Where are Ford engines made?
Ford engines are produced at a global network of facilities, with major hubs in North America and Europe and additional production through regional partnerships around the world.
Ford's engine manufacturing strategy relies on regional plants to supply locally built powertrains for vehicles sold in those markets. The company maintains longstanding engine sites in the United States and Canada and operates European facilities to support European models and regulatory environments. Over time, plants can shift production between engine families (such as EcoBoost, Duratec, and modular V8s) based on demand, investment, and product cycles.
Major North American engine plants
The following facilities in the United States and Canada have traditionally served as Ford’s primary engine production hubs, producing a range of powertrains for domestic models and exports.
- Lima Engine Plant — Lima, Ohio, USA
- Cleveland Engine Plant I/II/III — Brook Park/Cleveland area, Ohio, USA
- Romeo Engine Plant — Romeo, Michigan, USA
- Windsor Engine Plant — Windsor, Ontario, Canada
These sites have housed various engine families over the years, including EcoBoost variants and traditional modular V8/V6 families, adapting to shifts in product lines and market demand.
European and other international engine plants
Ford operates key engine facilities outside North America to support European and other regional markets, often in collaboration with local partners or subsidiaries.
- Dagenham Engine Plant — Dagenham, United Kingdom
- Craiova Engine Plant — Craiova, Romania
- Kocaeli Engine Plant — Izmit/Kocaeli, Turkey
These facilities have produced engines for Ford’s regional lineups, including EcoBoost and other powertrains designed to meet European emission standards and supply-chain needs.
Summary
Ford’s engine-making footprint is global, anchored by established hubs in North America and expanded through European facilities and international partnerships. This network supports regional production, regulatory compliance, and efficient supply chains for Ford’s diverse vehicle lineup.
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
Where is the Ford 5.0 engine made?
Windsor, Ontario
Essex Engine Plant is a Ford factory located in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It currently produces Ford's 5.0L V8 engine. The plant was built in 1981 to produce Ford's Essex V6 engine.
Who makes the engine for Ford?
Ford designs and manufactures most of its own engines, though it also partners with other companies for certain projects and sources some components from third-party suppliers. Ford has numerous plants globally that build its engines, such as those in Windsor, Canada, Cleveland, Ohio, and Mexico for North America, and in other locations worldwide.
- In-house manufacturing: Ford produces the majority of its engines in-house, a practice that is often more cost-effective and allows for greater control over design and quality.
- Global production: Engines are built at a network of plants across the globe. For example, the Essex and Annex Engine plants in Windsor, Ontario, produce popular engines like the 5.0-litre, 7.3-litre, and 6.8-litre.
- Global partnerships: Ford also collaborates with other manufacturers for specific engine types. For instance, Ford Otosan in Turkey designs and builds the Ecotorq engine line for Ford trucks.
- Shared designs: In the past, Ford has shared engine designs with other companies. For example, the EcoBoost 4-cylinder family was based on a Mazda design, though Ford now builds them. Ford also used a Mazda engine in some of its early Ranger models.
- Supplier reliance: While Ford builds most of the engine, it relies on outside companies for various components, such as BorgWarner for drive units in some electric vehicles.
Are Fords 100% made in America?
No, no Ford vehicle is 100% American-made because no car is, due to the complex global supply chain for parts. However, Ford assembles more vehicles in the United States than any other automaker, with nearly 80% of the vehicles it sells in the U.S. being domestically assembled.
Domestic assembly vs. 100% American-made
- Domestic assembly: Many Ford models, such as the F-150, are assembled in the United States.
- Component sourcing: Many components, however, are sourced from other countries, including Mexico and Canada, making 100% American-made a difficult and complex goal.
- Examples of non-domestic assembly: Some models, like the Ford Maverick and Bronco Sport, are assembled in Mexico.
- Design and engineering: Even if a vehicle is assembled abroad, it is still designed and engineered by Ford's American teams.
