← Oil leak / consumption on all engines
Symptoms · 3.5 EcoBoost (gas)
3.5 EcoBoost (gas): oil leak, oil consumption or rising oil level
3 documented failures on this engine list this among their signs. They are ordered from the most widespread down. Each one shows the signs in its record's own words, how to tell it from the others, the usual fix and any recall or bulletin.
Not sure which engine you have, or want the recalls for your exact truck? Check your VIN: it names the engine and lists the campaigns for that model year. Whether a recall is still open on your VIN: nhtsa.gov/recalls.
aggregated
How widespread: Common
5 NHTSA owner complaints match it, out of 667 checked
How it shows up
- oil that rises on the dipstick / milky residue (advanced case)
Its other signs
- unexplained coolant loss with no external leak found
- coolant smell / weep traces at the pump area
- overheating under tow after unnoticed coolant loss
How to tell it apart
- pressure-test the cooling system; look for weep traces and check the pump bearing play through the access
- rule out external leaks (hoses, degas bottle, thermostat housing) first
- inspect the oil for coolant contamination at every coolant-loss complaint
Usual fix
water pump replacement (internal, front-cover labor) with fresh coolant and thermostat; oil change immediately if any coolant intrusion is confirmed
Root cause, parts and sources →
aggregated
How widespread: Occasional
13 NHTSA owner complaints match it, out of 667 checked
How it shows up
- turbo whine or oil traces at the charge pipes
Its other signs
- MIL with boost-pressure DTCs (P0236/P0238/P0299/P025E/P007D family)
- loss of power / failsafe boost
- wastegate rattle at idle or on shutdown
How to tell it apart
- scan boost DTCs and desired-vs-actual boost PIDs under load
- smoke-test the charge system (pipes, CAC, clamps) before condemning a turbo
- listen for wastegate rattle vs phaser/chain noise
Usual fix
charge-system leak repair first (pipes/clamps/CAC), then wastegate actuator / boost sensor; turbo replacement for confirmed bearing/oil-flood cases
Recalls and bulletins
23B65TSB 22-219822U0815-0071TSB-13-6-12
Root cause, parts and sources →
aggregated
How widespread: Occasional
7 NHTSA owner complaints match it, out of 667 checked
How it shows up
- excessive oil consumption with no visible external leak
- DTCs P0365/P0369 together with oil use
- oil in the charge pipes / intercooler
Its other signs
- oil pan RTV seepage on some builds
How to tell it apart
- verify consumption rate (oil level logs over 1k miles) and check for external leaks first
- scan for P0365/P0369 alongside the consumption complaint
- inspect charge pipes/CAC for oil pooling (blown-through mist)
Usual fix
replace BOTH valve covers (the SSM/TSB direction for the consumption + P0365/P0369 cluster); pan RTV correction where seeping
Recalls and bulletins
TSB 20-2423TSB 20-2132SSM 47406
Root cause, parts and sources →
Other symptoms on the 3.5 EcoBoost (gas)
Hard start, long crank or no-startLoss of power, limp mode or derateLosing coolantOverheating or temperature creeping upTicking, knocking, rattle or whineMisfire, rough idle, hesitation or surging
Everything on the 3.5 EcoBoost (gas)Its recalls and bulletins