How Has the Ford F-150 EcoBoost Held Up Over a Decade? 

I think it’s funny how GM laughed at Ford for putting a V6 in a half ton truck at the time and now they put a 4 cylinder in their trucks.

I remember all the criticism these engines got from competitors when they first came out. 14 years later every manufacturer, including Toyota, has followed suit with smaller displacement, turbocharged engines in half ton trucks. Really goes to show how ahead of their time Ford was with this platform. And the fact that it is still in use today goes to show how proven it really is.

I have a 13' that I just passed over 300,000 miles. Bought it new, and outside of an $1,800 rebuilt transmission, it has been flawless.

My Dad bought a fleet of 30 F150s for his home building company in 2013. All his guys requested the V8, but my Dad bought one Ecoboost as the shop truck. It built up a reputation as being the sports car of the fleet over the next 3 years, and in 2016 half the guys went Ecoboost. Then when it was time to turn in the fleet again in 2019, we got 20 2.7s, 9 3.5s, and only 1 old timer stuck with the 5.0. These days they all swear by the 2.7 because it gets such great gas mileage while still being powerful enough to handle any 3/4 ton towing duties if needed.

Brings back memories of my 2011, I absolutely loved that truck. Traded it off in 2020 with 183k miles never did anything major to it, the 3.5 always treated me well. In some ways I actually prefer the 2011 to my 2020 but I can't complain at all about the 2020 with the 3.5. Already have 67k miles on my 2020 and again - not a single issue to report. Then again I drive my trucks, put in good fuel and stick to a religious maintenance schedule.

They are on the 3rd generation of this engine. I believe it's dual injected now. First one out of the gate always gets bloody. Keep going with this series. Let's see a second and 3rd gen of this engine

I have a 2012 F150 3.5L eco boost, running great just hit 275,000 miles and all I’ve done to it was put a new water pump in it. Great truck!

I have a 2012 eco boost and I’m about to fix my first issue in 300,000, torque converter. Been an amazing truck

I have a 2011 4x4 SCREW 6.5’ bed. 178k miles, still has power like it was new. Such a comfortable and powerful truck. Tows like a dream.

I have a 2013 F-150 XLT 3.5 Ecoboost with 207k and no major issues other than my pinion bearings went out in the rear differential at 205k. I’ve owned it since 2015 and bought it will 35k on it.

Mine isn’t 10 years old but I have a 2017 F150 XL STX 4wd with the 2.7l EcoBoost. Has the old 6 gear ATM. I have 162,000 miles on it and I’m getting just shy of 20mpg. Take it to Colorado from Texas all the time and does great! Other than replacing a bearing and some upper ball joints, I’ve just done regular PM and it’s running like a champ.

I've owned a 2.7l and 3.5l it towed well until they needed repairs early I'll stay with the 5.0l have had better luck.

I have a 14 f150 ecoboost 3.5 with 113k only things that have been done are oil changes, spark plugs, and 2 coil packs and rite before i changed from stock tires to 33s 13 wide i was getting 24 mpg after the big wide tires i only get 17 but if u drive in the city the hole time yea ur gonna get 14 15 ish. I love my Ecoboost

Still driving a 2011 with ecoboost and have 162k miles. No major issues.

If you CHOOSE to use boost only when you need it, the eco of 3.5 is good. On my 10 mile city commute, my 3.5 (aluminum body) averages 21mpg. The 5.4 I had previously only got 12.5 mpg on the same commute. Both are Supercab 4×4 XLT. The hiway comparison is 24 on the new one and 16 on the old one. But when I need passing power, wow, the 3.5 is way, way quicker.

Andre, that whole market campaign you were talking about was done on one engine block. Mike Rowe went along and narrated it. When I was in the process of buying my 2012 F150 Ecoboost and waiting several weeks before I can pick it up, I must have watched that documentary at least 5-6 times. I also watched you and the gang drive a 2013 up the Ike gauntlet for the first time!

I bought my first pickup F150 3.5EB 2012. at 325056 km. from Canada, apart from the rust that was on the chassis, this truck has no problem with its mileage. After the initial removal of all fluids, I only had a problem with the leaking water pump, after its replacement everything is now concrete. For the years that I have owned it, I have installed a double oil cache can, I have a complete generation from the turbo to the end, after removing the catalysts, the pickup started to sound like a B8, then I added a panel filter and software that made the truck 385hp and 660nm at the wheels, I'm extremely happy with the purchase and after all these interventions it runs like a sports car. P.S. Greetings from Bulgaria, for the great channel you make, keep it up.

My coworker just traded in his 2012 F-150 with 160,000 miles last year (2023) because the turbos were starting to go out and mechanic quoted $7000 to fix both. My wife's 2014 Ford Escape has a turbo trying to go out, along with other issues. After these experiences, I won't own another vehicle with a turbo unless I plan on trading it around 100,000 miles.

I have a 2013 with 140,000 roughly 40 to 45% of that was towing 5000 pounds or more the most i have towed was 15 to 16,000 pounds along with using it to plow snow with 8.5 foot v plow. The truck has had 5 star tunes since around 100,000 miles. Only things I have had to replace is the front springs/shocks ball joints and starter

I have a 2014 Crew Cab in the same color. I bought it in 2018 with 36k. We bought it to tow our travel trailer. The truck now has 125k and doing great. The only major issues we had were the exhaust manifold bolts breaking, happened on both sides of the engine, thank goodness it was still under the extended warranty we purchased. We have towed our TT to Colorado and Utah twice along with South Dakota, Wyoming from Georgia. We have pulled it all over the Southeast. We have over 20k of towing and it’s done great. The biggest difference I’ve noticed with a turbo charged engine in comparison to a NA engine is having to change the spark plugs more often. We’ve been very happy with ours in the 6 years we’ve owned it.

I still have a 2012 3.5 EcoBoost with over 140K. No force induction issues so far, fingers crossed. Water pump at 110k, coolant leak at overflow at around 98K.

More 12 gen Ford trucks Videos, TFLnow is killing it !!!

I purchased a 2011 Ecoboost FX4 back in 2011. I loved it, great power, good MPG. Perfect for the mountains of CO.

You can watch several episodes of this engine, going through torture test hosted by Mike Rowe. I got my first 3.5 in a 2015 XLT. 90,000 miles and 0 issues. Now 2021 3.5 STX with FX4 package. Intake,cat-back and tune on both. Beating sports cars with a truck is a blast. Ford tough for sure.

Purchased my Lariat 2WD Ecoboost in June 2011. Just sold it last year with 210 000 miles. No issues with engine except changing a few coils and 2 sets of spark plugs. I changed the oil every 4000 miles. The latter is a must to prevent cam phaser and timing chain issues as well as protecting the turbos.

I have a black 2012 FX-4 with the Ecoboost and 142k miles. Has optional locking differential, heated and cooled seats and the 700W sound system too! Love the truck, had the molded leadframe repair covered by Ford under warranty other than that no issues so far. It gets all its services done on time.

I had a 2014 FX4 EB with the same cab configuration as that one. I absolutely loved it.

I have a 2011 EB with 207K miles. Runs great, looks great! I have had it 9 years!

Got a 2014 love it it has 130 thousand on it and shes great .

Thanks for the video

Thanks for doing this episode. I'm still the original owner of a 2011 F150 FX4 SuperCrew (door plate reads production Feb 2011) with 118,000 miles. It's been the best engine I've ever owned in a truck. I've pulled up mountain passes near Durango with 10,000 pounds in a trailer and accelerated easily during the climb. The only engine issues I've had were 1) a bad fuel incident requiring new spark plugs and injectors, 2) hoses that started to leak after about 115k miles, and 3) the turbo charger intercooler / exchanger being oversized by design. That last quirk was a strange thing to diagnose and only affected those of us in Texas and similar states where we can get a huge swing in temperature in a humid air mass during a "norther" cold front. The exchanger would over-cool the saturated air, and moisture would drop out, stalling the engine -- not great if you are trying to pass or enter a highway at speed. The solution was to cover the exchanger partially with a piece of plastic Ford designed. Haven't had a problem for the 10 years after the fix was installed. I had not heard of the "cam phaser" issue you mentioned, but I suppose that can happen to many older / higher mileage cars. The turbos lasting only to 150,000 miles is also news to me. I am approaching that mark in about 30k and it may be prudent to trade for a new model. But with the good track record I've had with this unit, I may try my luck, considering new F150s can reach $75k modestly equipped!

Nostalgic interior. I had a 2013. But I had one of the most awesome and underrated engines - the 3.7 naturally aspirated V6. Wasn't fast and fancy like the other ones, but that thing was so damn reliable. One of the most solid motors Ford's ever made. I wish they would bring back the naturally aspirated V6 in their SUVs. The new Ecoboosts don't get any better gas mileage and are less reliable than their bulletproof NA counterparts.

Great video. Maybe you could do a few more with the older trucks and how reliable they are.

Still happy I got a 5.0 Coyote in my 2014 F-150. Get 17mpg around town 20 on long highway trips at 72-75 mph. Look up Ford Tech Makuloco for his comparison of long term EcoBoost vs V8.

I have a 14’ FX4 with the 3.5, incredible truck

I drove 3 of the 2011 F150. Two were 3.5 ecoboosts and 1 was a 5.0. I owned one of the ecoboosts and the other 2 were work trucks. Never really had major problems. The 5.0 got better mileage quite easily.

I have almost this exact truck, got KO2’s also, with 249,300 miles and I get 17.2 mpg. I don’t have phaser issues and haven’t had to replace any turbos. If you replace the spark plugs, gap them to .32, and replace the plug boots, it runs like a brand new engine. Other than normal maintenance, I’ve replaced the fan speed resistor 3 times, the transmission range sensor, the 4wd shift motor, and an o2 sensor. It’s really a great truck if you take care of it.

That truck is living its best life. Working and playing for a living. Go Blue!!!

I had a 12 5.0 didn’t make 100,000 miles before cam journal failure. Had a 14 3.5 ecoboost traded it with a little over 150,000 miles on it never any issues. Pulled really well.

Ford got some awesome trucks is all I say. They beating the competition hands down. I personally own a 2.7 ecoboost in a 2023 STX and love it. Has plenty for what i would do with it.

My dads 2004 4.6L v8 just came out of retirement. Glad he had an extended warranty on powertrain used it one time on engine and trans. So many mechanics hate ecoboosts but i cannot comment on them

My dad has a 13 4 door 3.5 ecoboost f150 has 190k on it now after hundreds of tons of gravel hauling and family traveling still has original turbos and 8 original coil packs 2 of them was replaced at 30k miles 3 sets of spark plugs and not so frequent oil changes has went over the oil change interval several times and just now started getting the timing chain rattle at start up still runs fine and pulls fine never had valves cleaned either I now have a 23 f150 3.5 to see how well the new ones go

I own a 2014 3.5L ecoboost with 96k. Just recently put a catch can on(wish i knew about these sooner) and it's been running great. At 75K, i changed the spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant, diffs etc. I also have been changing the oil every 3,500k using Pennzoil Ultra plat. or Valvoline HM Max Life. No hauling or towing...I baby my truck, so let's hope for another 96k+. But of course, gotta know the starter, alternator and water pump will go in the time span. Fingers crossed on the cams.

My 13 5.0 supercrew has been a great worktruck Waterpump, trans sensor,1 wheel bearing . My blend door makes a noise but 3yrs later I put up with it. 200,000kms

my 2011 silverado has 246k miles and has had no major repairs done to it. no cam issues, no afm issues (tuned out) and the 6 speed auto is doing great for the age. i also get 16-18 mpg.

My 2013 ecoboost has been really solid.

I like seeing videos of how the first year of a new design (before they work out the kinks) holds up over time; really shows what brands are less risky and what brands to always wait for the second year.

I bought a 2011 3.5l new, in 2011. The intercooler you showed was stock, but I went in for a recall one time and a black plastic cover was put over a portion of the intercooler. The mech said it was because the intercooler was cooling the air too much and sometimes water dropped out. I now have a 2021 but it doesn't have the black plastic cover over the intercooler. I guess they built a smaller one??? I also lost the blue color on the oval Ford emblem on the tailgate. I sold the 2011 after 10 years with no breakdowns. I only changed the brakes, belt, oil and filters and did general routine preventative maintenance.

Right on! I have a 2011 with 238,000 miles. I have yet to do any major engine or transmission work.

My 2011 f150 ecoboost has 260,000 miles. It’s been a great truck. Had some issues with transmission and recently had to spend about $1,500 on repairs. Bought it brand new in 2011.

$4k to repair an older but still nice truck, or $86 for a new one. That was the choice I had to make when it came to my’12 F-150 Pt EB. Repairing it still made better sense to me. By the way, your videos of the OG EcoBoost on the Ike Gauntlet helped me with making the choice to get one in the first place. Thanks, TFL!

I waa thinking about 2011 F 150 models.. very underrated year. Definitely do a video of the other two engines of that year

I have an 02 tundra 4x4 with 212k. Ive had it since 2019 with 140k. Only drivetrain work done is timing belt water pump and valve cover gaskets and radiator at 200k. Might sound like alot but it was about 2k spent for 200k miles. I get around 15 mpg. I change the oil every 5k and drive it. I have thought avout getting an ecoboost for gas mileage but in my budget would need to get one with about 100k miles. I'm afraid maintenance that would he needed on one would offset any money saved on the small mpg bump.

my 2011 3.7 v6 has 250k on it and runs like a champ. just some simple repairs like water pump and little things. great truck.

I just bought a 2011 F150 with the Ecoboost, with 219000km on it. Seems good so far. I also have 2011 F250 Super Duty 6.7L as well. Have had it for 4 years now. Use the diesel to pull trailers and a 5th wheel camper. Excellent trailer puller. I would like to see more on these truck.

I have a 2011 Ford Crown Vic and get 27 MPG, on the Highway driving from TX to MX and back. 155k mile on it and runs ... Like a champ

I remember looking for an small SUV for my wife. Ford's first ecoboost Escape was one of the considerations. (Along with a RAV4.) I almost got the Escape, but then, fires! Ecoboost failure, leaks. So, went with the RAV4. Later, in 2013 I was looking for a truck. Settled on an F150 STX 4X4, but never wanted anything to do with the ecoboost V6. Chose the 5.0 liter V8 Coyote engine. Quite happy with that choice. I did sell the truck (trade in) back in 2020 and got another F150 with 5.0 liter (XLT with most of the geegaws available, tow package and 2 wheel drive.) Quite happy with it. Don't think I will ever get an ecoboost V6. If anything, I might have a supercharger installed on my 5.0, tuned for mileage and a small HP boost with torque boost. But, it is not really needed. The Coyote engine does quite well.

my 2010 5.4l v-8 had to have cam phasers replaced also!! $3800, not sure why ford cant fix the cam phaser issues ON ALL MOTORS. but besides that, this trucks has been AWESOME!! i think i have ATLEAST 6-10 more years out of this truck.( i take care of my truck). if i get 20 years out of a vehicle i am happy. BUT I WILL ALWAYS BUY A V-8!!

Still as pretty as new. Nice truck with a smart layout.

I have a completely stock 2012 (minus the SuperChips canned tune) and other than needing a wheel bearing and caliper it hasn't given me problems in the 220k miles Ive had it. Kinda glad I took the risk. His doesn't have the locking rear diff like mine does.

I had a 2014 f150 ecoboost that I drove for 10 years before selling it to my dad. Only thing I had to change outside of regular maintenance was an oxygen sensor at 90k miles. Currently own a 2022 I have not had any issues in almost 2 years, hopefully it lasts as long as my 2014

2015 2.7 Sport FX4 super crew at 130k has been very solid since I bought it new no issues. Majority of the time drive in sport mode and get 17mpg. Hopefully stays that way and that its regular maintenance keeps it going. Looking to upgrade the suspension soon to either 2” Fox or Bilstein, any recommendations?

My dad has a 2012 f150 ecoboost with around 250,000 miles. Engine itself is pretty reliable besides some cam phaser noise at cold start. The turbos and water pump had to be replaced at 150,000 miles and now the new turbos have coolant leaking from them

Had this truck. Timing chain started rattling at 60k, had to have it replaced twice, first install job went bad. Would love to somehow know what % of the 3.5s had this issue. Great engine when it runs.

I owned a 2013 F-150 Platinum with the tow package and long bed. Was a great truck and I regret that I sold it.

These types of videos are great. Love seeing how people's older trucks have held up. Obviously how a person maintains their vehicle is a major factor, but good information overall.

I bought a 2013 f150 about a year and half ago and had to put an engine in it not even 5k miles after buying it so I know the feeling of being kinda “stuck” with that truck but I love the power it has it has a pretty decent sound with an intake and the 4 inch exhaust on it and seeing how complicated brand new stuff is it makes my truck seem simple even though it’s incredibly complex itself all in all I’m happy with it id still buy an ecoboost again when the time comes which hopefully is a long time from now

I 've got a 2018 with only 48,000 miles, I've been hearing the cam phaser noise on start up for the last 6 months or so.

I have a 2015 2.7l ecobeast f150 it has 153,000 miles on it.

I currently have this generation as a 2012 5.0 and love it! However, mine has a factory quirk where even though it's a 5.0 they still put the license plate off to the side on accident. They didn't even put the center mount in. So I leave it cause it's a cool little quirk that Ford owners know lol

I owned a 2018 stx and on long trips i was getting 29.9 mpg i own a 2021 f150 sport love the technology and how i get my navigation on my guages and on long trips going 70 on eco mode the most i have gotten was 35 mpg

2015 3.5 supercrew been good to me bought it with 18k miles now at 88k miles only problem i had so far was a bad cat got it replaced free at ford run full syntethic every 3500 miles no rattles aboit to do spark plugs and transmission hope to get it to 150k with no issues before i even think about selling

I have a 2011 with 205k. Great truck. Did just have to replace the PCM. Random failure I’m sure. Also have repaired some oil lines on the turbos. Great engine and great power. Ford was on the right path and likely “ahead of their time”

Great truck!! I had an F-150 for a while with the ecoboost and the only issue I had was the exhaust manifold warping and breaking a stud. Supposedly Ford fixed the cam phasers the issue is that they are working through the supply of the old ones until they start with the new ones. That’s the rumor anyway.

I sold to my Daughter & SIL my ‘11 F-150, XLT CrewCab w/3.5L twin turbo having 200k miles & They’re very happy w/it… He’s a professional mechanic & completed his own unaccompanied inspection(s) (@ my insistence) making the purchase in Jan ‘24… He expects this vehicle has another 100k-150k miles in it… Mac😎👍

like the smaller super cab with 6.5' box

I remember asking for this video just a few weeks ago and you guys delivered. Awesome video guys, love to see the older Gen trucks get some appreciation especially in today's truck market.

Would love to see the 6.7 power stroke from 2011. Bring it!!

My 2013 f-150 FX4 3.5 eco had over 80,000 on it when I traded it in. No catch can nothing aftermarket on it. No problems at all. Just routine maintained I traded it last year for a 2023 F150 Tremor I was so happy with the eco boost I bought another.

Bought a 2013 in 2022 with 104K miles. It's currently at 145K right now and within 41K miles, I've had $19,000 in mechanical repairs done. Failing turbos and intercooler to the timing chain and cam phasers needing replaced and leaking exhaust manifolds, brake booster, throttle body just to name a few things. Thank God for extended warranties. With all that taken care of, it's a comfortable truck to drive with plenty of power to do what I need it to do.

I have a 2011 F150 Lariat with the Ecoboost but mine is a Super Crew with 156k on the clock. The only issue is that it leaks coolant in the Texas Spring/Summer heat. Hoses shrink and it stops leaking in the Fall and Winter.

I still don’t understand why Ford has not solved the cam phaser problems on the 3.5. My wife drives a 2011 Fusion and it has 150k on it with zero problems. This is why I have a 2012 Raptor with a 6.2 and a 2003 Cobra Terminator. All three of these engines are bulletproof.

I'm with Andre regarding not being 100% certain Ford has ever solved the cam phaser issue. There are questions about the "updated" parts and if trucks manufactured/repaired with them have a perfect reliability record. Last I looked, if you could cut through all the brand loyalists and fanatics, it seemed like more time was needed to have any confidence about the updated parts. They were supposedly introduced to late-production 2019 models, but I know of one late 2019 truck (my Dad's) that had the issue. Others say they've encountered the issue in 2020+ trucks. I bet we'll have better/more data within the next year or so.

My ford expedition has 175,000 miles we were told by the Ford mechanics that the 3.5 L cam phaser issue was due to the oil since we change the Amsoil we had no longer had any cam phaser issues with the car.

I have a 2013 f150 3.5 ecoboost and it still runs great with 213k miles. Great gas mileage and towing

Have 160k of hard miles on my 2013 3.5 F-150. I run a landscaping company, and the little truck has to pinch hit with my tandem axel dump trailer and equipment hauler on occasion and has really impressed myself and my foreman who have towed with it. I live on the continental divide in Montana at over a mile in elevation, this little engine definitely outperforms my 3/4 ton gas v=8 trucks towing here in the mountains, wish Ford would use this engine or ideally a larger I-6 Ecoboost(style direct injection) engine in their Superduty line.

Sure i would like to see other videos about the 6.7

I have a 2-door Bronco FE with the 2.7. It has plenty of grunt considering the weight. In Eco mode I see mpg in the mid to upper 20s. Not bad on 35s. Only have 33k miles, but reliable so far on the trails.

One year prior, the 2010 Ford F150 also carried the 4.6l V8 3 valve engine.

We have a 2010 Lincoln MKZ 3.5(na) 6 speed awd. Last year before the vvt. Glad it’s not vvt. But 100hp less being na and no vvt. But I understand the Ecoboost is based off this engine( 3.7 variants were available too in bigger models).

I had a 2018 F150, 3.5 twin turbo. At 53,000 the cam phasers started rattling! Even though it was still under warranty, the inconveniences of not having transport for weeks was enough to make me sell it. I bought a 2021 F150 V8, so far all is well with it. If Ford have had the cam problem all these years and haven’t done anything to fix it, tells me that the eco boost is a bad idea. Stick to naturally aspirated if you can’t solve the problems that come with stretching the performance in a smaller engine.

My brother just traded in a 2011 3.5 Ecoboost for a 2022 3.5 Ecoboost. 220,000 miles with the original engine and trans. He really loved that truck, he only got rid of it after putting in $8,000 into it because of the custody agreement has him driving a minimum of an hour for each way for work and each way for his kids plus her enrolling them in sports. So it was worth it getting a new truck. The dealership listed his truck for $7000.

I love the idea of a V6 or Inline 6 in a half-ton truck if it could improve fuel economy. But if it still gets V8 fuel economy, I'd just go for the V8 nearly every time.

I know this may sound weird, but after looking at Andre’s earlobe with that crease, that could be a sign of early heart disease it’s called “Frank’s sign” look it up. Just to let you know keep an eye on that. I like your videos

Great video Andre.Ya ,the first few yrs had its issues,there will be lovers and haters.I've been an Ecoboost owner since 2015,these engines work best when put to work and need diligent maintenance. But,impressive performance, and its my engine of choice in an F150. I love them.Take care of them,change the oil early ,and those engines will last.Just because you see and hear some issues on RU-vid it doesn't mean they are all junk.I have plenty of faith in the Ecoboost

Whats the current consumption number? Thanks.

Hoping my 13 5.0 lasts. Aside from the lead frame issue which Ford replaced for free, no issues. Great truck so far.

2011 was also the first year for the Coyote 5.0V8 in the F150 replacing the Triton 4.6 & 5.4 V8's.

Just as a frame of reference, the host of Cars and Bids had a similar vintage Toyota Land Cruiser, well under 100k mi., and he put $18k into repairs before waiving the white flag. As the saying goes- “your results may vary.” We have a couple of Ecoboosts in our family approaching 200k mi. that have been bulletproof. I’m thinking about an F-150 but would go with the 5.0 Coyote. My 21 year old Ranger has been absolutely rock solid though, so I have no reason to sell it.

Just bought a 2018 2.7 with 80k miles aftermarket wheels dual exhaust got good deal on it. I wanted a 5.0 cause my thinking always was trucks had to have V8s I test drove the 2.7 i was amazed at how powerful and fast it was the little 2.7 will stomp the Daylights out of V8 powered trucks all day especially with the bdx tuner!!