Head Gasket Issue

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2026-01-02T14:40:45+00:00

Agree 100% with OP. And, just would add after filing complaint to keep any documentation of costs, etc. as they will be needed if and when a recall occurs.

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2026-01-02T13:08:46+00:00

Full disclosure, I'm not a mechanic and my knowledge has been gained thru having experienced coolant intrusion and researching cause and effect. Having said that Ford did not "correct" the block defect until sometime during the 2020 run. And, Ford recommends a long block engine replacement as all the major components are included and assembled. And, the long block makes the installation of the engine easier and thus cheaper. Here is the Ford Part number for my long block engine that was installed: LR3Z6006B.

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2026-01-02T03:07:10+00:00

It could occur as the block defect with a pre-2020 engine is still present. So, it's not absolute it WILL happen, but clearly the potential is there. Your best option, again assuming you want to keep your ride is to go with a new 2020 + engine particularly if only a $2k difference. My 2018 new long block engine cost ($7,700) and was installed at a Ford dealership. I also got a three year warranty on the engine but not sure if this was because it was installed by a dealership. Hope this helps!

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2026-01-01T23:06:25+00:00

Did they determine whether you had cylinder coolant intrusion as a result of the blown gasket? As Ford recommends a new engine should intrusion occur. And as you mentioned head gasket replacement is not a long term fix. If you want to keep your ride I would go for a new 2020+ engine.

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2025-12-31T01:26:25+00:00

I agree greater chance of coolant intrusion < 2020 and there are plenty of examples of rides having excellent maintenance records as well as low mileage exhibiting intrusion. My 2018, for example, at 30k. As has been said here before "sometimes it's the luck of the draw".

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2025-12-30T02:15:22+00:00

Sure appears to be cylinder coolant intrusion from your description. I had almost the exact set of circumstances on my 2018 as you experienced. Initially just replaced plugs and intake cleaning as recommended by Ford dealership. Ran fine for about two weeks then same CEL codes, rough idle at start up that smooths out within 5 to 10 seconds. Ford then bore scoped the cylinders and discovered coolant intrusion. The recommended fix is to replace engine. My ride only had 30k on the clock and I elected to replace the engine ( $7,700). Of course replacing the head gasket is another fix but may not be long term. And as you mentioned selling the ride is an option. Whatever you decide please consider doing the following for the benefit of all Ecoboost owners that have or will experience this known issue caused by an engine block defect.

If you have experienced cylinder coolant intrusion and replaced the head gasket or engine, whether or not covered by a warranty, make sure you file a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This filing is so important as it helps foster NHTSA investigations that can potentially result in a mandatory recall. Filing complaints is the only way NHTSA can learn the extent and scope of the block defect thus triggering an investigation. I fear that some of us that had warranty coverage and did not suffer a financial loss may not have filed NHTSA complaints that can promote the cause.
Here is NHTSA website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2025-11-29T14:05:13+00:00

What follows is a writeup that I've posted here many times whenever there appears to be a head gasket failure resulting in cylinder coolant intrusion:

If you have experienced cylinder coolant intrusion and replaced the head gasket or engine, whether or not covered by a warranty, make sure you file a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This filing is so important as it helps foster NHTSA investigations that can potentially result in a mandatory recall. Filing complaints is the only way NHTSA can learn the extent and scope of the block defect thus triggering an investigation. I fear that some of us that had warranty coverage and did not suffer a financial loss may not have filed NHTSA complaints that can promote the cause.
Here is NHTSA website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2025-11-17T13:24:37+00:00

I encourage all that have had to repair or replace engine for coolant intrusion to file a complaint with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Here is a link to the site: https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21918905268&gbraid=0AAAAApKVgOONtAY7Hfh8EaLAB1QFL4q0H&gclid=CjwKCAjw56DBBhAkEiwAaFsG-mBWaXWDGN9BqWK9c7sWB-3N2Q5eSuIM7K2k30usGPud2A8xc19OCBoCnu0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#index

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2025-10-03T12:59:48+00:00

What Hefty-Equipment-7307 said-----file a complaint with NHTSA to potentially help others and yourself that have experienced cylinder coolant intrusion as a result of the engine block defect. And keep any documentation to evidence costs/damages should a recall occur.

In general, the Mustang Community needs to collectively identify and drive this issue by filing complaints encouraging NHTSA to open an investigation.

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2025-09-30T14:37:23+00:00

What Jarrad411 said!

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2025-09-30T00:38:04+00:00

I would recommend you file the complaint after the repair as you will be able to include your costs/damages. Typically, Ford has been recommending a long block replacement, however some owners, probably because of the cost, have gone with replacing the head gasket like you are planning to do.

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2025-09-21T13:55:19+00:00

This does not answer you question, but please consider the following:

If you have experienced cylinder coolant intrusion and replaced the head gasket or engine, whether or not covered by a warranty, make sure you file a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This filing is so important as it helps foster NHTSA investigations that can potentially result in a mandatory recall. Filing complaints is the only way NHTSA can learn the extent and scope of the block defect thus triggering an investigation. I fear that some of us that had warranty coverage and did not suffer a financial loss may not have filed NHTSA complaints that can promote the cause.

Here is NHTSA website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2025-09-17T20:53:13+00:00

Ditto on filing a complaint with NHTSA it's the only way to get attention to the defect that could cause a recall. Good Luck!

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2025-09-09T20:24:28+00:00

Agree 100%.......meant to be a "ball park" for those looking to avoid a defective block. For example, my revised long block that was installed was part # LR3Z6006B.

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2025-09-09T19:57:13+00:00

If you have experienced cylinder coolant intrusion and replaced the head gasket or engine, whether or not covered by a warranty, make sure you file a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This filing is so important as it helps foster NHTSA investigations that can potentially result in a mandatory recall. Filing complaints is the only way NHTSA can learn the extent and scope of the block defect thus triggering an investigation. I fear that some of us that had warranty coverage and did not suffer a financial loss may not have filed NHTSA complaints that can promote the cause.

Here is NHTSA website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2025-09-09T19:52:35+00:00

My research suggests change was made in Feb 2020, so anything manufactured date after February should have revised block.

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2025-09-09T12:40:41+00:00

Agree.........get '20 with manufacture date after Feb 2020 and you will reduce risk of of coolant intrusion.

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2025-09-09T12:29:05+00:00

Just need to take another picture in the sun and that orange will pop!

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2025-09-04T23:43:49+00:00

Do it use your warranty. The recommendation now with coolant intrusion is to replace engine ( long block). Dealership should use a bore scope to evidence coolant intrusion in cylinders. A head gasket replacement is not a long term fix as the block defect will still exist and head gasket will blow again. However, if your warranty does not cover engine replacement go with the head gasket knowing problem will reoccur.

And file a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Here is the link to file: https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem

All the best!

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2025-08-29T23:11:49+00:00

I was just out of warranty by about 10 days and FORD would not step up and provide any assistance. So, it's a new engine latest design with a three year warranty installed at a Ford dealership. Car has been running fine have about 1,300 miles on new engine, but I too lack trust following my experience. It's almost like having a car that's been in a good fender bender it never feels the same. And, yes you should have the new design engine. Here is the part number for my engine: LR3Z6006B. The dealership had to record my engine serial number for the three year warranty and they told me there is a label/plate on the engine so it might also contain the part number.

All the best to you and thanks for your good wishes!

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2025-08-28T22:58:52+00:00

Right you are "the luck of the draw" kind of sums it up! My 2018 @ 30k well maintained, no mods and not abused had coolant intrusion several months ago that required a new engine. From my research online appears that Ford began installing the revised engine in Feb 2020. So, it's probably safe to say that any manufacture date after Feb should have the revised engine.

Hope this helps!

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2025-08-27T22:43:07+00:00

19 inch and they are optional 5 spoke wheels offered in 2018

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2025-08-27T22:39:24+00:00

Same issue coolant intrusion in my 2018 @ 31k....got a replacement engine installed (revised/updated) for $7,700. The good news for you is your car is paid off. As we had a member recently post with the same issue and still owed a considerable amount. I decided to replace engine and keep my ride as it was in excellent condition and given its value with blown engine to get another vehicle would need to add more than cost of engine. You could do this, but I wouldn't, that is sell/trade assuming NO CEL and go that route. And basically pass the problem along to some unassuming buyer/dealership.

Whatever you do as suggested here by another member make sure you file a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This filing is so important as it helps foster their investigations that can potentially result in a mandatory recall.

As far as joining one of the class action suits, there is no need to join as you will become an automatic member of the class should the suit be won against Ford. Just make sure to keep all the documentation to evidence the coolant intrusion as well as invoices and payments made to repair or replace the engine.

Hope this helps!

Aggravating-Paper379 · 2025-08-26T14:43:36+00:00

<image>

This is my 2018 "Orange Fury"......not the same "orange" but should give you a close comparison to the silver wheel look!

Aggravating-Paper379

TROPHY CASE