Ford has been using the EcoBoost name since 2009 to promote its line of turbocharged engines. These engines have been used in everything from the best-selling Ford F-150 pickup truck to the subcompact Fiesta. But one EcoBoost engine stands out in particular, and not for good reasons.
Ford’s 1.6-liter engine was used extensively in the 2010s but had a troublesome history filled with recalls and legal action. This is particularly the case with select model years of the compact Ford Escape SUV and the mid size Ford Fusion sedan. You’ll want to know what’s involved if you own one of these vehicles or are making a purchase.
We’ll outline what potential problems might await these Fords and show you how to handle recall repairs and related issues.
Ford 1.6L Engine: Problem Overview
1.6L engine problems center on the cooling and fuel systems in Ford’s 2013-2014 Fusion, 2013-2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, and the 2013-2015 Transit Connect.
Affected models are prone to leak oil onto hot exhaust pipes, which can cause a fire. These cars may also leak coolant and that can lead to a cracked engine cylinder head. This type of damage can also cause a fire as a result of an external oil leak developing from the cracked engine cylinder head.
Certain 2013 Escapes may also have a defective fuel line that can lead to a gasoline leak and fire risk.
Ford’s Response to 1.6L Engines with Problems
When prominent manufacturing-related issues arise with a vehicle, automakers typically respond with a technical service bulletin (TSB) or a recall. In some instances, a TSB may eventually become a recall.
Think of a TSB as an advisory to Ford dealer service departments. Sometimes called an informal recall, a TSB doesn’t have the legal ramifications of an official manufacturer recall.
In addition to several TSBs on the 1.6L engine, Ford issued several recalls.
| Affected Vehicles | Recall Date | Recall No. |
|---|---|---|
| 2013-2014 Fusion, 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, and 2013-2015 Transit Connect | 03-26-2017 | 17V209000 |
| 2013 Escape, 2013 Fusion | 12-03-2012 | 12V551000 |
| 2013 Escape | 09-04-2012 | 12V431000 |
| 2013 Escape | 07-18-2012 | 12V336000 |
Confirming if your Ford Escape, Fusion, Fiesta ST, or Transit Connect is subject to a recall is simple. The details can be accessed in 3 ways; have the vehicle identification number (VIN) handy if possible, if not, check out option #2.
- Visit the Ford recall support website.
- Check out the recall checker website operated by the NHTSA. You can also look up this information by year, make, and model (click on the “vehicle” tab).
- Contact an authorized Ford dealer.
Using any of these resources will reveal if a particular vehicle is subject to a recall and the status of any corrections.
Getting Repairs for a Ford 1.6L Engine
While only some problems with a Ford 1.6L engine can be traced to a recall, it’s the first place to start. Check one of the resources mentioned above to determine if your car is affected and if any related repair work has been completed.
It’s important to remember that recall work on a Ford 1.6L engine can only be done by an authorized Ford dealer. Keep this in mind if you’ve taken the car to a third-party repair shop and the trouble appears similar to what’s described in one of the recalls, you may want to verify it’s not the recall before you spend your money getting your engine repaired.
Ford – Recalls and Warranty Extensions
A search for information about Ford 1.6L engine problems will uncover terms like “recall” and “warranty extension.” Let’s dive into what these mean.
For automobiles, a recall is a legal process whereby an automaker issues a notice that there’s a specific problem with a particular vehicle. The action may involve only certain models, model years, precise production dates, or other qualifiers that can identify affected vehicles. In the U.S., all automotive recalls are overseen by NHTSA, part of the Department of Transportation.
It’s common for NHTSA to negotiate the terms of a recall with the affected automaker. These factors will determine what vehicles are impacted, the type of repair necessary to correct the problem, and other conditions mutually agreed upon between the agency and automaker. The manufacturer is responsible for all the costs associated with a recall, so, unsurprisingly, automakers will avoid issuing a recall unless it’s absolutely necessary.
In some instances, vehicle owners may feel that a recall doesn’t sufficiently address the problem or provide compensation for their trouble and inconvenience. These situations often spur class action suits against automakers. Some Ford owners with 1.6L and other engines have taken this approach by initiating legal action. As of this writing (11/08/2022), Reed et al. v. Ford Motor Company is an active legal case under consideration by the federal courts.
Another remedy that can come from a recall is a warranty extension. As the name implies, it’s a lengthening of the original manufacturer’s warranty term. When this occurs, the extra coverage applies to a specific component, such as a particular engine part or system. An extension of full bumper-to-bumper coverage typically doesn’t happen under these circumstances.
To date, Ford has not issued a warranty extension related to 1.6L engine problems.
The Difference Between a Warranty Extension and an Extended Warranty
A warranty extension is different from an extended warranty. As discussed, a warranty extension is issued by an automaker to address a precise problem. Meanwhile, an extended warranty is additional protection purchased for coverage after the original manufacturer’s warranty expires.
Sometimes called an auto protection plan, extended service plan, or vehicle service contract, an extended warranty is purchased from the automaker, dealership, or a third-party company. Coverage may focus on select components, like the engine and transmission, or closely mirror a new car warranty.If you would like a full breakdown of how car warranties work, check out another one of our articles: The Ultimate Guide to Car Warranties
Frequently Asked Questions About Ford 1.6L Engine Warranty Extensions
Does Ford offer a warranty extension after expiration?
As of this writing, Ford has not issued a 1.6L engine warranty extension relating to the recalls detailed earlier. It’s not unusual for a warranty extension to result from a legal settlement, but the class action suit over the Ford 1.6L engine is still pending.
Does Ford include a warranty on replacement engines?
Generally, a Ford replacement engine is covered for 24,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first. Some remanufactured engines may have less coverage. Engines replaced under warranty carry forward under the terms of the original factory coverage.
What is the length of the warranty for a Ford engine?
New Ford vehicles are covered by a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty that runs simultaneously with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty (covering the engine, transmission, and other components).
Is there a 200,000 mile guarantee on a Ford?
Ford does not include a new car warranty that lasts for 200,000 miles. However, the company sells Extended Service Plans, which provide protection for vehicles up to ten years old and with as many as 175,000 miles.
Is there a 100,000 mile guarantee on a Ford?
A Ford factory warranty ends at 36,000 or 60,000 miles, depending on the component. The company’s optional Extended Service Plans provide protection for up to 175,000 (on vehicles no more than ten years old).
What is the best way to confirm an extended warranty from Ford?
Additional coverage under a warranty extension or Ford-issued extended warranty can be confirmed by contacting an authorized Ford dealer.
Is it possible for Ford to cancel an extended warranty?
Ford may choose not to honor an extended warranty if the contract terms aren’t followed. For example, a problem caused by a flood or accident would not be covered by a Ford extended warranty, which typically protects against mechanical failure due to normal usage.
Review the following FAQ if the question refers to canceling an extended warranty for a refund
Will Ford buy back an extended warranty?
An unused Ford extended warranty may be canceled for a refund. Requests made within 30 days of warranty purchase are subject to a small processing fee. But otherwise, you’ll receive a full refund. Cancellations made later will receive a prorated refund based on time and mileage.
Wrap-Up: Ford 1.6L Engine Extended Warranty
While Ford didn’t include a warranty extension or extended warranty for problems with its 1.6L engine, it’s still vital to know that some issues are covered by official recalls for affected vehicles. This is helpful to understand if you own a Ford Escape, Ford Fusion, Ford Fiesta ST, or Ford Transit Connect with this troublesome engine.
References:
- Safety Issues & Recalls. (n.d). Nhtsa.gov. Retrieved November 2, 2022, from https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- PERFORMANCE CRATE ENGINE LIMITED WARRANTY (Rev. October 31, 2019). Retrieved November 2, 2022, from https://performanceparts.ford.com/download/PDFS/fpp-engine-warranty.pdf.
- Ford Warranty (n.d.) Retrieved November 2, 2022, from https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/warranty/.
- Ford EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN (n.d.). Retrieved November 2, 2022, from https://fordprotect.ford.com/extended-service-plan.
Dave Goldberg is an automotive journalist and lifelong car fanatic. He writes for numerous enthusiast and business outlets and is an ongoing contributor to HotCars.com, one of the most popular car culture websites. When he’s not writing or driving, Dave is either under a hood or asleep. His credentials include a BA in Journalism from The George Washington University.
