3.5 Ecoboost or not ?

[mgray34]

I had a 2013 F-150 with a 3.5 EcoBoost and ultimately the engine blew up. By far the worst truck I have ever owned. Truck spent more time in the shop than it did on the road as it had multiple issues. I've had f-150s my whole life and this one truck made me switch to a Tundra. I curious what the Tundra did to make you want to go to a F-150?

 

[dreamingWest]

I bought my 2020 3.5 this past July. I think it's better in every way than the 2013 5.3 Chevy it replaced. Very good uograde. I'm at 50k miles so can't speak to longevity.

 

[bowhuntercoop]

I sold my 2.7 and went back to a common rail, 06 5.9 Cummins. I liked the 2.7 but it lacked what I needed for towing. Couldn’t pay me to own a 3.5 or 5.0. Gun to my head it would be the 2.7 all day, I’m just a diesel guy at heart.

 

[iamthenick]

I'd say it's definitely the way of the future. Toyota went to a twin turbo... ram... I'm sure the rest will follow. I got a 2016 and I've had it from 36k to now about 100k.

Only issues I've had is the exhaust leaking, one side was replaced at 36k and the other side just now started. You can hear it leaking if you get on the gas good when the engine is cold, otherwise if it warms up it expands and doesn't leak. (I know you shouldn't be getting on the gas like that and I don't do it)

Decent truck I'm hoping it'll last to 200k or more

 

[GunsAreFun]

I had a 2013 F-150 with a 3.5 EcoBoost and ultimately the engine blew up. By far the worst truck I have ever owned. Truck spent more time in the shop than it did on the road as it had multiple issues. I've had f-150s my whole life and this one truck made me switch to a Tundra. I curious what the Tundra did to make you want to go to a F-150?

Part of it was that I’ve had it for 11.5 years and was just ready for something different. The small gas tank and poor mileage got annoying when taking trips. I seriously considered 2020-21 Tundras, but I would basically only gain 12 extra gallons in the tank and adaptive cruise control while losing tons of interior storage due to the backseat design change so upgrading to a newer tundra didn’t make sense.

To be clear, my Tundra hasn’t been perfect. The front differential needed replacing around 75k miles. It was covered under an extended warranty I bought, but it was like a $2,500 repair back in ~2017. It has slow starts in the winter due to a bad flex fuel sensor that is eventually going to kill the pump. The fuel pump control relay went out. It was fixed with a reset, but I started carrying a spare with me in case it happened again. Replaced a ball joint. Replaced an axle…maybe two due to failed seals. The bed of the truck is rusting horribly, which is basically guaranteed on any 2007-2013 in the Midwest or north. That was going to be a $3-5k repair or replacement eventually. It was still usable, but maybe only a few years before the bolt connections were done and it wasn’t safe anymore. Not Toyotas fault, but the aftermarket CarPlay stereo was going out so that was going to be a $1,200-1,500 replacement.

I got a dirt cheap Ford Platinum extended warranty for 6 more years plus a lifetime powertrain warranty through the dealer. If the ford gives me problems, I’ll get them fixed under the warranty and then move on if I don’t trust the truck. Have friends with F-150s that all have over 100k of problem free miles…either absolutely no repairs or just a couple small things. Figured I’d give it a shot.

 

[camelcluch]

I have gen 1 2012. They are known to loose the turbos at 150k. The gen 2 and 3s are much better. I have not had any real major problems at 140k miles. I would not buy another turbo 6 because of some personal dislikes. Just give me the plain old V8.

 

[riversidejeep]

Had a 14 , It left me stranded 3 times so I bought a ram diesel. I sold the 14 3.5 tt to my buddy and he uses' it as a passenger car and has not had any problems.

 

[bojangles808]

The 2.7 is better but depends on your needs

 

[onceacamel]

I have a 2017 3.5EB with the 10 speed tranny. It is a great combo. Pulling a tandem 20ft enclosed trailer with about 5k lbs weight it cruises over Colorado mountain passes with ease.

 

[Szwampdonkey]

2016 with 123,000 miles on it now. It got a wheel bearing replaced i think 2 years ago, that’s it. It’s been a great truck and i plan on driving it to 300K with todays rip off prices.

 

[Poltax]

I have a 2020 with 125,000 on it. I have not had one issue with this F150. I am on the road almost every week with it. Its been a good ride. Change the oil every 5,000 miles. I have a warranty out to 150,000 We will see what interest rates are later in 2025. I currently have 0% on the one I have. Kind of hard to trade it off with 0% and no issues

 

[lak2004]

I've got a 2013 pushing 150k. Love it. Best vehicle I've had, it needs some love here and there but nothing too bad. Mine is in need of exhaust manifolds and I might just order turbos when I get in there. We'll see how the shaft play is. Only other big deal out of the normal maintenance was the lead frame but it got fixed under warranty/recall.

 

[czgunner]

Not a chance I would own one. I wouldn't recommend anybody own one out of warranty. Just my opinion from working as a tech.

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[Sccritterkiller]

The 2.7 is better but depends on your needs

I just spent 2 weeks in 2.7 '25 loaner...if that's "better" glad I went with a 250...'25 stx 2.7 4x4 had 600 miles on...only thing truck about it is its looks...

 

[ElkArcher918]

Considering a F-150.. What is the general consensus on the 3.5?

Bought a brand new F-150 XLT 3.5L Ecoboost in 2012. Put 166K miles on it (a third of the miles were hunting related) before I traded it in. Never had any ecoboost (turbo) engine issues but it got to the point that wear and tear replacement parts/labor costs was squeezing my wallet. Gotta say for a 3.5L engine it had alot of power. I also liked the ergonomics and comfortable ride. Would I buy another one? Possibly, but I'd go with a used one with 30-40K miles on it.

 

[SteepandDeep]

I’ve owned a 2013 no issues as well as current 2017 for last 3 years. I’d recommend 2017+ for the 10 speed transmission; nice to have with our 29ft travel trailer.

 

[RDF1]

@RDF1 ~$2500 and the guy lost money on it. He couldn’t do it the easy way because he didn’t have the equipment to pull the cab off the top of the rest of the truck.

Yea i quoted someone $3500 to replace all 4 lines and the about fell out.
Then had to explain to them what it takes to even get to them.
The last ones i replaced on a 2017 Expedition i already had the transmission out so it wasnt near as a bad.
But just those small issues and i have zero want for anything like that.
Id rather keep putting gas and oil in my old beater silverado.

 

[lak2004]

If I didn't live in the mountains I'd go for a v8. The power of the ecoboost while towing over passes can only be beat by a diesel. I dont tow anything heavy enough, often enough, to warrant a diesel though. And yes, ive had other trucks and the ecoboost has been the best hands down.

 

[go4thegusto]

I have had 4 in a row including the first year of production. Never have had a single one in the shop for anything but an oil change. powerful great engine. Right now my 22 has 38,000 miles on it and combined mileage on the total is 18.1

 

[braydencase7]

Not a chance I would own one. I wouldn't recommend anybody own one out of warranty. Just my opinion from working as a tech.

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You only ever see the bad ones lol

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