Ford’s 2.7L EcoBoost Might Be the Best Engine You Should Avoid

A serious design flaw is causing total engine failures in some 2021-2023 F-150s and Broncos—here’s what you need to know before buying.

If you’ve been eyeing a Ford F-150, Bronco, or Edge ST with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, you’re probably drawn to its perfect blend of power, efficiency, and turbocharged fun. And on paper, it’s a fantastic engine. But before you sign on the dotted line, there’s something you should know: This engine has had a bit of a meltdown problem—literally.

Let’s talk about the elephant in the engine bay: faulty valves that have led to catastrophic engine failures. What happened? Who’s affected? And most importantly—should you still buy one? Let’s break it down.

What Went Wrong?

The issue stems from the engine’s intake valves, which, in some models, were made from a subpar material that just couldn’t take the heat—literally. These valves were reportedly made from sodium-filled steel, a material that helps with heat dissipation but, when not properly manufactured, can become brittle and prone to cracking.

And when an intake valve cracks? Well, let’s just say your engine suddenly goes from “EcoBoost” to “EcoBust.”

A failing valve can lead to:
✔️ Sudden loss of power
✔️ Misfires and rough idling
✔️ Complete engine failure (aka, your truck turns into a very expensive paperweight)

Which 2.7L Engines Are Affected?

This isn’t an across-the-board issue for all 2.7L EcoBoost engines, but it does affect a decent number of vehicles. Here’s a breakdown:

🔴 Impacted Vehicles:

• 2021-2023 Ford F-150 (equipped with the second-gen 2.7L EcoBoost)
• 2021-2023 Ford Bronco (Badlands, Wildtrak, Outer Banks trims)

🟢 Likely NOT affected:

• Older first-generation 2.7L EcoBoost engines (2015-2020)
• The newer versions rolling out in 2024+ models

According to Ford, the faulty valves were used in some second-generation 2.7L engines but not all, making it tricky to determine if a specific vehicle is at risk.

How to Know If Your 2.7L EcoBoost is a Ticking Time Bomb

If you already own a 2021-2023 Ford with the 2.7L EcoBoost (or are thinking about buying one), here’s what you can do:

🔍 Check Your VIN: Call a Ford dealership and ask if your specific vehicle was built with the faulty intake valves. Not all second-gen engines are affected, so it’s worth confirming.

🛠 Watch for Symptoms: If your engine starts running rough, misfiring, or feeling down on power, don’t ignore it. Some drivers reported these warning signs before total failure.

🔧 Extended Warranty Consideration: If you’re buying used, check if the vehicle is still under Ford’s powertrain warranty (5 years/60,000 miles) or if an extended warranty makes sense.

📢 Ford’s Fix: Ford has acknowledged the issue and updated the materials used in newer engines, but as of now, there hasn’t been a major recall. Some owners have had engines replaced under warranty, while others have had to fight for coverage.

So… Should You Buy a Ford with the 2.7L EcoBoost?

It depends. If you’re buying a brand-new 2024 model or a pre-2021 vehicle, you’re probably in the clear. If you’re looking at a 2021-2023 model, though, do your homework first.

👎 Reasons to Avoid It:
❌ Risk of engine failure in affected models
❌ Unclear whether Ford will cover all failures
❌ Potential resale value hit due to bad reputation

👍 Reasons It Might Still Be Worth It:
✅ Strong power and fuel economy when working properly
✅ Not all engines are affected—some are totally fine
✅ If under warranty, Ford might replace a failed engine for free

At the end of the day, the 2.7L EcoBoost can be a fantastic engine—when it’s built right. Just make sure you’re not getting stuck with one that’s running on borrowed time.

Would you roll the dice on a 2.7L EcoBoost, or are you sticking to something more… bulletproof? Let me know!