The NHTSA’s Probe into Ford Engine Failures Now Also Includes the 3.0L V6

• The US Agency initially investigated failures of the 2.7L EcoBoost engine, but it will now look into failures of the 3.0L turbo V6 as well.

• These engines were installed in at least 709,000 units of the Bronco, Explorer, F-150, Edge, Nautilus, and Aviator.

• The problem is reportedly related to the valve design.

The NHTSA has now expanded its probe into Ford engine failures in order to include the twin-turbo 3.0L V6, which has also been the subject of customer complaints.

Opened in May 2022, this federal probe was created to look into failures of the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine in the Bronco after numerous customer complaints.

Since then, Ford says it has received 861 warranty claims for destroyed engines in the Bronco and other vehicles that offer this powertrain or the more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6, such as the F-150, the Edge, and the Explorer, as well as the Lincoln Nautilus and Aviator.

This is why the agency has broadened the scope of its investigation to the other models and the additional engine. In all, there are now 709,000 vehicles included in the probe due to their engine having been manufactured within the defect period.

According to the automaker, this problem is the result of a faulty intake valve design that was used on 2021 and 2022 model-year engines.

Ford says that it re-engineered the valvetrain for both engines in October of 2021 and that since these failures usually happen at low mileage, most of them have likely already occurred.

Despite these catastrophic engine failures happening under normal driving conditions, no crashes or injuries have been reported in relation to this problem.

The NHTSA will continue its investigation in order to determine how often these types of failures happen on the affected engines and if the design changes made by the manufacturer are sufficient to prevent future engine failures.

According to statements by both the manufacturer and the agency, Ford is collaborating with the NHTSA to support the ongoing investigation.

Source: AP News