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What Ford engine to stay away from?

When it comes to Ford engines, the 5.4L Triton V8 is one that many experts recommend avoiding. This engine, which was used in a variety of Ford vehicles from the late 1990s to the late 2000s, has developed a reputation for reliability issues and costly repairs.


What's Wrong with the 5.4L Triton V8?


The 5.4L Triton V8 engine has been plagued by several common problems, including:



  • Spark Plug Issues: The spark plugs in this engine have a tendency to break off and become stuck in the cylinder head, requiring expensive repairs.

  • Timing Chain Problems: The timing chain can stretch and wear out prematurely, leading to engine misfiring and other issues.

  • Oil Leaks: The engine is prone to developing oil leaks from various seals and gaskets, which can be costly to repair.

  • Fuel Injector Failure: The fuel injectors in the 5.4L Triton V8 can fail, causing the engine to run poorly or even stall.


These issues, combined with the engine's overall complexity, have made the 5.4L Triton V8 a problematic choice for many Ford owners.


Vehicles Affected by the 5.4L Triton V8


The 5.4L Triton V8 was used in a variety of Ford vehicles, including the F-150, Expedition, Navigator, and Mustang. It was also found in some Ford trucks and SUVs, such as the F-250 and Excursion.


If you're considering purchasing a used Ford vehicle with this engine, it's important to do your research and be aware of the potential issues. You may want to consider alternative Ford engines or even look at other manufacturers if reliability is a top priority.

What Ford engines are under investigation?


Lieff Cabraser is investigating complaints that certain 2021-2022 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with 2.7L and 3.0L EcoBoost engines are subject to sudden and potentially catastrophic engine failures, including while in operation at highway speeds.



What Ford motor lasts the longest?


Diesel engines.
Ford trucks and SUVs with diesel engines will last much longer than their gasoline counterparts. Diesel engines are known for their longevity, frequently surpassing 400,000 miles. There are even reports of a Ford diesel engine making it to 1 million miles.



What Ford V8 to avoid?


The 5.4-liter Triton engine is a member of Ford's Modular V8 engine family, introduced in 1997. The three-valve version produced from 2002 to 2008 is the most problematic and one of the most unreliable Ford engines. Although it produced decent power (295-390 hp), the engine had several glitches.



What year is F-150 to avoid buying?


2005 to 2008 F-150
The 2005 to 2008 models didn't improve much, as they continued to face similar engine and transmission problems. Although Ford made some fixes for these years, it still had frequent repairs and reliability concerns. To avoid potential headaches, it's best to skip these models.



What is the most reliable Ford ever made?


The Ford F-150, known for its remarkable durability, tops our list. For decades, this truck has been a staple in the Ford lineup, earning a reputation for being tough and reliable.



What Ford engine is the most reliable?


10 Most Reliable Ford Engines Ever Built

  • 10 289 Small Block V8.
  • 9 4.6-Liter Modular V8.
  • 8 EcoBoost Family.
  • 7 Boss 429.
  • 6 428 Cobra Jet.
  • 5 Flathead V8.
  • 4 427 Big Block V8.
  • 3 Boss 302.



Which Ford engine has problems?


The recalled vehicles include six 2021-2022 Ford and Lincoln models equipped with either the 2.7L or 3.0L version of the engines. The 2022 Ford Bronco Wildtrak. The SUV is one of the recalled models for engine problems, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Courtesy of Ford Motor Co.



What is the bad engine in the Ford EcoBoost?


The issue is faulty intake valves on 2.7- and 3.0-liter engines in 2021–2022 Ford F-150s, Broncos, Explorers, Edges, and the Lincoln Aviator and Nautilus too. Ford and Lincoln are recalling nearly 91,000 models with the 2.7- and 3.0-liter EcoBoost engines that may fail.



What Ford F150 engine to avoid?


Engine stalling and misfiring, especially in humid and rainy conditions, is another common issue with Ford F-150. This is especially the case in models with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. These problems can lead to reduced engine power and impact the overall driving experience.



Which Fords have transmission problems?


Ford's PowerShift dual clutch transmission was used in 2010. Vehicles impacted are the Ford Fiesta (model years 2011-2016) and the Ford Focus (model years 2012-2016) equipped with a PowerShift transmission.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.