3.5 EcoBoost Years to Avoid: Best and Worst Years (2026 Guide)
Quick answer: The 3.5 EcoBoost years to avoid are 2011–2013 and 2017–2019. The 2011–2014 F-150 has Ford bulletins for timing chain wear (TSB 17-0026) and cold-start rattle (TSB 18-2305), and the 2011–2013 trucks were part of an NHTSA probe into stumbling under hard acceleration. The 2017–2020 F-150 and 2018–2020 Expedition and Navigator built on or before November 30, 2019 have the cam phaser rattle (TSB 23-2143). The safest buys are 2015–2016 trucks built after May 29, 2015 and 2023-on trucks built after August 15, 2022. On any 2024–2025, check that the cup plug recall has been done.
We checked this page in November 2026 against Ford’s service bulletins and customer satisfaction programs on file with NHTSA (TSBs 17-0026, 18-2305, 23-2143, 22-2428, 24-2254 and 25-2126, and programs 21B10, 21N03 and 21N08), NHTSA recall records, the NHTSA PE13-018 investigation, and Ford’s own power figures. Model year alone is not enough to judge a truck: Ford’s bulletins apply by build date, which is printed on the driver’s door-jamb label.
3.5 EcoBoost Years to Avoid at a Glance
| Model year (F-150 unless noted) | Generation | Our verdict | What Ford and NHTSA documents show |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–2013 | Gen 1 | Avoid unless repaired | NHTSA PE13-018 (charge air cooler condensation); TSB 17-0026 timing chain wear (built on or before Oct 10, 2014); TSB 18-2305 cold-start rattle (built on or before May 29, 2015); 6-speed downshift recalls 16V248 and 19V075 |
| 2014 | Gen 1 | Caution | Same two timing bulletins (17-0026 and 18-2305); downshift recalls 24V444 and 26V378 |
| 2015–2016 | Gen 1 | Best of Gen 1 (2015: built after May 29, 2015) | Outside both timing bulletins if built after May 29, 2015; recalls 20V098 (block heater) and 26V237 (downshift to second) to check |
| 2017–2019 (Expedition/Navigator 2018–2019) | Gen 2 | Avoid unless repaired | Cam phaser rattle (TSB 23-2143; programs 21B10, 21N03); 10R80 CDF cylinder (TSB 25-2126); 2018 engine recalls 17V672 and 18V392 |
| 2020 | Gen 2 | Caution: check build date | TSB 23-2143 and program 21N03 cover builds through November 30, 2019 (Navigator through December 21, 2019 in 21N03) |
| 2021–2022 | Gen 3 | Caution | 10R80 built on or before Aug 15, 2022 (TSB 24-2254); 2021 F-150 recall 22V188; low-pressure fuel pump recall 25V455; park pawl recall 26V402 (2021 F-150) |
| 2023 | Gen 3 | Best | Built after Aug 15, 2022 is outside the 10R80 CDF bulletins; no 3.5L engine recall found for 2023 in NHTSA data (Nov 2026); still check non-engine recalls such as 23V070, 23V128 and 26V578 |
| 2024–2025 | Gen 3 | Caution: confirm recalls | 3.5L cup plug oil leak recalls 24V851 and 25V198; 2025 connecting rod recall 25V344 (156 vehicles) |
| 2026 | Gen 3 | Too new to judge | Not enough time in service |
Our verdicts weigh how many documented problems each year has and how expensive they are to fix. A truck from an “avoid” year with dealer invoices for the bulletin repair can be a better buy than a “best” year with no records. Check open recalls for any VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup.
The Engineering Evolution of the 3.5L EcoBoost
Ford’s twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 has gone through three generations in the F-150. Each one fixed some of the last one’s weak points and brought its own. Knowing which generation a truck has tells you which bulletins and recalls to ask about.
First-Generation 3.5L EcoBoost (2011–2016)
Ford introduced the 3.5 EcoBoost to the F-150 for 2011 at 365 hp at 5,000 rpm and 420 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm, paired with a six-speed automatic (Ford’s January 2011 announcement). Ford listed twin turbochargers with direct injection, twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT), cast exhaust manifolds and a direct-acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) valvetrain. The Gen 1 engine had direct injection only, so no fuel washed over the intake valves. Its cams were driven by one long primary chain, which Ford’s 2017 brochure calls the “single serpentine chain” that the Gen 2 design replaced.
That chain is behind the two Gen 1 bulletins buyers should know: TSB 17-0026 (worn primary timing chain, DTC P0016) and TSB 18-2305 (cold-start rattle, all four VCT units and the primary chain replaced). Both are covered in detail below.
Second-Generation 3.5L EcoBoost (2017–2020)
For 2017, Ford released an all-new 3.5 EcoBoost at 375 hp and 470 lb-ft, paired only with the new 10-speed automatic. Ford’s 2017 F-150 brochure lists what changed: dual port and direct fuel injection (two injectors per cylinder), a dual-chain cam drive in place of the single chain, a roller-finger-follower valvetrain with hydraulic lash adjusters, new turbos with electric wastegates and a Mar-M-247 turbine wheel, and a stronger crankshaft, bearings and connecting rods.
Port injection addressed intake-valve deposits, and the dual chains replaced the Gen 1 single chain. The weak point of this generation turned out to be the variable cam timing (VCT) units, or cam phasers. Ford’s TSB 23-2143 covers a 2–5 second cold-start rattle on 2017–2020 F-150 and 2018–2020 Expedition and Navigator built on or before November 30, 2019. The fix is to replace all four VCT units.
Third-Generation 3.5L EcoBoost (2021–Present)
The 2021 F-150’s 3.5 EcoBoost is rated at 400 hp and 500 lb-ft, with port and direct injection, a roller-finger-follower valvetrain and a 10.5:1 compression ratio (Ford’s 2021 F-150 technical specifications). None of the Ford cam phaser bulletins we checked cover 2021-on engines. The recalls on this generation so far are assembly faults: misaligned engine cup plugs on some 2024–2025 engines and mis-machined connecting rods on 156 2025 vehicles.
| Gen 1 (2011–2016) | Gen 2 (2017–2020) | Gen 3 (2021–on) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| F-150 output | 365 hp / 420 lb-ft | 375 hp / 470 lb-ft (Raptor H.O. 450 / 510) | 400 hp / 500 lb-ft |
| Fuel injection | Direct injection only | Port + direct injection | Port + direct injection |
| Cam drive | Single primary chain | Dual-chain cam drive | Not listed in Ford’s 2021 spec sheet |
| Valvetrain | Direct-acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) | Roller finger follower, hydraulic lash adjusters | Roller finger follower |
| F-150 transmission | 6-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic (10R80) | 10-speed automatic (10R80) |
| Main documented problem | Timing chain wear, cold-start rattle (TSBs 17-0026, 18-2305) | Cam phaser rattle (TSB 23-2143); 10R80 CDF cylinder | Assembly recalls (cup plug, connecting rod) |
Sources: Ford’s 2011 F-150 EcoBoost announcement, the 2017 F-150 brochure, Ford’s 2021 F-150 technical specifications, and the TSBs and recalls cited on this page.
3.5 EcoBoost Years to Avoid: Isolating High-Risk Model Years
Two stretches of model years carry the most Ford bulletins and NHTSA activity: the early Gen 1 trucks (2011–2014) and the early Gen 2 trucks (2017–2019). Neither is a reason to rule out a specific truck that has dealer records for the repair. Without those records, price in the work.
High-Risk Era 1: 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Models (Early Gen 1)
Stumble under hard acceleration (2011–2013). In 2013, NHTSA opened Preliminary Evaluation PE13-018 into reports of reduced power during hard acceleration on 2011–2013 F-150s with the 3.5L GTDI engine. The subject component was the charge air cooler (CAC) and its deflector plates. Ford told NHTSA that after steady driving in very humid or rainy weather, condensation could collect in the CAC and be pulled into the engine at near-wide-open throttle, causing a misfire on up to three cylinders. Ford fixed it with a series of TSBs that add a deflector shield to the CAC. NHTSA closed the probe in April 2014 without a recall, after Ford reported the latest fixes were 100% effective on 2013 trucks and 95% on 2011–2012 trucks.
Timing chain wear (2011–2014). Ford’s TSB 17-0026 covers 2011–2014 F-150s with the 3.5L GTDI built on or before October 10, 2014 that set a check-engine light with DTC P0016 “due to a worn primary timing chain.” The test is the VCT_INT_ACT1 reading: at +6 degrees or more, the primary timing chain is replaced. Ford’s labor time is 8.9 hours.
Cold-start rattle (2011–2015). TSB 18-2305 covers 2011–2015 F-150s built on or before May 29, 2015 with a “ticking/tapping or rattle type noise from the top front cover area of the engine upon initial start-up lasting for 2-5 seconds after a cold soak of 6 hours or more.” The repair is all four VCT units plus the primary timing chain, 9.2 labor hours on 2011–2014 trucks and 9.0 on 2015. So Gen 1 trucks had a cam phaser rattle bulletin as well. It isn’t only a Gen 2 problem.
Transmission recalls. 2011–2012 F-150s were recalled under 16V248, and 2011–2013 F-150s with the six-speed under 19V075, because the transmission could unexpectedly downshift into first gear. The 2014 F-150 got a similar recall in 2024 (24V444), plus 26V378 for trucks repaired incorrectly under it. The remedy in each case is a PCM software update.
High-Risk Era 2: 2017, 2018 and 2019 Models (Early Gen 2)
Cam phaser rattle. Ford’s current bulletin is TSB 23-2143 (May 4, 2023, superseding TSB 22-2200). It covers 2017–2020 F-150 and 2018–2020 Expedition and Navigator with the 3.5 EcoBoost built on or before November 30, 2019 that rattle for 2–5 seconds on start-up after a cold soak of 6 hours or more. The 2023 update also covers a possible no-restart during Auto Start-Stop with DTC P164C. The repair is all four VCT units: 9.6 labor hours on an F-150, 9.7 on a Raptor and 9.8 on an Expedition or Navigator.
Ford also ran three customer satisfaction programs. Program 21B10 reprogrammed the PCM for cam phaser rattle and was in effect through July 31, 2022. Program 21N08 reverted that calibration if it caused an engine shudder. Program 21N03 extended cam phaser coverage until January 1, 2023 if the 21B10 reflash was done by February 28, 2022, prorated by mileage. Ford paid 100% up to 69,999 miles, 66% from 70,000–79,999, 33% from 80,000–89,999 and nothing at 90,000 or more. Lincoln’s bands were 10,000 miles higher. 21N03 covered F-150s built through November 30, 2019 at Dearborn and Kansas City, Expeditions built through November 30, 2019 and Navigators built through December 21, 2019. All three programs have now ended.
10R80 CDF cylinder. Ford’s TSB 25-2126 (March 31, 2025) covers 2017–2020 F-150s with harsh or delayed engagement or shifts, or DTCs such as P0751 and P0752, that “may be due to axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder sleeve causing hydraulic circuit leaks.” If the leak test fails, the CDF clutch cylinder is replaced (part JL3Z-7H351-B for the F-150). Ford’s labor time is 11.8 hours on a 3.5L 4×2 and 13.1 hours on a 3.5L 4×4. The broader TSB 22-2428 covered 10R80-equipped 2017–2023 F-150 and 2018–2023 Expedition and Navigator built on or before August 15, 2022.
2018 recalls. Two 2018 3.5L recalls are engine-specific. Recall 17V672 covered 22 2018 F-150s whose cylinder heads may have been machined without oil holes for the camshaft bearings; Ford said it knew of no affected trucks outside dealer control. Recall 18V392 covered 5,645 2018 F-150, Expedition and Navigator vehicles whose high-pressure fuel pump welds could crack and leak oil or fuel, and the pump was replaced. Separately, 18V213 covered some 2017–2018 10-speed trucks that might be missing a roll pin needed for Park.
What About the 2020 Model Year?
A 2020 is only safe from the cam phaser bulletin if it was built after the cutoff. TSB 23-2143 covers trucks built on or before November 30, 2019, and an earlier version, TSB 20-2315 (September 2020), used a build cutoff of October 31, 2019. A 2020 F-150 built in December 2019 or later is outside the bulletin. An early-build 2020 is not, and it still needs the cold-start test. The 10R80 CDF bulletin covers all 2020 F-150s.
Ford Bulletins and Programs by Build Date
| Bulletin or program | Vehicles | Built on or before | Condition | Ford repair and labor time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSB 17-0026 | 2011–2014 F-150 3.5L GTDI | Oct 10, 2014 | MIL with DTC P0016, worn primary timing chain | Replace primary timing chain; 8.9 h |
| TSB 18-2305 | 2011–2015 F-150 3.5L EcoBoost | May 29, 2015 | 2–5 second rattle after a cold soak of 6+ hours | Replace all 4 VCT units and primary chain; 9.2 h (2011–14), 9.0 h (2015) |
| TSB 23-2143 | 2017–2020 F-150; 2018–2020 Expedition, Navigator | Nov 30, 2019 | 2–5 second rattle after a cold soak of 6+ hours; possible no-restart in Auto Start-Stop | Replace all 4 VCT units; 9.6 h (F-150), 9.7 h (Raptor), 9.8 h (Expedition/Navigator) |
| Program 21N03 | 2017–2020 F-150; 2018–2020 Expedition, Navigator | Nov 30, 2019 (Navigator Dec 21, 2019) | Cam phaser coverage extension | Ended January 1, 2023 (prorated by mileage) |
| TSB 25-2126 | 2017–2020 F-150 (10R80) | All 2017–2020 | Harsh/delayed engagement or shifts; CDF sleeve movement | Replace CDF clutch cylinder; 11.8 h (3.5L 4×2), 13.1 h (3.5L 4×4) |
| TSB 24-2254 | 2021–2022 F-150 (10R80, not hybrid); 2022 Expedition, Navigator | Aug 15, 2022 | Same CDF sleeve condition | Verify leak, replace CDF cylinder (7H351) if needed |
The Safest 3.5 EcoBoost Years to Buy
The best years come at the end of each run, after Ford’s production fixes, but the fix dates are build dates, not model years.
The Gen 1 Sweet Spot: 2015 and 2016 Models
A 2015–2016 F-150 built after May 29, 2015 falls outside both Gen 1 timing bulletins (17-0026 ends at October 10, 2014 and 18-2305 at May 29, 2015). These trucks also keep the six-speed automatic, so the 10R80 CDF bulletins don’t apply. They do have recalls to check. 20V098 covers 2015–2016 F-150s with the 3.5L GTDI whose block heater may have been moved too close to hot engine parts. 26V237 (filed April 2026, owner letters mailed July 24, 2026) covers 2015–2017 F-150s that can unexpectedly downshift into second gear and is fixed with a PCM update. Gen 1 engines are direct-injection only, so ask about intake-valve cleaning on high-mileage trucks.
The Gen 3 Benchmark: 2023 to Present
Gen 3 trucks are not in any of the cam phaser bulletins we checked. A 2023 built after August 15, 2022 is outside the 10R80 CDF bulletins (22-2428 and 24-2254), which makes it our pick for the most trouble-free 3.5 EcoBoost so far. For 2024–2025, confirm that recall 24V851 (2,490 vehicles) or 25V198 (4,356 vehicles) has been done: on some 2024–2025 F-150, 2024–2025 Expedition and 2024 Navigator 3.5L engines, a misaligned engine cup plug “can result in a rapid oil leak.” The dealer inspects the plug and replaces it if needed. 2025 F-150s also have recall 25V344 for a mis-machined connecting rod in 156 3.5L engines, where the remedy is a new long block if needed.
Gen 3 isn’t recall-free elsewhere either. 2021 F-150s were recalled for a false low-pressure transmission code that could shift to neutral (22V188, re-recalled as 25V169), a low-pressure fuel pump that can fail (25V455, also 2022 Expedition and 2021–2022 Navigator) and a park pawl that can engage while moving (26V402, also 2018–2021 Expedition and Navigator; Ford expects the remedy in April 2027).
Deep-Dive Component Failure Analysis and Ford Repair Times
Ford’s bulletins give labor times, not prices. To estimate a repair, multiply the hours by your shop’s labor rate and add parts. Many shops also replace related wear parts while the engine is apart, so get a written quote.
1. The VCT Cam Phaser Failure (Gen 2 Architecture)
The symptom Ford describes is a ticking, tapping or rattle from the top front of the engine for 2–5 seconds after the truck has sat for 6 hours or more. On 2017–2020 trucks built on or before November 30, 2019, the repair in TSB 23-2143 is all four VCT units, at 9.6 hours on an F-150. Program 21N03 listed ML3Z-6256-A (intake) and ML3Z-6C525-A (exhaust) VCT units, with the earlier HL3Z-6256-CD and HL3Z-6C525-CD as alternates if those were unavailable. For costs and steps, see our 3.5 EcoBoost cam phaser replacement guide and F-150 cam phaser recall page.
2. The Internal Water Pump Trap (Transverse Platforms)
This applies to transverse 3.5L engines only, not to the F-150, Expedition or Navigator. A 2018 U.S. class action complaint alleged that Ford’s Cyclone V6 family, which includes the 3.5 EcoBoost, uses a water pump inside the engine, driven by the timing chain, in transverse front- and all-wheel-drive models such as the Edge, Explorer, Flex, Taurus SHO, MKS and MKT. According to the suit, coolant from a failed pump can leak into the engine and mix with the oil. The U.S. case was dismissed in 2024 after a confidential settlement with the named plaintiffs, with no class-wide payout. On a transverse 3.5 EcoBoost, watch for coolant loss with no visible leak and check the oil for a milky look. See our Explorer water pump page for more.
3. Exhaust Manifold Warpage and Sheared Studs
Owners often report broken exhaust manifold studs on 3.5 EcoBoost trucks. The usual sign is a ticking exhaust leak that is loudest when the engine is cold and may quiet as it warms. We didn’t find a Ford bulletin for this in the documents we checked, so treat it as a common wear item to inspect, not a model-year defect. Ford’s 2011 announcement notes the engine uses cast exhaust manifolds.
4. Turbo Coolant and Oil Line Leaks
Turbo coolant and oil line leaks around the quick-connect fittings are another common owner complaint on older, high-mileage 3.5 EcoBoosts. Check for dried coolant around the turbos and lines on a pre-purchase inspection. For turbo life and replacement costs, see how long 3.5 EcoBoost turbos last and 3.5 EcoBoost turbo replacement cost. Our 3.5 EcoBoost oil leak guide covers the other common leak points.
| Symptom | Most likely cause | Years named by Ford/NHTSA | Ford reference | Ford labor time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rattle for 2–5 seconds on cold start (after 6+ hours) | Worn VCT units (cam phasers) | 2017–2020 F-150; 2018–2020 Expedition/Navigator (built to Nov 30, 2019) | TSB 23-2143 | 9.6 h (F-150) |
| Rattle for 2–5 seconds on cold start (after 6+ hours) | VCT units and primary chain | 2011–2015 F-150 (built to May 29, 2015) | TSB 18-2305 | 9.2 h (2011–14), 9.0 h (2015) |
| Check-engine light with P0016 | Worn primary timing chain | 2011–2014 F-150 (built to Oct 10, 2014) | TSB 17-0026 | 8.9 h |
| Harsh or delayed Park-to-Drive, harsh shifts | 10R80 CDF clutch cylinder sleeve | 2017–2020 F-150; 2021–2022 (built to Aug 15, 2022) | TSB 25-2126 / 24-2254 | 11.8 h (3.5L 4×2), 13.1 h (3.5L 4×4) |
| Stumble or misfire on hard acceleration in humid weather | Condensation in the charge air cooler | 2011–2013 F-150 | NHTSA PE13-018; Ford CAC deflector TSBs | Not stated |
| Coolant loss with no leak, milky oil | Internal water pump seal (alleged in 2018 suit) | Transverse 3.5L models only | No Ford bulletin found | Not stated |
High Output (H.O.) vs. Standard 3.5L EcoBoost Reliability
The high-output 3.5 EcoBoost uses the same basic Gen 2 architecture with more boost. Ford rated it at 450 hp and 510 lb-ft in the 2017 F-150 Raptor (Ford Raptor key messages; the 510 lb-ft figure needs 93-octane fuel per the 2017 brochure). The 2018 Lincoln Navigator is also rated 450 hp and 510 lb-ft (Lincoln specs). The 2018 Expedition was rated 375 hp and 470 lb-ft, or 400 hp and 480 lb-ft on the Platinum (Ford specs).
For reliability, the H.O. engine is in the same bulletins as the standard one. TSB 23-2143 has its own Raptor labor time (9.7 hours), program 21N03 was expanded in July 2021 to include F-150 Raptor and Limited variants plus the 2018–2020 Expedition and Navigator, and TSB 25-2126 lists a Raptor labor operation for the 10R80 CDF repair. Apply the same 2017–2020 checks to a Raptor or Navigator.
| Vehicle | Model years | Ford rating |
|---|---|---|
| F-150 3.5 EcoBoost (Gen 1) | 2011–2016 | 365 hp / 420 lb-ft |
| F-150 3.5 EcoBoost (Gen 2) | 2017–2020 | 375 hp / 470 lb-ft |
| F-150 Raptor (H.O.) | 2017 | 450 hp / 510 lb-ft |
| Expedition (Platinum) | 2018 | 375 hp / 470 lb-ft (400 hp / 480 lb-ft) |
| Lincoln Navigator | 2018 | 450 hp / 510 lb-ft |
| F-150 3.5 EcoBoost (Gen 3) | 2021 | 400 hp / 500 lb-ft |
For every year’s output, see our Ford EcoBoost HP chart by year and F-150 engine comparison chart.
Critical NHTSA Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)
Recalls are free at any Ford or Lincoln dealer and follow the VIN, not the owner. Before you buy, run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup. The table lists the engine, fuel and transmission recalls on 3.5 EcoBoost F-150, Expedition and Navigator model years, from NHTSA’s recall records (checked November 2026). Some recalls cover every engine in that model, so the VIN check tells you whether a given truck is included.
| Recall | Vehicles | Problem | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16V248 / 19V075 | 2011–2012 F-150, 2012 Expedition/Navigator / 2011–2013 F-150 (6-speed) | Transmission may unexpectedly downshift to first gear | PCM software update |
| 24V444 / 26V378 | 2014 F-150 | Unexpected downshift to first gear (output speed sensor signal loss); 26V378 for incorrect earlier repairs | PCM software update |
| 20V098 | 2015–2016 F-150 with 3.5L GTDI | Block heater possibly relocated near hot engine parts, cable damage | Inspect and repair |
| 26V237 | 2015–2017 F-150 | Unexpected downshift to second gear (range sensor signal loss) | PCM software update |
| 17V672 | 2018 F-150 3.5L (22 vehicles) | Cylinder heads possibly machined without camshaft bearing oil holes | Engine replacement |
| 18V392 | 2018 F-150, Expedition, Navigator 3.5L GTDI (5,645 vehicles) | High-pressure fuel pump welds can fracture, oil or fuel leak | Replace high-pressure fuel pump |
| 18V213 | 2017–2018 F-150, 2018 Expedition/Navigator (10-speed) | Missing roll pin, possible loss of Park | Inspect, install roll pin |
| 22V188 / 25V169 | 2021 F-150 | False low-fluid-pressure code can shift to neutral | PCM software update |
| 22V346 | 2021 Expedition, Navigator | Engine compartment fire risk (battery junction box) | Inspect/replace junction box |
| 25V455 | 2021–2022 F-150, 2022 Expedition, 2021–2022 Navigator (and others) | Low-pressure fuel pump may fail, engine stall | Per recall |
| 26V402 | 2018–2021 Expedition/Navigator, 2021 F-150 (and others) | Park pawl may engage while moving | PCM update and repairs; remedy expected April 2027 |
| 24V851 / 25V198 | 2024–2025 F-150, 2024–2025 Expedition, 2024 Navigator 3.5L GTDI | Misaligned engine cup plug, rapid oil leak | Inspect, replace plug if needed |
| 25V344 | 2025 F-150, Transit, Explorer 3.5L (156 vehicles) | Mis-machined connecting rod | Inspect, replace long block if needed |
Not a 3.5 EcoBoost recall: the intake valve recall 24V635 covers 2021–2022 vehicles “equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine,” including some F-150s. It does not cover the 3.5 EcoBoost, so don’t count it against a 3.5 truck.
Used 3.5 EcoBoost Buyer Checklist
- Read the build date on the driver’s door-jamb label and compare it with the cutoffs above (Oct 10, 2014; May 29, 2015; Nov 30, 2019; Aug 15, 2022).
- Run the VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm every open recall is done.
- Ask a Ford dealer for the VIN’s service history, including whether TSB 23-2143 or 18-2305 work and programs 21B10/21N03 were done.
- Arrange to hear a true cold start: Ford’s bulletins describe the rattle after the engine has sat for 6 hours or more, lasting 2–5 seconds.
- Scan for stored codes, especially P0016 (Gen 1 timing chain) and P164C (Gen 2 no-restart).
- On a 10-speed truck, check for harsh or delayed Park-to-Drive and harsh shifts (TSB 25-2126 / 24-2254 symptoms).
- Look for coolant or oil residue around the turbos, lines and exhaust manifolds, and ask for oil-change records.
Preventative Maintenance Protocols: Maximizing Engine Longevity
Ford’s Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor sets the oil change interval from how the vehicle is used, up to a maximum of one year or 10,000 miles. Ford’s owner manuals list towing, heavy loads, extended idling, dusty roads, extreme temperatures and short trips as severe driving conditions with their own maintenance items. Most used 3.5 EcoBoost trucks have been driven that way at some point. Engine oil feeds the VCT units and timing chain tensioners, so a used turbo engine with a gap in its oil records is a bigger risk.
Maintenance Checklist for a Used 3.5 EcoBoost
| Item | What to do | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil and filter | Change when the oil-life monitor says (max 1 year/10,000 miles). We suggest a shorter interval if you tow or make short trips | Owner’s manual; 3.5 EcoBoost oil capacity chart |
| Oil-life reset | Reset the monitor after every change | Owner’s manual; F-150 oil life reset |
| Spark plugs | Replace at the manual’s interval, using the shorter severe-service interval if it applies | Owner’s manual; F-150 spark plug gap chart |
| Transmission fluid | Follow the manual for your transmission and duty cycle; after a 10R80 repair, a relearn may be needed | Owner’s manual; adaptive learning reset |
| Intake valves (Gen 1) | Direct-injection-only engines can build carbon on the valves; ask a shop to inspect on high-mileage trucks | Pre-purchase inspection |
Ford’s TSB 17-0026 parts list for the Gen 1 timing chain job uses oil filter AA5Z-6714-A and Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 oil. That filter is sold as the Motorcraft FL-500-S oil filter. Confirm the filter and oil spec for your engine and year in the owner’s manual or our 3.5 EcoBoost oil capacity chart before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 3.5 EcoBoost years to avoid?
The riskiest years are 2011–2013 and 2017–2019. The 2011–2014 F-150 has Ford bulletins for timing chain wear (TSB 17-0026) and cold-start rattle (TSB 18-2305), and 2011–2013 trucks were in NHTSA’s charge-air-cooler probe (PE13-018). The 2017–2019 F-150 and 2018–2019 Expedition and Navigator have the cam phaser rattle (TSB 23-2143) and the 10R80 CDF bulletins. Buy these only with records of the repair.
What is the best year for the 3.5 EcoBoost?
For Gen 1, a 2015 or 2016 F-150 built after May 29, 2015 falls outside both timing bulletins and keeps the six-speed automatic. For newer trucks, a 2023 built after August 15, 2022 is outside the cam phaser and 10R80 CDF bulletins. On a 2024–2025, make sure the cup plug recall (24V851 or 25V198) has been done.
Which 3.5 EcoBoost years have the cam phaser problem?
Ford’s TSB 23-2143 covers 2017–2020 F-150 and 2018–2020 Expedition and Navigator with the 3.5 EcoBoost built on or before November 30, 2019. TSB 18-2305 covered a similar cold-start rattle on 2011–2015 F-150s built on or before May 29, 2015, where all four VCT units and the primary timing chain were replaced.
Is Ford still paying for 3.5 EcoBoost cam phaser repairs?
No. Program 21N03 extended cam phaser coverage only until January 1, 2023, and only if the 21B10 PCM reflash was done by February 28, 2022. It was prorated by mileage: Ford paid 100% up to 69,999 miles, 66% to 79,999, 33% to 89,999 and nothing from 90,000 miles.
Are 2021 and newer 3.5 EcoBoost engines more reliable?
So far, yes for the engine’s main weak spots. None of the Ford cam phaser bulletins we checked cover 2021-on 3.5 EcoBoost engines, and the intake valve recall 24V635 covers only the 2.7L and 3.0L Nano engines. But 2021–2022 F-150s with the 10R80 built on or before August 15, 2022 are in TSB 24-2254, and some 2024–2025 3.5L engines have cup plug recalls.
How do I check a used F-150 for the cam phaser rattle?
Ford’s bulletins describe a ticking, tapping or rattle from the top front of the engine that lasts 2–5 seconds on start-up after the engine has sat for 6 hours or more. Ask the seller not to start the truck before you arrive, listen at the first start, and ask a Ford dealer for the VIN’s repair and program history.
What is the difference between the 3.5 EcoBoost in the F-150 and the Explorer?
The F-150, Expedition and Navigator mount the engine lengthwise for rear-wheel drive. A 2018 U.S. class action alleged that transverse versions in models such as the Explorer, Flex, Taurus SHO, MKS and MKT have a timing-chain-driven water pump inside the engine that can leak coolant into the oil. That case was dismissed in 2024 after an individual settlement.
Conclusions and Long-Term Purchasing Strategy
The 3.5 EcoBoost is a strong engine with two well-documented weak periods. On a 2011–2014 truck, look for proof of timing chain and VCT work under TSB 17-0026 or 18-2305. On a 2017–2020 truck built by November 30, 2019, look for the cam phaser repair under TSB 23-2143 or program 21N03, and on any 10-speed truck built by August 15, 2022, test for harsh engagement. If the budget allows, a 2023 built after August 15, 2022 avoids every bulletin on this page, and a 2015–2016 built after May 29, 2015 is the pick for Gen 1. Whatever the year, run the VIN for recalls and keep the oil changes on time.
Related 3.5 EcoBoost and F-150 Guides
- Ford 3.5 EcoBoost Oil Capacity Chart
- 3.5 EcoBoost Cam Phaser Replacement Guide
- Ford F-150 Cam Phaser Recall
- 3.5 EcoBoost Timing Chain Replacement
- Ford 10-Speed Transmission Problems
- Common Oil Leaks on the 3.5 EcoBoost
- How Long Will a Ford F-150 Last?
- Ford F-150 Towing Capacity Chart