The Top 4 Ford Mustang GT Coyote 5.0 Engine Issues. The 5.0L Coyote engine is part of Ford’s modular engine family, which can be found in F150 and Mustang GT models from 2011 to the present. While the Coyote engine has been updated multiple times, some recurring issues remain consistent across all Coyote engines. Yet, these engines are often dependable. As a result, it may not be entirely accurate to classify these as actually widespread issues. Nonetheless, we’ll go over some of the most prevalent issues and concerns with the 2011+ Coyote engines in this tutorial.
Typical 5.0 Coyote Engine Issues
- Tick of the Engine
- Transmission is automatic.
- Oil Pan and Pan Gasket
- Rattling on the inside
Again, Ford’s 5.0 Coyote engine is a dependable engine in general. Some may argue that we are picking on minor issues. It’s crucial to remember that just because we list some common issues doesn’t ensure you’ll encounter them. We want to talk about the most prevalent issues, but it doesn’t mean they apply to the vast majority of Mustang GTs. Therefore, discussing dependability is difficult. Some of it is due to how the car is maintained, operated, and so on. Some of it is just down to the luck of the draw.
Moving on, the four most typical Coyote 5.0 issues are engine tick, auto trans issues, oil pan gasket leaks, and interior rattling. The engine tick is a touchy subject, so let’s leave it at that for now. We’ll get started down below. Many Ford models have automatic transmission problems that have been thoroughly documented and researched. Oil pans and gaskets may be speculative, but there’s a good reason they’re on the list. Lastly, this is intended to provide a guide to typical engine difficulties. Nonetheless, many owners note or complain about interior rattling, so we thought a little comment at the end was in order. There isn’t much else to talk about in terms of engine problems. The 5.0 Coyote is off to a good start.
1) Coyote 5.0 “Type Writer” Engine Tick
This isn’t fun to talk about, write about, or think about, so please bear with us. Initially, there appear to be many variants of engine tick. Ford engines have long been plagued by ticking noises. Typically, it appears that this has no significant or obvious impact on engine longevity. Certain Ford engines run for the majority of their lives yet can still travel 200,000 miles or more. It is, however, a somewhat unique discussion on the 2018+ Coyote 5.0 engines. Why instances of 2018+ Gen 3 Coyotes? Let’s go through some of the most significant modifications to the 2018 engines.
- Immediate injection (DI)
- Cylinder liner for plasma arc
Is it the 5.0 Coyote Direct Injectors’ fault?
These are just a handful of the changes for the 2018 Mustang GT. Nonetheless, they may both contribute to explain why engine ticking noises are so common on certain models. DI engine injectors are well recognized for making loud clicking sounds. We’re used to injector clicking as BMW enthusiasts, and it’s entirely natural. When the N54 was newer, though, it wasn’t difficult to locate forum discussions inquiring why their engine was ticking. That was often only the injectors, but people weren’t used to the noises because it was new technology for BMW gasoline engines at the time.
On the 2018 Coyotes, there appears to be more going on than just direct injectors. Some folks may believe their Mustang GT makes a ticking sound, but it’s just the regular direct injector clicking. That is the point we are attempting to make. True engine tick is not caused by direct injection. Some people, however, may be mistaking normal direct injection sounds for engine ticks. As a result, this issue may be exaggerated (something the internet can readily do even without the assistance of noisy injectors).
Is the ticking caused by Piston Slap?
Regrettably, this appears to be the most likely culprit. Plasma arc cylinder liners are used in the Gen 3 Coyote engine. This liner could be producing slight clearance issues, resulting in the piston lightly brushing up against the cylinder wall. Some owners have had their engines replaced owing to cylinder wall scoring, lending credence to this notion. If this is the case, there may be cause for concern as these engines reach 100,000 miles or more. Piston slap could gradually wear away at the cylinder walls, causing the cylinders to lose compression. It is just one of the internal issues that piston slap can bring in the long run.
Yet, there are still too many unanswered questions. Why do certain older Gen 1 and Gen 2 5.0 Coyote engines exhibit ticking issues? Does this imply that it’s not a piston slap? Is it still piston slap, although it has nothing to do with the plasma liners? Will there be more early engine breakdowns when more 5.0 coyote-powered Mustang GTs reach 100,000 miles?
Tick Summary 5.0 Coyote Type Writer
Ford acknowledged the problem and issued a bulletin about it. They did not, however, address the fundamental issues. Ford indicated that that was usual, which further adds to the confusion. If ticking is normal, why do some engines experience it while the majority of others do not? The situation is somewhat tangled, and there are no clear solutions. Yet, we feel the problems are not as widespread as the internet might lead you to believe.
If it’s piston slap, the ticking of the 5.0 Coyotes could have major consequences down the road. In our experience, engine tick is not normal and usually indicates a problem. Overall, we don’t feel that should deter anyone from purchasing a Mustang GT, but it is something prospective owners should be aware of. Apologies for the lengthy topic, but we’ll make up for it in the following ones.
2) Transmission Problems with the Mustang GT
We’re sorry, but Ford automatic transmissions are terrible. When it comes to transmissions, they’ve never had a good reputation. Simply search for “Ford transmission difficulties,” “Ford transmission recall,” “Ford transmission settlement,” and so on. You will not find encouraging results. They will, however, be primarily aimed (pun intended) at Fiesta and Focus models. In any case, Ford transmission issues are widespread, and the 5.0 Coyote is no exception.
While some Mustang GT automatic transmissions may last longer than others, none are without problems. We’re largely concerned with automatics here, although it’s worth noting that manuals aren’t without flaws. Prior to the 2011 model year, manual transmissions were generally respected. MT82 manual transmissions coupled with the Coyote 5.0 haven’t fared as well.
Regrettably, none of the Mustang GTs are immune to transmission problems. The primary attention, however, is on the 2018+ 10r80 10 speed automatic transmission. We don’t want this piece to be all negative, and the 10r80 difficulties, like any automotive problems, are probably exaggerated. So let’s start with the positive. Overall, the 10r80 is a reliable transmission. In our perspective, 10 gears are a little excessive, but they do an excellent job of keeping the 5.0 Coyote inside its power envelope. It also has a quick and precise transmission. So far, though, there have been several glitches and complaints. The 10r80, like the MT82, is the subject of some litigation.
Symptoms of a 10r80 Transmission Issue
Among the symptoms of Ford Mustang 10R80 transmission problems are:
- Clunking noises
- Jerky changes
- Gears that have gone missing
- Slow shifts / stuck gears
Clunking or strange gearbox sounds, abrupt shifts, missing gears, hanging gears, and/or slow shifts may all indicate a problem with the 10r80. But it’s not all horrible. Some owners had their problems repaired by having the dealership reset the power-train control module (PCM). This suggests that certain transmission difficulties may be software-related. Clunking or odd transmission sounds, on the other hand, usually indicate a mechanical problem. It stands to reason that if you’re hearing clunking, something is wrong with the physical components.
Transmission 10r80 Replacement
Luckily, most Coyote 5.0 engines with the 10r80 transmission are still covered under warranty. Of course, power-train modifications like tunes and bolt-ons may void your warranty. If you’re having transmission problems, the dealership will most likely try resetting the PCM first. For some, this appears to be the solution. If that doesn’t cure the problem, you may need to replace the transmission or have the existing transmission rebuilt.
Hopefully, any problematic transmissions are repaired under warranty. It’s still worth noting as these 10 speed Mustang GTs get older. If these problems are not resolved under warranty, they may result in costly repair fees down the line.
Related : The 2010 Honda Civic Typical Issues
3) 5.0 Coyote Oil Pan and Gasket
Okay, we promised to speed things up a little, so this section will be brief. It is possible that the oil pan and oil pan gasket concerns are speculative. It’s worth noting, though, that 2018+ Coyote 5.0 vehicles come with a plastic oil pan.
Another point to consider based on our own experience with snow and ice in frigid climates. Our 2007 335i has a plastic underbody panel that lacks the thickness and durability of the 5.0 oil pan. It is, however, a quite thick and strong underbody panel. Well, after years of driving in Colorado the panel was completely torn to tears. The larger trucks drop chunks of ice from their wheel wells and ping their way under the car. Potholes caused by icy conditions and ice lumps do not help either.
The fact is that repeated abuse could produce problems with the 5.0 coyote oil pan. One rock, one large pothole, one chunk of ice, etc. will not cause significant damage. Years of overuse, on the other hand, may wear out the plastic oil pan.
4) Interior Rattling Issues with the Ford Mustang
Again, we’ll be brief, especially because this is completely unrelated to engine/power-train difficulties. But, this is good news because it means there isn’t much further to say in terms of reliability with the 5.0 Coyote. There’s also not much to talk about when it comes to Mustang GTs and interior rattling. It’s one of those things where you just have to listen carefully and figure out where the rattling is coming from.
There may be several solutions depending on the particular source of the rattle. To solve the rattling, you may need to employ some inventiveness. Some people choose to slide foam, cardboard, or other materials underneath rattling panels. Otherwise, it could be a loose bolt or screw. It’s annoying when new automobiles start rattling so quickly. Most automobiles, however, develop interior rattles with time, and some owners choose to simply deal with it.
5.0 Summary of Coyote Issues and Reliability
Overall, the 2011+ Mustang GT 5.0 Coyote engine is dependable and does not suffer from many typical issues. Keep an ear out for engine ticking noises, but keep in mind that you could be hearing the direct injection systems. Individuals who have true ticking problems may live shorter lives if something goes wrong sufficiently enough to cause internal damage. It’s a possibility, but it’s been greatly exaggerated. Ford doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to transmissions, and none of the Mustang GTs are immune to problems. Transmission failures, once again, are not as common as some may lead you to believe. The plastic oil pan gasket for 2018+ vehicles was a fascinating change, but any difficulties are completely speculative.
Finally, because many people experience interior rattles, we included them. We also ran out of things to say about true 5.0 Coyote power-train issues. But, we believe it is necessary to make one final point. All automobiles and engines are susceptible to a variety of failures. Some 5.0 Coyote dependability is determined by maintenance, how the car is driven, how it is modified, and so on. Sometimes it’s just the luck of the draw. Nonetheless, the 5.0 Coyote engine in the Mustang GT is a powerful engine in terms of both performance and dependability.
