In a development that’s shaking up the automotive world, Ford and Lincoln are recalling nearly 100,000 vehicles due to serious engine problems. This mass recall affects popular models, including the 2021-2022 Ford Bronco, Ford Edge, Ford Explorer, Ford F-150, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Nautilus. The issue at hand? Potential intake valve cracking in their 2.7-liter and 3-liter EcoBoost engines.
The Detroit giant’s announcement, detailed in a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), highlights a significant risk: intake valves in these engines may crack, leading to severe engine damage. This could result in a dangerous loss of power while driving, significantly increasing the risk of a crash. The recall involves around 90,700 SUVs and pickup trucks—vehicles that are supposed to be the backbone of Ford’s rugged reputation.
Critics have long raised alarms about Ford’s EcoBoost engines, claiming they are more prone to issues compared to traditional engines like the 5.0-liter V8. It seems these concerns may now be validated as Ford grapples with the fallout from this extensive recall.
“An engine intake valve that fails may lead to catastrophic engine damage resulting in a loss of motive power,” Ford admitted in their statement. “A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.” The automaker has pledged to address these issues swiftly and minimize inconvenience for customers. They’ve also promised to reimburse owners who have already shouldered repair costs out of pocket.
In a move to pacify affected customers, Ford assured that those who have paid for repairs related to this recall might be eligible for reimbursement, as outlined in the recall reimbursement plan with the NHTSA.
Adding fuel to the fire, the YouTube channel “Driven Wild Outdoors” recently weighed in on the recall with a detailed analysis. The channel’s host, a seasoned automotive enthusiast, pointed to a concerning flaw in the manufacturing process. According to his findings, the metal surrounding the intake valves has become more brittle, causing these valves to break under stress. This brittleness, he suggests, stems from a possible issue with the machining process, which may have altered the metal’s properties and made it more susceptible to cracking.
“It looks like the failure happened at the valve keeper area,” the YouTuber explained. “There’s a lot of force being applied to that valve stem in that keeper area, and the metal being more brittle could be a result of changes in the machining process.”
The video, which has garnered significant attention, raises serious questions about the quality control measures for Ford’s EcoBoost engines. With the recall affecting such a large number of vehicles, the stakes are high for Ford to resolve these issues and restore customer confidence.
As Ford works to address this major recall, the spotlight remains on their EcoBoost engines and the broader implications for the company’s reputation. Will this recall impact the way consumers view Ford’s commitment to quality and reliability? Only time will tell, but for now, Ford owners are left navigating the fallout from this troubling engine debacle.
