Have a 2018 Gen 2 Raptor with an issue, can anyone help? Mechanic thinks it’s the cam phasers?

Own a 2018 Raptor, bought it 10 months ago. No issues with it other than oil changes and brakes but recently (about a month ago) I noticed the check engine light come on. The odd thing is it comes and goes every few days, meaning the light will come on for two days then go off for three and so on.

I notice when the light switches on, you can feel a slight rattle when you come to a stop and usually if I drive the car for over an hour r 45 minutes and come to a stop, it’s more noticeable like almost the engine will go off or something. Power is an issue I’ve noticed when the light is on as well.

I recently took it into a mechanic who fixed the axles and he ran the codes and said it was the cam phasers but said it’s uncommon for the light to go on and off for it.

The reason I’m asking is because cam phasers are around $5k to fix so I’m trying to avoid the cost. One mechanic recommended an engine flush as he thought it could be an oil issue as in backup or the oil used before I bought the raptor.

If anyone has any experience or advice would be grateful as I’m hoping it’s not the phasers.

Thank you!

If you get Forscan, you’ll be able to read all the codes and history, which would be helpful for online friends trying to assist with diagnosing issues.

Will get one in the week. Ty

Cam phasers can trigger multiple codes indicating cam timing is out of range, and if it’s severe, you’ll also notice a loss of power.

The real issue might be that either your mechanics are guessing, or you’re hesitant to trust their diagnosis.

The issue with the mechanic is that he saw a code and just wanted me to pay $6k to fix it. Didn’t run through anything else

If the phasers are setting codes but then fall back within parameters and clear on their own, it’s possible that the phasers are a symptom rather than the root cause. More information would be needed to make an accurate assessment.

This is a good point I was looking for. I had a mechanic recommend an engine flush as something with the oil could be causing it? Would this be possible? Ty

Are these mechanics at a Ford dealership? Most Ford dealership mechanics are quite familiar with the recurring issues on 2017-2020 Raptors, like problems with cam phasers, transmissions, turbos, and sunroofs.

I’ve had the cam phasers repaired twice on my 2018 Raptor. It made the characteristic gravelly rattling noise on cold starts, though it never threw a code that I noticed—though it probably could have if left untreated long enough.

The first repair was done under warranty at 35K miles, but the second at 66K miles wasn’t covered, resulting in a bill of around $4.4K. Since I’ve always had it routinely serviced at the dealership with a strong service record, and the issue had been fixed once before, Ford Motor Co. agreed to split the bill with me 60/40, with me covering 40%.

Turbos can also be an issue, with their own distinct noise as a symptom.

You might find videos on YouTube that demonstrate the sounds associated with each of these issues—could be helpful to see if anything sounds familiar.

Not Ford mechanics but I am taking it to Ford this week. The issue is the light keeps going on and off but I’m also not having the cam phaser loud noise on start