Ford Faces Lawsuit Over 'Temporary' Solution for Allegedly Faulty Engines | Carscoops

      Plaintiffs assert that the EcoBoost engines in various Ford and Lincoln models malfunction due to overheating.

      Ford is facing legal action from owners of vehicles produced between 2013 and 2019, all of whom possess (or possessed) a vehicle equipped with a small EcoBoost engine that has failed. They claim that Ford was aware of a defect but failed to inform customers.

      Small turbocharged engines have gained significant popularity in recent years, coinciding with Ford's introduction of its own EcoBoost engines over the last decade. This lawsuit specifically targets EcoBoost engines with displacements of 1.5 to 2.0 liters, with plaintiffs alleging that Ford manufactured these engines with a defect and did not notify owners.

      The lawsuit encompasses owners of the Ford Escape (2013-2019), Fusion (2013-2019), Edge (2015-2018), Lincoln MKC (2016-2019), and Lincoln MKZ (2016-2019). It makes two primary allegations: first, that Ford failed to inform owners of a defect that allows coolant to leak into the cylinders, and second, that the automaker did not disclose the potential safety concerns arising from this issue.

      According to the owners who filed the lawsuit, all affected engines leak coolant from the cylinder heads into the cylinders. This leakage leads to a shortage of coolant, causing the engine to overheat and potentially become irreparable.

      The plaintiffs state, “Ford has not satisfactorily or effectively addressed the source of the defect for those consumers, including for those whose vehicles remain under warranty. Instead of replacing the engine block, Ford merely applies superficial stopgap, ‘Band-Aid’ remedies such as installing coolant level sensors.”

      While receiving a warning to refill coolant is preferable to a damaged engine, a properly functioning engine that doesn't leak coolant is far more desirable. If the allegations are accurate, Ford was aware of this issue prior to selling these engines. It’s worth noting that in 2020, Ford issued a technical service bulletin to address coolant loss problems by replacing the short block and head gasket for Ford Fusions and Escapes.

      The plaintiffs contend that measures like engine replacement do not resolve the problem, as the replacements still possess the same defect. A technician familiar with the situation illustrates what they consider a defect; the head gasket shows signs of failure between the cylinders. Take a look below and share your perspective. Do you view this as a design defect, or simply the outcome of normal wear and tear?

      VEHICLES INCLUDED IN LAWSUIT

      2013-2019 Ford Escape

      2013-2019 Ford Fusion

      2015-2018 Ford Edge

      2016-2019 Lincoln MKC

      2016-2019 Lincoln MKZ

      H/T to Carcomplaints