Ford & Lincoln 2.0L EcoBoost Cylinder Head Failure: Coolant Leaks, Misfires & TSBs (2012-2018)

The Real Problem: Coolant Intrusion From a Flawed Engine Block

Vehicles Affected by 2.0L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion

This guide applies to the 2.0L Turbocharged EcoBoost engine (often identified by the 8th digit of the VIN being '9') in the following North American market vehicles. It does not apply to Hybrid, diesel, or other engine sizes.

• 2012-2013 FORD EXPLORER
• 2013-2017 FORD TAURUS
• 2012-2013 FORD EDGE
• 2013-2013 LINCOLN MKT
• 2013-2016 LINCOLN MKZ
• 2013-2013 FORD ESCAPE
• 2013-2016 FORD FUSION
• 2013-2014 FORD FOCUS (including ST models)
• 2014-2018 FORD SPECIAL SERVICE POLICE SEDAN

Symptoms of a Failing Cylinder Head or Coolant Intrusion

The signs of internal coolant leakage start subtly but can lead to catastrophic engine failure. If you experience these symptoms, stop driving the vehicle immediately to prevent further damage.

1. Unexplained Coolant Loss

The first and most common sign is a slowly dropping coolant level in the overflow reservoir, but you can't find any visible leaks, drips, or puddles under the car. You may find yourself needing to top off the coolant every few hundred miles.

2. White, Sweet-Smelling Exhaust Smoke

When coolant leaks into a cylinder, it is vaporized during combustion and exits the tailpipe as thick, white steam. This is most noticeable on a cold start after the vehicle has been sitting overnight, allowing coolant to pool in the cylinder.

3. Engine Misfires and Rough Running

Coolant in the cylinder will foul the spark plug and prevent proper combustion, causing the engine to misfire, shake, or run poorly. This is often accompanied by a flashing or solid Check Engine Light. Common diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) include:

• P0300: Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
• P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304: Misfire Detected in a specific cylinder (Cylinders 2 and 3 are most common for this issue)
• P0316: Misfire Detected on Startup (First 1000 Revolutions)

4. Engine Overheating

As coolant is lost or hot combustion gases are forced into the cooling system, the engine can no longer maintain its proper operating temperature. This may trigger overheat-related codes like P0217, P1285, or P1299.

5. Milky Engine Oil

In cases of a severe crack or gasket failure, coolant can mix directly with the engine oil. This creates a milky, frothy, 'chocolate milk' substance that can be seen on the oil dipstick or under the oil filler cap. This indicates a critical failure that requires immediate engine shutdown.

Diagnosis and TSB Information

Ford has issued several Technical Service Bulletins regarding this problem. The most relevant is TSB 19-2346, which superseded earlier versions. It covers some 2015-2018 Edge and 2017-2019 Fusion, MKZ, Escape, and MKC models. 🎬 Watch: Learn more about the Ford TSB and engine block flaw However, the underlying engine design flaw exists in the earlier models listed in this guide as well, which is why they are included in class-action lawsuits concerning this exact issue.

A technician will diagnose this issue by:

1. Verifying coolant loss.
2. Pressure testing the cooling system. A loss of more than 4 PSI over 5 hours is a sign of a leak.
3. Checking for DTCs related to misfires or overheating.
4. Using a borescope camera through the spark plug holes to visually inspect for coolant inside the cylinders.
🎬 Watch: How to check for coolant intrusion using a borescope

If coolant is found in the cylinders, the TSB recommends a complete long block engine replacement.

Buying a Used Engine Cylinder Head: A Buyer's Guide

If you and your mechanic have definitively ruled out a cracked engine block and confirmed the fault is only in the cylinder head, a quality used OEM head can be a cost-effective solution. However, careful inspection is mandatory.

What to Inspect Before You Buy

• Demand a Professional Inspection: Do not buy a used cylinder head unless it has been professionally cleaned and inspected by a machine shop.
• Pressure Testing: The head MUST be pressure tested. This involves sealing the coolant passages and applying air pressure to see if it holds. This is the only way to reliably detect hairline cracks that are invisible to the naked eye.
• Check for Warpage: The mating surface must be perfectly flat to seal against the engine block. A machine shop will check this with a precision straight edge and feeler gauges. Any head that is warped beyond service limits must be resurfaced (milled).
• Visual Crack Inspection: Even with a pressure test, visually inspect the surface, especially the areas between the valve seats and around the spark plug holes, which are common crack locations.
• Camshaft Journals: Inspect the surfaces where the camshafts ride. Look for deep scoring, gouges, or signs of heat damage from oil starvation.

Compatibility Check

Always verify you are buying a head for the 2.0L EcoBoost Turbo engine. It will not fit the 2.0L non-turbo, hybrid models, or any other engine size. The surest way to confirm is to match the casting number (e.g., 'CJ5E-6090') from your old head to the new one. When in doubt, provide the seller with your vehicle's VIN.

Replacement Difficulty & Cost

Installation Difficulty: 5 out of 5 (Expert Level)

This is not a DIY job for a beginner or intermediate mechanic. Replacement is a complex, time-consuming process that requires special tools for engine timing, dealing with torque-to-yield (TTY) head bolts that must be replaced, and extensive disassembly of the engine. 🎬 Watch: See a complete teardown of a failed 2.0L EcoBoost On many of these transverse-engine vehicles, accessing the engine may require lowering the subframe.

• Estimated Time: 12-15 hours
• DIY Feasible: No

Cost Comparison

These prices are estimates and can vary by location and supplier. The primary repair for this issue is often a full engine replacement, which is significantly more expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)