Ford 2.7L EcoBoost Oil Pan Leaks – Symptoms & Solutions

While the 2.7L EcoBoost is undeniably one of the most reliable Ford engines available currently, the first generation 2.7L V6 did initially face some teething problems, much like the other early EcoBoost engines. First-generation 2.7L EcoBoost owners commonly encounter oil pan leaks, which is generally considered one of the engine’s most prevalent issues. In fact, it is such a widespread problem that Ford addressed it via a technical service bulletin in 2019.

In this guide, we’ll cover the oil pan issues that primarily affected 2015-2017 2.7L EcoBoost engines found in the Ford F-150. We’ll not only look at what causes the 2.7’s oil pan issues, but also how to catch the problem early, and what it generally costs to replace your 2.7’s oil pan.

Why Does the 2.7 EcoBoost’s Oil Pan Leak?

There are a few reasons why the oil pan found on the first generation 2.7L EcoBoost is known to leak so often. Firstly, the pan is made of plastic causing both structural and adhesion problems.

One of the most common explanations for the 2.7’s leaking problem is that over time and after numerous heat cycles, the plastic oil pan expands and contracts so many times that the RTV that seals the oil pan to the engine block wears away, allowing oil to seep through the cracks. 

On top of the oil pan expansion and contraction problem, most Ford enthusiasts, and mechanics for that matter, agree that it is hard to achieve solid adhesion between the plastic pan and aluminum engine block in the first place. There is a very specific and time-consuming process that Ford outlines as the right way to adhere the oil pan to the block and if not done properly, the leak will likely resurface even after a repair. We’ll cover that process in the following section.

In combination, those two are the most likely explanations for why the oil pan begins leaking in the first place and also why many 2.7L owners have to go through the same repair process multiple times.

Symptoms of a Leaking EcoBoost Oil Pan

• Low oil level when checking the dipstick
• Visible oil leaks on the ground 
• Illuminated low oil pressure light
• Burning oil smell

In general, the symptoms of a leaking 2.7 EcoBoost oil pan are pretty straightforward. Since oil tends to leak past the RTV seal between the oil pan and the block, there will often be visible oil leaks around the sealed area or, if the leak has progressed far enough, there will be oil spots on the ground below where the vehicle is parked. 

Obviously, with oil leaking out of the oil pan, the engine oil level will eventually decrease, which you can see by checking your F-150’s dipstick which is located on the driver’s side of the engine near the firewall. I’ll leave a video below that shows the process of checking your F-150’s oil. If the oil level is below the highest dot on the dipstick, it is a good idea to top off your oil with the same type of oil that is already in the truck. 

Since there aren’t many symptoms of a leaking oil pan on the 2015-2017 2.7L EcoBoost, it is crucial to check your engine oil level frequently to make sure that it is at a sufficient level. If the oil gets seriously low, the low oil pressure light will likely illuminate, which is another sign that the oil pan is leaking. It is better to catch the problem before that point though, as low oil pressure can damage the engine if not resolved quickly.

2.7L EcoBoost Oil Pan Technical Service Bulletins

Since the 2.7L EcoBoost’s release in 2015, there have been a number of technical service bulletins surrounding the engine’s oil pan issues. Ford released the initial service bulletin (TB 19-2205) in August of 2019 which concerned 2015-2017 2.7 EcoBoost-powered Ford F-150s only. 

The bulletin stated that there was a problem with the RTV adhesion between the plastic oil pan and aluminum block and outlined the proper repair procedure to replace the oil pan. The most important step outlined in the procedure is to let the crankcase drain completely, as any oil left in the crankcase could contaminate the RTV sealant, leading to additional leaks after the repair. 

That aspect has been criticized the most by Ford owners who have had their oil pan repaired numerous times for the same problem, as they say, that Ford repair centers do not allow enough time for all of the oil to drain out of the crankcase before applying the sealant. Many owners who have not had to repeat the repair say that they allowed their crankcase to drain for up to a week before applying the sealant which solved the problem permanently.

Following that bulletin, Ford released TSB 23-238 which also outlined that the problem also affected the 2015-2017 Ford Edge, Fusion, Lincoln Continental, MKX, and MKZ, even with the 3.0L EcoBoost. Along with new instructions to replace the valve covers (of some of the affected vehicles) at the same time, the bulletin also mentioned that Ford redesigned the oil pan with a new press-in style gasket to improve adherence. Unfortunately, the redesigned EcoBoost oil pan has been on backorder from Ford since early 2020.

2.7L EcoBoost Oil Pan Replacement Cost

Fixing or replacing a leaking 2.7L EcoBoost oil pan is a bit of a hassle in 2024. The redesigned EcoBoost oil pan released in 2019 has been on backorder since the beginning of COVID and production still hasn’t resumed according to a Ford parts manager that I talked to for this article. As such, the only options are to replace your oil pan with the initial design, following the proper procedure, or with an aftermarket option.

The oil pan and other necessary components generally cost in the ballpark of $100-$150 which is pretty inexpensive for an oil pan. Ford quotes replacement labor time ranging from 2.9 to 8.1 hours, depending on the vehicle model and whether the valve covers require replacement alongside the oil pan. As a result, you can expect to pay between $600 and $1,300 for an oil pan/valve cover replacement.

With that being said, the cost can be significantly less, or even nothing if your vehicle is still covered under New Vehicle Limited Warranty (NVLW), Service Part Warranty (SPW), Special Service Part (SSP), or Extended Service Plan (ESP) coverage.

Additionally, some Ford enthusiasts who have a knack for DIY work opt to do the job themselves to make sure that the proper repair procedures from TB 19-2205 are followed correctly. In that case, you’d only be paying for the parts themselves, which typically total around $150. The process isn’t easy, per se, but it is more time-consuming than difficult. Watch this video if you’re interested in seeing what that procedure looks like:

Ford 2.7L EcoBoost Oil Pan FAQ

How much does it cost to replace a 2.7L EcoBoost oil pan?

In most cases, replacing a leaking oil pan on a 2.7L EcoBoost F150 costs in the ballpark of $600. However, replacing both the oil pan and valve covers simultaneously on certain 2.7L EcoBoost models can increase costs by up to $1,300.

Is the 2.7L EcoBoost’s oil pan made of plastic?

Yes, Ford has used plastic for the oil pan of the 2.7L EcoBoost since the engine’s release in 2015. However, Ford redesigned the oil pan in 2019 with a new press-in gasket which helped with the leaking issue. Unfortunately, the redesigned oil pan has been on backorder since the beginning of 2020.

What causes the Ford 2.7L EcoBoost oil pan to leak?

The 2.7L EcoBoost’s plastic oil pan does not seal very well to the engine’s aluminum block. Over time, as the oil pan goes through many heat cycles, it expands and contracts, allowing the RTV seal to degrade over time.