2019 Ford Police Interceptor Utility

The 2019 Ford Police Interceptor Utility is a popular choice for law enforcement agencies, known for its durability, spaciousness, and performance. This model year offered several engine options, including a 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 engine (304 hp, 279 lb-ft of torque), a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine (365 hp, 350 lb-ft of torque), and a 3.3L hybrid engine. All engine options came paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the vehicle’s cargo capacity, comfortable ride (for a police vehicle), and powerful engine options, particularly the EcoBoost. Common complaints often revolve around maintenance costs, fuel economy (especially with non-hybrid models), and the harshness of the ride due to the heavy-duty suspension.

Engine

3.5L EcoBoost V6

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling or whining noise from the engine, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Intrusion
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of coolant, white smoke from exhaust, engine misfires, check engine light, or catastrophic engine failure. This can occur due to cracks in the cylinder head.
  • Solution: Replacement of the cylinder head or complete engine replacement depending on the severity.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.7L Ti-VCT V6

• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, check engine light. The water pump is internal to the engine and leaking coolant can contaminate the oil.
  • Solution: Replace water pump, flush cooling system, and potentially address any engine damage caused by coolant contamination.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.3L Hybrid

• No Issues Found

Transmission

10-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifting, hesitation when accelerating, slipping between gears, or failure to shift.
  • Solution: Diagnosis may point to valve body issues, solenoid failure, or internal damage. Repair options range from valve body replacement/reprogramming to complete transmission overhaul or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Suspension Components
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises, uneven tire wear, poor handling, and worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings.
  • Solution: Replace worn suspension components as needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ (depending on components replaced)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting, needing frequent jump starts. This can be due to parasitic drain from aftermarket equipment or faulty modules.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain. This may involve testing and replacing modules, fixing wiring issues, or removing faulty aftermarket accessories.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, warning lights on the dashboard, and difficulty starting the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rear Liftgate Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Liftgate will not stay open or is difficult to open and close.
  • Solution: Replace the liftgate struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No air blowing from the vents, weak airflow, or unusual noises from the blower motor.
  • Solution: Replace the blower motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Ford Police Interceptor Utility presents a mixed bag of potential issues. The EcoBoost engine, while powerful, can suffer from turbocharger and cylinder head issues, leading to potentially expensive repairs. The 10-speed transmission is prone to shifting problems that may require extensive work. Suspension wear is common given the vehicle’s heavy-duty use. Electrical issues, particularly battery drain, can be frustrating to diagnose and resolve. While some issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be significant financial burdens. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle’s maintenance history and consider a pre-purchase inspection to identify any existing or potential problems.