost is not a major risk. If the car has had multiple owners and you know that after purchasing the vehicle you can’t afford to make any repairs, you should think twice about this purchase.
Does the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Need Premium Fuel?
The Ford 2.7 EcoBoost offers good power and acceleration if regular fuel is used; however, it can benefit from using premium. The owner’s manual suggests it for severe duty usages such as towing a trailer or other heavy equipment.
Why Do People like the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost?
The Ford 2.7 EcoBoost is found in many popular vehicles. Most people associate turbocharged engines like the EcoBoost with muscle cars, meaning if you purchase a vehicle with the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost, you feel as though you are getting more bang for your buck.
Overall, the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost is reliable and packs some serious punch into small engines while keeping fuel efficiency high. People like fast cars, so this check outs.
Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Problems Aren’t Much of a Problem at All
If you have read this far, you may be wondering what kind of engine your vehicle has and whether or not it has a Ford 2.7 EcoBoost. If you are unsure, check your owner’s manual to verify or do some quick research online.
All vehicles require some type of repair at some point, especially used vehicles. Luckily, the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost has problems similar to other engines and they may never occur within your vehicle’s lifetime. With normal care, most can be avoided.
In general, apart from some carbon build up or the occasional bump in the road, these engines do just fine. To make sure your engine is in good health, follow the standard protocol. Pay attention to sights, smells, and sensations that the engine sends. These are messages about its health.
Misfiring, engine knocking, and black or white exhaust smoke are signs that the engine needs a professional mechanic’s attention; this isn’t particular to the 2.7 EcoBoost, though. It’s just general advice.
If such problems are not avoided, sometimes the best option is sending the car to the junkyard. You can drive or have the car towed there. Once the vehicle is assessed and the title is handed over, you will receive a cash payment. This is a bit of consolation for losing a car to a faulty engine.
There is a small chance some small issues will occur with long ownership, but a well-maintained Ford 2.7 EcoBoost is a reliable engine. Do your homework, and you should be ready to roll.