The Three Most Common Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Issues. Following the 3.5 EcoBoost’s success, Ford introduced the 2.7 twin-turbo EcoBoost engine in 2015. The 2.7-liter engine produces 315-335hp and 350-400tq. The 2.7 EcoBoost engines do not produce as much power as the larger 3.5-liter engines. However, it provides more than enough power for most users and is less expensive. Although the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engines are excellent, no engine is perfect. In this post, we’ll go over some of the most common issues with the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engine, as well as its overall dependability.
2.7L EcoBoost Specifications and Information
Before we get into the problems with the Ford 2.7 engine, let’s go over some background information and specs. The Ford 2.7 EcoBoost is a gasoline engine with twin turbochargers and direct injection/port injection. It’s also referred to as the 2.7L Nano engine. Let’s compare some 2.7 EcoBoost specs to the 3.5 EcoBoost engine:
The basic V6 twin-turbo, direct injection design is shared by the Ford 2.7 and 3.5 engines. They’re also available in similar models, such as the Ford F-150. However, the similarities between the 2.7 and 3.5 EcoBoost engines end there. The 2.7L has a more robust compacted graphite iron block and a square cylinder design. When compared to the 3.5L engine, horsepower and torque are also slightly lower for the smaller 2.7 V6 EcoBoost.
2.7 EcoBoost 1st Gen
The original Ford 2.7 EcoBoost can be found in the following models:
- 2015-2017 Ford F-150
- MKX (Lincoln MKX) 2016-2018
- Lincoln Continental 2017-2020
- Lincoln (2019-present) Nautilus
- Ford Edge Sport 2015-2018
- Ford Edge ST from 2019 to the present
- Ford Fusion Sport (2017-2019)
Updates for the 2nd Generation 2.7L Nano
Before we get into the problems with the 2.7 twin-turbo Nano engine, there’s one more thing to talk about. Certain models will receive the 2nd generation Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engine in 2018. Its torque is increased to 400. Most importantly, Ford adds port injection to complement the engine’s existing direct injection. This has advantages such as reducing carbon buildup, which is a 2.7 EcoBoost issue we’ll discuss.
A high-pressure EGR system, lightweight cams, and electronically controlled turbo waste gates are among the other updates for the second generation. This is not an exhaustive list, but rather a selection of noteworthy updates. The Ford 2.7 EcoBoost from the second generation is found in the following vehicles:
- Ford F-150 models from 2018 to present
- Ford Bronco (from 2021 to the present)
Three Common 2.7 EcoBoost Engine Issues
Among the most common issues with the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost twin-turbo engine are:
- Carbon accumulation
- Leaks in the oil pan
- Plugs and ignition coils
The carbon build-up issues, as mentioned with the 2nd gen 2.7L Nano engine, only affect the 1st gen engines without port injection. Oil pan leaks primarily affect the 2015-2017 1st generation engines. We’ll go over the three Ford 2.7 EcoBoost issues in detail below. For the time being, let us make some important remarks.
We’re calling these the most common problems, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re true. Instead, when failures do occur, these are some of the most common areas. Of course, there are numerous other issues that can arise with an engine. This is especially true as the 2.7L EcoBoost ages and accumulates mileage. We’ll go over each of the aforementioned flaws before wrapping up with some general thoughts on 2.7 EcoBoost reliability.
1) Carbon Build-Up Issues with the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost
To begin, we’re looking at a problem with the first-generation engines. On the 2.7 EcoBoost, calling carbon buildup a problem may not be entirely accurate. Carbon build-up affects almost every direct injection (DI) engine. Oil blow-by occurs in all engines. The oil blow-by travels through the intake tract and adheres to the intake ports and valves. Fuel is sprayed into these intake ports with port injection, and oil deposits are washed away.
There is no fuel to clean the intake ports and valves because DI sprays directly into the cylinder. Oil sticks to and hardens on the valves over time, causing carbon buildup. This restricts airflow and can result in inconsistent airflow to the 2.7L EcoBoost cylinders. Carbon buildup isn’t a major issue that needs to be addressed right away. Some Ford 2.7 V6 engines may even go their entire lives without having the intake valves cleaned.
Carbon buildup, on the other hand, can cause some drivability issues. It’s a significant enough issue that Ford addressed it by including port injection on the second-generation 2.7 EcoBoost engines. Fuel washing over the intake valves prevents excessive carbon buildup.
Carbon Build-Up Symptoms on a 2.7 TT V6
Excess carbon deposits on the 2.7 EcoBoost intake valves cause the following symptoms:
- Misfires
- Idle Time
- Stuttering or hesitancy
- Power outage
Mistakes are where problems start. Misfires can be caused by uneven airflow into the cylinders, which is partly to blame for the remaining symptoms. You may notice that the 2.7 EcoBoost idles harshly or feels hesitant when accelerating. Carbon buildup also results in power loss, which can be quite significant in some cases. However, because it occurs slowly over tens of thousands of miles, it can be difficult to detect.
Carbon deposits can impair the ability of intake valves to fully close in extreme cases. As a result, compression would be lost because the cylinder would not seal properly for the combustion process.
Fix for Ford 2.7L Nano Carbon Build-Up
One of the most common and effective methods of cleaning intake valves and ports is walnut blasting. It entails walnut media shells and a powerful shop vac. There are no replacement parts required, but the intake manifold must be removed. Walnut blasting the 2.7 EcoBoost engine will most likely cost between $400 and $600.
Again, this is not an emergency repair, and some people may never clean their 2.7 intake valves. Carbon deposits rarely cause major reliability or longevity issues. We still think it’s excellent maintenance to keep the engine running smoothly. Walnut blasting is recommended for first-generation Ford 2.7 engines every 70,000 to 100,000 miles.
2) Leaks in the 2.7 EcoBoost Oil Pan
This section will be fairly brief. Oil pan leaks primarily affect the 2015-2017 1st generation 2.7L Nano engines. The oil pans are made of plastic and aren’t the best design. Of course, the oil pan must hold hot engine oil, and plastic expands slightly when heated. This may result in issues with the 2.7 EcoBoost oil pan sealing to the block.
When the sealant fails, oil begins to leak from the Ford 2.7L engine oil pan. Ford fixed the problem in 2018 by redesigning the oil pan. In the grand scheme of things, it’s a minor issue because Ford quickly fixed it. However, it’s worth mentioning because it’s one of the few design flaws on an otherwise dependable engine.
Symptoms and Repair for Ford 2.7L V6 Oil Pan Leak
In terms of symptoms, there isn’t much to say. Examine the 2.7 EcoBoost for any visible oil leaks. That’s a dead giveaway that oil is leaking from somewhere, and on early models, the oil pan is usually to blame.
Most likely, a significant number of faulty oil pans have already been replaced under warranty. Otherwise, parts and labor at a repair shop can easily exceed $500. It’s not a difficult DIY, but make sure to be precise with the sealant process.
3) Ignition Coils & Spark Plugs for 2.7L EcoBoost
As previously stated, it may not be fair to call carbon buildup a true problem because it is simply a disadvantage of direct injection. Another area that may not be considered common is spark plugs and ignition coils. However, we’ve run out of common issues to discuss with the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost. The wear of spark plugs and ignition coils is inherent in turbo engines. These parts must be replaced at some point in all engines.
Turbochargers, on the other hand, put a lot of extra strain on the ignition parts due to high cylinder pressures. Spark plugs on naturally aspirated engines can easily last 80,000 miles or more, while ignition coils can last twice as long. However, these components on the 2.7L twin-turbo EcoBoost are unlikely to last that long. Typically, problems are caused by normal wear and tear, but premature failures can occur.
In any case, the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost will require new spark plugs every 40,000 to 60,000 miles. Ignition coils will most likely last twice as long. When you start tuning or modding the 2.7L twin-turbo engine, the life of these parts can be drastically reduced. We have a couple of modded twin-turbo engines that go through spark plugs every 10,000 miles.
2.7 EB Spark Plug and Ignition Coil Problems
The following are some symptoms of spark plug and/or ignition coil failure on the Ford 2.7L:
- Misfires
- Idle time
- Stuttering/hesitation
- Power outage
- Engine light on (misfire codes)
When spark plugs and ignition coils fail, they exhibit similar symptoms. They can no longer properly ignite the air/fuel mixture for a complete burn as they wear down. This results in misfires, which cause many of the other 2.7 EcoBoost symptoms listed above. If one of the six spark plugs fails, we usually recommend replacing all six at the same time. This is especially true if they haven’t been replaced in a while; chances are the remaining spark plugs are also on their way out. The same can be said for the ignition coils in the 2.7L V6.
Replacement Ford 2.7 V6 Plugs and Coils
Because the two problems have similar symptoms, determining whether the plugs or coils are to blame can be difficult. Here’s a good way to find out. Examine the 2.7 EcoBoost fault codes to determine which cylinder(s) is/are misfiring. Remove the ignition coil from the faulty cylinder(s) and replace it with one that is not misfiring. Drive around for a few minutes and then pull the fault codes again. If the misfires continued after installing the new cylinders, ignition coils are most likely to blame. Otherwise, it’s most likely the spark plugs, which you can confirm with the same strategy.
Fortunately, replacing spark plugs and ignition coils on the 2.7 EcoBoost is a simple and inexpensive repair. Even inexperienced DIYers can complete the job in an hour or two. Spark plugs typically cost between $40 and $100, while ignition coils can cost between $200 and $300.
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Reliability of Ford 2.7 EcoBoost
Is the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engine trustworthy? Yes. We believe the 2.7 V6 EcoBoost is more reliable than average. The engine is free of many common issues, especially in 2nd generation and 2018+ engines. Ford was quick to address the oil pan leak issues. Port injection was also added to the 2nd generation 2.7 EcoBoost to help prevent carbon buildup. We don’t consider ignition parts to be a true common problem, but it does highlight the fact that twin-turbo engines can be more difficult to maintain.
The reliability of the Ford 2.7 V6 engine is sometimes simply a matter of luck. Unfortunately, we have no control over that aspect. However, 2.7 EcoBoost owners do have a lot of control over a lot of things. Maintain the engine properly, repair problems as they arise, and let the engine warm up before pushing it hard. Otherwise, it all comes down to the fundamentals, such as using high-quality oil and changing it on schedule.
If you take care of your 2.7L EcoBoost, it will most likely reward you with a fun and dependable life. The twin-turbo, direct injection design requires more maintenance, but we believe it is well worth it. Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engines provide an excellent balance of power, torque, fuel economy, towing capacity, and fun. Overall, it’s a very good engine. Most well-maintained 2.7L V6 engines should have no trouble reaching 200,000 miles. That’s an impressive amount of time.
Summary of Ford 2.7L V6 Common Issues
We’re as impressed with the smaller 2.7 EcoBoost engine as we were with the larger 3.5 EcoBoost engine. In almost every way, we believe the twin turbo 3.5L engine outperforms the 5.0 Coyote. The 2.7 EcoBoost engine isn’t quite as powerful, but it’s not far behind. It’s also an excellent choice because the 2.7L engine is less expensive than both the 3.5 V6 and 5.0 V8 engines.
Early first-generation 2.7 EcoBoost engines have issues with carbon deposits and oil pan leaks. Ford was quick to address both issues, updating the oil pan and adding port injection to later engines. Otherwise, the only other thing we could think of writing about was ignition parts. They are not true issues, but they do highlight an important fact: turbo engines can be a little more difficult to maintain.
Nonetheless, if the Ford 2.7 engine is well maintained, it is a fantastic, dependable engine. With long ownership, some minor issues are likely to arise, especially as the vehicles age and accumulate mileage. That is true of any engine, however.
