The 2017 F-150 Raptor with the 3.5L EcoBoost HO is a phenomenal performance truck when maintained, but early high-output EcoBoost engines suffer from catastrophic bottom-end failures and cooling system weaknesses that can grenade motors if ignored.
Catastrophic Engine Bearing Failure (Rod Knock)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Metallic knocking at idle that worsens under load, Low oil pressure warning, Metal shavings in oil filter, Sudden loss of power
Fix: The gen-2 3.5L EcoBoost HO has known issues with rod bearing clearances and oiling under high stress. Debris from cam phaser wear can also circulate and damage bearings. Fix requires complete engine rebuild or replacement. Short block replacement takes 18-24 hours, full rebuild 25-35 hours depending on machine shop turnaround.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking near radiator, Overheating transmission temperature warnings, Milky or discolored transmission fluid indicating coolant cross-contamination, Transmission slipping or harsh shifts
Fix: The factory cooler lines corrode internally or develop leaks at crimp points, and when they fail internally, coolant mixes with ATF destroying the 10R80 transmission. Requires cooler line replacement and full flush at minimum. If cross-contamination occurred, transmission replacement needed. Line replacement is 2-3 hours, transmission replacement 12-16 hours.
Estimated cost: $400-800 for lines only, $5,500-8,500 with transmission replacement
Cam Phaser Failure and Timing Chain Stretch
Common · high severityTypical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle lasting 3-10 seconds, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019), Rough idle, Reduced power and fuel economy
Fix: EcoBoost phasers fail due to design issues, and metallic debris from failing phasers circulates through the engine damaging bearings. Requires both cam phasers, timing chains, guides, and tensioners. Critical to replace before catastrophic failure. 14-18 hours labor for phaser job on this engine.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting into gear, Excessive driveline vibration under acceleration, Visible sagging or torn rubber in transmission mount, Harsh engagement from park to drive
Fix: The Raptor's aggressive driving style and power output tears the factory transmission mount prematurely. The mount literally tears apart from the bracket. Simple replacement, but quality aftermarket units recommended over OEM. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $300-500
Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise from engine bay at idle or light throttle, Loss of boost pressure, Check engine light with boost control codes, Reduced acceleration
Fix: Wastegate actuator rods wear and develop play, causing rattle and eventually boost control issues. Can sometimes be adjusted, but often requires turbocharger replacement. Each turbo replacement is 6-8 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $1,500-2,800 per turbo
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting especially when hot, Rough running and misfires under load, Fuel pressure codes (P0087, P0088), Stalling or no-start condition
Fix: The direct-injection high-pressure fuel pump fails internally, sending metal debris through the fuel system contaminating injectors. Requires pump, filter, and often all six injectors if contamination occurred. Pump replacement is 3-4 hours, with injectors adds another 4-6 hours.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000 pump only, $3,500-5,000 with injectors
Buy only with complete service records showing religious oil changes and cam phaser replacement already done, or budget $5,000-8,000 for inevitable bottom-end or phaser work — incredible truck, fragile powertrain.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.