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Who manufactures Ford motors?

Ford Motor Company designs and builds the vast majority of its engines in-house through its Global Powertrain organization, with production facilities around the world. While Ford primarily makes its motors internally, some components or regional variants may be sourced from external suppliers or produced under partnerships to meet market needs.


The in-house engine manufacturing framework


Ford's Powertrain division oversees the design, development, and production of most engines used in Ford and Lincoln vehicles. This includes the development of EcoBoost turbocharged engines and traditional V6/V8 lineups. The company maintains fabrication and assembly capabilities to ensure integration with transmissions and broader vehicle platforms.


Global footprint and capabilities


Engine production is spread across a network of facilities around the world to support regional models and reduce supply chain risk. The exact plant mix evolves as Ford updates its product lineup and invests in electrification and efficiency.


Collaboration and sourcing for non-core components


In addition to its in-house program, Ford collaborates with external suppliers for certain components, materials, or regional variants. These partnerships help Ford access specialized expertise, manage costs, and localize production for different markets while maintaining overall platform compatibility and performance standards.


What this means for Ford customers


Consumers benefit from Ford's integrated approach, which emphasizes control over engine design and integration with transmissions and propulsion systems. This supports ongoing development of EcoBoost and other efficient engines, as well as the transition to electrified powertrains in Ford's broader lineup.


Summary


Ford primarily manufactures its engines in-house through its powertrain organization, supported by a global production network. The company also works with suppliers and partners for selected components or regional adaptations. This structure underpins Ford's ability to deliver efficient, durable engines and to evolve toward electrified propulsion in the coming years.

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 cars 100% American made?


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. 



What company makes Ford motors?


The Ford Motor Company
The Ford Motor Company (commonly known as Ford, sometimes abbreviated as FoMoCo) is an American multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, United States.



Is Ford Motor Company owned by GM?


Ford Motor Co.
(U.S.) owns Ford and Lincoln. General Motors (U.S.) owns Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC. Hummer is now a GMC sub-brand. GM has a formal partnership with Honda to co-develop EVs.


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Kevin Bennett

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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.