The 3.5 EcoBoost Problems Ford Confirmed on 2011–2020 F-150s
Table of Contents
Which 3.5 EcoBoost is in your F-150?
Your model year tells you which 3.5 EcoBoost generation you have, but Ford’s bulletins sort by build date.
- Cold-start rattle? Find your build window in the table below.
- Holding a quote? Each section gives Ford’s labour hours.
- Is Ford still paying? See the dated coverage table.
- 2021 or newer? See our F-150 problems by model year guide.
2011–2016 trucks: Gen 1
Ford confirmed the 2016 F-150 still used the first-generation 3.5L.
2017–2020 trucks: Gen 2
The 2017 F-150 got an all-new second-generation 3.5L.
2021 and newer: see the pillar
That includes the 24S70 and 25S30 cup plug recalls on some 2024–2025 trucks.
ℹ️ Safety Note: This article covers reduced power under acceleration and a brake master cylinder recall on certain 2013–2018 3.5L F-150s. It’s general information only; have any stumble, flashing check-engine light or brake warning inspected by a qualified technician.
Gen 1 vs Gen 2: the build dates Ford actually uses
In the F-150, Gen 1 is 2011–2016 and Gen 2 is 2017–2020, but Ford’s bulletins split by build date:
| Problem | Applies To | Ford / NHTSA Document | Ford Labour Time | Status (Sep 11, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P0016, worn primary timing chain | Gen 1: 2011–2014, built on or before Oct 10, 2014 | TSB 17-0026 | 8.9 hrs | Repair instruction only |
| Cold-start rattle (chain + phasers) | Gen 1: 2011–2015, built on or before May 29, 2015 | TSB 18-2305 | 9.2 hrs (2011–14), 9.0 hrs (2015) | Repair instruction only |
| Stumble on hard acceleration, humid weather | Gen 1: 2011–2012 (TSB); 2011–2013 (investigation) | TSB 13-8-1; NHTSA PE13-018 | Not covered here | Investigation closed, no recall |
| Excess oil consumption (PCV) | Gen 2: 2017–2019, built on or before Apr 1, 2019 | TSB 20-2132 | Not covered here | Warranty-only |
| Cam phaser rattle | Gen 2: 2017–2020, built on or before Nov 30, 2019 | TSB 23-2143; CSP 21N03 | 9.6 hrs (TSB), 9.5 hrs (21N03) | 21N03 expired Jan 1, 2023 |
Sources: Ford bulletins filed with NHTSA and NHTSA investigation PE13-018, listed in the ledger. Labour times are Ford’s warranty allowances for the F-150, excluding Raptor.
What changed in the 2017 engine
Ford calls Gen 2 all-new, with a port injector added beside each direct injector and peak torque raised to 450 lb-ft.
Why your model year isn’t enough
A 2015 truck built after May 29, 2015 misses TSB 18-2305. A Ford dealer can confirm your exact build date from the VIN.
The gaps no bulletin covers
We found no Ford bulletin for timing noise on Gen 1 trucks built after May 29, 2015, or 2020 trucks built after November 30, 2019. That’s missing paperwork, not a clean bill of health.
Gen 1: cold-start rattle and P0016 timing chain wear
Ford wrote two Gen 1 timing bulletins, each with its own trigger.
The 2–5 second rattle after sitting overnight
TSB 18-2305 covers 2011–2015 F-150s built on or before May 29, 2015 with a ticking or rattle lasting 2–5 seconds after sitting six hours. Ford replaces all four cam phasers and the primary chain.
P0016 and the +6° test
TSB 17-0026 covers 2011–2014 trucks built by October 10, 2014 that set code P0016. If the scan-tool reading VCT_INT_ACT1 shows +6 degrees or more, the bulletin calls for a new primary chain.
🔍 Why It Happens: P0016 means the computer sees crankshaft and camshaft out of alignment. A worn chain lets cam position drift; VCT_INT_ACT1 measures it in degrees.
What Ford’s labour time means for your quote
💵 On these numbers: Costs shown are typical ranges, not quotes. Labour rates vary sharply by region and between dealer and independent shops, and parts pricing moves. Use these to judge whether a quote is in the right neighbourhood, not to predict your invoice.
💵 What It Costs: Ford allows 8.9 hours (P0016) and 9.2 hours (rattle). At $120–$159 an hour, the band nearly half of US shops charge per a 2025 PartsTech report cited by AAA, labour runs about $1,070–$1,465 before parts. Independents use their own labour guides.
✅ Do This: Ask the shop to note the VCT_INT_ACT1 value and confirm whether Ford’s P0016 timing chain bulletin or TSB 18-2305 fits your build date.
Gen 1: the stumble when passing in humid weather
NHTSA formally investigated this Gen 1 problem.
What owners reported to NHTSA
NHTSA opened PE13-018 in May 2013 on 95 complaints of reduced power during hard acceleration on 2011–2013 3.5L F-150s. Testing found trucks still accelerated, just more slowly than drivers expected.
🔍 Why It Happens: Moisture collects in the charge air cooler during humid highway driving. A hard throttle pulls that water into the cylinders and causes a misfire.
What Ford changed — and why there was no recall
📋 On the Record: Ford added a cooler deflector through a series of bulletins, including TSB 13-8-1 for 2011–2012 trucks. NHTSA closed investigation PE13-018 on April 7, 2014 without a recall. Status checked September 11, 2026: closed.
✅ Do This: Ask a Ford dealer whether the cooler bulletin work shows complete on your VIN. Ford warns a deflector on the wrong cooler version costs significant power.
Gen 2: cam phaser rattle on 2017–2020 trucks
Ford allows 9.5 hours (CSP 21N03) or 9.6 hours (TSB 23-2143) to replace all four cam phasers on a 2017–2020 F-150.
Cold rattle, hot-idle knock, and Auto Start-Stop no-restarts
TSB 23-2143 covers 2017–2020 F-150s built on or before November 30, 2019 with a cold-start rattle from worn cam phasers. Ford also lists a warm-idle knock and failed Auto Start-Stop restarts, with or without code P164C.
21B10, 21N03, 21N08: what each did
21B10 updated software to protect the phasers. 21N08 reverted it free if it caused a shudder; 21N03 paid a prorated share of replacement if noise continued.
Ford’s 9.5-hour labour time, applied to your quote
💵 What It Costs: 9.5 hours at $120–$159 an hour is about $1,140–$1,510 in labour, before parts and tax . If a quote adds chains or guides, ask why: Ford’s current cam phaser bulletin says not to replace other timing parts.
What’s still covered in 2026 — and what isn’t
No 3.5L engine program is still paying as of September 11, 2026; CSP 21N03 expired January 1, 2023.
| Campaign | Type | Applies To | Status (Sep 11, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21B10 | CSP (software update) | 2017–2020 F-150; 2018–2020 Expedition/Navigator, 3.5L | Ended July 31, 2022 |
| 21N03 | CSP (prorated phaser replacement) | Same | Expired Jan 1, 2023 |
| 21N08 | CSP (software revert for shudder) | Same | Expired Jan 1, 2023 |
| 16S24 | Safety recall, brake master cylinder | 2013–2014 F-150 3.5L built Aug 1, 2013–Aug 31, 2014 (Dearborn through Aug 22) | No expiry — check VIN |
| 20S31 | Safety recall, brake master cylinder | 2014–2017 F-150 3.5L built Sep 1, 2014 (Kansas City) or Oct 1, 2014 (Dearborn) through Aug 1, 2016 | No expiry — check VIN |
| 22S11 | Safety recall, brake master cylinder | Certain 2016–2018 F-150 3.5L; 2016–2017 Expedition/Navigator | No expiry — check VIN |
Sources: Ford program and recall bulletins filed with NHTSA, listed in the ledger.
Why a TSB isn’t a promise to pay
Ford’s bulletins state they don’t change warranty limits, so out-of-warranty TSB work is customer-pay.
21N03 ended January 1, 2023
Ford’s 21N03 program terms required the 21B10 update by February 28, 2022, then paid 100% under 70,000 miles, sliding to nothing at 90,000.
The brake recall that follows the 3.5 EcoBoost trim
Ford widened this brake master cylinder recall twice as field data grew. Open recalls are repaired free.
✅ Do This: Check your VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup. If a brake warning appears or pedal feel changes, get it inspected first. Our F-150 coverage tables list every other program.
Can you keep driving it? What each problem does over time
Ford treats the Gen 1 code and Gen 2 noise differently.
Gen 1 P0016: Ford lists driveability concerns
TSB 17-0026 says P0016 may arrive with other codes and driveability concerns. Get it diagnosed before you tow.
Gen 2 phaser noise: Ford’s own position
Ford states phaser noise doesn’t affect safety, performance or emissions. That covers the noise, not a warning light.
✅ Do This: A flashing check-engine light signals an active misfire. Have it inspected before towing, and bring the bulletin number from the table.
3.5 EcoBoost problems FAQ
1. What years are Gen 1 and Gen 2 3.5 EcoBoost in the F-150?
3.5 EcoBoost Gen 1 covers 2011–2016 F-150s; the all-new Gen 2 engine covers 2017–2020 F-150s.
2. Is a 2016 F-150 3.5 EcoBoost Gen 1 or Gen 2?
Gen 1. Ford says the 2016 F-150 used the first-generation 3.5 EcoBoost; the second generation arrived for 2017.
3. What does P0016 mean on a Gen 1 3.5 EcoBoost?
On 2011–2014 trucks built by October 10, 2014, Ford ties 3.5 EcoBoost code P0016 to a worn primary timing chain.
4. Which 3.5 EcoBoost years have cam phaser problems?
Ford’s current bulletin covers 3.5 EcoBoost cam phaser rattle on 2017–2020 F-150s built on or before November 30, 2019.
5. Is the 3.5 EcoBoost cam phaser rattle dangerous?
Ford states cam phaser noise on the 2017–2020 3.5 EcoBoost doesn’t affect safety, performance or emissions. Still have any warning light diagnosed.
6.Will a PCM update fix 3.5 EcoBoost cam phaser rattle?
Ford’s 21B10 update aimed to protect 3.5 EcoBoost cam phasers; trucks still rattling got prorated replacement under 21N03, now expired.
7. Is Ford CSP 21N03 still active?
No. CSP 21N03, Ford’s prorated 3.5 EcoBoost cam phaser coverage for 2017–2020 F-150s, expired January 1, 2023.
8. Did Ford recall the 3.5 EcoBoost for the humid-weather stumble?
No. NHTSA closed investigation PE13-018 on 2011–2013 3.5 EcoBoost trucks in April 2014 without a recall. Ask a dealer whether the bulletin work shows complete.
9. Does a TSB mean Ford pays for 3.5 EcoBoost repairs?
No. Ford’s 3.5 EcoBoost bulletins don’t change warranty limits; after your coverage ends, you pay.
10. How long does Ford say 3.5 EcoBoost cam phaser replacement takes?
Ford allows 9.5 hours (21N03) or 9.6 hours (TSB 23-2143) for all four 3.5 EcoBoost cam phasers.
What to do next with your 3.5 EcoBoost
Find your build date, match the bulletin, then run your VIN. Take the bulletin number and Ford’s labour hours to any quote.
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