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Ford oil leaks and engine failures: which models are recalled?
These recalls split into leaks and broken internals. Leaks: a cracking oil separator housing on 1.5L 2020-2022 Escape and Bronco Sport, a damaged turbo oil supply line on the 2023 Explorer 2.3L, and a misaligned engine cup plug on 3.5L GTDI F-150, Expedition and Navigator — issued twice, in 2024 and again in 2025. Broken internals: Nano EcoBoost intake valves on 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Nautilus and Aviator; connecting rods and later whole engines on 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger and Bronco; a 2021 Escape Hybrid crankshaft; Focus and EcoSport oil pump belts. EGR valves on 2025 models and a Roush supercharger fuel leak on 2018 Mustangs round it out.
Warning signs to watch for
- An oil pressure warning light, or visible smoke from the engine compartment
- A rapid oil leak, or the smell of burning or leaking oil
- Sudden loss of drive power or a stall, sometimes at highway speed or while merging
- Engine knocking or rough running on the 2025 Explorer connecting rod recall
- A fuel smell on Mustangs fitted with the recalled Roush supercharger kit
Is it safe to keep driving?
No recall in this group tells owners to stop driving or park outside. Ford's instruction on the leak recalls is to park and shut the engine off as soon as possible if the oil pressure warning light comes on or smoke appears from the engine compartment, and on the Escape and Bronco Sport oil separator recall to stop if you see smoke or smell burning oil. On the 2025 Explorer connecting rod recall you may keep driving but should stop if the engine knocks, runs rough, or lights warnings. Mustang owners should stop if they smell fuel.
What the free repair involves
Depending on the campaign, dealers replace the oil separator and seals, the turbo oil supply line, the engine cup plug, the oil pump drive belt and tensioner, or the EGR valves; run an engine cycle test or inspect crankshafts and connecting rods and replace the engine or long block if needed; and update Transit Connect PCM software. Roush replaces the Mustang fuel rail subassemblies. All free of charge.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 7 |
| high | 6 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-05-27 | Ford Explorer engine may fail, causing power loss | high |
| 2026-03-03 | Ford Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus can lose driving power | high |
| 2025-06-13 | Ford Explorer connecting rods may fail, causing engine stall | high |
| 2025-03-28 | Ford F-150, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator engines may leak oil | critical |
| 2024-12-20 | Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator: sudden engine oil leak | critical |
| 2024-08-23 | Ford and Lincoln EcoBoost engines can break, losing power | high |
| 2023-12-22 | Ford Focus and EcoSport oil pump belt can fail | high |
| 2023-08-25 | Ford Explorer turbo oil leak may cause engine fire | critical |
| 2022-07-07 | Ford Escape, Maverick and Lincoln Corsair engine fire risk | critical |
| 2022-03-25 | Ford Escape and Bronco Sport can leak engine oil | critical |
| 2022-02-24 | Ford Escape Hybrid crankshaft flaw risks engine damage, fire | critical |
| 2020-10-15 | Ford Transit Connect software may let engine overheat | high |
| 2018-05-24 | Roush Supercharger Kit Can Cause Mustang Fuel Leak | critical |
Common questions
Should I stop driving if my oil pressure light comes on?
Yes. On the 2023 Explorer turbo oil line recall, Ford tells owners to park and shut the engine off as soon as possible if the oil pressure warning light appears or smoke comes from the engine compartment.
Will Ford replace my engine, or just inspect it?
It depends on the recall. Several are inspect-first — cup plugs, crankshafts, connecting rods, and an EcoBoost engine cycle test — with engine or long-block replacement only if needed. The 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger and Bronco recall replaces the long block.
My Mustang has a Roush supercharger. Who handles that recall?
Roush, not Ford. Roush Performance recalled supercharger kits sold for 2018 Mustangs because incorrectly manufactured hose barb fittings can damage the fuel lines and cause a leak. Roush replaces the fuel rail subassemblies free; owners can call 1-800-597-6874.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.