Government to Investigate Ford F-150 Engine Complaints

By Leslie Spellman :: 8:04 PM

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced earlier today that it would be looking into complaints that Ford F-150 pickup trucks have been plagued with sharp reductions in engine power during acceleration.  Owners of 2011 to 2013 models that are outfitted with Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine have complained about issues with the vehicles for over  a year now.

Action by the NHTSA, a preliminary evaluation at this point, will cover approximately 400,000 vehicles. Ford Motor Company disputes the government’s data, and believes that the number of trucks affected is probably closer to 35,000. The EcoBoost engine that is being examined in the F-150 is also available in other Ford models, including the Explorer and Flex SUVs, as well as the Taurus sedan.

Ninety five Ford pickup owners filed reports with the NHTSA noting a drop in accelerating power during hard acceleration events, such as quickly passing another car on the highway. About 30% of those complaints noted that the problem occurred while driving in the rain or other damp conditions. There have not been any reports of accidents due to this issue.

While the NHTSA can issue vehicle recalls, this type of investigation doesn’t always lead to one. The next step after this investigation, if the NHTSA finds it is warranted, would be to call for a governmental engineering analysis. That step could take up to two more years to complete.

Ford has said it will cooperate with the NHTSA during the investigation.