After the massive recall story, Ford F-150, America’s best-selling pickup truck, is now at the center of a significant legal battle.
Over the past few years, Ford F-150 pickups equipped with the 5.0L V8 Coyote engine have faced multiple class action lawsuits for a variety of faulty internal components that are causing excessive oil consumption, in some cases leading to engine failure.
The Blue Oval has tried to get rid of such lawsuits by offering free repairs for oil consumption issues within warranty and mileage limits. But there is no change in the story; instead, now more F-150 owners are filing a class action lawsuit.
The latest lawsuit includes multiple F-150 owners, claiming that 2018-2020 Ford F-150 pickups with the Coyote V8 engine are consuming excessive amounts of oil.
The lawsuit alleges that the Coyote 5.0L engine’s oil control system is defective, allowing oil to leak into the combustion chamber where it burns off instead of lubricating the engine. What is the exact story behind the lawsuit? Who are the owners? Where are they from? And how will this lawsuit shape the future of one of Ford’s most iconic trucks?
Let’s find out the answers to these questions in the article below.
A Brief Introduction to the Ford F-150 5.0-Liter Coyote Engine
Before disclosing the details about the lawsuit, let’s talk a little about the popularity of the Ford F-150 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine.
The Ford F-150 has long been America’s best-selling pickup truck, and a significant reason behind its popularity is its powerful 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine. Introduced in 2011, the Coyote engine was designed to deliver both raw strength and modern efficiency.
The Coyote 5.0-liter engine is described as a modular V-8 piston engine with port fuel injection and direct fuel injection, ensuring better fuel atomization and power delivery.
It features dual overhead cylinder heads, a forged steel crankshaft with four valves per cylinder, giving the engine the capability to withstand high compression and demanding workloads.
The engine has an oil capacity of 8.8 quarts, including the oil within the oil filter. The F-150 truck is also famous for its intelligent oil life monitor that determines when the owner should change the engine oil based on how the truck is used.
What Does the Ford F-150 Oil Consumption Class Action Lawsuit Alleges?
The Ford F-150 oil consumption lawsuit alleges that 2018-2020 Ford F-150 trucks are equipped with defective 5.0-liter Coyote engines. The F-150 trucks allegedly consume excessive amounts of oil, which causes owners to add more oil than usual.
The lawsuit also alleges an error in the Ford F-150 owner’s manual regarding the amount of oil a truck uses and the frequency at which oil needs to be added. The Coyote engine can’t maintain the proper oil levels, meaning owners must closely monitor the engine oil levels.
The F-150 engine oil control system is also not working as intended, allowing oil to pass into the combustion chamber during the combustion process. In the combustion chamber, the oil is burning off rather than returning for lubrication.
According to the class action lawsuit, many owners claimed that even when proper oil levels are maintained, problems still arise because of the oil leak inside the engine. Plaintiffs argue that Ford has failed to address this oil consumption problem to consumers properly and has not recalled the F-150 pickup trucks.
Ford dealers do not repair defective 5.0-liter Coyote engines even when the trucks are under warranty.
Where Was the Ford F-150 Excessive Oil Consumption Lawsuit Filed?
The class action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan: Bryan, et al., v. Ford Motor Company. The owners of the affected F-150 trucks are represented by The Miller Law Firm, P.C., Sauder Schelkopf LLC, Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, Handley Farah & Anderson PLLC, Baron & Herskowitz, and Gordon & Partners, PA.
However, some of the F-150 owners have filed the lawsuit since January 2021 and are still winding their way through the court system.
F-150 Owners Filed the Lawsuit, and Where Are They From?
The class action lawsuit is not limited to a single region; it has spread across multiple states. As of now, the lawsuit covers;
- Connecticut
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Kentucky
- California
- Florida
The F-150 owners who filed the Ford F-150 oil consumption class action lawsuit include:
- Stephanie Pake, from Michigan: Owner of 2019 Ford F-150
- Charles Williamson, from Missouri: Owner of 2018 Ford F-150
- Brandon M. Fisher, from Mississippi: Owner of 2020 Ford F-150
- Michael Gruenke, from California: Owner of 2018 Ford F-150
- David Navarro, from Michigan: Owner of 2020 Ford F-150
- Jacob Benavides, from Florida: Owner of 2018 Ford F-150
- Danielle Beller, from Florida: Owner of 2019 Ford F-150
- Joshua Hammons, from Kentucky: Owner of 2020 Ford F-150
- Daniel Bryan, from Kansas: Owner of 2019 Ford F-150
- Victor Caballero, from Alabama: Owner of 2020 Ford F-150
- Nathan Dew, from Mississippi: Owner of 2018 Ford F-150
- Michael Lepore, from Rhode Island: Owner of 2018 Ford F-150
Real-World Complaints From F-150 Owners
Behind the legal documents and technical details are the real-world experiences of the F-150 owners who have faced several problems with the oil consumption issue. Most of the owners claimed that the excessive oil consumption decreases their truck’s engine performance.
It also decreases the fuel efficiency. Additionally, owners complain about carbon depositing and damaging the 5.0-liter Coyote engine. According to the class action lawsuit, Ford F-150 owners have been facing problems with the Coyote 5.0L engine since August 2018.
Since excessive oil consumption increases the risk of low oil levels that can leave the engine without enough oil to keep it properly lubricated, owners must pay close attention to avoid running too low.
What Happen If You Drive a Vehicle with a Low Engine Oil Level?
No matter what kind of engine oil you’re using, maintaining the oil level ensures everything remains good. But what happens if the engine oil level is too low and you’re still driving your vehicle?
Let’s find out in the article below.
- Excessive Friction: The primary job of engine oil is to provide lubrication to the engine. But if there is no oil, the engine will undergo excessive friction, which can potentially lead to engine failure.
- Engine Overheating: While the radiant coolant is responsible for cooling off the major vehicle components, engine oil also plays a crucial role in cooling off several key components inside the engine. When a vehicle is low on engine oil, the engine may heat up, causing irreparable damage.
- Reduces Fuel Efficiency: Another important function of engine oil is to remove harmful deposits that build up inside the engine to ensure efficient performance. If the engine oil is too low, excessive deposits start building up inside the engine and decrease the fuel efficiency.
- Engine Rust and Corrosion: Apart from lubricating, engine oil is also responsible for preventing rust and corrosion from the crucial engine components. When there is no engine oil, the engine is likely to get corroded with rust that can eat up your engine parts.
- Decreases Overall Performance: In the absence of engine oil, the seal between the piston and the cylinder will break, leading to a reduction in overall vehicle performance.
- Complete Engine Failure: If you ignore all the potential damage caused by low engine oil levels and still keep driving your car, there is a higher chance of complete engine failure. Not being familiar with the functions of engine oil, your car’s engine will have to go through several irreversible issues.
Symptoms of Low Engine Oil Level
Above, we learn about the potential damage of driving a vehicle with a low engine level. That is why it is crucial to know when to check the engine oil level. Some warning signs will let you know your vehicle is running low.
Let’s talk about those warning signs.
- Low oil level on the dipstick
- The color of the engine oil appears dark or grimy
- Strange clunking noises are coming from beneath the bonnet.
- A metallic screeching or grinding noise is also coming from the engine.
- The acceleration will feel sluggish.
- You may also notice a drop in the engine performance.
- Engine temperature will start increasing.
- An oil pressure warning light will illuminate on your vehicle’s dashboard as a sign that the engine oil needs to be topped up.
- Sometimes you may also notice the check engine light blinking on your vehicle’s dashboard.
- Excessive blue or white smoke will start coming from the exhaust.
- You may notice puddles of oil leaking underneath your vehicle.
How to Check Your Car’s Engine Oil?
The only way to maintain the engine oil level is to check it regularly. You can follow the steps below to do so:
1. Pre-Check Preparation
Before checking the oil level, you have to prepare for it. You have to make sure your vehicle is on level ground. If you park on a grade, it will cause an incorrect oil level reading. You have to put the transmission in park and set the parking brake.
Also, ensure the engine is off, preferably warmed up.
2. Locate the Dipstick
Use a dipstick to check whether the oil level is within the optimum range. The dipstick is a metallic rod with a handle on it. The dipstick leads downward and connects to the vehicle’s crankcase, where the engine oil is stored.
3. Pull and Clean the Dipstick
Now, pull the dipstick out and wipe off any oil using a clean rag or paper towel. Once the dipstick is cleaned, you’ll notice two lines on it; the lower line will indicate that the oil level is one quart low, while the upper line indicates full.
However, some dipsticks tell the upper line is safe, and the lower mark is to add more.
4. Note the Reading
Slowly insert the dipstick into the tube. Withdraw it after some time and check the tip, which should have oil on it. If the oil is on the lower mark of the dipstick, it’s time to add a quart of oil.
If you notice no oil on the tip, it means the engine oil level is very low, and it is time to add a quart immediately.
5. Re-Check the Oil Level
If you have added a quart of engine oil, make sure to check the oil level after a few minutes. It will give some time for the oil to reach the crankcase, which is at the bottom of the engine. Remember that the oil level doesn’t have to be precisely at the upper mark.
It always needs to be between the upper and lower lines to keep the engine working safely.
How Ford Responds to the F-150 Class Action Lawsuit?
Getting back to the topic, Ford Motor Company denied the claims made by the lawsuit. The automaker argues that it set a “minimum criterion for oil consumption for average retail customers based on laboratory/customer correlation” of 10,000 miles per quart (MPQ), which it calculated using engine laboratory oil consumption.
The MPQ isn’t based on real-world driving behaviors and is only used as a benchmark for internal testing purposes. It also does not quantify expected oil consumption in the Owner’s Manual or other customer information.
Wrapping Up
The Ford F-150 oil consumption class action lawsuit is not just about the legal battle between the automaker and F-150 owners; it is about the frustration owners have faced with constant oil top-offs, reduced performance, and fear of engine damage.
With the lawsuit spanning multiple states and growing numbers of frustrated F-150 owners, Ford is under heavy pressure to address the allegations. As the lawsuit unfolds, the outcome of this case could mean more than just financial compensation for the F-150 owners.
However, it is not just with the F-150 pickup truck; driving any vehicle with a low engine oil level can be harmful for the engine, as discussed in the article above. You should regularly check your vehicle’s oil level to keep the engine working safely.
Safe Driving!
Sources: Car Complaints, Ford Authority, GoMechanic, Gulf, Car and Driver
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Issue with the Ford F-150's 5.0L Coyote Engine?
The Ford F-150 class action lawsuit alleges that certain 2018–2020 Ford F-150 trucks equipped with 5.0L Coyote V8 engines consume oil at excessive rates. This issue is linked to defects in the engine’s piston rings and combustion chamber, leading to increased oil consumption.
2. How Do I Know If My Ford Truck is Affected With Excessive Oil Consumption Issue?
If you own a 2018–2020 F-150 with a 5.0L V8 engine and have experienced:
- Frequent need to add oil between changes
- Engine stalling or rattling sounds
- Check engine light blinking due to low oil
- Replacement of catalytic converters or spark plugs
3. What Does the Ford F-150 Class Action Lawsuit Claim?
The lawsuit alleges that Ford failed to disclose the oil consumption defect, which can lead to engine damage, increased emissions, and safety risks. It also claims that Ford’s marketing of the F-150 as a durable vehicle was misleading.
4. Has Ford Acknowledged the Excessive Oil Consumption Problem in the F-150 5.0L Coyote Engine?
Ford has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) addressing the oil consumption issue, but has not issued a recall for the affected vehicles.
5. What Causes a Vehicle to Consume More Oil than Usual?
Excessive oil consumption can result from:
- Worn piston rings or valve seals
- Damaged head gasket
- Faulty PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve
- Worn valve stem seals
- External oil leaks
6. Can I Prevent Excessive Oil Consumption?
You can follow these easy steps to prevent excessive oil consumption:
- Regularly check and maintain proper oil levels.
- Use the recommended oil viscosity as specified in your vehicle’s manual.
- Replace worn-out components like piston rings or valve seals promptly.
- Make sure that the PCV valve is functioning correctly.
- Avoid aggressive driving habits that can strain the engine.
7. How Much Oil Consumption is Considered Normal?
Oil consumption varies by engine type and design. Generally, consuming about 1 liter of oil every 1,000 to 3,000 miles is within the normal range.
8. What Should I Do If My Car Consumes More Oil Than Normal?
If you notice excessive oil consumption, you should immediately consult a mechanic to perform a compression test to identify potential internal engine issues.
