Used 3.5 EcoBoost (gas): what to check before you buy

1Before you go

Run the VIN and ask for the paperwork on the campaigns below: a done recall or program is a solved problem, an open one is a free repair the seller has not had done.

• Run the VIN

  It confirms the engine and lists the campaigns for that model year. Whether a recall is still open on this VIN: nhtsa.gov/recalls.

• Safety recalls on this engine
  • 25V-198 · 2024-2025 · Engine and engine cooling
  • 24V-851 · 2024-2025 · Engine and engine cooling
  • 22V-150 · 2016-2018 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • 20V-332 · 2014-2017 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • 20V-098 · 2015-2016 · Engine
  • 18V-392 · 2018 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • 17V-672 · 2018 · Engine
  • 16V-345 · 2013-2014 · Service brakes, hydraulic
• Programs, extended coverages and emissions recalls
  • 23B65 · Program · 2023-2023
  • 22U08 · Program · 2022-2022
  • 21N08 · Program · 2017-2020

  Plus 17 service bulletins on the recalls page.

2Cold start and idle

Ask the seller not to start or warm the engine before you arrive. Most of these only show on a cold engine; then let it idle and listen.

• Cam phaser / VCT rattle and cam-timing DTCs
  • cold-start rattle or ticking that fades as oil pressure builds
  • rough or delayed cold start
• Ignition misfires: spark plugs and COP coils
  • rough idle and flashing MIL under load
  • hard start after misfire events
• Timing chain stretch / guide wear (Gen1 era)2011-2016
  • chain rattle/slapper noise at start-up or under light load
• Internal mechanical failures / long-block decisions
  • sudden engine death / no restart
• Turbo / wastegate / boost-control faults
  • wastegate rattle at idle or on shutdown
• Low-pressure fuel delivery (in-tank pump / pressure faults)
  • no-start / extended crank, more pronounced cold
• High-pressure fuel pump (GDI) failures2017-2020
  • long crank on start-up

3Scan for codes

A basic OBD-II reader shows stored and pending codes; on a diesel ask a shop for a full scan if you can. These are the codes our records tie to known failures on this engine.

What a code means on each engine: trouble codes by engine.

4Hood up and underneath

Engine off, in daylight, with a flashlight.

• Timing chain stretch / guide wear (Gen1 era)2011-2016
  • metal finding in oil on advanced cases

  To confirm: listen for chain slap vs phaser rattle (chain noise tracks rpm, phaser noise is start-up transient)

• Internal water pump: coolant loss and coolant-into-oil risk2011-2025
  • unexplained coolant loss with no external leak found
  • coolant smell / weep traces at the pump area
  • overheating under tow after unnoticed coolant loss

  To confirm: pressure-test the cooling system; look for weep traces and check the pump bearing play through the access

• Turbo / wastegate / boost-control faults
  • turbo whine or oil traces at the charge pipes

  To confirm: scan boost DTCs and desired-vs-actual boost PIDs under load

• Cooling service: thermostats, hoses, degas system under tow load
  • coolant smell / puddles (thermostat housing, hoses)
  • degas bottle level swings

  To confirm: pressure-test and trace external leaks (housing, hoses, degas)

• PCV / valve-cover oil consumption (2017-2019 build window)2017-2020
  • excessive oil consumption with no visible external leak
  • DTCs P0365/P0369 together with oil use
  • oil in the charge pipes / intercooler

  To confirm: verify consumption rate (oil level logs over 1k miles) and check for external leaks first

5Test drive

At least 20 minutes, including a highway run and a hill or a load if you can.

• Charge-air-cooler condensation: boost shudder / hesitation in humid weather2011-2016
  • brief shudder / bucking under moderate acceleration in humid or rainy weather
  • hesitation or stumble on tip-in after extended light-throttle cruising
  • intermittent misfire / limp behavior that clears after the intake dries out
• Ignition misfires: spark plugs and COP coils
  • MIL with misfire DTCs P0300-P0306
  • lack of power on the high-output tune (2019 Limited TSB case)
• Timing chain stretch / guide wear (Gen1 era)2011-2016
  • progressive rough running as correlation drifts
• Internal mechanical failures / long-block decisions
  • deep knock or metallic noise
• Turbo / wastegate / boost-control faults
  • loss of power / failsafe boost
• Cooling service: thermostats, hoses, degas system under tow load
  • temps creeping on long pulls
• Low-pressure fuel delivery (in-tank pump / pressure faults)
  • power loss under load from fuel starvation
• High-pressure fuel pump (GDI) failures2017-2020
  • random misfires / hiccups under acceleration
  • sudden power loss in motion

6After the drive

Hot engine, parked: the dipstick and the coolant reservoir tell you what the drive did. Then shut it off and restart it hot: some failures only show on a hot restart.

• Internal water pump: coolant loss and coolant-into-oil risk2011-2025
  • oil that rises on the dipstick / milky residue (advanced case)

  To confirm: pressure-test the cooling system; look for weep traces and check the pump bearing play through the access