Updated in January, 2024.
Unfortunately, the 21B10 recall is now expired. Also, the 21N03 program that extended the warranty of the cam phasers in several Ford engines is also expired. Anyway, if you still have the issues that are described in this article, please go to the Ford dealership and ask if they can offer something.
You may eventually get free repairs or at least some coverage from Ford for your costs. Because the recalls and programs are expired but the problem of noise cam phasers is still there and the replacement is extremely expensive!
Ford recalls are pretty good for vehicle owners. If you have some problems with your car, it doesn't mean you will necessarily need to pay for the repair. In some cases, Ford will pay for you. In 2021, Ford issues the new recall and coded it 21B10. This is the recall to replace or repair noisy cam phasers.
Camshaft problems highlights
- Level of importance:Medium
- Commonreasons:Variable valve timing actuator problems, cam bearings issues, overheating
- DIY inspection:Possible but complicated
- DIY repair:Impossible
- Price for repair:$350 - $850
- Can you drive?Usually, yes
- Ways to fix:Clean the VVT (VCT) solenoids, inspect the camshaft, clean the valves
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What's the 21B10 Ford recall all about?
So, noisy phasers have been a problem for Ford owners since 2015. Actually, a lot of engines were affected, so the official documents that are available online don't state any certain engines. They just name some models: Ford F150 2017-2020, Ford Expedition 2018-2020, and Lincoln Navigator 2018-2020.
Although the company doesn't state the engine, we know from Ford dealers that the recall is all about the 3.5L GTDI which is better known as the 3.5 EcoBoost V6 engine. So, in these engines a lot of owners reported noisy cam phasers, so Ford decided to show some care about customers and replace those phasers free of charge.
The 21B10 recall is still active, so you can go to any dealer around the country and have more information about it.
Why are those phasers noisy?
It's actually not a big problem, it's just the feature of the cam phasers installed in these cars and trucks. The phaser may be heard very distinctively when the engine is cold. Then, the noise is much quieter. It doesn't mean that the phaser is going to fail soon.
But still, some kinds of noises on cam phasers may mean that the phaser is about to die. If you understand that the noise has become louder or has changed its nature recently, the best thing you can do is to go to specialists and have your vehicle diagnosed.
Should you have phasers replaced under the 21B10 recall?
In our opinion, it's not a very good idea to use this recall to replace the phasers. If you have already repaired the cam phasers in your truck or SUV, you can go directly to the dealer and ask for a refund. But if you are OK with a little noisy phasers, you should wait.
We all know that Ford loves issuing recalls and then understanding that the recall solution was wrong. It may well be that in one year, Ford will issue another recall for this problem because their engineers will find a better solution for the noisy cam phasers problem.
So, if we had the F150 equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, we would wait until Ford finally comes up with the best solution and you won't need to risk the reliability of your vehicle.
But of course, it may also bring some problems. For example, if something happens with your engine, you will probably have problems with the warranty. Once Ford sees that you haven't used the recall, they may refuse to pay for the repair. It's not completely legal because they can't be sure you got the information about the recall, but still, this can make your warranty repair much more problematic.
So, if your F150 is still under warranty, you should go to the dealer and have those noisy phasers replaced free of charge. If the warranty is no longer the issue, you should wait until Ford comes up with better ideas on how to solve the problem.
What can go wrong because of noise phasers?
Cam Phaser Rattle is a well-known problem for the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. The phasers will rattle upon startup of the engine because they don't get a decent amount of oil to be lubricated immediately. But just after a couple of seconds, the problem is gone and the phasers keep working correctly.
Unfortunately, this will kill them prematurely. Bad lubrication is one of the bad issues you should worry about. But replacing the phasers will not give anything but less vibration and rattle. Phasers will still not get the needed quality of lubrication.
We believe that cam phasers are just one of the common problems for all Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engines made between 2015 and 2020. Especially, when those engines reach 100,000 miles or more.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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