I have a 2021 EcoBoost Mustang with the 10 speed automatic transmission and about 5,000 miles on the odometer. At about 3,000 miles the engine overheated because all of the coolant had leaked out of the system. The car put itself into limp mode, and I was able to pull over within ½ a mile.
I had the car towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the problem as a bad water pump. The water pump was replaced, and I asked the mechanic if he had inspected for any additional damage that may have been caused by the excessive heat. I was told that since the engine is made from aluminum it’s good at dissipating heat and had nothing to worry about.
I’m concerned about residual damage that may have been caused by the heat that may not start to present until after the warranty has expired. Do you think I should have the car looked at by another mechanic?
Thank you for your help.
That's a new one on me, in fact aluminum engines have a greater tendency to warp and sustain damage if overheated than the old school cast-iron lumps. I'd at least have a head gasket leak test done on it and maybe compression and leakdown tests as well to evaluate the overall health of the engine. In the meantime keep an eye out for signs of head gasket leaks such as contamination in the oil and/or antifreeze, white smoke out the exhaust, or dropping coolant level.
