2.3 EcoBoost: years, specs & known problems

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The 2.3 EcoBoost is Ford’s turbocharged inline-four, used in the Mustang EcoBoost since 2015, the Ranger since 2019, the Bronco and Explorer, and the Focus RS. Output runs from 270 hp in the Ranger to 315 hp in the 2024 Mustang. The one thing to know: 2016–2017 Focus RS head gaskets got a free Ford repair.

The 2.3 EcoBoost is a direct-injected, turbocharged four-cylinder with an aluminum block. Ford tunes it for very different jobs: a sports-car engine in the Mustang, a truck engine in the Ranger and Bronco, and a family-SUV engine in the Explorer.

The hottest version went into the 2016–2018 Focus RS; a related tune powered the 2020–2023 Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Package. Note that the Maverick does not use this engine — its turbo option is the 2.0L EcoBoost.

2.3 EcoBoost at a glance

Ford 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged inline-four: model years, fuel and peak Ford-published output
EngineModel yearsFuelPeak hpPeak torque (lb-ft)Documented problemsRecalls
Ford 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged inline-four2015–presentGasoline35035015

CarWhere lists 1 documented problem and 5 NHTSA recalls for the 2.3 EcoBoost, each with a source.

2.3 EcoBoost specifications

2.3 EcoBoost: design facts (2015–present)
SpecificationValue
ConfigurationInline-4, DOHC 16-valve, single turbocharger[1]
Displacement2,261 cc (138 cu in)[1]
Bore × stroke87.5 × 94.0 mm[1]
BlockHigh-pressure die-cast aluminum[1]
Fuel systemDirect injection[1]

2.3 EcoBoost horsepower and torque by year

2.3 EcoBoost: Ford-published horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft) by model year and application
Model yearsApplicationHorsepower (hp)Torque (lb-ft)Source
2015–2017Mustang EcoBoost310320[1]
2018–2023Mustang EcoBoost310350[2]
2020–2023Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Package330350[3]
2024+Mustang EcoBoost (S650)315—[4]
2016–2018Focus RS350350[1]
2019+Ranger270310[5]
2021+Bronco (premium fuel)Ford rates 275 hp / 315 lb-ft on regular fuel300325[6]
2020+Explorer300310[1]

"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.

Which Fords have the 2.3 EcoBoost?

Ford models and model years offered with the 2.3 EcoBoost
ModelModel yearsNotes
Mustang EcoBoost2015–present
Focus RS2016–2018
Ranger2019–present
Explorer2020–presentRear-drive-based generation
Bronco2021–present

2.3 EcoBoost problems and what to check

Focus RS head gasket coolant leak (2016–2017)

Major repair

Ford acknowledged that the cylinder head gasket on some 2016–2017 Focus RS models could leak coolant into the combustion chamber. Under a field service action, dealers pressure-tested the cooling system and replaced the head gasket, or the cylinder head where needed, at no cost regardless of warranty status, for cars built Aug. 3, 2015 to July 6, 2017.[7][8]

Symptoms

  • White exhaust smoke, especially at startup
  • Coolant level dropping with no external leak
  • Misfires

Check before buying

  • Confirm with a Ford dealer that the head gasket field service action was completed on the VIN
  • Check the coolant level and look for white smoke on a cold start

Ford program: Ford field service action for 2016–2017 Focus RS head gaskets (free repair; program ended Jan. 31, 2019)

2.3 EcoBoost recalls

NHTSA safety recalls related to the 2.3 EcoBoost (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
15V-3392015-062015 Mustang with 2.3LHigh underbody temperatures could degrade the fuel tank or vapor lines and parking brake cable seals.
16V-1832016-032016 Explorer and 2015–2016 Lincoln MKC with 2.3L GTDIEngine block heater elements could overheat while plugged in.
22V-6852022-092022 Explorer and Ranger with 2.3LFuel line connection may not be tightened properly and can leak.
23V-5972023-082023 Explorer with 2.3L GTDITurbocharger oil supply line may be damaged and leak oil in the engine compartment.
24V-2202024-032024 Mustang with 2.3LLow-pressure fuel supply line may be damaged or cut, causing a fuel leak.

2.3 EcoBoost issues by model

The same engine shows up on these Ford known-issues pages, with model-specific details.

Related Ford research

Confirm a truck or car really has the 2.3 EcoBoost.

Engine, transmission and axle options are recorded against the VIN. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a Ford VIN into its factory record — powertrain, equipment groups and options as built. $9.99, instant.

Ford build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What vehicles have the 2.3 EcoBoost?

The Mustang EcoBoost (2015 on), Focus RS (2016–2018), Ranger (2019 on), Explorer (2020 on) and Bronco (2021 on), plus Lincoln models. The Maverick uses a 2.0L EcoBoost, not the 2.3.

How much horsepower does the 2.3 EcoBoost have?

It ranges from 270 hp in the Ranger to 300 hp in the Bronco and Explorer, 310–315 hp in the Mustang, 330 hp in the Mustang High Performance Package and 350 hp in the Focus RS.

Is the 2.3 EcoBoost reliable?

Most 2.3 recalls have involved fuel lines, a turbo oil line or block heaters rather than internal engine failures. The notable internal issue was the 2016–2017 Focus RS head gasket, which Ford repaired for free.

Did the Focus RS have head gasket problems?

Yes. Some 2016–2017 Focus RS engines leaked coolant into the cylinders, and Ford ran a free inspection and head gasket repair program for cars built through July 6, 2017.

Sources

Ratings are Ford-published figures as cited; descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs appear only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. Ford EcoBoost engine — Wikipedia (secondary reference)
  2. This Is The Four-Cylinder 2020 Ford Mustang You Want — Jalopnik
  3. 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost 2.3L High Performance Pack Preview — Cars.com
  4. 2024 Ford Mustang GT Makes 486 HP, EcoBoost Gets 315 HP — Jalopnik
  5. 2025 Ford Ranger Engines and Availability Explained — Ford Authority
  6. 2021 Ford Bronco Horsepower, Torque Ratings Revealed — Ford Authority
  7. Late Christmas for Focus RS Owners as Ford Gifts New Head Gaskets — The Truth About Cars
  8. Ford acknowledges Focus RS coolant consumption issue — Motor Authority

More Ford tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Ford Motor Company. Ford, Power Stroke, EcoBoost, Coyote and the model names are trademarks of their owner.