There’s an old joke about the name Ford being an acronym for “Found On Road Dead.” The idea behind the joke was that Ford trucks simply couldn’t keep up with Dodge and Chevy in terms of reliability. Even today, when the F-150 is the best-selling truck in the United States, there are still many people out there who feel that F-series trucks are terrible. These naysayers seem to have become even more vocal since Ford started equipping the F-150 with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine. The sheer number of rumors is enough to make anyone wonder if Ford’s EcoBoost engine is actually unreliable.

Why Ford started using the EcoBoost engine

Ford originally introduced what drivers know as the 3.5L EcoBoost engine as the TwinForce V6 engine. The engine was intended to provide drivers with the power they expected from their Ford trucks but use less fuel and produce fewer ozone-damaging emissions. It didn’t take long for it to gain popularity. Not only was it more economical for drivers in the long-run, but it was also more affordable than some other engine options.

Ford changed out the original EcoBoost engine in 2017, replacing it with a second-generation version which was installed in the F-150, the Expedition, and Navigator. The most notable changes in this new version of the engine involved new and improved turbochargers and multi-port fuel injection ports that worked in tandem with direct injection.

Is the Ford EcoBoost Engine reliable? 

The Ford F-150 is the best-selling truck in the United States and most of the F-150 trims have the EcoBoost engine, which is one of the reasons both new and used models are quick to sell. While the engine isn’t perfect and some drivers have reported problems, most are happy with its performance. Based on the number of reported problems vs. the sheer number of F-150s on the roads, it’s safe to say that the EcoBoost engine is reliable. 

Consumer Reports put together a predicted list of problems drivers of 2020 F-150s may encounter. While the reporting agency cited things like the tires rapidly losing pressure and needing to be replaced, problematic battery cables creating stalling issues, and temperamental front seat assemblies, nothing negative was reported with regards to the engine. In fact, when you look at engine reliability reports over the course of nine years, there have been very few problems.

Why drivers love Ford trucks

The most attractive thing about Ford’s EcoBoost engine is the low fuel consumption. This is especially important to drivers who need a full-size truck even though they do the bulk of their driving in the city. The EcoBoost engine not only handles start/stop driving well, but also manages it without burning through an entire tank of gas each day. 

The power of the EcoBoost engine is another major selling point. In the past, farmers and other drivers who needed to haul a load felt they needed the power of at least a 3/4 ton pickup. The improved towing capacity the EcoBoost gives the F-150 makes the truck a good choice for individuals who haul to horse shows, tow loads of hay, move moderately sized equipment trailers, or who like to haul snowmobiles during the winter months. 

If you’re looking for a vehicle that’s fun to drive, doesn’t break the bank, and also offers a high degree of reliability, it’s in your best interest to take a serious look at the F-150s with their EcoBoost engine.