2022-2024 Ford Maverick 2.0 EcoBoost Engine: Problems, Longevity, and Specs

We were surprised when Ford introduced its compact pickup truck called Ford Maverick at the end of 2021 and started selling it in 2022. Can you imagine that this pickup truck is based on the Ford C2 platform and it shares this platform with ... Ford Focus! Amazing, we would say, but most Americans will disagree and say there is nothing amazing in this fact.

But then we looked at sales stats and were amazed to see over 74,000 Mavericks sold in 2022 in the US! So, we decided to have a more thorough look at the vehicle. Today, we'll tell you about the 2.0L EcoBoost engine that powers the Ford Maverick in more expensive trim levels and offers cool towing capacity and other advantages.

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2010-now
• Average lifespan of 2.0L EcoBoost:150,000-200,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:160-301 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:intake manifold problems, turbocharger failure, carbon intake on intake valves, weak phasers, engine knocking issues.

What should you know about the new 2-liter EcoBoost engine in the Maverick?

This is the first truck we can remember with the base hybrid engine and optional 2-liter turbocharged non-hybrid engine. So, in the new Maverick, you will have to pay more to get a non-hybrid engine. We would go for the turbocharged version though because it shows quite a lot of advantages we'll tell you later about.

So, the more expensive Maverick is powered by the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. This is a well-known Ford-engineered machine that is going to live quite long and show fewer problems than you may expect it to show. But still, there are things you should know before you agree to pay quite a lot of money for this engine.

Here are some key facts about the EcoBoost optional engine in the Maverick pickup truck:

• this is the version of the 2.0L EcoBoost engine offering 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque - quite a lot for 2 liters, we should say;
• the engine is turbocharged, and the turbocharger has undergone some modifications before the powerplant got under the hood of the pickup truck;
• also, this engine comes equipped with the 8-speed automatic transmission (8F35) which is more than just good and much better than the e-CVT in the hybrid version;
• the engine has the standard architecture - 4 cylinders, aluminum block and head, twin-scroll turbo, and some fuel and oil system upgrades for the model;
• the engine has an option of tow package that offers better cooling for the transmission and the turbo, so the Maverick can tow up to 4000 lbs with this package and up to 2000 lbs without it;
• the same type of engine is also used in Ford Edge, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Corsair, other 2.0L EcoBoost versions are a little different.

The engine seems to be quite small for the pickup truck. But it offers fair power and torque. If you buy it with the tow package and some other off-road packages, it can clearly be one of the best solutions for the compact truck. The most important advantage is its gas mileage. It shows 26 MPG in the combined city-highway driving style. Of course, the hybrid version is more economical but it's much more demanding in terms of maintenance and repair.

The 2-liter EcoBoost is a really fair engine that you would love to own because has a long history and literally millions of engines made worldwide. It means that Ford had a lot of time to solve all the common problems and improve the technology so that you would get only the best emotions owning this truck. But let's look at all sides of the powerplant before we make any conclusions.

How long will the 2-liter EcoBoost live in your Maverick truck?

The durability of your EcoBoost engine in the Maverick is a big question and we can't answer it and remain completely sure that we are right. The problem is that the engine for the Maverick pickup truck was updated and got some additional packages that provide it with an improved cooling system, and changed gear ratios in the transmission. And we just don't know how those new units will work.

If we take the standard 2.0L EcoBoost twin-scroll version, it's going to survive about 200,000 miles which is a decent lifespan for a modern turbocharged engine. But we doubt if it can be applied to the Maverick and here's why. The Maverick is the pickup truck. The American culture of using pickup trucks is a little weird. We see them as a hybrid of a car and a tractor thinking that they are immortal.

But unfortunately, they are mortal. When it comes to a 4-cylinder turbo engine charged up to 250 horsepower, there is no place for longevity.

We believe the Maverick turbo engine will show its first problems approximately at 100K miles. But we would say its average lifespan is 160,000 miles or a little more. Though, if you are driving your Ford Maverick just as you would drive a Ford Escape, for example, you should get it to at least 200K miles with no major problems.

What are the common issues with the 2-liter EcoBoost engine in the Maverick?

Some of the standard problems of the 2-liter turbocharged engine from Ford are common with other EcoBoost engines. For example, it's going to get on your nerves with the cracked exhaust manifold, carbon buildup, or coolant in the turbocharger. But we wouldn't say those problems are too bad and expensive to solve.

You should understand that there are some common issues that can happen with this engine exactly in the Maverick. Here they are:

1. Overheating when towing

This is not the best engine for towing. If you want to tow anything heavier than 2,000 pounds, you should buy the turbocharged engine with the special 4K package allowing you to tow up to 4,000 pounds. But even with this package, the engine, and the transmission are going to be stressed too much when towing something really heavy.

Don't even think to disrespect the towing capacity for your model of the Maverick. Otherwise, you may find the engine damaged whatever mileage is displayed on the dash of your car.

2. Head gasket issues

Even now, when the oldest Ford Maverick is only about 1 year old, we see reports about its head gasket problem. The reason for this is probably overheating when hauling or towing something too heavy. And the gasket replacement will not always help.

When this happens, you will need to diagnose the engine and see if the head is still OK. It may lose its shape and the new head gasket will start leaking just after some time. Unfortunately, in this case, the repair will be pretty expensive.

3. Coolant consumption

Another issue that revolves around the cooling system. If you notice that your vehicle emits white smoke from the tailpipe and the coolant level drops in the reservoir under the hood, you should get ready for some bad news.

There are several units in this engine that may develop coolant burn. First of all, in some engines, coolant can leak directly into the cylinders. There was a lawsuit that started in 2022. If you experience this problem, you can join it. Just google for some information.

Another issue is the turbocharger. It may start burning coolant because of leaky seals and other problems. If you experience this, never lose your time - have the Maverick inspected and repaired by the dealer.

4. Timing chain rattle

Yes, this is a big surprise, but even now, when these vehicles are so young, we were able to find some reports about the rattling chain. We are pretty sure this happened because of overloading the engine. But still, it shouldn't happen in a car that has just a couple thousand miles on it.

This also gives us the idea that the chain in these engines will have to be replaced more often than you think. We would replace it along with the water pump and the tensioner every 50,000 miles to avoid problems if it stretches and jumps a tooth or two.

How can you prolong the lifespan of the 2.0 Turbo engine in the Maverick?

Please don't take all this information too close to your heart. It doesn't mean that your Ford Maverick will inevitably develop all these issues. Also, you can greatly reduce the chance of this just by following these simple tips:

• check the coolant level regularly;
• avoid towing or hauling more than the vehicle can and should handle;
• quickly address any minor problems that can show up from time to time;
• buy only OEM or recommended parts, avoid buying cheap aftermarket parts;
• be careful with fluids - regular maintenance and high-quality fluids and filters are the key to durability;
• abusive driving is certainly not an option for your Maverick.

So, the new compact pickup truck, Ford Maverick, offers the 2.0L EcoBoost as one of the options. And we really like this engine. But still, it has some concerning points and disadvantages that you should know about if you own or are planning to buy the model.