Ford issues another large recall, this time for turbo engines

Ford has issued another recall, making it the automaker with the highest number of recalled vehicles once again. For three years running it has held the dubious distinction of having the most recalls annually, and 2024 is shaping up to make it four years in a row. The latest engine recall makes it at least 3.7 million Fords recalled so far this year, spanning an estimated 38 recall events. 

The latest announcement disclosed earlier this week by the NHTSA pertains to 2021-2022 Ford and Lincoln SUVs as well as the Ford F-150 equipped with either a 2.7- or 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 engine. Ford brands its turbocharged engines EcoBoost, and the recall encompasses 90,736 models listed below.

• 2021-2022 Ford Bronco
• 2021-2022 Ford Edge
• 2021-2022 Ford Explorer
• 2021-2022 Ford F-150
• 2021-2022 Lincoln Aviator
• 2021-2022 Lincoln Nautilus

In the suspect engines, the intake valves can fracture and ruin the engine. Owners noted a complete loss of drive power, and Ford acknowledged that such an effect will result in a complete engine replacement. In addition to a loss of power, the affected vehicles may flash a check engine light or the vehicle may be running rough before it loses power. 

The NHTSA opened an investigation in May 2022 in response to consumer complaints about “catastrophic engine failure” and a loss of drive power in the then-new Ford Bronco that launched in 2021. Ford expanded its probe into the problematic engines, and acknowledged 487 warranty claims and 809 engine replacements. In September 2023, the NHTSA expanded its investigation to cover all 2021-2022 Ford and Lincoln models with the “Nano” engines noted above.

Now, it has acknowledged 811 global warranty claims but no known crashes or injuries related to the issue. 

Vehicles that come into the dealer or service center and fail a series of high RPM tests will have their engines replaced. Owners who paid for the work are eligible for reimbursement. Engine replacement is expensive and therefore unusual, but it’s the right thing to do for customer satisfaction. 

In July, Toyota announced it would replace more than 102,000 twin-turbo V-6 engines in the 2022-2023 Toyota Tundra pickup truck and Lexus LX SUV due to rough knocking and other motive problems.

Owners can expect notification by mail as early as Oct. 7. For more info, contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or visit Ford’s recall page here.