Ford Motor Co. is being sued by three vehicle owners in Ohio because of alleged defects in the automaker’s six-cylinder EcoBoost engine. Two of the plaintiffs, a married couple, claim their 2010 Ford Taurus SHO lost power and stalled several times. Another plaintiff says he lost power while accelerating his F-150 pickup.
According to the lawsuit, the 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine “contained serious latent design, manufacturing, or assembly defects” that cause vehicles to shake, misfire and rapidly lose power. The problems often occur at highway speeds — putting the plaintiffs and fellow drivers in life-threatening situations, according to the suit. Additionally, the problems stem from a buildup of moisture in the engine’s intercooler. Acceleration results in more air flow through the intake tube, creating a vacuum that pulls in the air and moisture from the tube into the engine.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received nearly 100 complaints about the engine, the lawsuit states. Ford has not recalled any vehicles for the alleged defect despite the dangers these types of defects cause when drivers suddenly lose power while driving on a major road or highway.
Ford knew of the problem, the suit says, because it published several technical service bulletins and suggested potential fixes to dealers covering the F-150. According to the suit, owners were not informed about the defects, which allegedly impact all vehicles with this engine.
The engine subject to the suit, the V-6 EcoBoost, was introduced in 2009, and has been offered in the 2010-13 Ford Flex crossover, Taurus SHO, 2010-13 Lincoln MKT crossover, MKS sedan, 2011-13 F-150 pickup, and 2013 Ford Explorer Sport.
If you or someone you know have been injured by a defective vehicle, contact the attorneys at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling (713) 222-7211 or 713-222-7211.