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What problems does the Ford 5.0 Coyote have?

The Ford 5.0 Coyote is widely regarded as a durable and engaging engine, but it isn’t without its recurring issues. The most frequently reported problems include occasional oil consumption or leaks, exhaust-manifold leaks, spark-plug thread damage on some early builds, timing-chain/tensioner/phaser noise on higher-mileage examples, and carbon buildup on intake valves in certain direct-injected variants. Most problems can be addressed with standard maintenance, recalls, and fixes.

Overview of the Coyote Engine Family

The 5.0 Coyote has evolved across three main generations, with improvements aimed at durability and performance. Gen 1 covers 2011–2014, Gen 2 spans 2015–2017, and Gen 3 starts in 2018 and continues in current production for Mustang and other applications. Across generations, Ford refined lubrication, fuel delivery, and cylinder-head hardware. While the core design remains robust, some issues appeared or persisted under high-mileage, hardcore driving, or extreme use.

Common Problems by Generation

Gen 1: 2011–2014 Mustang GT (and related applications)

Common issues reported by owners of the early Coyote engines.

Sparks plug thread damage and ignition-related misfires when plugs are removed or installed, which can require head work or thread repair.

Exhaust manifold leaks or cracking, sometimes tied to studs/gaskets and heat cycles; repair often involves replacing the manifold or fasteners.

Oil consumption and/or oil leaks in some examples, commonly from gaskets or seals or, in high-mileage engines, from piston-ring sealing wear;

Timing-chain/tensioner/phaser noise in certain high-mileage units, presenting as a ticking or rattling sound at idle or light load.

These Gen 1 issues are not universal, and many cars run trouble-free with regular maintenance. Early cars can be more prone to these items due to wear and the introduction of newer hardware at the time.

Gen 2: 2015–2017 Mustang GT and related applications

Improvements were made, but some problems persisted or reappeared in certain examples.

Oil consumption or oil-leak symptoms continue to appear in a subset of engines, often tied to aging seals or gaskets, or to piston-ring wear with high mileage.

Gasket leaks (valve-cover or intake gaskets) becoming more noticeable as engines accumulate miles.

Exhaust-manifold leaks remain a consideration in some cars, particularly with higher heat cycles and mileage.

Cam-phaser/tensioner noise or wear can show up in higher-mileage units, sometimes requiring service to the timing system.

Gen 2 addressed several reliability tweaks, but the pattern of wear-and-tear on gaskets, seals, and the timing system means owners with higher mileage should monitor these areas.

Gen 3: 2018–present

Current-generation 5.0 engines continue to deliver performance while bringing further refinements; some issues are specific to newer configurations or direct/injection combinations.

Oil leaks or consumption on older-build millennials as the engine ages, including seals around the timing cover or valve covers.

Carbon buildup on intake valves in certain direct-injected variants (where applicable); Ford has used dual-injection strategies in later models to mitigate this, but carbon buildup can still occur in some setups.

Ignition-related misfires from worn ignition coils or spark plugs in high-mileage examples, similar to prior generations.

Occasional valve-train or timing-system noises in high-mileage or track-driven engines, including rare cases of phaser-related chatter.

Gen 3 benefits from updated components and lubrication tweaks, but as with any high-performance engine, wear over time will reveal issues in some cars. Regular inspection and timely maintenance help prevent major failures.

What to Watch For and Maintenance Tips

Proactive maintenance and attentive inspection can significantly reduce the likelihood of these issues becoming major problems. The following steps are commonly recommended by technicians and experienced owners.

Follow Ford’s recommended oil type and change intervals; use quality synthetic oil and monitor for consumption or leaks, especially as the engine ages.

Inspect for oil leaks around gaskets, valve covers, and the timing cover; address any seepage promptly to prevent bigger problems.

When replacing spark plugs on older Gen 1 cars or engines with known thread sensitivity, use the correct plugs and torque specifications to avoid thread damage; consider thread-repair options if corrosion or damage is present.

Monitor exhaust manifolds for leaks or cracks, particularly after track use or heavy driving; replace gaskets or manifolds as needed to prevent exhaust leaks and performance issues.

Be aware of potential carbon buildup on intake valves if the engine uses direct injection; in models with dual injection, routine maintenance and occasional cleaning may be advisable if symptoms arise (rough idle, reduced power).

Pay attention to the timing-system sounds. If you hear a persistent ticking or rattling, have a qualified technician inspect the timing chain, tensioners, and phasers to prevent more serious damage.

Address ignition misfires promptly by checking coils and spark plugs; unresolved misfires can lead to catalytic converter damage and reduced performance.

Regular maintenance, prompt attention to leaks or abnormal noises, and staying current with any manufacturer recalls or service campaigns are the best defenses against the common issues described above.

Summary

The Ford 5.0 Coyote is notably durable and enjoyable to drive, but it does carry a set of recurring concerns—chiefly oil-related leaks or consumption, exhaust-manifold leaks, spark-plug thread issues on early builds, timing-system noise in higher-mileage examples, and, in some direct-injected variants, carbon buildup on intake valves. By staying on top of maintenance, addressing leaks promptly, and following manufacturer-recommended service for the timing system and ignition components, owners can minimize the impact of these problems and keep the 5.0 Coyote performing at a high level.

What year is F-150 5.0 to avoid?

Years to avoid for a Ford F-150 with the 5.0L engine include the first generation of the redesigned aluminum body (2015-2017) due to transmission issues, and the 2018-2020 models, which have been linked to excessive oil consumption. However, there have also been some reports of issues with the 2017-2018 models, and some may want to avoid the early 2015 model year as it was the first year of the new body style.
This video explains why you should be cautious when buying a 2015 model F-150: 51scar PROblemsYouTube · Nov 8, 2024
Model years to avoid

2015-2017: These models had initial transmission problems, including hard shifts, erratic gear changes, and, in some cases, complete failure. The 2015 model year is also a first-year redesign and had early aluminum body quirks that were resolved in later years.
2018-2020: These years are associated with a class-action lawsuit alleging excessive oil consumption, which can lead to engine wear, increased emissions, and potential engine failure if not addressed.
2017-2018: There were some reports of issues with these model years as well, and the first year of the new 5.0L Coyote engine (2011) is also generally considered less reliable than later years.

Model years to consider instead

2014 or 2019-2020: These model years offer a good balance of performance and reliability, with proven 5.0L engines that are less prone to problems than previous years.
2021+: These are the most recent models and have also received good reliability ratings, although the 2021 model had some early electrical glitches due to a major redesign.

This video discusses the best model years to buy for a Ford F-150: 1mNextGen WheelsYouTube · Nov 8, 2025

What is the problem with the 5.0 Coyote engine?

Common problems with the 5.0 Coyote engine include excessive oil consumption, particularly in 2018-2020 models, and ignition coil or spark plug issues. Other problems reported less frequently include early connecting rod bearing failures on 2011-2014 models and head gasket failures, which were mostly resolved in later generations.

This video explains the top 5 issues of the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine: 59sGetty's GarageYouTube · Apr 21, 2023
Oil consumption

Some 2018-2020 models may consume excessive oil, sometimes more than 1 quart per 3,000 miles, with no visible leaks.
Ford has attributed this to high intake manifold vacuum during certain deceleration fuel shut-off events, which can draw oil into the combustion chambers.
Ford released a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for this issue, which includes a PCM update and a larger dipstick.
Ford states that newer 2021+ models have largely resolved this issue, but some reports persist.

Ignition coil and spark plug issues

Ignition coils can fail prematurely, leading to misfires, rough idling, and a check engine light.
Spark plug issues, such as bad plugs, can also cause engine misfires.
Regular maintenance and replacement of faulty components can help mitigate these problems.

What Ford engine to stay away from?

Ford engines to avoid include the 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesels, which had numerous issues like EGR cooler failures and injector problems, and the 5.4L Triton V8 known for spark plug and timing chain problems. Other engines to be cautious of are the 3.8L V6 due to head gasket failures and certain EcoBoost engines, especially early 1.0L and 1.6L models, which have faced issues like premature timing belt wear and overheating.
You can watch this video to learn about some of the worst Ford engines ever made: 59sCar WisdomsYouTube · May 2, 2025
Engines with high failure rates

6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engines: These engines (2003-2007 and 2008-2010, respectively) are notorious for expensive problems, including head gasket failures, injector issues, and turbocharger failures.
5.4L Triton V8: This engine (1997-2010) is infamous for spark plugs breaking during removal and cam phaser/timing chain issues.
3.8L SX V6: From 1982 to 2008, this engine had issues with weak head bolts causing head gasket failures, and early versions were prone to coolant leaks.

This video discusses the 5.4L Triton V8 in detail: 53sSeats & WheelsYouTube · Aug 10, 2025
Problematic EcoBoost engines

1.0L EcoBoost (early versions): Early models used a rubber timing belt in hot engine oil, which could degrade and clog the oil pickup, leading to oil starvation and engine damage.
1.6L EcoBoost: This engine has been associated with overheating and coolant leaks.
3.5L EcoBoost: Problems can include carbon buildup, premature timing chain wear, and water pump failures.
2.7L EcoBoost: Early models (around 2016-2017) experienced issues with defective valve guides, excessive oil consumption, and leaking plastic oil pans.

You can watch this video for more information about EcoBoost engine issues: 1mExoticCar PlayPlaceYouTube · Nov 15, 2025

Are 5.0 Coyote engines reliable?

Yes, 5.0 Coyote engines are generally considered reliable, especially with proper maintenance, and can exceed 200,000 miles. While early models had issues like connecting rod bearing failures that were resolved in later production years, the engine is praised for its durable design without turbos or diesel emissions systems. Later generations introduced more complexity, such as direct injection and cylinder deactivation, but they have not introduced significant reliability concerns.

This video discusses the reliability and performance of the 5.0 Coyote engine: 59sUsed Car GuideYouTube · Apr 11, 2025
Key factors in the 5.0 Coyote's reliability

Durable internal components: The engine features high-strength forged connecting rods and crankshafts, and has a robust design that is considered reliable and durable.
Simplicity: Compared to turbocharged engines, its simpler, naturally aspirated design has fewer potential failure points.
Engine improvements: Ford has refined the engine over generations, addressing early issues like connecting rod bearing failures in models built after 2015 and head gasket leaks in newer generations.
Longevity: With regular maintenance, the 5.0 Coyote is known to be a long-lasting engine, with many examples surpassing 200,000 miles.

Potential issues and considerations

Early model issues: The first generation (2011-2014) had a specific issue with connecting rod bearing failures due to incorrect clearance, which was fixed for engines built after 2015.
Later generation complexity: Gen 3 and newer engines added direct injection and plasma cylinder liners, increasing power but also complexity. While generally reliable, this can mean higher repair costs and a potential for carbon buildup if not maintained properly.
Cam phaser and oil consumption: Some newer models (2018-2020) experienced oil consumption issues, which Ford stated was resolved in 2021. Cam phaser failures have also been noted, though they are generally less severe than other engine problems.
Maintenance: Adhering to the recommended maintenance schedule, especially using high-quality synthetic oil and performing regular oil changes, is crucial for maintaining long-term reliability.

This video discusses common issues with the 5.0 Coyote engine: 1mGetty's GarageYouTube · Apr 21, 2023

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.