Hi Scotty,

Bought a 2017 Mustang Ecoboost when it was brand new. Drove it very little (7,600 miles to date), and did all recommended fluid changes and services (even taking your advice to go full synthetic oil after the run-in period, then ever 6 months going with an oil change), changed the cabin filter and engine filter often, coolant changes every year, brake fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid change after 3 years. All engine cycles were 20 miles or more, never going more than 60-70 mph, but making sure to maintain mid-speeds for long durations, just like truck drivers, to keep the engine running smooth (like you said to!).

Started getting a strange noise in mid-February this year after a normal drive (highway drive, continuous 55 mph cruise), and the Ford service center told me I'd have to wait a month. I brought it in, they told me to wait a week. A week later, they told me it was rod knock. I never, ever raced this car, always waited for the oil and engine temps to hear up before putting it in drive, and treated it more carefully than anything. They confirmed I never treated the engine badly and will replace the entire engine under the remaining warranty. Is this a bad engine (reminds me of the old Monday/Friday cars from the 70s/80s if it is), or is this a problem with the 2.3L ecoboost engines? I only have 1.25 years left on the 5-year engine warranty, and I'm afraid if all Ford 2.3L ecoboost engines are lemons, by the time it happens again, I have a very expensive problem. Would it be more reliable if I just asked them to put a 5.0L Coyote or a Ford crate v8 in it instead?

I really liked this car, as it was an affordable car that was fun to drive and looked more expensive than it was. If this is truly an ongoing problem, then "too good to be true" completely fits.

Please help!