Ford 3.5L engines can leak oil rapidly from misaligned cup plug
Ford is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Expedition and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles with 3.5L GTDI engines because a misaligned engine cup plug can cause a rapid oil leak.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: Rubric level 4 covers structural vehicle defects: a misaligned plug can release engine oil rapidly, which the source states can stall the engine as well as start a fire.
Plain-English summary
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150 and Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. About 4,356 units are potentially affected.
The engine may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
NHTSA states that a rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash, and that an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332, or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- FORD, LINCOLN EXPEDITION, F-150, NAVIGATOR
- Brand
- FORD
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Category
- Vehicle — Engine
- Affected units
- 4,356
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (3)
- EXPEDITION
- F-150
- NAVIGATOR
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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