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Several Ford owners have filed a proposed class action lawsuit against the automaker alleging a vehicle defect in the EcoBoost engine causes coolant to leak into the cylinders, causing the potential for engine fires and failure, misfires, collision risk, and costly repairs.
The 74-page lawsuit was filed by five plaintiffs, Robert Reed, Stacy Coppock, Craig Morford, Kelli Morford, and David Schiavi, on Nov. 30, 2020, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware.
The complaint raised a number of claims against Ford Motor Company surrounding breach of warranty under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, fraud, unjust enrichment, negligent misrepresentation, and violations of various consumer protection laws under the state laws of Colorado, Michigan, Kansas, and New Jersey.
The lawsuit asserts that the automaker knew about the Ford EcoBoost engine defect since 2010 based on pre-production testing and complaints made by consumers to the NHSTA but didn’t address the cause of the problem.
The plaintiffs in the suit argue that Ford failed to provide any solutions concerning the defect to those who owned or leased the affected vehicles, even if they’re still under warranty. The lawsuit claims that the only remedy Ford has offered for the problem is installing coolant level sensors. However, the plaintiffs argue that implementing the sensors doesn’t actually prevent the coolant from leaking.
According to the arguments raised in the complaint, “The Ecoboost Defect prevents Plaintiffs’ and Class Members’ ability to have safe, comfortable, and expected use of their Class Vehicles and leaves the Class Vehicles incapable of providing safe, reliable transportation.”
What Is the Ford EcoBoost Engine Defect Claimed in the Complaint?
The defect to the Ford EcoBoost engine results in engine coolant leaking through the grooves in the cylinder head and pooling as it travels through the engine, as stated in the complaint.
As a result of the alleged defect, the complaint asserts that there is not enough coolant in the engine to cool it, which can cause overheating leading to cracked cylinder heads, corrosion, damage to pistols and other internal components, engine seizure, or engine fire.
The plaintiffs contend that not only does the Ford EcoBoost defect result in the potential for safety risks and collision, but it requires those whose warranties have expired to pay for thousands of dollars for “exorbitant repairs and/or engine replacement.”
One of the plaintiffs, Reed, contends that he was initially told he would have to pay $10,000 for an engine replacement. When he informed the technician that he was considering getting rid of the vehicle, he was quoted a reduced replacement cost of $7,178. However, Ford would not cover any of the costs of a replacement engine. Similarly, Coppock said that she was compelled to pay $3,314 out of pocket for the repairs to her Ford EcoBoost. Schiavi said he was also informed he would need a new engine.
The Mofords assert that they spent four months researching a vehicle with passenger safety and reliability, two important factors. After purchasing the Ford EcoBoost, they claim they began experiencing the defect when the vehicle had 66,331 miles on the odometer. The Ford dealership advised that it would cost $5,950 to make the repair, in addition to a $100 diagnostic fee.
The plaintiffs all contend that they continue to drive their vehicles with the defect.
According to the suit, Ford issued several Technical Service Bulletins concerning the engine defect from 2018 through 2020. The automaker also issued a recall in 2017 and provided coolant level sensor installation at no cost to the consumer. However, the plaintiffs in the suit argue that “The Recall was inadequate because the recall did not address the true source of the problem and did nothing to repair the Engine Defect. Secondly, it did not include the full range of Vehicles affected by the defect.”
A supplement to the recall in 2018 advising consumers that the defect could cause an engine fire still didn’t address the root of the problem, says the complaint.
The lawsuit also raises allegations that Ford concealed the defect and told consumers that the condition was “normal or else providing ineffective and incomplete repairs.”
What Vehicles Are Allegedly Affected By the Engine Defect?
The complaint alleges that certain vehicles equipped with 1.5L, 1.6L, or 2.0L Ford EcoBoost engines are affected by the defect, including:
• 2013-2019 Ford Escapes
• 2013-2019 Ford Fusions
• 2015-2018 Ford Edges
• 2017-2019 Lincoln MKC
• 2017-2019 Lincoln MKZ
Many owners have reported complaints about the EcoBoost engines in these makes and models on message boards such as carcomplaints.com and to the NHTSA. Additionally, the lawsuit references a number of complaints made to the NHTSA by consumers who said they experienced similar issues with their Ford EcoBoost engines as those alleged by the plaintiffs.
The Ford EcoBoost Engine Defect Lawsuit is Reed et al., v. Ford Motor Company, Case No. 1:20-cv-01631-UNA, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.
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165 thoughts onFord EcoBoost Has a Dangerous Engine Defect, Owners Say
My 2018 Ford Edge needed new spark plugs. When I changed them they looked corroded, one of them I couldn’t get out. I had to take to the dealer to be replaced. The dealership said if I needed them replaced before 100,000 miles something my be wrong. A few months later the check engine light came on again. I took my car to a different mechanic (not a Ford dealership) and they told me coolant was leaking into the head causing the issue and that the only way to fix it was a new engine. My Edge is at the dealership awaiting a new engine. I was “quoted” approximately $5000 to replace. This is my second new vehicle from Ford. I owe too much on this vehicle to trade it in.
I had two EcoBoost engines blow in my 2015 Ford Escape. The first engine blew at around 36,000 miles, and the second blew at around 20,000 miles. Ford wanted $13,200 for an engine failure out of warranty. We scrapped our Escape. We will never, ever have another Ford. This company does not stand behind its products. Ford deserves to be sued into bankruptcy!
Leyendo los problemas en Argentina se empeora porque que aquí nada funciona, tengo una ecoboost 1.6 kuga y recalentó , y Ford bien gracias son un desastre . Cualquier información legal para juicio la agradeceria .
I purchased at used, but certified, 2018 Ecosport with approximately 42,000 miles in March 2020. The car stopped working after an oil/engine light came on for about 3 seconds. I was told the entire engine needs to be replaced for a cost of $6,000. I don’t have that kind of money, so I sold it to the dealer for $4,000, even though the book value is around $13,000 to $15,000.
I have a 2017 Ford Escape bought it at 41,000 miles . Put 20,000 miles on it engine blew coolant leaking into valves , long block needs replaced what can I do?
How do I join this class action lawsuit. I bought my 2017 escape with 1.5 lt ecoboost. It had 90000 at the time of f purchase. I’ve got 2 extended warranties and both are refusing the claim. I have my maintenance records. On social security and can’t afford the repairs, especially for a known defect.
My car is currently at my local Ford dealer waiting for a new engine. My question is with the bulletin put out should my Ford dealer had known about this when I bought the car a year ago? My 2018 Ford Edge Titanium has 66300 on it and my husbands Sam exact car has 46000 on it. Just wondering if dealer should have disclosed to use. Luckily we bought the extended warranty but I still feel it’s ridiculous that Ford is still allowing these cars to sold thru dealerships. Count me in if need anything in Iowa!!! I checked with local lemon law and doesn’t sound like I can do anything in that route.
2014 Ford Escape same exact issue. Coolant leaking, have had several hoses replaced in the vehicle, each costing roughly $550. Car automatically shuts off did on busy interstate middle of past December needed to be towed 30 miles, now 6 weeks later back in for another 4 hoses? Shame on ford for not addressing this known issue other than the sensor recall. Over 2500 in hoses. Count me in I’ll be the lead in ANY lawsuit! Lucky no one has been killed.
My 2020 Ford Ecosport caught on fire while my husband was driving home from work. It is a total loss.
Same issue as described here., happened at 70K miles. I have a 2015 Ford Escape Titanium. Dealer wanted $8K to replace the engine, and it cost me $1,500 for them to try to evaluate and fix the issue at first.
I have a 2016 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0 L (63k miles) in the shop now, awaiting completion of a $14,000 engine replacement, following a diagnosis that fits this description. and I contacted the Ford motor company immediately after the diagnosis and was told there was nothing they could do for me. The vehicle has been at the dealers for over six months, with the dealer explaining that Ford continually sent damaged engines. Now a different division of Ford is offering to “help” without verbally taking responsibility for the defect. They have been non-committal regarding the amount of help they will offer, but have indicated that they are unwilling to compensate both my rental fees and the repair, suggesting that I failed to contact the correct department when the defect was identified. Ford Motor Company has suggested that when they do put forward a compensation offer, which they referred to as customer assistance, they will provide this in assistance in the form of a “debit card.” I am unsure of whether or not I should take this matter to my attorney, the representative I spoke with suggested that if I do so, that department will no longer be able to “help.”
Talk to an attorney. Don’t let them get away with it. Because I bought mine used, and was forced to use an outside warranty company when the engine in my Fusion had to be replaced, it took 3 months and they would only cover a rental for 5 days. They would also ONLY pay for a used engine with similar mileage. Not a new or rebuilt engine. Now my warranty is expired and I’m pretty sure this engine is done too. Ford sucks. They don’t value their customers or care about their safety. I’m 100% joining the class action.