The 3.0 EcoBoost | Common Problems & Reliability

[@marvinmartin4692]

I’ve had several 3.0 v six and never had any problems with them! I loved these motors! Never had leaks nor anything else!

[@salravioli]

I'm very happy with this engine. The fuel savings is great!

[@8020Media]

M - Thanks for sharing your experience! We've seen many great 3.0's.

[@8020Media]

S - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@scottstrang1583]

i have one in an '22 Explorer and I like it so far. The engine is someone noisey at low RPMs but quiets down at higher RPMs Nice having that (supposed) 400 hp. Also the economy is no better than the 2020 tahoe 5.3 it replaced. Really didn't expect it.

[@josephmorrone2660]

Very luck, you should probably play the PowerBall lottery game !

[@INVERTEDBUKAKI]

Change your oil every 5k with the turbo! I had a 2017 3.5 twin turbo explorer with 80k no problems now I drive a 22 Explorer ST W/20K & love it!

[@8020Media]

M - Well said! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@shelbypoindexter1199]

@@INVERTEDBUKAKI I changed my oil oil every 3000 miles and I use a very good Valvoline synthetic. No problem and I run an oversize twin turbo and an aftercooler no problems.

[@jackiebaglin5314]

I change mine at 4000

[@yoopercharged6347]

In line for a Ranger Raptor and didnt know much about the 3.0L reliability so I really appreciate this vid. Thanks!

[@8020Media]

Yooper - That’s exciting! Glad we could help.

[@Mjr1348]

Same here

[@logan44777]

any updates on your order? mine should be here by mid february can’t wait to see that shelter green in person lol

[@yoopercharged6347]

@@logan44777 none at all! Which is super frustrating seeing people that ordered in November and December already have build dates. Excited for you though! They sure look like fun.

[@rjejames28]

Same, mine is set to arrive in the next couple weeks

[@florantegalamgam2231]

To summarize what he is saying. “Do your Regular Maintenance” 😎

[@8020Media]

F - Pretty much.

[@gmaddox2400]

There is nothing an owner can do to avoid the problems in the video. These are design flaws. I find it inexcusable that ford has not figured out how to properly seal a oil pan to an engine.

[@MrLifedriven]

Got an 07 ford f150 single cab, 180kmiles standar maintenance running like a jewel.

[@8020Media]

M - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@kdoody5712]

I’m making a drinking game around when this guy says “three liter eco boost”. 😂 love the vid.

[@8020Media]

K - You'll be drunk by the end. You're welcome. Thanks for the feedback.

[@RidinONChrome]

Just picked up 2020 Lincoln MKZ 3.0L. Only has 6000K miles, but it was in the shop for over heating do to the cylinder head temp sensor going bad. $3000 fix since it's under the intake manifold. Thankfully Lincoln/Ford picked up most of the bill. Hopefully I have no more issues because this motor is so powerful.

[@8020Media]

R - Sorry to hear! However, thanks for taking the time to share your experience.

[@khalid749]

Running in my Bronco Raptor! Great engine 450 HP with factory tune!

[@8020Media]

K - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience! We like it too.

[@harrystangel6857]

My 22 King Ranch has been great‼️21.5 MPG. Absolutely no issues.

[@8020Media]

H - Nice! Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@djmaloney5898]

I have a 2020 explorer st with 15.6 mpg😂

[@mannys616]

FYI the Ranger Raptors 3.0 engine has port and direct injection.

[@8020Media]

Manny - Thanks for adding this insight.

[@lotus956]

Explorer ST is the same?

[@Tommy3429]

Does the 2021 Ford Exployer XLT 3.0 engine have it?

[@lockheedload]

@@lotus956no

[@GrockleTD]

I'm pretty sure it's only the 2.7 and not the 3.0 one of the strange distinctions

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Great video! Thanks for the knowledge.

[@8020Media]

A - Thanks for the feedback! Hope it helps.

[@duhdoddlebug7317]

list of theory fixes/mitigations/recaps , use later model oil pan gaskets, oil catch can/as directed seafoam or alike treaments, possible cam phasers failure (so far rare and requires tear down if happens), keep up on standard maint. (plugs, ign. coils, oil changes,ect), standard turbo issues with heat causing wear (turbo blankets, upgrade cooling/intercooling, heat wraps and shields, if possible e85 XD) Great vid go to know the issues and a great platform it seems. the phasers remind me of gm LS DoD lifer issues XD just one thing that cant be helped till tear downs

[@8020Media]

Awesome recap, thanks for watching and compiling!

[@davidhummel3744]

This past weekend returned to Ford since my 2003 Ford Explorer. Traded a 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6 with 91k miles. Purchased a 2025 Explorer ST. 84 miles, most obtained from drive from dealer. Went to garage next day and received a Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power notification on the dash on the Ford App. WTH? Perhaps Ford should include a Forscan code reader w/spare tire!

[@8020Media]

D - Sorry to hear.. Did you find the cause?

[@jengles2545]

❤ my 3.0l eco boost

[@8020Media]

J - Nice! What vehicle do you have?

[@jefff6884]

Carbon build-up... us GM 3.6 V6 owners know ALLL about that lol Good quality fuel (I only use shell) and throw a bottle of Berryman B12 in the gas tank every oil change. Going 120k miles strong!

[@8020Media]

Jeff - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@ThunderAppeal]

Mine has 200k miles of daily driving, sometimes around the city. I dont want to temp fate, but it is running strong. Only Mobil 1 synthetic, premium high octane gas. And I spray some Gumout DI intake cleaner every now and then.

[@8020Media]

Thunder - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@lockheedload]

Is that GM motor DI?

[@ericd1632]

​@@ThunderAppealUnless the engine requires it, running premium fuel is a waste of money. Now running top tier fuel is another story

[@daniel1k793]

My girls new 23' ST seems to have some issues already at 12k miles. sounds horrible upon cold start for about 20 seconds, Rattling noise spunds like header heatshield. One of the undercarriage cloth-like shields flaps at speed bc it isnt secured properly. The radio headunit has finally been replaced after they tried replacing something else related to radio. Not feeling good on reliability.

[@8020Media]

D - Sorry to hear.. However, thanks for sharing your experience!

[@albertosalcedo4522]

I wonder if yours had the same issue as mines, I used to have a rattle type issue on my ST. After putting it on a lift and remote starting it I learned that it was the flex pipe on the exhaust, the flex pipe eventually goes out and causes that rattle

[@8020Media]

A - Thanks for sharing this with viewers!

[@kpetro1675]

I know multiple people who have a crankshaft seal fail on the 3.0 ecoboost. Also the oil cooler seems to be insufficient to keep and head temps below 110Celcius.

[@8020Media]

K - Thanks for sharing this experience!

[@SpeedySpartan]

Saw a video of a 3.0L Bronco Raptor with the Cam Phaser issue. It still looks to be lower in occurrence then the 3.5L or 2.7L, but there are *way* less 3.0's out there than the others. Really hoping the 3.0 is spared, I really like the raptor and the only other good option is the way more expensive Tacoma's. Not a big fan of GM turbo motors or reliability either, after having to deal with some. Good video 👍

[@8020Media]

S - Thanks for the feedback and sharing your experience!

[@jimster1111]

does this still have the internal timing chain driven water pump like the 3.5 does?

[@YZJB]

No. Totally different engine family

[@MJ-hg1mk]

Thanks all! 2023 Aviator. Hope it works!

[@8020Media]

MJ - Thanks for the feedback! We hope it was helpful.

[@Bray_Wisconsin]

My 2020 is at 172,000 running great. But not sure if FPIU Ecoboost are any different.

[@8020Media]

b - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@Recklessroyal]

I really feel like it’s the same way with jeeps if you maintain them correctly they run forever my jeep is absolutely amazing! I just would like something faster like the ST

[@8020Media]

R - True!

[@kpetro1675]

The people I drive with have to change their engines like most people change oil.

[@8020Media]

K - That sounds like an exaggeration.

[@kpetro1675]

​@8020Media i know 3 or 4 of the 8 people i drive with with new jeeps who have gone through 1 or more engines. I've heard that the water pump is garbage on the new pentstar and when your driving hard in the desert by the time you can react the engine is gone.

[@8020Media]

K - Seems like you drive in extreme conditions..

[@tedantares2751]

What about the notorious wet oil pump belt used in this engine?

[@8020Media]

T - We've addressed this in the comments before. It is certainly a miss on our end.

[@dchilton]

Had 165 on my work explorer. Beat on daily. I dont know what all is upgraded on a PPV though.

[@8020Media]

D - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!

[@josephmorrone2660]

All these ford videos are great , they show common sense reasons Not to buy afford !

[@8020Media]

J - We don't make these videos to scare people off from Ford. Simply to inform.

[@HowtoLiv365]

Let me guess you’re a Toyota guy? If you notice Toyota was the last to jump into the twin turbo game, smart on their half but I’m guessing the reason is because twin turbo engines are a hell of a lot more complex and have a hell a lot more problems, so we’ll see how they do as time goes on.

[@kyledockery4140]

Our 2023 explorer ST was great until it blew around 3600 miles due to no oil. There was no sign of oil burn nor any leaks. There wasn’t even a low oil indication or any kind of warning light on the dash. Not exactly sure how it was possible but yeah it’ll be back with a new engine in a couple weeks.

[@8020Media]

K - Wow.. Guessing it was under warranty? Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@saltybuttskin]

Don’t you check your oil level when you fill up with gas?

[@georgiafan6618]

Did ford discontinue the 3.5L ecoboost? I’m concerned about the longevity of the open deck design of the 3.0L when you add power and boost.

[@8020Media]

G - They haven't discontinued the 3.5L.

[@jackiebaglin5314]

I have the 2024 raptor Ranger noticed the cam phasers are noisy early in the morning. It has 2800 miles on it and I hear a small bottom in knock master mechanic here. It started at 1800 when I went to Port Canaveral Florida so if this happened at 1800, you can be sure this engine will detonate here soon.

[@8020Media]

J - So sorry to hear about this...

[@darwinlemon2963]

Does anybody make a vehicle that DOESN'T have some kind of a problem????? Seems like your only option is to ride public transportation!!

[@8020Media]

D - Unfortunately true nowadays..

[@barrya.6212]

I've read the cam phaser issue was mainly on the 2017 up to the 2020 model, but was corrected for the 2021 and up 3.5

[@8020Media]

B - This is correct.

[@freedomisntfree_44]

Seafoam will illuminate you carbon build up. Don’t wait till it’s too late. Use it every oil change,286k miles and counting

[@8020Media]

Freedom - Thanks for sharing your experience! Sounds like you've got maintenance down. Hopefully you get 286k more problem free miles!

[@5.7_TY]

On what motor?

[@christianbustamante7488]

Can you do a video like this for the 2015 ford explorer sport with twin turbo, ecoboost 3.5L v6 4x4?

[@8020Media]

C - We have a full video on the 3.5 EB that we think will be helpful here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ap-Xh2aMacyHjqM

[@barrya.6212]

/\ Great engine for 2015...EXCEPT for your application which has an INTERNAL WATER PUMP...and if the bearing fails radically can leak coolant INSIDE engine and destroy engine!...if more of the common water pump bearing wear / failure happens coolant will flow down path to OUTSIDE of engine with NO engine damage....however replacement will be around $1,200-$1,400 due to having to take front of engine off to access it...runs of timing chain....which YOU might want to spend a few hundred more and replace that while they have that apart....but usually not necessary.

[@8020Media]

B - Thanks for sharing this insight.

[@rss8400]

I picked up a 2022 Explorer ST and is an incomplete and hurriedly put together vehicle. It is not horrible but it is not great either. Fit and finish issues, squealing-when-hot brakes, rattling sound system and a lot of wind noise. It feels very usable in the city with its manageable size and equitable passenger space and is great on the highway with sharp high speed manners. I bought this thinking it will be as good as my 2020 Ford Escape with the 2.0 EB which is really the best car I bought till date. I owned a 2013 Tahoe LTZ Mocha Brown Metallic from new and that was plagued with cheap plastic dashboard, peeling buttons, cracked plastic chrome door handles and finally collapses lifter twice in the 10 years I had it. Generally speaking, I will give my White Sleeper Escape the highest score considering it got built in Spain/Europe with higher quality standards than the UAW built Explorer ST.

[@8020Media]

R - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.

[@djsalseromusica5433]

Hopefully they will get an electric Explorer soon with less parts with at least 350 miles on charge, please tell me then you will consider that's what I'm waiting on any electric Explorer under 44K

[@8020Media]

D - We aren't fans of electric, but I'm sure they have it in the works.

[@HunterKrohn]

What about the purge valve? Seems to be decently common on the explorer st’s

[@8020Media]

H - That it does! Thanks for the insight.

[@Tc-ev9dd]

You have to service these motors and change oil alot. As well as do an intake cleaning for the carbon build up change fuel filters. I change all fluids no matter what and ive had zero issues. Carbon is a big problem with alot of these motors. I only use top tier fuels.

[@8020Media]

T - Well said! Thanks for sharing.

[@mauriziofazzi4341]

Hi, I have a Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0 6c petrol. Is it possible to know if it has a timing chain? Thanks for the info.🙏

[@8020Media]

M - What year?

[@mauriziofazzi4341]

@@8020Media 2022🙏

[@8020Media]

Yes, it has a timing chain.

[@mauriziofazzi4341]

@@8020Media thank you very much you were very kind👍👍❤

[@on-site4094]

Good old push rod engines had small problems compare to todays over engineered unreliable. Krap But you. Can squeeze more horsepower out of echo boost

[@8020Media]

O - Correct.

[@rcervantes1083]

My MPG in a 23 ST AWD is trash. Normal acceleration shows about 5MPG. Overall average of 19.5 with highway driving. Just hit around 3k on the odometer. 😢

[@8020Media]

R - Are you constantly driving in stop and go traffic? It shouldn't be that low.

[@S3v3r3chaos]

This is why I’m here. I’m only getting 13 mpg driving around the city. I have 400 miles on it. Trying to figure out if it’s a turbo issue. Haven’t had a chance to drive anywhere on the highway.

[@8020Media]

S - Have you had the dealership look into it? It's very new.

[@k1ngl3bron6]

@@S3v3r3chaos put it in eco mode...

[@ericdavisii3912]

New turbo engines have a break in period before mileage improves ​@S3v3r3chaos

[@Jax0238]

Where is the crank sensor located on a 2020 3.0?

[@8020Media]

J - Near the crankshaft pulley (harmonic balancer) or at the rear of the engine block near the flywheel housing.

[@douglascrawford4791]

The three point five twin turbo rules

[@8020Media]

D- Also a great engine.

[@Gtbomb1]

Turbo engines are not the same as NA engines. The maintenance is always cut in half. Change all the fluids, coils, and plugs at 50k, oil changes are 5000 miles, and you will not have a problem. Use amsoil!

[@8020Media]

A - Well said!

[@oldkid6]

the fact that ford would cheap out on oil pan gaskets just tells you the overall quality at ford is not a priority. what a shock.

[@8020Media]

Old - Quite disappointing.

[@danielmarjanovic9957]

Do you think the 3.0 is as reliable as the 2.7 ecoboost?

[@8020Media]

D - We would say the 2.7 is more reliable, but not by much.

[@joecraig6056]

oil pump wet belt? if so, a hard swerve from me

[@8020Media]

J - Yep!

[@jimdanielson272]

similar? the 2.7 EB has the wet belt driven oil pump and the 3.0 has a timing chain.

[@8020Media]

J - What?

[@jackiebaglin5314]

What happened to engine clearance what happened to quiet motors we see him to have gotten away with metal objects and put plastic and rubber and more places that are crucial. It ain’t just Ford. It’s every one of the car companies.

[@8020Media]

J - They certainly don't make them like they used to!

[@Mike060504]

My 2020 explorer st needs cam phaser replaced. The noise it makes on startup is nasty

[@8020Media]

M - Sorry to hear.. Hopefully it's still under warranty.

[@jamessimmons3921]

This just happened to my 2020 explorer st with only 48,000 miles.

[@Mike060504]

@@jamessimmons3921 got me at 28000!

[@AnonDoge]

Read some things about people getting errors with adding a catch can to the ranger raptor. Throws errors or something.

[@8020Media]

A - It certainly could.

[@darrinbush5953]

Alot better then jeeps 3.6

[@8020Media]

D - Both are decent engines!

[@Jake-yq5sm]

Those engines are old, have been used in many models for many years, mechanically very reliable units. Now the computers, sensors and everything else, who knows.

[@Demoxx1]

With the issues of carbon build up it wouldn’t be a bad idea to Italian tune up the car every now and then.

[@8020Media]

Demoxx - Italian tune ups aren't a bad idea, if done safely. However, it certainly will never get all of the buildup over the years.

[@Demoxx1]

@@8020Media this is true. buit they can help prevent it overall if done right.

[@chiefordnance]

Install oil catch can

[@8020Media]

C - Not a bad shout.

[@Heisenberg.735]

No Catch can needed its also has port injection

[@8020Media]

H - For the newer engines, yes.

[@LiquidSm0ke]

They need this engine in the ford f150

[@8020Media]

Smoke - Could be an interesting thing to do.

[@joshuajohnrocks]

Not that old engine? The 3.0TT came out in 2017... It's 8 yrs old

[@8020Media]

J - What?

[@joshuajohnrocks]

@8020Media you said it's a new engine, 8yrs old isn't new

[@8020Media]

J - That's relatively new in an engine's lifespan..

[@Vaoproductionstv]

Bro is trying to hit the word count on his essay

[@8020Media]

Vao - We're just simply creating videos for every automotive knowledge level.

[@jackdangers3292]

youre actually complaining on a free youtube video about how much info hes giving you? wow.

[@ConnorL-jb8eu]

What? He’s literally just discussing issues. He didn’t even add anything unnecessary.

[@mortmazon7011]

Pipe down clown

[@SpeedySpartan]

Your attention span is fucking cooked brother. Begone to short form video tiktok hell with thee.

[@lockheedload]

My wife’s 2020 explorer st has been solid af- engine wise. The transmission, screen, and electronics are another story altogether. What a piece of crap. Would never buy another ford.

[@8020Media]

Lock - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@manafhasan]

Why? What was your major issue with Ford st ? Which year is it ?

[@Leviperlman]

Lincoln had it first

[@8020Media]

L - Thanks for sharing this insight.

[@steve70668]

i have ford explorer . i have missfire cold start i feel the car not stronge like new. i feel i need to sell car

[@8020Media]

Steve - You don't need to sell the car because of a misfire. Do you have a code reader?

[@steve70668]

@@8020Media I take my car to ford agency ( 3 times ) to fix my car and say that normal cold start with all new ford like this make me not sure why they don't want fix it . it is still in warranty... i feel if not they will fix by my money it because that i feel i want to sell my car . i dont trust with my ford dealer. i will try to see code and tell you ,

[@steve70668]

it is like trust issue with them i will try harder to fix it before sell it i feel yes it is good for my family

[@lotus956]

These Fords are junk. It hurts but it’s the truth. My Explorer has been in the shop 4 times a total of 5 months. Absolutely ridiculous. I’m trading in my Explorer ST for a 4Runner and they lost a customer.

[@8020Media]

L - I'm sorry to hear this.. What all has been wrong? This will help future viewers.

[@smrochin]

Ok but what issues? My 4runner and sequoia have there own set of issues but they have been simple fixes.

[@lotus956]

Transmission issues. Backup camera. Flex exhaust pipes. Main radio hub. Both front axles leaking grease. Leaking O ring from cross over shaft. SUV has 24k miles. Absolutely ridiculous. Do I want to wait for more problems? Nope.

[@8020Media]

L - Sounds like some terrible luck.... Thanks for sharing.

[@teehud313]

Smart choice

[@ronaldwilliford301]

What’s wrong with this guy

[@8020Media]

R - With us?

[@johnnybarajas1707]

Stop wasting peoples time

[@8020Media]

Johnny - Please elaborate on how we’re wasting peoples time. Would love to hear some feedback.

[@paulsdeep5598]

He's probably butthurt because he owns one of these piles 😂

[@MJ-hg1mk]

​@@paulsdeep5598HEY 😅 HEY, I just bought an Aviator. Wish me luck.

[@cocain03]

2020 explorer st. Blew rods at 23k miles at dealership right now

[@8020Media]

J - Wow. So sorry to hear this. However, Thanks for sharing your experience. It could certainly help future viewers.

[@cocain03]

@8020Media finished May 3rd 2020. May have lingering Covid problems lol.

[@victor_beltran]

Stock?

[@southtexas4777]

Blew rods out? At 8 grand maybe. Can't beat the snot out of anything all the time without letting the rods out

[@mred2541]

exactly well said