Ford 3.5L EcoBoost Engine
The Ford 3.5L EcoBoost is a twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V6 introduced in 2010, now the volume engine in the F-150, Expedition and Navigator. Used 3.5L EcoBoost engines run $2,200 to $5,500. The critical thing to get right is generation — first-generation and second-generation engines are not interchangeable, and they have very different problem profiles.
Need one now? See our Ford 3.5L EcoBoost engines in stock, or text your VIN to +1 (361) 470-5276 and we'll confirm your generation.
Gen 1 vs Gen 2 — read this before you order
Generation 1 (2011–2016)
Direct injection only. Strong, popular and well supported — but it carries three known issues covered below.
Generation 2 (2017–present)
Ford added port injection alongside direct injection. That single change largely solved the intake valve carbon buildup problem, because port injectors spray fuel across the back of the valves and wash them clean. The timing chain design was also revised, and gen 2 pairs with the 10R80 ten-speed transmission rather than the 6R80.
| Gen 1 (2011–2016) | Gen 2 (2017+) | |
| Fuel delivery | Direct injection only | Direct + port injection |
| Carbon buildup | Common, needs walnut blasting | Largely solved |
| Timing chain | Stretch is the top complaint | Revised design |
| Transmission pairing | 6R80 six-speed | 10R80 ten-speed |
| Typical used price | $2,200 – $3,400 | $3,200 – $5,500 |
These two are not interchangeable. Different block, injection hardware, engine management and transmission pairing. Ordering the wrong generation means the part goes back.
→ Browse tested 3.5L EcoBoost engines in stock
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
| Displacement | 3.5L / 213 cu in |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24 valves |
| Induction | Twin turbocharged |
| Fuel | Direct injection (gen 1), direct + port (gen 2) |
| Block | Aluminum |
| Power | Roughly 355 – 450 hp by variant |
| Production | 2010 – present |
How to Identify Your 3.5L EcoBoost
Read the 8th digit of your VIN.
| 8th VIN digit | Engine |
| T | 3.5L EcoBoost, twin turbo |
| G | 3.5L EcoBoost, high output (Raptor, Limited, GT) |
Then check the model year to determine generation: 2016 and earlier is gen 1, 2017 and later is gen 2.
Not sure? Text your VIN to +1 (361) 470-5276 and we'll decode it, or browse all Ford used engines to see what's available for your year.
Known Problems — Generation 1 (2011–2016)
Timing chain stretch
The most reported gen 1 issue. The chain and its guides wear, the chain stretches, and cam timing drifts. You get a rattle on cold start and eventually a P0016 or similar correlation code. Left long enough it causes running problems.
Buying note: if you're installing a gen 1 unit, this is the moment to inspect or replace the timing components. The engine is already out and access is at its easiest.
Intercooler condensation misfire — the wet weather shudder
Charge air cooling causes moisture to condense inside the intercooler. Under hard acceleration in damp or humid conditions, that water gets pulled into the cylinders and causes a stumble or misfire. Owners often describe it as happening only in rain or heavy humidity.
Fix: Ford issued a revised intercooler design and a deflector kit. Many owners also fit an intercooler drain.
Intake valve carbon buildup
Direct injection sprays fuel into the cylinder rather than across the intake valves, so nothing washes deposits off the back of the valves. Carbon accumulates and eventually affects airflow and idle quality.
Fix: walnut blasting, typically every 80,000 to 120,000 miles on a gen 1.
Turbo wastegate and coolant lines
Higher-mileage units can develop wastegate actuator wear and turbo coolant line issues. Worth checking on any unit above 120,000 miles.
Known Issues — Generation 2 (2017+)
Substantially better. Port injection solved most of the carbon problem, and the timing chain was revised. Remaining considerations are normal turbocharged-engine wear items: turbo condition, oil quality history, and coolant system integrity at high mileage.
Which Vehicles Use the 3.5L EcoBoost
| Vehicle | Years |
| Ford F-150 | 2011–present |
| Ford Expedition | 2015–present |
| Lincoln Navigator | 2015–present |
| Ford Explorer Sport / ST | 2013–present |
| Ford Flex | 2010–2019 |
| Ford Taurus SHO | 2010–2019 |
| Lincoln MKS / MKT | 2010–2019 |
| Ford Transit | 2015–present |
| Ford Raptor | 2017–present (high output) |
Which Years to Buy
- 2017+ gen 2 — the best buy if your vehicle takes one. Port injection removes the carbon problem and the timing chain was revised.
- 2013–2016 gen 1 — later gen 1 units after the intercooler revision. Budget for timing chain inspection.
- 2011–2012 gen 1 — cheapest, but earliest hardware. Check service history carefully.
Used 3.5L EcoBoost Prices
| Generation | Condition | Typical price |
| Gen 1 (2011–2016) | Used, tested | $2,200 – $3,400 |
| Gen 2 (2017–2020) | Used, tested | $3,200 – $4,800 |
| Gen 2 (2021+) | Used, tested | $4,000 – $5,500 |
| High output (Raptor) | Used, tested | $4,500 – $6,500 |
Free freight to any US address — residential included. Most suppliers charge $150 or more for residential delivery.
→ Shop 3.5L EcoBoost engines — live prices and mileage
What's Included
Complete engine assembly: block, heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing components, valve covers and oil pan. Turbochargers, intake manifold and accessories are included where present on the donor unit at no extra charge, but are not covered under warranty.
You will typically transfer from your old engine: alternator, power steering pump, A/C compressor, starter, flexplate, sensors, and vehicle-specific brackets.
Shipping and Warranty
| Warranty | 6 months standard, parts and return freight. Extended to 3 years available. |
| Shipping | Free, all 50 states, residential and commercial |
| Prep time | 3–5 business days |
| Transit | 2–4 business days |
| Before shipping | We photograph your exact unit and send it for approval |
| Returns | 30 days, free return shipping |
Full terms: used engine warranty policy · shipping policy · returns and refunds
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between gen 1 and gen 2 EcoBoost?
Generation 2, from 2017 onward, added port injection alongside direct injection. That change largely eliminated the intake valve carbon buildup that affects generation 1. Ford also revised the timing chain design and paired gen 2 with the 10-speed 10R80 transmission instead of the 6-speed 6R80. The two generations are not interchangeable.
Will a 2015 3.5 EcoBoost fit a 2018 F-150?
No. 2015 is generation 1 and 2018 is generation 2. The block, injection system, engine management and transmission pairing all differ. Send us your VIN and we'll match the correct generation for your truck.
Is the 3.5 EcoBoost reliable?
Generation 2 is solid. Generation 1 is reliable once its three known issues are understood: timing chain stretch, intercooler condensation misfires in damp weather, and intake valve carbon buildup. None is a design failure that ends the engine, but each needs budgeting for.
What causes the EcoBoost shudder in rain?
Water condenses inside the intercooler and gets drawn into the cylinders under hard acceleration, causing a misfire. It affects generation 1 engines and shows up mainly in humid or wet conditions. Ford released a revised intercooler and a deflector kit to address it.
How many miles is too many for a 3.5 EcoBoost?
Under 100,000 miles is ideal on a turbocharged engine. 100,000 to 140,000 is acceptable with documented oil change history, because oil quality matters more on turbo engines than naturally aspirated ones. Above 160,000 we'd recommend a lower-mileage unit.
Should I replace the timing chain when installing a used gen 1?
It's worth serious consideration. The engine is already out, access is at its easiest, and timing chain stretch is the most commonly reported gen 1 issue. Ask your installer to price it as part of the job.
Do you have other Ford engines and transmissions?
Yes. We stock over 2,600 used Ford engines covering the 5.4L Triton, 5.0L Coyote, 4.6L Modular, 3.7L and 6.2L, plus used Ford transmissions including the 6R80 and 10R80. Tell us your VIN and we'll match the right unit.
Need a 3.5L EcoBoost?
Browse 3.5L EcoBoost engines in stock with live prices and documented mileage, or call and text +1 (361) 470-5276 with your VIN. Free nationwide shipping, 6-month warranty, photos before we ship.
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