Ford/EcoBoost3.5
Ford · Bi-turbo

EcoBoost3.5

F-150·Mk13·2015–2020·3,497 cc

"Poor idle quality noted on Gen 3 units; upgrading the battery helped some owners with stop/start issues."

SOLID
62/ 100
"Capable workhorse, but recalls demand attention"
99
Max HP
571
Torque Nm
8,000
Oil interval km
5
Recalls
6
Known issues
Known Issues
Engine Recall — Critical Safety Issue (Dual ENGINE Recalls)€0-0 · 0-200,000 kmCRITICAL

NHTSA has issued two separate ENGINE-category recalls affecting 2015-2019 Ford F-150 models with the 3.5 EcoBoost. All affected owners should verify recall completion at a Ford dealer immediately. Repairs are covered under recall at no cost.

Check engine light
Engine stall or unexpected shutdown
Potential fire risk depending on specific recall scope
DIY: Not applicable — dealer remedy required
Poor Idle Quality / Stop-Start System Issues€100-400 · 50,000-150,000 kmMODERATE

Community reports indicate Gen 3 3.5 EcoBoost units can develop rough or uneven idle quality. Some owners traced the issue to an underpowered battery affecting the stop-start system, with an H8 battery upgrade resolving symptoms.

Rough idle
Erratic stop-start behaviour
Vibration at idle
DIY: Easy — battery replacement is DIY-friendly
Seat Belt Pretensioner Recall€0-0 · 0-200,000 kmMODERATE

Certain 2015-2018 F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles are subject to a seat belt pretensioner recall. Affected pretensioners may not function correctly in a collision, increasing injury risk. Dealer remedy at no cost.

No warning until collision event
DIY: Not applicable — dealer remedy required
Door Latch / Lock Linkage Recall€0-0 · 0-200,000 kmMODERATE

Certain 2015-2017 F-150 vehicles are recalled for a door latch defect that may allow doors to open unexpectedly, increasing occupant ejection risk in a crash. Dealer remedy at no cost.

Door fails to latch securely
Door opens during driving
DIY: Not applicable — dealer remedy required
Rear Inflatable Seat Belt Recall (Crew Cab)€0-0 · 0-200,000 kmMODERATE

Certain 2015-2017 F-150 crew cab variants are recalled for a defective left rear inflatable seat belt that may not deploy correctly in a collision. Dealer remedy at no cost.

No warning until collision event
DIY: Not applicable — dealer remedy required
Electrical and Electronic System Failures€200-1,500 · 80,000-180,000 kmLOW

Honest John data notes an unusual number of electrical and electronic system failures on this generation. Issues can range from minor sensor faults to more significant module failures.

Warning lights
Infotainment or module dropouts
Unexplained fault codes
DIY: Moderate — diagnosis requires a capable scan tool
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Buying Checklist
Run the VIN through NHTSA recall database and confirm both ENGINE recalls are completed before purchase
Verify door latch, seat belt pretensioner, and rear inflatable seat belt recalls are also resolved
Load-test the battery and request proof of H8 AGM upgrade or plan for immediate replacement
Perform a full OBD2 scan across all modules to surface any stored electrical or engine fault codes
Test idle quality cold and warm — rough or uneven idle is a known community-flagged concern on this generation
Inspect both turbochargers and intercooler plumbing for signs of boost leaks, oil seepage, or actuator faults
Service Reality
Community oil interval8,000 km
Oil specificationFord WSS-M2C945-A 5W-30 full synthetic (verify with owner's manual for specific model year)
Est. ownership cost (2yr)€1,200-4,000 over 60,000 km depending on recall status, electrical repairs, and turbo system maintenance
Real fuel consumptionNo data
Also Found In
Ford F-250 Super Duty (2017-2019)Ford F-350 Super Duty (2017-2019)Ford F-450 Super Duty (2017-2019)Ford F-550 Super Duty (2017-2019)Ford Expedition (3.5 EcoBoost variant)
Buying Advice

The Ford F-150 Mk13 3.5 EcoBoost is a capable and torque-rich truck, but the presence of two separate NHTSA ENGINE recalls makes a VIN check non-negotiable before any purchase. Confirm all five recalls are completed at the dealer — this is the single most important step. Electrical gremlins are flagged by Honest John as unusually common on this generation, so budget for diagnostic time and carry out a full module scan before committing. If all recalls are clear, the battery is healthy, and idle quality is smooth, this engine can be a dependable long-term proposition for buyers who maintain it properly.

Parts People Buy
H8 AGM Battery (Ford F-150 3.5 EcoBoost)Link unavailable
Full Synthetic 5W-30 Engine Oil (Ford WSS-M2C945-A)Link unavailable
OBD2 Multi-Module Scan ToolLink unavailable
Intercooler Boost Pipe Kit (3.5 EcoBoost F-150)Link unavailable
Wastegate Actuator (3.5 EcoBoost)Link unavailable
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