Ford EcoBoost Engine Lawsuit Investigation

Last Updated on March 22, 2021

Important Information

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are no longer investigating this matter. The information here is for reference only. A list of open investigations and lawsuits can be viewed here.

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Case Update

February 17, 2021 – Investigation Closed, Lawsuit Filed
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org no longer need to hear from people who had problems with their EcoBoost engines. This is because at least one proposed class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of certain Ford and Lincoln drivers and is making its way through the legal system.

For updates on this case, check back to this page or sign up for the ClassAction.org newsletter here.

The information below was posted when the investigation began and remains for reference only. Our open list of investigations can be found here.

At A Glance

This Alert Affects:
Ford drivers who had issues with their car’s 1.5-, 1.6- or 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
2013-2019 Ford Escapes, 2013-2019 Ford Fusions, 2015-2018 Ford Edges, 2017-2019 Lincoln MKCs, and 2017-2019 Lincoln MKZs.
What Problems Are Being Reported?
Overheating, engine damage, smoke from the exhaust pipe, the constant need to replenish coolant, and engine fires.
How Can a Class Action Help?
A class action lawsuit could help drivers get back money for repairs and loss of their vehicles, as well as force Ford to find a permanent fix for the problem.

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether they can file a class action lawsuit against Ford Motor Company over the automaker’s EcoBoost engine.

Allegations have surfaced that coolant can leak into the cylinders of the 1.5-, 1.6- and 2.0-liter EcoBoost engines and cause the vehicle to misfire, overheat and even catch fire.

Affected models include the following:

  • 2013-2019 Ford Escape
  • 2013-2019 Ford Fusion
  • 2015-2018 Ford Edge
  • 2017-2019 Lincoln MKC
  • 2017-2019 Lincoln MKZ

What’s the Issue with the Ford EcoBoost Engines?

It’s been alleged that a design defect in the EcoBoost’s engine block and cylinder head is responsible for the problems Ford drivers have been experiencing.

The engine was designed with grooves on the cylinder head. Unfortunately, it’s believed that as coolant flows throughout the engine, it can leak into these grooves. Should the coolant begin to pool, this may cause the seal to degrade and allow coolant to leak into the engine’s cylinders.

What Problems Can the Leaking Coolant Cause?

The leaking coolant problem can cause:

  • Overheating
  • Engine fires
  • Damage to the piston, cylinder head and other engine parts
  • Vehicle misfires
  • Smoke (sometimes blue) from the exhaust pipe

Drivers have also reported the need to constantly replenish their car’s coolant and antifreeze.

Below you will find a sample of online complaints from Ford drivers who had issues with their EcoBoost engines [sic throughout]:

I heard water sloshing check engine light came on, overheating light along with many others. The car shut off on a very busy highway almost caused me to get from behind…Replaced water pump, coil pack, plugs, several sensors…found coolant in the engine crack block…but no recall yet.”
— 2016 Ford Fusion driver, CarProblemZoo.com
On 10-25-15, I was driving a few miles from my home when a light came on stating "high engine temperature, pull over safely. " within 30 seconds of pulling over, the flames came out frm under the hood near the windshield. Within 5 minutes my vehicle was fully engulfed inside and completely destroyed. I contated the dealership who informed me of a recall that oil could leak onto the engine and start a fire.”
— 2013 Ford Escape driver, CarProblemZoo.com
A week after owning smoke emitted from exhaust, check engine light came on and car was rough to start, idling hard. Car [smelled] strongly of antifreeze but no visible leaks. Lincoln did inspection and says needs a new engine due to coolant leaking into cylinders and pistons failing. Engine is on backorder for two months. This seems to be a known problem. We are extremely unhappy.”
— 2017 Lincoln MKZ driver, Vehie.com
I have a 2014 Ford Escape 4WD with the 1.6L engine. On two different occasions I've received a warning message that the engine was experiencing excessive overheating. (I did not take note of the exact wording of the warning, but it was rather frightening when the message popped up.) Both times the coolant level was extremely low and once the coolant was filled, there were no problems. Since the second warning message I have driven with a gallon of antifreeze in the trunk and have had to fill up the coolant about every two weeks.”
— 2014 Ford Escape driver, FordEscape.org

Has Ford Done Anything to Fix the Problem with the EcoBoost Engines?

Drivers claim that Ford is taking a “band-aid” approach to the EcoBoost problems, often choosing to install a low coolant sensor or replace the engine. Unfortunately, attorneys suspect that neither of these measures fixes the real issue with the engines. As a result, some drivers have been forced to pay thousands in repair costs, only to have the same problems reoccur.

How Can a Class Action Help?

A successful class action lawsuit could force Ford to find a permanent fix for the engine problems, as well as offer money to consumers who lost their vehicles due to a fire. Consumers may also be able to recover money for the cost of repairs and coolant replenishment, as well as expenses incurred by drivers who were unable to use their vehicles (i.e., rental car costs).

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