Ford 2.3 EcoBoost Problems and Long-Term Reliability

The Ford 2.3L EcoBoost engine is fitted to many modern Ford cars, like the Mustang, Focus, and Ranger. It’s a powerful engine in many ways, but it’s not perfect. Owners have reported some common problems for prospective buyers to watch out for.

This guide will look at some of the most commonly-cited issues with the 2.3L EcoBoost.

An Introduction to the Ford 2.3 EcoBoost Engine

The Ford 2.3L EcoBoost engine launched in 2015. It was released alongside the smaller second-generation 2.0L EcoBoost in 2015’s Lincoln MKC crossover. In the years that followed, it was added to other Fords, like the Explorer and the Focus RS.

Building on the foundations of the 2.0 EcoBoost, the 2.3 features high quality aluminum and forged steel components. For the most part, it’s a well-made and impressive turbocharged engine, boasting decent performance for its size and producing anywhere from 270 to 345 horsepower.

Here’s a full list of models featuring the 2.3L EcoBoost:

• Lincoln MKCs from 2015 to 2019
• Mustangs from 2015 onward
• Explorers from 2016 onward
• Focus RS models between 2016 and 2018
• Focus ST models from 2019 onward
• Rangers from 2019 onward
• Everests from 2020 onward
• Broncos from 2021
• Lincoln Corsairs from 2020 onward

Common Issues with the 2.3 EcoBoost

Every engine has its issues. That goes for the Ford 2.3L EcoBoost, too. From faulty head gaskets to unexpected overheating, owners need to be aware of several potential problems with this engine. Let’s take a closer look at common issues with the 2.3 EcoBoost.

Head Gasket Failure

Arguably the No. 1 issue with the Ford 2.3L EcoBoost is head gasket failure. This is particularly problematic in models like the Ford Focus RS. Some of the early RS cars were inadvertently fitted with Mustang gaskets that weren’t quite the right size for them.

This led to a range of issues, like white smoke pouring out from under the hood and excessive coolant consumption. Faulty or broken gaskets can also cause misfires, strange smells in and around the car, heating problems inside the cabin, and overheated engines.

In short, this can be quite a major issue. Fortunately, it’s not too prevalent on other models beyond the Ford Focus RS, but has still been reported on Mustangs and Rangers.

Solution

There’s not a lot that you can do with a failed gasket other than get it replaced. If you spot any of the warning signs – like smoke, coolant loss, tailpipe smoke, or discolored engine oil – get your gasket checked by a pro.

Overheating

Another possible issue to contend with if you’ve got a 2.3L EcoBoost is engine overheating. In fact, Ford recalled some of its early 2015 models with the 2.3 EcoBoost due to excessively high underbody temperatures.

They feared that there was a risk of the engine giving off so much heat that it could potentially damage key components, like fuel tanks or brake lines. For that reason, they brought some early cars back into the factories and implemented a few design changes, like the addition of heat shields.

Thanks to this, newer models with the 2.3L are less likely to suffer from overheating and all of the associated issues that go with it. However, the risk is still there, even if it’s small, so it’s still worth acknowledging.

That risk also increases in modified engines, or in cars that are driven quite aggressively. So, your own driving style may also impact your chances of having to deal with an overheating EcoBoost engine. Either way, here are some of the symptoms to watch out for:

• The temperature gauge entering the high or red zone
• Warning lights on the dashboard
• A hood that is extremely hot to the touch
• Sudden drops in engine power
• Steam flowing from under the hood
• Coolant leaks
• Strange sounds – like ticking – coming from the engine area

In the long-term, if the engine gets extremely hot, there’s also a risk of total engine failure or damage to other systems.

Solution

Fortunately, with their own built-in intercoolers, EcoBoost engines are designed to cope with hot temperatures automatically. In most cases, drivers may not need to do anything at all. The engines will naturally lose a little performance and cool themselves down.

However, if you’re in the habit of driving aggressively or want to push your car to the limit, you may want to invest in an upgraded intercooler. It will help your car cope with heat soak issues connected to the engine heat. It’s also recommended for those living in particularly hot climates.

Carbon Build-ups

There’s a risk of carbon build-up with the 2.3L EcoBoost. That’s all down to the engine’s direct-injection (DI) design. With this system, fuel flows straight into the cylinder, and some bits of engine oil usually end up sticking to surrounding walls, valves, and ports.

Over time, that can cause build-ups of carbon on those valves and ports. As the build-ups increase, they may restrict the flow of air through the system. That can lead to a range of possible issues:

• Loss of power
• Rough idling
• Vibrations or shaking
• Misfires
• The “Check Engine” light on the dashboard
• Black smoke coming from the tailpipe

Solution

Carbon build-up is inevitable, and it’s not too much of an issue in small doses. However, you’ll need to have your intake valves checked and cleaned – or clean them yourself – to prevent it from getting too problematic.

Long-Term Reliability of the EcoBoost 2.3

Now that the EcoBoost 2.3L engine has been in use for several years, we can effectively gauge its long-term reliability. In general, the results are impressive. Many models from as far back as 2015 and 2016 are still going strong with six figure mileages and not too many issues.

In addition, it’s good to see that Ford has noticed and addressed some of the problems with its engine, like the risk of overheating. This will help to ensure that most modern cars fitted with a 2.3 EcoBoost aren’t at any major risk of serious or costly engine failures.

However, as this guide has shown, despite a decent long-term reliability rating, the 2.3 EcoBoost still has a couple of drawbacks. There’s always a risk of this engine overheating, and drivers need to carry out regular maintenance to minimize the risks of carbon build-ups.