Ford's Coyote 5.0L powers Mustang GT and F-150 since 2011. Generally strong, but Gen 3 (2018-2022) is known for the "BOB" cylinder failure under hard use, and many Coyotes develop a cam phaser tick that Ford addressed under TSB 21-2199.
Good but not great. Gen 1 (2011-2014) is the most bulletproof. Gen 3 (2018-2022) introduced cam phaser tick and a low-but-documented rate of bore "BOB" cylinder failures on track-driven Mustangs.
Ford TSB 21-2199 covers cam phaser noise on Gen 3 5.0L F-150 and Mustang. Fix is updated phasers, VCT solenoids, and a reflash. Class-action complaints filed against Ford.
View P000A Diagnosis →Hard-driven Gen 3 Mustang GT and F-150 have documented sudden cylinder bore failures (the "BOB" - block oil burning issue). Rare but catastrophic. Ford reworked the casting for 2024 Mustang.
View P0307 Diagnosis →Stock powdered-metal oil pump gear can fail on tuned or high-RPM applications. Boundary or Melling billet gear is the standard upgrade.
View P0521 Diagnosis →5.0L plug boots track carbon and misfire under load. Replace boots with plugs at 60K.
View P0301 Diagnosis →Carbon-clogged throttle body causes hanging idle and limp mode. Clean or replace.
View P0507 Diagnosis →Plastic coolant crossover pipe weeps under the intake on Gen 3. Updated part available.
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2018-2020 Gen 3 5.0L with no cam phaser TSB 21-2199 performed. 2018-2020 Mustang GT track-driven without supporting mods.
2011-2014 Gen 1 5.0L (Boss 302, Mustang GT, F-150). 2015-2017 Gen 2 also strong. 2024+ refreshed Coyote in S650 Mustang has reworked block to address BOB.
If you own a Gen 3 with cam phaser tick, plan on $3,000-$7,000 for the TSB fix (sometimes covered under powertrain warranty). Tuned/track owners should add a Boundary oil pump gear up front. Otherwise pretty cheap to live with.
If your Coyote is throwing a check engine light, these are the codes most often associated with the problems above. Click any code for full diagnosis steps and typical repair costs.
Cam phaser rattle on cold start, addressed by Ford TSB 21-2199 for Gen 3 (2018-2022) 5.0L engines. Fix includes updated phasers, VCT solenoids, and an ECU reflash.
Gen 1 and Gen 2 (2011-2017) are very reliable. Gen 3 (2018-2022) has the cam phaser issue and rare cylinder bore failures. Gen 4 (2024+) reworked the block.
Block Oil Burn - rare but documented cylinder bore cracking on Gen 3 5.0L engines under hard use. Ford redesigned the casting for the 2024 S650 Mustang.
For stock applications, no. For tunes, supercharger, or sustained track use, yes - install a Boundary or Melling billet gear.
2011-present Mustang GT, 2011-present F-150 5.0L, plus crate-engine applications and limited production cars.
Timing chains (one per bank). No scheduled replacement, but chain stretch and tensioner wear is common on tuned high-mile examples.