Ford EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion Class Action Lawsuits

Kershaw Talley Barlow represents consumers in two related class action lawsuits against Ford Motor Company involving alleged defects in certain Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with EcoBoost engines.

The lawsuits allege that defects in certain EcoBoost engines can allow engine coolant to leak into the cylinders. According to the lawsuits, coolant intrusion can lead to problems including engine misfires, overheating, loss of power, white exhaust smoke, engine damage or failure, and, in some circumstances, engine fires.

The two cases—Miller, et al. v. Ford Motor Company and Nelson, et al. v. Ford Motor Company—are pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. 

What Is the Alleged Ford EcoBoost Engine Defect?

Coolant plays a critical role in regulating engine temperature. The lawsuits allege that defects in certain EcoBoost engines allow coolant to enter the engine cylinders rather than remaining within the engine's cooling system.

Vehicle owners experiencing the alleged defect may notice symptoms such as:

• Low or disappearing engine coolant
• Engine overheating
• Engine misfires or rough running
• White exhaust smoke
• Warning lights
• Loss of engine power
• Repeated need to add coolant
• Significant engine damage or failure
• The need for engine repair or replacement

The lawsuits allege that Ford knew or should have known about problems associated with the alleged coolant intrusion defect and failed to adequately disclose the issue to consumers. 

Which Ford and Lincoln Vehicles Are Included in the Lawsuits?

There are currently two related cases involving different EcoBoost engines, vehicle models, model years, and state-law claims.

Miller, et al. v. Ford Motor Company

Case No. 2:20-cv-01796-DAD-CKD

The Miller litigation concerns certain Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with 1.5L, 1.6L, or 2.0L EcoBoost engines.

Vehicles at Issue in Miller

• 2013–2019 Ford Escape
• 2013–2019 Ford Fusion
• 2015–2018 Ford Edge
• 2016–2019 Lincoln MKC
• 2016–2019 Lincoln MKZ

States at Issue in Miller

The proposed classes in Miller involve purchasers and lessees in the following states:

Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Whether a particular owner, lessee, or vehicle ultimately falls within a class will depend on the Court's rulings on class certification and the final class definitions, if any, approved by the Court.

Nelson, et al. v. Ford Motor Company

Case No. 2:24-cv-02231-DAD-CKD

The related Nelson litigation concerns certain Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with 2.3L EcoBoost engines.

Vehicles at Issue in Nelson

• 2015–2024 Ford Mustang
• 2019–2024 Ford Ranger
• 2016–2024 Ford Explorer
• 2021–2024 Ford Bronco
• 2015–2020 Lincoln MKC
• 2020–2022 Lincoln Corsair

States at Issue in Nelson

The current Nelson litigation involves plaintiffs asserting claims under the laws of:

• California
• Michigan
• Florida

The Court has dismissed the plaintiffs' nationwide fraudulent-concealment class claim. Accordingly, Nelson should not presently be understood as a nationwide class action covering purchasers or lessees in all 50 states.

The precise scope of any class will depend on the Court's rulings on class certification and the final class definitions, if any, approved by the Court.

Current Status of the Ford EcoBoost Litigation

Last Updated: August 2026

Both Miller and Nelson remain actively litigated in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.

The cases have reached the class certification stage. Class certification is the process through which the Court determines whether a lawsuit may proceed collectively on behalf of a defined group, or "class," of vehicle owners and lessees.

The Court has directed the parties to use consolidated briefing for class certification in the related Miller and Nelson cases.

The Court has not yet determined whether the proposed classes will be certified.

This means the litigation is ongoing, and there has not yet been a final determination regarding which Ford or Lincoln owners or lessees, if any, will ultimately be included in certified classes or what relief may ultimately be available.

Kershaw Talley Barlow will update this page as significant developments occur in the litigation.

What Should Ford EcoBoost Vehicle Owners Do?

If you own or lease one of the Ford or Lincoln vehicles identified above, particularly if you have experienced coolant loss, overheating, engine misfires, engine failure, or related repairs, we recommend keeping records concerning your vehicle.

Helpful records may include:

• Vehicle purchase or lease documents
• Repair orders and invoices
• Ford or Lincoln dealership records
• Mechanic records and diagnostic reports
• Receipts for out-of-pocket repair expenses
• Records relating to an engine repair or replacement
• Photographs or videos documenting vehicle problems
• Communications with Ford or a Ford/Lincoln dealership

Vehicle owners should continue to follow applicable vehicle maintenance requirements and promptly address safety warnings or mechanical problems with an appropriate automotive professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there currently a Ford EcoBoost class action lawsuit?

Yes. Kershaw Talley Barlow is involved in two related proposed class actions against Ford Motor Company: Miller, et al. v. Ford Motor Company and Nelson, et al. v. Ford Motor Company. Both cases are pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.

Has a class been certified?

Not yet. The cases have reached the class certification stage, but the Court has not yet determined whether the proposed classes should be certified.

How do I know whether my vehicle is included?

The vehicles, engines, model years, and states currently at issue are listed above.

The Miller litigation generally concerns certain 1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.0L EcoBoost engines, while the Nelson litigation concerns certain 2.3L EcoBoost engines.

However, the Court has not yet certified the proposed classes. The final definition of any class—and therefore who is ultimately included—will depend upon the Court's rulings.

Am I automatically part of the lawsuit?

Because the Court has not yet certified a class, it is premature to determine who will ultimately be included in any certified class.

If a class is certified, the Court will determine the class definition and the procedures for providing notice to class members.

What if I already paid to repair or replace my engine?

Keep your repair orders, invoices, receipts, proof of payment, and related records.

The lawsuits seek monetary and other relief relating to the alleged EcoBoost engine defects, but the Court has not yet determined what relief, if any, will ultimately be available to members of any certified class.

Where can I find official information about the cases?

Official federal court filings are available through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) at:

https://pacer.uscourts.gov/

A PACER account is required to access many court documents, and fees may apply.

You can search using the following case information:

Miller, et al. v. Ford Motor Company 
Case No. 2:20-cv-01796-DAD-CKD

Nelson, et al. v. Ford Motor Company 
Case No. 2:24-cv-02231-DAD-CKD

Questions About the Ford EcoBoost Litigation?

If you have questions about the Ford EcoBoost litigation or the information provided on this page, please contact Kershaw Talley Barlow at (916) 345-2247 or submit an inquiry through our website.

This page provides general information regarding pending litigation. The proposed classes have not yet been certified by the Court. The information provided here is not a determination or guarantee that any particular person or vehicle is included in a class or will be entitled to compensation.