2017 F150 3.5L EcoBoost Reliability Discussion

I’ve been analyzing the reliability of my 2017 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost using Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF). It’s interesting to see how design flaws like cam phasers and transmission issues, combined with regular wear and tear, impact overall reliability.

Here’s a breakdown of my truck’s failure timeline:

  1. 300 miles: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failure (infant failure).
  2. 40,000 miles: Door actuator failure (minor issue).
  3. 70,000 miles: Cam phaser failure (design defect).
  4. 95,000 miles: Radiator shutter actuator failure (wear and tear).
  5. 97,000 miles: Transmission rebuild (design defect).

MTBF Analysis:

  • Including design defects: 97,000 miles ÷ 5 failures = 19,400 miles
  • Excluding design defects: 97,000 miles ÷ 3 failures = 32,333 miles

Design flaws like the cam phasers and transmission significantly reduce reliability. This highlights the importance of addressing systemic issues to improve long-term ownership experiences.

How does your F-150 compare? Let’s share experiences and data to get a clearer picture of these trucks’ reliability.

#Reliability #MTBF #FordF150 #Maintenance #DataAnalysis

2018 F150 3.5L EcoBoost
65,000 miles: Transmission rebuild (design defect)
MTBF: 65,000 miles (1 failure)

Jess said:
2018 F150 3.5L EcoBoost
65,000 miles: Transmission rebuild (design defect)
MTBF: 65,000 miles (1 failure)

Ouch. That’s rough.

2017 is the worst year for the EcoBoost.

Drew said:
2017 is the worst year for the EcoBoost.

I disagree. My 2017 3.5 has been great.

Devin said:

Drew said:
2017 is the worst year for the EcoBoost.

I disagree. My 2017 3.5 has been great.

Not for me. Mine’s been a nightmare.

Devin said:

Drew said:
2017 is the worst year for the EcoBoost.

I disagree. My 2017 3.5 has been great.

Seems like I got the short end of the stick. Between the cam phasers, oil pan, and transmission, 2017 has been rough for me. And let’s not forget the plastic oil pan…

@Lin
But hey, at least the injectors got fixed… /s

Drew said:
2017 is the worst year for the EcoBoost.

It does seem that way for many of us.

Lin said:

Drew said:
2017 is the worst year for the EcoBoost.

It does seem that way for many of us.

The company I work for has several EcoBoost trucks with 150k+ miles. Most have only had regular oil changes. The oldest is a 2015, and it’s being replaced this year.

This thread isn’t big enough to list all the repairs on my one-owner 2013.

2012 3.5L EcoBoost

  • Water pump at 121k miles
  • Always changed oil every 3k miles
  • Clear coat is peeling on the left side of the truck bed

Keeping up with maintenance has been key for me.

Bought my 2013 in 2022 with 68k miles. Here’s what I’ve dealt with:

  • Water pump failed within 2 weeks of purchase. Replaced it myself.
  • Driver-side valve cover replaced due to leaking tube seal.
  • Preemptively replaced lead frame in 2023.
  • Full timing component replacement (chain, sprockets, guides) in 2024 due to cold start rattle (~90k miles). Cost me about $6,000.
  • Planning to replace transmission cooling lines soon.

Despite all this, I love the truck. I do oil changes every 5k miles with full synthetic.

Same truck here. At 100k miles, I had the entire cam phaser timing assembly replaced—$4,600 repair. My A/C compressor failed at 74k but was replaced under warranty. I’ve got an XLT SuperCab with a 6.5-ft bed. Bought it new for $44k, and trade-in offers now are $12,500. Switching from Toyota to Ford hasn’t been my best decision.

@Case
The cam phasers scare me. I replaced mine myself, and it was a nightmare. Took me 4 days because I was so worried about messing something up.

Lin said:
@Case
The cam phasers scare me. I replaced mine myself, and it was a nightmare. Took me 4 days because I was so worried about messing something up.

My shop took 4 days as well. They replaced the water pump and thermostat while they were at it, which I appreciated.

2018 3.5L EcoBoost

  • 50k: Cam phasers
  • 70k: Cam phasers again
  • 90k: Full timing job (chain, sprockets, guides, etc.)
  • 140k: Transmission/CDF drum failure
  • ABS module has been faulty since 50k but wasn’t diagnosed until 140k

MTBF: ~28,000 miles

@Blaine
That’s brutal.

2014 3.5L EcoBoost
Bought new, now at 150k miles. Here’s the history:

  • Passenger turbo, timing cover, timing chain, and water pump replaced at 99k under extended warranty.
  • Everything was covered except the timing chain and components, which I paid for since they already had the timing cover off.

Takeaway: Extended warranties are absolutely worth it for these trucks.

@Dariel
Agreed. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind with these known issues.