Engines ›

Ford P5AT engine: known problems

Used in 3 guides · 3.2L diesel · 7 known problems

Displacement
3.2L
Layout
I5 turbo
Fuel
diesel
Timing
Chain-driven, inspect from 150,000km

Known problems7

Everything our guides list for the variants with this engine: the engine itself plus the gearbox and ancillaries it's paired with. Each shows which cars it's listed for.

High
EGR cooler internal coolant leak
EGR cooler develops internal cracks letting coolant into the intake. Coolant burns off causing white smoke, coolant loss with no visible leak, eventual engine damage. Close to inevitable on the 3.2.
Fix: Replacement EGR cooler (uprated aftermarket available). Many fit a bypass/delete kit. Check coolant level religiously.
From 80-150k km · ~$1500-2800
Listed for: Ford Ranger PX MkI / MkII / MkIII · Mazda BT-50 UR
High
6-speed auto torque converter shudder
ZF 6R80 auto has torque converter shudder under heavy load. Trans fluid breaks down quickly when towing. Lockup clutch wears causing shudder at 60-80km/h.
Fix: Mandatory: external trans cooler. Fresh trans fluid every 60k. Lockup retrofit or rebuild if shudder present.
From 100k+ km, towing · ~$2500-5000
Listed for: Ford Ranger PX MkI / MkII / MkIII · Mazda BT-50 UR
High
Oil pump / oil pump gear concerns
The 3.2 is known for oil pump issues that can lead to low oil pressure and, if ignored, serious engine damage.
Fix: Maintain strict oil changes; investigate any oil-pressure warning immediately; preventive oil pump replacement on high-km units.
From 150k+ km · ~$2000-5000
Listed for: Ford Everest UA / UA II
Medium
Turbo VGT vane sticking
Variable geometry vanes carbon up and stick - lack of boost, limp mode, surging.
Fix: VGT clean or replacement.
From 120k+ km · ~$1500-3500
Listed for: Ford Ranger PX MkI / MkII / MkIII · Mazda BT-50 UR
Medium
EGR cooler failure
The EGR cooler can crack/clog, causing coolant loss, rough running and limp mode.
Fix: EGR cooler replacement; clean intake.
From 100k+ km · ~$800-2000
Listed for: Ford Everest UA / UA II
Medium
Injector damage from contaminated fuel & split intercooler hoses
Injectors are sensitive to water/dirt in fuel, and the intercooler hoses can split, causing boost loss and limp mode.
Fix: Quality fuel + secondary filter; replace split hoses with upgraded silicone.
From 120k+ km · ~$500-3000
Listed for: Ford Everest UA / UA II
Medium
Injector failure
Injectors fail individually or as a set. Hard cold start, white smoke, fuel in oil.
Fix: Replace injectors as set. Use quality fuel.
From 150k+ km · ~$2000-3500 set
Listed for: Ford Ranger PX MkI / MkII / MkIII

Cars with the P5AT3

Ford Everest UA / UA II
2015-2022 · 3.2L Duratorq 5-cyl diesel
Value
Ford Ranger PX MkI / MkII / MkIII (T6)
2011-2022 · 3.2L P5AT (5-cylinder Duratorq turbo diesel)
Mazda BT-50 UR
2011-2020 · 3.2L P5AT (5-cylinder Duratorq turbo diesel)
Top pick

From the FlamingCars guides for these cars. Specs are shown only where the guides agree and the value is verified.