2017 Ford F-150: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Engine · CA

Not sure if I can file an issue for this, but I wanted to let you know that a Ford Safety recall caused other issues after it was applied. In late July 2026, my son received a Ford safety recall notice (Recall #26S28) for his 2017 F 150 requiring a PCM software update. I brought the truck to Crown Motors in Redding on August 11th for the recall service. Before this appointment, the truck had no performance issues. Immediately after picking up the truck, a noticeable pinging sound occurred under acceleration. I returned the vehicle on August 12th, where Crown Motors confirmed the issue and advised spark plug replacement. This did not resolve the problem. I was also told that continued driving could damage the engine, so the truck remained at the dealership. Over the following days, Crown Motors worked with Ford engineering and repeatedly attempted software-related fixes. Crown staff informed me they believed the recall update caused the issue, and the first internal Ford team reportedly agreed. However, on August 25th, Ford’s second internal review determined the software update was not responsible and stated that all repair costs would fall on me—despite the clear timeline showing the problem began immediately after the recall service. Customer Service provided no assistance and refused to escalate my concern. As a result, my truck is currently non-operational, Crown Motors does not have a fix, and Ford will not cover repairs triggered only after Ford’s own safety recall. I believe the Spark Knock issue is an additional safety issue caused by the PCM recall update that was I was told could cause engine failure.

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Engine · IN

“The vehicle, a 2017 Ford F-150, is experiencing an active engine oil leak originating from the oil pan assembly. Upon inspection, the leak appears to be due to a defect in the oil pan sealing surface integrity. There is no evidence of external damage, impact, or improper maintenance that would otherwise explain the failure. The condition is consistent with a manufacturing defect, potentially involving improper gasket material, insufficient sealant application, or warping of the oil pan flange. Oil residue is visible along the oil pan perimeter and lower engine components, with active dripping observed after engine operation.” Safety Concerns: Leaking oil can hit hot exhaust components → potential smoke or fire hazard. Low oil = high risk of engine damage. Engine knocking/ticking. Vehicle has been inspected at a Ford Dealership with no resolve.

Filed Mar 13, 2026 · Engine · FL

I own a 2017 Ford F‑150 equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle currently has approximately 70,500 miles. The dealer diagnosed a ticking/rattling noise coming from the top left side of the engine near the timing cover. Using a stethoscope, the technician determined the noise was related to the timing system. The dealer recommended replacing the cam phasers, timing chain guides, and timing tensioners, along with all related seals and gaskets. The total estimated repair cost is $5,957.08. After researching the issue, I found that this cam‑phaser rattle/ticking problem appears to be widely reported by many owners of F‑150 trucks equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. I also learned that Ford Motor Company issued Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03, which extends cam‑phaser coverage for certain vehicles with this engine. However, when I contacted Ford Customer Service, I was informed that my VIN was not included in the program and that no financial assistance was available. I was directed back to the dealership. Given the relatively low mileage of the vehicle and the number of similar reports from other owners, I believe this may represent a systemic defect in the cam‑phaser/timing system. I respectfully request that this issue be investigated and considered for a recall or broader coverage program so affected owners are not responsible for costly repairs caused by this defect. If the cam‑phaser or timing components fail while driving, it could potentially affect engine performance, create a stall condition, or lead to loss of power, which may pose a safety risk.

Filed Feb 19, 2026 · Engine · 65,208 miles · ID

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact had previously received notification of Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N03 (Engine Cam Phaser Replacement), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that no repair was needed. The contact stated that a year and a half later, the vehicle made an abnormal ticking sound while idling and while driving at various speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the starter was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with cam phaser failure. The contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N03 (Engine Cam Phaser Replacement). The dealer replaced the cam phasers, the timing chain, the gaskets, the water pump, and other unknown parts. The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under the Customer Satisfaction Program. The failure mileage was approximately 65,208.

Filed Dec 5, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 88,366 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, and up a slight grade, the vehicle inadvertently downshifted. The contact was towing an empty 12-foot, single-axel, flatbed trailer. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was on a two-lane road and was unable to pull over. The vehicle lost motive power and failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was unable to exceed 20 MPH while driving. The contact pulled into a service station where a mechanic checked the vehicle. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine had overheated and that the oil level was low by 3 quarts. The contact had the mechanic top off the oil and waited for the engine to cool down. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The mechanic jump-started the vehicle, and the contact stated that the engine was making abnormal metal-on-metal grinding and knocking sounds. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that metal shavings were found in the oil pan and recommended that the engine and the turbocharger be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure of the inadvertent downshifting had not been addressed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to a known issue with inadvertent downshifting. The failure mileage was 88,366.

Filed Oct 22, 2025 · Engine · GA

Complaint Summary (What Happened): The cam phasers (variable camshaft timing system) failed on my 2017 Ford F-150 4x4 with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. This is a widely known issue on these engines. The failure causes a loud rattling/knocking sound during startup and can lead to engine timing problems or internal damage. My truck only has 108,000 miles, has been well maintained, and is just outside of the extended warranty coverage Ford issued for this exact issue. Safety Risk: The cam phaser failure causes erratic engine timing, which can lead to power loss or stalling during operation. This creates a safety hazard while merging, towing, or driving at highway speeds. The loud knocking sound and hesitation also distract the driver and reduce confidence in the vehicle’s reliability and acceleration when needed for safety. Problem Confirmation: Yes, the problem was confirmed by a Ford dealership. They diagnosed cam phaser failure and quoted approximately $6,300 for the repair. Inspection: The vehicle has been inspected by a Ford dealership service department. Ford Motor Company was contacted but declined to assist financially since the issue occurred just after the extended warranty expired. Warning Signs: No warning lights or messages appeared before the failure. The first symptom was a loud rattling/knocking noise on cold start, which worsened over time. The issue started around 85,000 miles. The check engine light just came on at 108,000 miles. Availability for Inspection: The failed components remain installed on the vehicle and are available for inspection upon request. However, I am looking to get this fixed as soon as possible.

Filed Jul 30, 2025 · Engine · 150,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormally loud ticking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the failure was related to the cam phasers, which the contact related to Ford Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 21N03. The dealer provided an estimate for the repair; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Jul 15, 2025 · Engine · 84,000 miles · UT

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact heard a knocking sound coming from the engine. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the cam phaser needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating to the failure of Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03: (GTDI Engine Cam Phaser Replacement); however, the VIN was not included in the program. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under a recall related to the failure. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 84,000.

Filed Jun 2, 2025 · Engine · 80,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a cold start rattling sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N03 (Certain 2017-2020 Model Year F-150 Equipped with a 3.5L GTDI Engine Cam Phaser Replacement). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Apr 21, 2025 · Engine · 112,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was started, and the contact became aware of an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with failed cam phasers. The contact was informed that the cam phasers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. Additionally, the contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

Filed Mar 31, 2025 · Engine · OH

2017 F-150 Platinum Supercrew 4WD Recently Purchased from dealership, drove for 2k miles and started having engine knock. Did research and found identical sound, Cam phaser knock/rattle. This is still a high priority issue and a known issue as it can cause engine failure and manufacturer is unhelpful and unwilling to investigate and/or offer guidance. I talked to dealership that preformed the “recall” previously and they stated that no part was replaced and ford issued a software update to use as a bandaid instead of a permanent repair. It will cost upwards of $6,000+ to repair through dealer and ford refuses to be of assistance. I am requesting that the federal safety agency reinvestigate the issue and open back up a recall request to the general public due to it being a safety concern. If the engine implodes on the highway, it can cause a major accident and/or fatal injury to many drivers.

Filed Mar 11, 2025 · Engine · MD

Cam phasers failed after being replaced one time under warranty. Then cam phasers failed again and ford will not cover coast. Mother makes knocking sound when it starts every time sound gets worse sometimes. Would like a call