Ford known issues by model and engine

By CarWhere Research · Updated

Most well-documented Ford problems belong to a specific engine, transmission or generation rather than a whole model line — the 6.0 Power Stroke, early 3.5 EcoBoost timing chains, the Focus and Fiesta PowerShift dual-clutch, and recalls on newer trucks. CarWhere lists 88 documented issues across 11 Ford models, each with years, symptoms and sources.

Ford models, generations covered and number of documented issues and NHTSA recalls
ModelGenerations coveredIssuesRecallsBest-known issue
Ford F-150 problems12th gen (2009–2014), 13th gen (2015–2020), 14th gen (2021–present)93Cam phaser rattle on the second-generation 3.5L EcoBoost (2017–2020)
Ford Super Duty (F-250/F-350) problems1999–2007 Super Duty (1999–2007), 2008–2010 Super Duty (2008–2010), 2011–2016 Super Duty (2011–2016), 2017–2022 Super Duty (2017–2022), 2023+ Super Duty (2023–present)956.0L Power Stroke EGR cooler, oil cooler and head gasket failures (2003–2007)
Ford Mustang problemsS197 (2005–2014), S550 (2015–2023), S650 (2024+)87MT-82 manual transmission shifting complaints (2011–2014)
Ford Bronco problems6th gen (2021–present)772.7L EcoBoost intake valve failure on early Broncos (2021–2022)
Ford Explorer problems5th gen (2011–2019), 6th gen (2020–present)85Internal water pump failure on the 3.5L V6 (2011–2019)
Ford Escape problems3rd gen (2013–2019), 4th gen (2020+)87Alleged coolant intrusion in 1.5L, 1.6L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines (2013–2019)
Ford Edge problems1st gen (2007–2014), 2nd gen (2015–2024)85Internal water pump failure on the 3.5L V6 (2007–2014)
Ford Expedition problems2015–2017 Expedition (2015–2017), 2018–2024 Expedition (2018–2024), 2025+ Expedition (2025–present)98Harsh or delayed shifts from the 10-speed automatic (2018–2021)
Ford Ranger problems2019–2023 Ranger (2019–2023), 2024+ Ranger (2024–present)75Cracked engine block on some 2023 2.3L builds (2023)
Ford Maverick problems1st gen (2022–present)662.5L hybrid engine failure can lead to an engine-bay fire (2022–2023)
Ford Focus & Fiesta PowerShift problemsPowerShift (2011–2016), Focus (2012–2018), Fiesta (2011–2019)96PowerShift clutch shudder and input shaft seal leaks (2011–2016)

Ford F-150 known issues

The best-documented F-150 problems sit with the 3.5L EcoBoost: timing-chain wear on 2011–2014 trucks and cam phaser rattle on 2017–2020 trucks. The 2018–2020 5.0L can burn oil, the 10-speed can shift harshly, and 2021–2023 Max Trailer Tow trucks carry a rear axle hub bolt recall. Check recalls by VIN.

Ford F-150 years to avoid

Ford Super Duty (F-250/F-350) known issues

Super Duty problems track the diesel: the 2003–2007 6.0L for oil- and EGR-cooler failures, the 2008–2010 6.4L for radiator, EGR and fuel-dilution trouble, and the 6.7L for alleged CP4 pump failures. 2017–2019 4x4s can develop front-end shimmy, and several driveline, tailgate and 2023 steering and axle recalls apply. Check every VIN.

Ford Mustang known issues

For the 2005–2014 S197 Mustang, the most important item is a Takata airbag inflator recall covering about one million cars, plus MT-82 manual shifting complaints on 2011–2014 models. The 2015–2023 S550 has oil cooler hose and 10-speed park recalls, and the 2024-on S650 has early recalls for rear knuckles and wiring.

Ford Mustang years to avoid

Ford Bronco known issues

The best-documented Bronco problem is intake valve failure on early 2.7L EcoBoost engines, now covered by a recall. 2021–2022 molded-in-color hardtops had quality defects and a later roof-panel recall, and rear shocks, steering gears, park systems and front ball joints have all been recalled. Check the VIN before buying.

Ford Explorer known issues

The 2011–2019 Explorer’s best-documented problems are exhaust odor in the cabin (a federal investigation and Ford’s free 17N03 service), the 3.5L V6’s internal water pump, AWD power transfer unit leaks and a 1.19-million-vehicle rear toe link recall. The 2020-on Explorer is defined by launch-era recalls, led by the rear axle bolt campaign.

Ford Explorer years to avoid

Ford Escape known issues

The 2013–2019 Escape’s documented weak spot is its small EcoBoost engines: 2013–2014 1.6L recalls for overheating, cracked heads and fire risk, plus lawsuits alleging coolant intrusion in the 1.5L, 1.6L and 2.0L. The 2020-on Escape adds 1.5L fuel injector cracking and 2.5L hybrid engine-failure fire recalls.

Ford Escape years to avoid

Ford Edge known issues

The Edge’s best-documented mechanical issue is the internal, timing-chain-driven water pump on the 3.5L V6, which can leak coolant into the oil. The 2007–2014 Edge also carries Takata airbag and halfshaft recalls, while 2015–2018 models were recalled for front and rear brake hoses and the 2.0L EcoBoost faces coolant-intrusion lawsuits.

Ford Edge years to avoid

Ford Expedition known issues

Expedition issues are mostly recall-driven. The 2015–2017 models with the first 3.5L EcoBoost carry a brake master cylinder recall; 2018–2024 models add 10-speed shift complaints, a park-pawl recall, seat belt pretensioner recalls and a 2024 oil-leak recall. Early 2025 models have a brake-booster recall. Check every VIN.

Ford Expedition years to avoid

Ford Ranger known issues

The 2019–2023 Ranger's best-documented issues are harsh or delayed 10-speed shifts, a block heater fire-risk recall and a small batch of 2023 2.3L engines with cracked blocks. The 2024+ Ranger has early-build recalls for front ball joint fasteners, a transmission valve body and engine failure on some 2025–2026 trucks.

Ford Ranger years to avoid

Ford Maverick known issues

Maverick issues are almost all recalls, concentrated on 2022–2024 hybrids: an engine-failure fire risk on the 2.5L hybrid, software that can shift into neutral, and 12-volt battery failures. All model years also have a do-not-drive front lower ball joint recall, so confirm every campaign is complete by VIN.

Ford Focus & Fiesta PowerShift known issues

The defining problem for the 2011–2016 Fiesta and 2012–2016 Focus is the DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic: clutch shudder from leaking input shaft seals and failing transmission control modules. Ford extended coverage under programs 14M01 and 14M02, and the Vargas class action settled in 2020. Manual-transmission and 1.0L EcoBoost cars carry separate recalls.

Ford Focus & Fiesta PowerShift years to avoid

Know which engine and transmission a used Ford really has.

Whether an issue applies often comes down to the exact engine, transmission and options. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a Ford VIN into its factory record as built. $9.99, instant.

Ford build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Ford F-150 problems?

The best-documented issues include primary timing chain wear on the early 3.5L EcoBoost (2011–2014), misfire and stumble from intercooler condensation (3.5L EcoBoost) (2011–2013), cam phaser rattle on the second-generation 3.5L EcoBoost (2017–2020). Ford issued a service bulletin for 2011–2014 F-150s with the 3.5L EcoBoost built on or before October 10, 2014 that set a check-engine light with code P0016 because the primary timing chain has worn.

What problems do Ford Super Duty trucks have?

The best-documented issues include 6.0L Power Stroke EGR cooler, oil cooler and head gasket failures (2003–2007), 6.4L Power Stroke radiator leaks, EGR cooler failure and fuel-diluted oil (2008–2010), CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump failure on the 6.7L Power Stroke (2011–present). The Navistar-built 6.0L is known for EGR cooler and oil cooler failures, and the class actions Ford settled in 2013 covered problems with the EGR system, oil cooler, fuel injectors and turbochargers on 2003–2007 Super Duty trucks.

What are the common Ford Explorer problems?

The best-documented issues include exhaust odor in the cabin (2011–2017) (2011–2017), internal water pump failure on the 3.5L V6 (2011–2019), AWD power transfer unit (PTU) leaks and overheating (2011–2019). NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation in 2016 and upgraded it to Engineering Analysis EA 17-002 in July 2017, covering an estimated 1.33 million 2011–2017 Explorers after owners reported smelling exhaust in the cabin.

What is wrong with the Ford PowerShift transmission?

The best-documented issues include PowerShift clutch shudder and input shaft seal leaks (2011–2016), PowerShift transmission control module (TCM) failure (2011–2016), vargas v. Ford settlement and buyback history (2011–2016). The DPS6 is a dry dual-clutch automatic, and Ford’s own program documents say leaking input shaft seals can contaminate the clutch with fluid and cause excessive shudder during light acceleration.

How do I check a used Ford for open recalls?

Enter the VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup or Ford’s owner site, or ask a Ford dealer to run it; recall repairs are free. The campaign numbers on these pages show which recalls apply to each generation.

Which Ford years should I avoid?

This guide explains specific mechanical problems. Model years ranked by NHTSA owner-complaint volume are in CarWhere’s years-to-avoid research for the F-150, Explorer, Escape, Expedition, Mustang, Edge, Ranger and Focus.

Each model page lists its own sources (109 across the guide), including NHTSA recall records, Ford service programs and press coverage. For engine-by-engine background see Ford engines. Information is general; an in-person inspection is the only way to know a specific vehicle’s condition.

Sources

Key references behind the non-recall issues above (every NHTSA recall campaign is linked on its model page).

  1. NHTSA recalls database — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  2. TSB 17-0026: 3.5L GTDI – DTC P0016 – primary timing chain wear (2011–2014 F-150) — Ford Motor Company (via NHTSA)
  3. ODI Resume PE13-018: Reduced power during hard acceleration (2011–2013 F-150 3.5L GTDI) — NHTSA
  4. Customer Satisfaction Program 21B10: PCM reprogram for cam phaser rattle, 2017–2020 F-150 3.5L GTDI — Ford Motor Company (via NHTSA)
  5. Customer Satisfaction Program 21B10 – Supplement #1 — Ford Motor Company (via NHTSA)
  6. TSB 19-2365: 5.0L – excessive oil consumption (2018–2020 F-150) — Ford Motor Company (via NHTSA)
  7. TSB 19-2205: 2.7L EcoBoost – oil pan leaking (2015–2017 F-150) — Ford Motor Company (via NHTSA)
  8. Ford 10R80 transmission class action lawsuit filed in Massachusetts — Ford Authority
  9. ODI Resume EA23-002: Loss of motive power, 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost intake valves (2021–2022) — NHTSA
  10. Ford settles class-action suits over 2003–2007 Navistar diesels — Cars.com
  11. The most common problems with Ford's 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engine — SlashGear
  12. Ford Super Duty fuel pumps are defective, claims new class action lawsuit — Ford Authority
  13. TSB 19-2274: 4WD – sustained steering wheel oscillation above 45 mph (2017–2019 Super Duty) — Ford Motor Company (via NHTSA)
  14. Ford Super Duty 'death wobble' lawsuit partially dismissed — Ford Authority
  15. Customer Satisfaction Program 23B42: 2023 Explorer, Bronco, Ranger 2.3L – engine long block replacement — Ford Motor Company (via NHTSA)
  16. Every 2021 Ford Bronco with a hardtop needs a new one — The Drive
  17. Recall report 26V-299: 2021–2022 Bronco molded-in-color hardtop — NHTSA
  18. 2021–2024 Ford hybrids recalled over loss of power — Ford Authority
  19. ODI Resume EA 17-002: Ford Explorer exhaust odor — NHTSA
  20. Ford announces complimentary service for 2011–17 retail Explorer — Ford Motor Company
  21. Ford Water Pump Class Action Lawsuit Dismissed — CarComplaints.com

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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.