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Where are Ford motors made?


Global footprint


Ford operates manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and South America. The company’s production network includes traditional internal-combustion engine plants, vehicle assembly plants, and increasingly, facilities dedicated to electric vehicles and components. Exact plant lists and status can change with corporate strategy, market conditions, and investments in electrification.


North America


In North America, Ford maintains a wide-ranging manufacturing presence that covers both vehicles and powertrains. The region has historically included large assembly complexes and several engine and powertrain facilities, reflecting the market's demand for trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles. The footprint has evolved in recent years to emphasize electrification and modern propulsion systems, alongside established combustion-engine production.


Europe


Europe hosts a mix of assembly plants and engineering centers, with production focused on a combination of passenger cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles. Ford’s European footprint has included partnerships and localized manufacturing arrangements, as the company aligns its product strategy with regional demand and regulatory goals. The region also features facilities involved in powertrain development and component manufacturing.


Asia-Pacific


Across Asia-Pacific, Ford operates through regional manufacturing hubs and joint ventures. Production in this region supports local markets and, where appropriate, export to nearby regions. The setup includes vehicle assembly operations as well as opportunities for local sourcing and technology transfer, aligning with consumer preferences in rapidly growing markets.


South America


In South America, Ford’s manufacturing footprint has historically included sites for both vehicle assembly and components. The network in this region has undergone changes in response to market conditions, investment priorities, and strategic realignments, while continuing to support regional demand and, when applicable, export activities.


What counts as "made"


It’s useful to distinguish between where engines or powertrains are built and where complete vehicles are assembled. Ford’s modern manufacturing network includes dedicated engine plants that supply powertrains to multiple models, as well as assembly plants that bring together body, chassis, and driveline into finished vehicles. With the move toward electrification, some facilities are being repurposed or expanded to build electric propulsion systems, batteries, and related components.


Latest developments


Ford has been intensifying its electrification efforts, investing in new battery and EV assembly capabilities, and retooling existing plants to support electric platforms. The company’s global footprint continues to adapt as product lines shift toward hybrid and battery-electric vehicles. For the most up-to-date, consult Ford’s official materials or the company’s manufacturing locations page, since facility status can change with corporate strategy and financial decisions.


Summary


Ford operates a diverse, global manufacturing network spanning the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and beyond. The exact locations and roles of plants evolve over time as Ford pursues electrification and market-driven production changes. For precise, current facility names and locations, refer to Ford’s official corporate resources or recent disclosures.

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 Ford trucks 100% American made?


The good news: 100% of our Super Duty trucks are assembled in America. We can't speak for the competition, but Ford is confident about where we stand. We assemble almost 400,000 Super Duty trucks a year in Kentucky and Ohio. These plants are fed, in turn, by facilities in Michigan and Ohio.



Where are Ford engines manufactured?


Ford makes engines at various plants around the world, including in the United States at the Cleveland and Dearborn plants, in Canada at the Windsor plant, and in Mexico. Other engines are produced internationally, such as in Spain and the UK for certain EcoBoost engines, and some components are made in South Africa. 
United States

  • Cleveland Engine Plant (Brook Park, Ohio): Produces EcoBoost engines, among other V6 and V8 engines, notes Cleveland Historical and Wikipedia. 
  • Dearborn Engine Plant (Dearborn, Michigan): Builds engines for some trucks, according to this YouTube video. 
  • Lima Engine Plant (Lima, Ohio): Handles spindle repairs and other component work, according to this YouTube video. 
  • Rawsonville Components Plant (Ypsilanti, Michigan): Produces components like F-150 Lightning batteries and hybrid batteries, notes a YouTube video. 

Canada
  • Essex Engine Plant (Windsor, Ontario): Currently builds the 5.0L V8 engine, according to Wikipedia. 
  • Windsor Engine Plant (Windsor, Ontario): Builds various engines, including some 5.0L V8s, notes Wikipedia. 

Mexico
  • Bronco Sport and Maverick: Assembled in Hermosillo, Mexico, and may use North American parts, says Biener Ford. 
  • Changan Ford Chongqing Engine Plant: Located in China, it builds engines for the local market, according to Wikipedia. 

International
  • Ford Valencia Plant (Valencia, Spain): Has produced EcoBoost engines in the past, notes Wikipedia. 
  • Ford Bridgend Engine Plant (Bridgend, Wales): Has produced engines in the past, though it is now closed, notes Wikipedia. 
  • Struandale Engine Plant (Port Elizabeth, South Africa): Produces a variety of diesel engines, as well as components like wheel hubs and brake discs, notes Engineering News. 



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. 


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.