Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Problems: Reliability & Common Issues to Watch For

Reviewed by Eric Shepherd, ASE-Certified Technician (and Gemba’s Accidental Social Media Star!)

We have all heard it: “There is no replacement for displacement.” But Ford has consistently proved otherwise with engines like its 2.7-liter EcoBoost. The 2.7 has powered F-150s and modern Broncos on everything from daily commutes to off-road trails and has also appeared in several Ford and Lincoln crossovers. One of Ford's most popular vehicles, the F-150 pickup truck, happened to be among the first models to receive the 2.7-liter EcoBoost back in 2015. It became even more popular when Ford started offering it for the Bronco with its revival in 2021.

If you’re considering buying a vehicle with the 2.7 EcoBoost or perhaps have one already and want to know more about it, it is important to note that some of the problems with the engine only apply to certain model years, production windows or are limited to specific vehicles. Others are symptoms shared by many engines. Here is how to separate documented concerns from internet folklore.

What Is the Ford 2.7L EcoBoost?

The 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine is a twin-turbocharged V6 that was introduced in the 2015 Ford F-150 pickup truck. It has appeared in the Edge, Fusion, Ranger and Bronco in addition to Lincoln models such as the MKX, Continental and Nautilus.

Over time Ford has made revisions to the engine. For example, the 2018 F-150 added port fuel injection along with direct injection. Different vehicles also use different calibrations, so a 2016 F-150, a 2024 Bronco and a Lincoln application shouldn't automatically be treated as interchangeable when researching problems.

Is the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Reliable?

Ford’s 2.7-liter EcoBoost can be dependable, but it really depends on the model year, application, maintenance records, oil-change history, mileage, if it is used for towing, prior repair history and its present condition.

A vehicle used primarily for commuting across Phoenix will have lived a different life than one that regularly tows uphill on I-17.

According to Eric Shepherd, an ASE Certified technician and Area Manager for Gemba Automotive, despite their peripheral design flaws, the 2.7-liter EcoBoost is one of the most reliable engines that Ford has ever produced.

“When maintenance is made a priority, these 2.7-liter EcoBoost engines are highly reliable due to their diesel-like graphite iron blocks. Unlike the standard aluminum blocks, these are the same construction used on Ford’s heavy-duty vehicles, like the 6.7-liter Power Stroke trucks.”

What Are the Most Common Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Problems?

When considering the 2.7-liter EcoBoost you will want to research the intake-valve recall, take note of oil leaks reported in some earlier applications and symptoms involving boost, ignition, fuel, oil or cooling systems.

It is important to understand that a recall, technical service bulletin (TSB), owner complaint and shop-observed repair are different things. A recall is a safety action for defined vehicles while a TSB provides manufacturer guidance. Complaints and shop experience can reveal patterns, but they do not indicate that there is a universal or widespread issue.

Does the 2.7 EcoBoost Have Valve Problems?

Not every 2.7-liter EcoBoost will have valve problems, only certain engines and the production details matter. For example, NHTSA recall 24V-635, also identified by Ford as 24S55, covers certain 2021–2022 Ford Bronco, F-150 and Edge vehicles, along with certain Ford Explorer and Lincoln applications, equipped with 2.7-liter or 3.0-liter Nano EcoBoost engines. The recall identified that the affected engine intake valves could fracture and cause engine damage or a loss of power.

The recall affects a defined set of engines produced within a specific time; it is not evidence that all 2.7 EcoBoost engines have “bad valves.” Owners should enter their VIN in Ford's recall lookup or NHTSA's recall search. Recall status follows the VIN, not a guess based on model year.

2.7 EcoBoost Turbocharger Problems and Warning Signs

The 2.7-liter EcoBoost is equipped with two turbochargers. If you are experiencing low power, it doesn’t automatically mean one or both of the turbos have failed. You might notice weak acceleration, unusual whistling or siren-like noises coming from under the hood. There could also be smoke, a check engine light or boost-related error codes. When your vehicle is inspected, technicians might look at the charge-air plumbing, hoses, sensors and wastegate operation. If there is a loose connection or an air leak within the system, it could imitate an expensive failure but be a fairly straightforward repair.

Shepherd notes that there are many times that guests think their turbo is failing because they're experiencing loss of power or hesitation, when the number one cause is secondary ignition components failing, like the spark plugs or ignition coils.

“When the check engine light is coupled with the reduced power light (wrench icon), this typically engages the vehicle into ‘limp mode,’” Shepherd said. “This mode is a damage-control protocol that disables boost and reduces engine power to save it from internal damage.”

Oil Leaks and Oil-Related Concerns

Some of the earlier F-150s with the 2.7 have service information about leaks from the oil-pan seal. This is a specific issue related to that application, not a universal label that can be applied to all oil leaks on any 2.7 ever produced. In this example, oil level and its condition matter because the oil also lubricates and cools the turbocharger components. The best way to care for your engine and its supporting systems is to follow the automaker’s service schedule and specifications of the exact vehicle.

Rough Idle, Misfires or a Check-Engine Light

In general, a rough idle and misfires can come from worn spark plugs, ignition coils, injectors or other fuel delivery concerns. Air and boost leaks, wiring and sensors can also cause issues that would lead to engine misfires and a rough idle. If the check engine light appears, a code might identify the system that noticed the issue, but it doesn’t always tell you what part needs to be replaced.

Aside from checking what triggered the engine light to set DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) for direction, Shepherd would also check for secondary ignition component failure, like an ignition coil has failed based on guests' reported symptoms.

When having your Ford diagnosed, the result could combine a fault code with freeze-frame data as well as misfire counts, ignition and fuel testing, boost inspection and, when justified, mechanical testing. A diagnostic fee should pay for a process, not just a code scan.

Coolant Loss or Overheating

Coolant loss can result from a leaking hose, reservoir, connection, water pump, radiator or another part of the cooling system. As a result, coolant loss can lead to your 2.7-liter EcoBoost overheating. Do not open the cooling system while it is hot or pressurized, as hot coolant and steam can cause severe burns. Reduce the risk of damage by stopping as soon as it is safe to do so and having the vehicle towed if necessary.

When it comes to Arizona summers, if there is an issue with the cooling system it will be hard to hide. A truck may show cooling problems while towing, or your Bronco might reveal them while idling in rush-hour traffic when it's 115 degrees outside.

First-Generation vs. Later 2.7 EcoBoost Engines

Shepherd says he frequently sees the first generation 2.7-liter EcoBoost, produced from 2015-2017, in the shop. “The engine is most known for its mechanical issues, as with many first-gen runs,” Shepherd said, adding that “the design had a ton of oil leaking from the oil pan because Ford used RTV silicone with an aluminum pan. They later turned to a gasket design as a fix.”

Ford has routinely revised the 2.7 over the years it has been in use. You will want to research the VIN and the exact application to know what’s really possible or going on with your specific engine.

Are There Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Years to Avoid?

Certain 2.7s have recalls but earlier and later versions of the engine can have excellent to poor histories. If you have one or are considering buying one, keep in mind maintenance, warning lights, leaks, engine noise, cooling-system condition, turbo operation, stored or pending codes and how the vehicle was used. A well-maintained 2.7 from a so-called “bad year” may be a better purchase than one from a supposedly good year with poor maintenance history.

How Long Does a 2.7 EcoBoost Last?

Like any vehicle on the road, there isn’t a guaranteed lifespan. Longevity for a vehicle comes down to oil changes and maintenance history along with operating conditions, heat exposure, towing and payload in addition to your driving patterns. The mileage will tell you how far the vehicle traveled, but records and inspections can help tell you how it got there.

“As with every vehicle, maintenance history is extremely important to obtain,” Shepherd said. “With the EcoBoost, I'd advise them to be sure the oil-change history wasn't neglected. This coincides with all the fluids in the vehicle, as fluid maintenance is the pillar of longevity. Fluids left unchecked prematurely wear on the internals of major components and thus shorten their life cycle.”

What Should You Watch for on a High-Mileage 2.7 EcoBoost?

When your 2.7-liter EcoBoost reaches 100,000 miles, check for leaks, listen for unusual cold-start noises and pay attention to changes in performance or boost. You will also want to check the ignition and pay attention to any fuel concerns.

One of the most common concerns that brings a 2.7-liter EcoBoost-powered vehicle into Gemba Automotive is an oil leak—often first noticed as oil spots in the driveway or a burning smell that the owner initially suspects may be fuel. “When they're describing the smell, the first place I look are the valve covers for leaking due to them being directly above the exhaust manifolds,” said Shepherd. “The oil leaks out right on top of them, creating the burning smell. These engines are commonly known for their oil leaks from the valve covers, oil pans and timing covers.”

Does Arizona Heat Affect the 2.7 EcoBoost?

Like on many vehicles, Arizona heat increases operating demands. It won’t automatically destroy your EcoBoost, but the cooling system and correct fluid levels matter. Heat can also accelerate battery deterioration and cause hard-starting or other electrical issues that could be mistaken for engine trouble.

According to Shepherd, drivers are faced with “severe conditions” due to the heat here in Arizona. “When coupling our conditions with towing, especially in the mountains, fluid upkeep is critical.” Shepherd recommends paying especially close attention to fluid condition when an EcoBoost is subjected to Arizona heat, towing or other severe operating conditions. “When it's discovered that the fluid breakdown is evident, it's possible that unseen damage has already occurred.”

2.7 EcoBoost vs. 3.5 EcoBoost: Which Is More Reliable?

When it comes to the 2.7-liter EcoBoost versus the 3.5-liter EcoBoost, bigger isn’t always better. Both engines have multiple generations and applications, with year-specific concerns and recalls that should be researched individually. The best choice takes into account the required capability, maintenance history, use and mechanical conditions.

One of the biggest misconceptions Shepherd has encountered is that EcoBoost engines are prone to “cam phaser rattle,” which leads to expensive timing-chain repair. “This common failure is exclusive to the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engines. The 2.7-liter is a totally different monster. With a distinct variable valve timing system and shorter timing chains, the 2.7-liter EcoBoost rarely develops this issue.”

Buying a Used F-150 or Bronco With the 2.7 EcoBoost? What to Check

When debating the purchase of a used vehicle with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost, ask for maintenance and repair records. Check the cold-start behavior, look for any warning lights, oil or coolant leaks. If the vehicle has been modified, ask what’s changed and who performed the work and ask whether the calibration is stock.

“Oil leaks would be one of the first things I'd look for,” Shepherd said, adding that a comprehensive inspection is important because the goal is to uncover as much as possible so the buyer can make an informed decision.

A qualified shop can also perform a pre-purchase vehicle inspection if you have any questions or something seems questionable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Problems

What are the most common 2.7 EcoBoost problems?

Owners should research the limited 2021–2022 intake-valve recall, application-specific oil leaks and symptoms involving boost, ignition, fuel or cooling systems. Applicability depends on the VIN, year and vehicle.

Is the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost reliable?

It can be dependable, but reliability depends on generation, maintenance, use and current condition.

Which year 2.7 EcoBoost should I avoid?

Check the VIN for recalls and evaluate records, symptoms, use and mechanical condition.

How long does a Ford 2.7 EcoBoost last?

Maintenance, towing, operating conditions and repair history heavily influence longevity.

Is the 2.7 EcoBoost better than the 3.5 EcoBoost?

“Better” depends on the vehicle and required capability. Compare the generations, maintenance histories and documented concerns of the specific trucks.

Does the 2.7 EcoBoost have turbo problems?

Turbo-related symptoms are possible, but low boost, smoke or noise can have other causes.

Is a 2.7 EcoBoost with 100,000 miles worth buying?

Potentially. A well-documented, properly maintained vehicle that passes an inspection may be a better buy than a lower-mileage example with an unknown history.