Do Coyote engines burn oil?

The basic answer: Ford's Coyote 5.0L V8 engines are not broadly known for excessive oil burning, but some owners report noticeable oil usage under certain conditions, especially as engines age or when they’re driven aggressively.

What is the Coyote engine?

The Coyote name refers to Ford’s high-performance 5.0-liter V8 family used in modern Mustangs, F-Series trucks, and other applications. These engines are renowned for their power, durability, and advanced valvetrain design. Over the years they’ve evolved with features such as variable cam timing and, in some generations, direct injection and updated lubrication strategies. Like any long-running engine family, individual results can vary based on mileage, maintenance, and driving style.

Oil consumption in Coyotes: what data shows

In broad terms, most Coyote owners report normal oil consumption that remains within the ranges specified by maintenance schedules. However, there is a subset of cases—primarily in certain model years or high-mileage engines—where owners have noted higher-than-expected oil use. Ford has acknowledged that some 5.0L engines experienced oil-consumption concerns and has issued service actions for affected vehicles to diagnose and address the issue.

Possible causes of oil consumption in Coyotes

The following factors can contribute to oil burning in Coyote engines. They are not mutually exclusive and can interact, especially as engines accumulate mileage or are operated under demanding conditions.

• Worn piston rings or cylinder walls, which reduce sealing of combustion gases and separation of oil from the combustion chamber.


• Valve stem seals or guide seals that allow oil to enter the combustion chamber, increasing burn-off during operation.


• PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system issues, including a sticking or over-pressurized valve or deteriorated hoses, that push oil into the intake or combustion path.


• Excess crankcase pressure due to PCV faults or compromised seals, promoting oil consumption.


• Actual leaks at gaskets or seals (such as valve covers or the oil pan) that cause oil loss rather than true burning, which may be mistaken for burning.


• High-performance or heavily modified setups that alter lubrication demands or ring seating, potentially increasing oil use if not tuned for the change.

In practice, oil consumption varies by engine condition, maintenance history, and how the vehicle is driven.

Signs you might be seeing oil burning

• Oil level drops more quickly than expected between changes, especially on high-mileage or performance-driven Coyotes.


• Blue or gray exhaust smoke, particularly during startup or under acceleration, suggesting oil burning in the engine.


• Unusual exhaust odor or burning-oil smell, which can accompany oil combustion.


• No obvious leaks or oil leaks accompanied by rapid oil loss, indicating internal consumption rather than external loss.


• PCV-related symptoms such as rough idle or misfires that occur alongside oil consumption.

Experiencing these signs does not automatically mean an engine requires a full rebuild; a systematic diagnostic can identify the exact cause.

What to do if you suspect oil burning

If you notice abnormal oil consumption, follow a careful diagnostic process to identify the underlying cause and determine the appropriate remedy. Start with simple checks and escalate to professional assessment as needed.

Steps to diagnose and address

• Track oil consumption over a defined period (for example, between oil changes) to quantify the rate.


• Inspect for external leaks and verify the PCV system, hoses, and fittings are functioning properly and free of cracks or clogs.


• Review maintenance history: oil type/viscosity, maintenance intervals, and whether recent repairs could have affected lubrication paths.


• Consider a compression or leak-down test to assess ring and bore condition if internal wear is suspected.


• Consult a Ford dealer or a qualified technician for model-year-specific service notices. They can advise whether a repair or replacement of components (e.g., rings, seals, PCV) is indicated.

Correct diagnosis is crucial, as some oil consumption issues are straightforward to fix, while others may require more extensive service.

Maintenance tips to minimize oil consumption

Owners can take several practical steps to reduce the likelihood of oil burning and preserve engine health across the Coyote family.

• Use the oil grade and viscosity recommended by Ford for your specific model year and engine variant, and follow the recommended change interval.


• Maintain a consistent maintenance schedule with quality oil and filters to prevent sludge buildup and deposits that can affect seals and rings.


• Keep the PCV system in good working order; replace the PCV valve and any compromised hoses as needed.


• Address carbon buildup in the intake and valve train, which can impact combustion efficiency and oil control.


• Avoid prolonged extreme high-RPM operation or track driving without appropriate cooling and lubrication planning, especially on older or heavily modified engines.


• If you modify the engine (cams, tuning, or forced induction), ensure lubrication requirements are reevaluated and that oil consumption is monitored after changes.

Adhering to preventive maintenance and proper setup can help minimize oil consumption risk, though some engines may still exhibit changes in oil use as they age or undergo modifications.

Bottom line

Oil consumption in Coyote engines is not a universal problem, but it is a real concern for a subset of vehicles and conditions. Most owners experience normal oil usage when the engine is well maintained. If you notice unusual oil burn-off, investigate PCV function, check for leaks, and consult a dealer for model-year-specific guidance and any related service advisories.

Summary

The Ford Coyote 5.0L V8 is a celebrated powerplant, and it generally performs reliably with respect to oil consumption. However, oil burning can occur in some engines due to wear, PCV issues, or maintenance gaps, particularly in older, high-mileage, or heavily driven/modified examples. A structured diagnostic approach—checking PCV systems, seals, ring wear, and any applicable service notices—helps determine whether consumption is normal or requires repair. Regular maintenance and careful operation remain the best defense against unexpected oil usage.

What problems does the 5.0 Coyote engine have?

Common 5.0 Coyote engine problems include intake valve sinking in early models (2011−20142011 minus 20142011−2014), excessive oil consumption and potential timing chain/cam phaser issues in higher-mileage engines, and a risk of crankshaft sprocket failure on 2015−20192015 minus 20192015−2019 Mustang models. Head gasket failures were also noted in earlier versions. Many issues are linked to maintenance, especially oil changes and using the correct synthetic oil. 
Engine-specific problems

• Early models (2011−20142011 minus 20142011−2014):
  • Soft intake valves: A design flaw where intake valves could sink into the cylinder head, causing misfires and compression loss. Ford released a revised valve to fix this. 
  • Head gasket failures: An issue where the head gasket could leak oil, potentially leading to severe engine damage if not addressed. 
• Higher-mileage engines:
  • Oil consumption: Defective piston rings or assembly can lead to oil being burned in the combustion chamber. This has been the subject of class-action lawsuits for some F-150 models. 
  • Timing chain and cam phaser issues: These can fail due to oil pressure issues, often linked to skipped or neglected maintenance. 
• 2015−20192015 minus 20192015−2019 Mustang models:
  • Crankshaft sprocket failure: The factory powdered metal crankshaft sprockets have a history of splitting and failing, which can cause severe damage to the valve train and cylinder heads. A stronger billet sprocket is recommended as a preventative measure. 

How to prevent or address problems

• Follow maintenance schedules: Perform regular oil changes using high-quality 5W−305 cap W minus 305𝑊−30 synthetic oil and good filters. This is critical for the timing chain and cam phasers, which rely on oil pressure. 
• Check oil levels frequently: Due to the risk of oil consumption, keep a close eye on your oil level. 
• Address early warning signs: Pay attention to symptoms like misfires, rough idling, knocking, or oil leaks, and get them diagnosed promptly. 
• Use quality parts: When replacing components, use high-quality parts to ensure reliability. For 2015−20192015 minus 20192015−2019 Mustang models, consider upgrading to a billet crankshaft sprocket. 

Does the Coyote engine burn oil?

Ford's popular 5.0-liter Coyote V8 is the focus of a new class action lawsuit, with owners claiming the engine burns oil at a rapid rate and accusing the automaker of knowingly concealing the issue.

What engine burns the most oil?

CR flagged 12 common engines known to have the problem:

• Acura 3.7-liter V6, sold from 2010–2013.
• Audi turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, sold from 2010–2018.
• Audi supercharged 3.0-liter V6, sold from 2011–2019.
• BMW turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, sold from 2012–2019.
• GM 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, sold from 2011–2015.

Why is my oil disappearing but no leak?

Losing oil with no visible leak is most likely due to the engine burning the oil internally. This can happen when worn components like piston rings or valve seals allow oil to slip into the combustion chamber, where it's burned off. Other causes can include a faulty PCV valve or a blown head gasket. You should have a mechanic inspect your car to prevent severe engine damage. 
This video explains the common causes of an engine burning oil: 59sHonest Mechanic ColoradoYouTube · May 22, 2024
Common causes of internal oil loss

• Worn piston rings: The rings create a seal between the piston and cylinder wall. As they wear down, oil can slip past them and burn in the combustion chamber. 
• Worn valve seals: These seals prevent oil from leaking down the valve stems. If they fail, oil can enter the combustion chamber. 
• Faulty PCV valve: The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system removes pressure from the crankcase. If the PCV valve is clogged, it can cause pressure buildup and force oil into other parts of the engine, leading it to be burned. 
• Blown head gasket: A damaged head gasket can allow oil to leak from the engine's oil passages into the combustion chambers. 
• Engine wear: Over time, general engine wear can lead to more oil being consumed during normal operation. 

You can watch this video to see how a faulty PCV valve can lead to oil burning: 1mScotty KilmerYouTube · Oct 7, 2014
What to do next

• Check for blue smoke: While you may not see an external leak, burning oil can often produce a blue or grayish smoke from the exhaust, especially when the engine is under load or after idling. However, if the oil loss is gradual, the smoke might not be noticeable. 
• Consult a mechanic: It is best to have a professional diagnose the problem. They can perform tests like a compression or leak-down test to pinpoint the source of the oil loss. 
• Address the issue promptly: Ignoring oil loss can lead to significant engine damage and costly repairs. Getting the problem fixed early is crucial for your car's longevity.