2021 3.5 w/33,000 miles eating oil

[SacHammer]

Hey everyone,

I've been a loyal Ford owner for years, having driven everything from Mustangs to multiple iterations of the F-150. I come from a Ford family, and my dad still has his 350 Powerstroke. A few years back, I bought my first NEW truck, a 2021 150 Lariat with the 3.5 EcoBoost. However, my latest experience with this truck has left me scratching my head with frustration.

I have had consistent oil changes every 4500 to 8000 miles from my local Ford Dealer (Ellis of Sandy Springs, GA). Somewhere between 15,000 and 30,000 miles in, my truck has been chugging oil at an alarming rate—over five quarts every 4,000 miles of light driving (no towing or excessive loads). I have no oil leaks on my driveway and the engine is super-clean… so this low-oil situation always presents itself with the variable cam ticking away and power being lost. I also have a good amount of smoke from the tailpipe on cold-startups.

What is going on? Should this truck be using this much oil?


Additional Info:

Naturally, I hoped my additional Ford premium warranty (150,000 miles B2B coverage with rental added), fully expecting it to cover most problems that arise with the drivetrain.

Unfortunately, in addressing these issues, my dealings with Ellis Ford in Atlanta have been less than satisfactory. Each session aimed at diagnosing the oil leakage issue has resulted in a bill, which really makes me question why these charges aren't being waived as they should be under warranty conditions. When I've brought this up, responses have been less than clear and inconsistent from each trip to the shop. First, they said it was the dipstick; then they said they could not find anything wrong on the second visit. Finally, on the third visit, they said I would start needing to come every 3000 miles because I drive the truck too fast. What? It’s got a little over 33,000 miles!

Moreover, the service cycle has been painfully slow and opaque. My F-150 often sits at the dealership from seven to ten days with no updates unless I chase them down myself. Most recently, my HVAC system is out, and I'm looking at another two weeks without my truck. Despite the promise of a rental car as part of my warranty benefits during such extended repairs, requests for a loaner have been flatly denied. Every time it goes in, they don’t have a rental available for a couple of weeks. Being a Ford guy, I was NOT expecting this many problems with the truck and this type of treatment from my local dealership.

I'm reaching out here to see if anyone else has encountered similar issues. How much oil does your 3.5 EcoBoost go through? How have you dealt with dealerships not honoring the terms of an extended warranty or waiving diagnostic fees? Any advice on getting Ford's attention on this matter directly would also be great. I’m hopeful there is a path that keeps my faith in Ford.

TLR My 2021 3.5 w/33,000 miles eats 5qts of oil every 4000 miles. No oil leak. Blue smoke on startup. No towing or heavy loads. Dealership says its normal and I need to change the oil with them every 3000 miles. Ford Premiumcare 150k warranty.

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[HammaMan]

The techs are simply box tickers in the service manual. When encountering an error that it doesn't provide them any guidance, they're as useful as a monkey slapping the keyboard. They owe you money and a resolution, call Ford.

 

[oncechance]

I have a 2014 and a 2022 F-150, which are both 3.5 EB's. Neither one of them use oil at the rate you described above. If any use, it's at a miniscule level.

 

[Kanuck]

I had a 2011 F 150 with over 250,000 km and have a 2021 F 150. Both have 3.5 EB and neither used any oil between changes at 5000 miles.

Find a different dealer and call Ford as well.

 

[PatchManager]

This dealer sounds terrible and your truck should not be using more than 1 qt in 4000 miles. The dealer should be scheduling you t come in periodically so they can record the oil level to make a case for a significant diagnostic session at Ford's expense. You need to find another dealer.

 

[My 2ND Ford]

Hey everyone,

I've been a loyal Ford owner for years, having driven everything from Mustangs to multiple iterations of the F-150. I come from a Ford family, and my dad still has his 350 Powerstroke. A few years back, I bought my first NEW truck, a 2021 150 Lariat with the 3.5 EcoBoost. However, my latest experience with this truck has left me scratching my head with frustration.

I have had consistent oil changes every 4500 to 8000 miles from my local Ford Dealer (Ellis of Sandy Springs, GA). Somewhere between 15,000 and 30,000 miles in, my truck has been chugging oil at an alarming rate—over five quarts every 4,000 miles of light driving (no towing or excessive loads). I have no oil leaks on my driveway and the engine is super-clean… so this low-oil situation always presents itself with the variable cam ticking away and power being lost. I also have a good amount of smoke from the tailpipe on cold-startups.

What is going on? Should this truck be using this much oil?


Additional Info:

Naturally, I hoped my additional Ford premium warranty (150,000 miles B2B coverage with rental added), fully expecting it to cover most problems that arise with the drivetrain.

Unfortunately, in addressing these issues, my dealings with Ellis Ford in Atlanta have been less than satisfactory. Each session aimed at diagnosing the oil leakage issue has resulted in a bill, which really makes me question why these charges aren't being waived as they should be under warranty conditions. When I've brought this up, responses have been less than clear and inconsistent from each trip to the shop. First, they said it was the dipstick; then they said they could not find anything wrong on the second visit. Finally, on the third visit, they said I would start needing to come every 3000 miles because I drive the truck too fast. What? It’s got a little over 33,000 miles!

Moreover, the service cycle has been painfully slow and opaque. My F-150 often sits at the dealership from seven to ten days with no updates unless I chase them down myself. Most recently, my HVAC system is out, and I'm looking at another two weeks without my truck. Despite the promise of a rental car as part of my warranty benefits during such extended repairs, requests for a loaner have been flatly denied. Every time it goes in, they don’t have a rental available for a couple of weeks. Being a Ford guy, I was NOT expecting this many problems with the truck and this type of treatment from my local dealership.

I'm reaching out here to see if anyone else has encountered similar issues. How much oil does your 3.5 EcoBoost go through? How have you dealt with dealerships not honoring the terms of an extended warranty or waiving diagnostic fees? Any advice on getting Ford's attention on this matter directly would also be great. I’m hopeful there is a path that keeps my faith in Ford.

TLR My 2021 3.5 w/33,000 miles eats 5qts of oil every 4000 miles. No oil leak. Blue smoke on startup. No towing or heavy loads. Dealership says its normal and I need to change the oil with them every 3000 miles. Ford Premiumcare 150k warranty.

Blue smoke on startup is caused by oil leaking past the valve stem seals. That in itself will not cause the excessive oil consumption you are having. To cause that level of use, oil is getting sucked past the rings into the combustion chamber, either because of a broken oil ring, a broken piston ring land or multiple scoring in the cylinders. A cylinder leak down test will show where the oil is going.
Do you have blue smoke when you accelerate or upon deceleration ? In answer to your question, 5 qtr of oil in 4000 miles is excessive. My 21 with the 3.5 hardly uses any oil in 10,000 miles.
You probably need to reach out to Ford customer service and or find a different dealer. Good luck.

 

[CoolCoyote]

Hey everyone,

I've been a loyal Ford owner for years, having driven everything from Mustangs to multiple iterations of the F-150. I come from a Ford family, and my dad still has his 350 Powerstroke. A few years back, I bought my first NEW truck, a 2021 150 Lariat with the 3.5 EcoBoost. However, my latest experience with this truck has left me scratching my head with frustration.

I have had consistent oil changes every 4500 to 8000 miles from my local Ford Dealer (Ellis of Sandy Springs, GA). Somewhere between 15,000 and 30,000 miles in, my truck has been chugging oil at an alarming rate—over five quarts every 4,000 miles of light driving (no towing or excessive loads). I have no oil leaks on my driveway and the engine is super-clean… so this low-oil situation always presents itself with the variable cam ticking away and power being lost. I also have a good amount of smoke from the tailpipe on cold-startups.

What is going on? Should this truck be using this much oil?


Additional Info:

Naturally, I hoped my additional Ford premium warranty (150,000 miles B2B coverage with rental added), fully expecting it to cover most problems that arise with the drivetrain.

Unfortunately, in addressing these issues, my dealings with Ellis Ford in Atlanta have been less than satisfactory. Each session aimed at diagnosing the oil leakage issue has resulted in a bill, which really makes me question why these charges aren't being waived as they should be under warranty conditions. When I've brought this up, responses have been less than clear and inconsistent from each trip to the shop. First, they said it was the dipstick; then they said they could not find anything wrong on the second visit. Finally, on the third visit, they said I would start needing to come every 3000 miles because I drive the truck too fast. What? It’s got a little over 33,000 miles!

Moreover, the service cycle has been painfully slow and opaque. My F-150 often sits at the dealership from seven to ten days with no updates unless I chase them down myself. Most recently, my HVAC system is out, and I'm looking at another two weeks without my truck. Despite the promise of a rental car as part of my warranty benefits during such extended repairs, requests for a loaner have been flatly denied. Every time it goes in, they don’t have a rental available for a couple of weeks. Being a Ford guy, I was NOT expecting this many problems with the truck and this type of treatment from my local dealership.

I'm reaching out here to see if anyone else has encountered similar issues. How much oil does your 3.5 EcoBoost go through? How have you dealt with dealerships not honoring the terms of an extended warranty or waiving diagnostic fees? Any advice on getting Ford's attention on this matter directly would also be great. I’m hopeful there is a path that keeps my faith in Ford.

TLR My 2021 3.5 w/33,000 miles eats 5qts of oil every 4000 miles. No oil leak. Blue smoke on startup. No towing or heavy loads. Dealership says its normal and I need to change the oil with them every 3000 miles. Ford Premiumcare 150k warranty.

Find a different dealer. Call Ford and open a case.

@Ford Motor Company dealerships like this one are destroying your loyal customer base. It is time to start thinning the herd.

 

[Trogdor]

Is there another dealer nearby? This is definitely not normal. Sounds like that dealership’s service department is incompetent. Go to another dealer and call Ford, they also owe you money back if you are under warranty.

 

[Forumlurker24]

That's really crazy to hear, thats the same dealership that I take mine to. Jim tidwell is closer but they didn't take me seriously when buying a truck because of my age, and their service dept reviews are terrible. Maybe I'll have to look for a different one.

I took my truck there not too long ago and it took them over a week for a rattle and bedliners, but they did give me a loaner at no charge even though I got a bedliner done.

With your year and mileage I don't even think you should have to use the premium warranty, I would ask for a different service advisor

 

[Mosey]

Could be a turbo seal going out.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Hey everyone,

I've been a loyal Ford owner for years, having driven everything from Mustangs to multiple iterations of the F-150. I come from a Ford family, and my dad still has his 350 Powerstroke. A few years back, I bought my first NEW truck, a 2021 150 Lariat with the 3.5 EcoBoost. However, my latest experience with this truck has left me scratching my head with frustration.

I have had consistent oil changes every 4500 to 8000 miles from my local Ford Dealer (Ellis of Sandy Springs, GA). Somewhere between 15,000 and 30,000 miles in, my truck has been chugging oil at an alarming rate—over five quarts every 4,000 miles of light driving (no towing or excessive loads). I have no oil leaks on my driveway and the engine is super-clean… so this low-oil situation always presents itself with the variable cam ticking away and power being lost. I also have a good amount of smoke from the tailpipe on cold-startups.

What is going on? Should this truck be using this much oil?


Additional Info:

Naturally, I hoped my additional Ford premium warranty (150,000 miles B2B coverage with rental added), fully expecting it to cover most problems that arise with the drivetrain.

Unfortunately, in addressing these issues, my dealings with Ellis Ford in Atlanta have been less than satisfactory. Each session aimed at diagnosing the oil leakage issue has resulted in a bill, which really makes me question why these charges aren't being waived as they should be under warranty conditions. When I've brought this up, responses have been less than clear and inconsistent from each trip to the shop. First, they said it was the dipstick; then they said they could not find anything wrong on the second visit. Finally, on the third visit, they said I would start needing to come every 3000 miles because I drive the truck too fast. What? It’s got a little over 33,000 miles!

Moreover, the service cycle has been painfully slow and opaque. My F-150 often sits at the dealership from seven to ten days with no updates unless I chase them down myself. Most recently, my HVAC system is out, and I'm looking at another two weeks without my truck. Despite the promise of a rental car as part of my warranty benefits during such extended repairs, requests for a loaner have been flatly denied. Every time it goes in, they don’t have a rental available for a couple of weeks. Being a Ford guy, I was NOT expecting this many problems with the truck and this type of treatment from my local dealership.

I'm reaching out here to see if anyone else has encountered similar issues. How much oil does your 3.5 EcoBoost go through? How have you dealt with dealerships not honoring the terms of an extended warranty or waiving diagnostic fees? Any advice on getting Ford's attention on this matter directly would also be great. I’m hopeful there is a path that keeps my faith in Ford.

TLR My 2021 3.5 w/33,000 miles eats 5qts of oil every 4000 miles. No oil leak. Blue smoke on startup. No towing or heavy loads. Dealership says its normal and I need to change the oil with them every 3000 miles. Ford Premiumcare 150k warranty.

Hi there! Would you send us a private message with your VIN and dealership name and location? I’d like to look into this concern on my end.  

 

[HammaMan]

That's really crazy to hear, thats the same dealership that I take mine to. Jim tidwell is closer but they didn't take me seriously when buying a truck because of my age, and their service dept reviews are terrible. Maybe I'll have to look for a different one.

I took my truck there not too long ago and it took them over a week for a rattle and bedliners, but they did give me a loaner at no charge even though I got a bedliner done.

With your year and mileage I don't even think you should have to use the premium warranty, I would ask for a different service advisor

Tidwell hasn't wanted business for at least a decade. They really think they're serving Alpharetta.

 

[Forumlurker24]

Tidwell hasn't wanted business for at least a decade. They really think they're serving Alpharetta.

I remember being interested in a ranger raptor.. they were selling it for 20 over MSRP and the salesman had the gall to tell me they will never be sold at MSRP lol.

I wish Jim Ellis would buy them out. Bought my previous Volkwagen and serviced it with them and I've never had issues.

 

[amschind]

Is your tailpipe wet? A dead turbo bearing won't convert 100% of a leak into smoke, so you ought to have at least some oil droplets depositing there if that's where it failed.

 

[HammaMan]

Is your tailpipe wet? A dead turbo bearing won't convert 100% of a leak into smoke, so you ought to have at least some oil droplets depositing there if that's where it failed.

You suspect a combo of leaks? A smokie startup isn't coming from a cold turbo.

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