Owners claim Ford V6 EcoBoost engine defects

Ford Motor Co. is being sued by three vehicle owners in Ohio because of alleged defects in the automaker's six-cylinder EcoBoost engine.

According to the lawsuit, the 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine "contained serious latent design, manufacturing, or assembly defects" that cause vehicles to shake, misfire and rapidly lose power.

The problems often occur at highway speeds -- putting the plaintiffs and fellow drivers in life-threatening situations, according to the suit.

Two of the plaintiffs, a married couple, claim their 2010 Ford Taurus SHO lost power and stalled several times. Another plaintiff says he lost power while accelerating his F-150 pickup.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received nearly 100 complaints about the engine, the lawsuit states.

The suit -- filed Friday in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio Eastern Division in Columbus -- was first reported by the Associated Press today.

Ford hasn't recalled any vehicles for the alleged defect, and NHTSA hasn't opened an investigation, AP said.

A Ford spokesman said the company was not prepared to comment because it has not reviewed the lawsuit in question.

According to the suit, the problems stem from a buildup of moisture in the engine's intercooler.

Acceleration results in more air flow through the intake tube, creating a vacuum that pulls in the air and moisture from the tube into the engine.

Ford knew of the problem, the suit says, because it published several technical service bulletins and suggested potential fixes to dealers covering the F-150.

According to the suit, owners weren't informed about the defects, which allegedly impact all vehicles with this engine.

The V6 EcoBoost, introduced in 2009, has been offered in the 2010-13 Ford Flex crossover and Taurus SHO, 2010-13 Lincoln MKT crossover and MKS sedan, 2011-13 F-150 pickup, and 2013 Ford Explorer Sport.

The three- and four-cylinder EcoBoost engines aren't included in the lawsuit.

Adam Rubenfire contributed to this report

(Lawsuit claims defects in Ford 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine originally appeared on Automotive News, sub. req.)

By Vince Bond Jr.- Automotive News