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1.0 EcoBoost vs BMW N13: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the BMW N13 carries less risk than the 1.0 EcoBoost: 57/100 versus 71/100 (both high risk). The 1.0 EcoBoost has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Degradation of the timing belt running in oil»; the BMW N13 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing chain and tensioner wear».

Risk index

1.0 EcoBoost

71

High risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

BMW N13

57

High risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

14 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.0 EcoBoost reliable?

It is a turbocharged direct-injection three-cylinder that has won Engine of the Year several times, but it has two very well-documented weak points: two belts running in oil (timing and oil pump) that can disintegrate and seize the engine, and cases of coolant leaks and overheating in early units. It is best bought with a service history and the belts checked or replaced on time.[1][2][3][4]

See the 4 of the 1.0 EcoBoost faults

Is the BMW N13 reliable?

The BMW N13 (2011-2016), BMW's first turbocharged four-cylinder in three decades, powered the 114i, 116i, 118i and 120i (F20/F21) and the 316i (F30). It derives from the Prince engine developed with PSA, the same origin as the 1.6 THP. In 2013 BMW issued a technical service bulletin over timing chain and tensioner wear; oil consumption and carbon build-up on the injectors are other weak points shared with that family.[5][6][7]

See the 4 of the BMW N13 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.0 EcoBoost and BMW N13
1.0 EcoBoostBMW N13
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement999 cm³1,598 cm³
TimingWet belt (belt-in-oil)Chain
Power100–155 hp102–177 hp
Productionsince 2012[1][8][9][10]2011–2016[5][6]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)71High risk57High risk
Documented faults44
Of high or critical severity31
Worst severityCritical severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Degradation of the timing belt running in oil
  2. Critical severity: Oil pump belt and tensioner failure
  3. Critical severity: Coolant leaks and overheating from the turbo hose
  1. Critical severity: Timing chain and tensioner wear
  2. Medium severity: High oil consumption
  3. Medium severity: High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure
Most expensive documented repairup to €1,200Degradation of the timing belt running in oilPublished figure[2]No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.0 EcoBoost 100/125 (Fox, 2012-2017)[2][3][11]
  • 1.0 EcoBoost 100/125/140 with cylinder deactivation (from ~2017)[12][13]
  • 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid 48V mild hybrid (125/155 hp, from 2019)[1][14]
  • 114i 102 hp (75 kW, 2012-2015)[6][7]
  • 116i / 316i 136 hp (100 kW, 2011-2015)[6][7]
  • 118i 170 hp (125 kW, 2011-2016)[6][7]
  • 120i 177 hp (130 kW, 2015-2016)[6][7]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

1.0 EcoBoost

See the 12 models with the 1.0 EcoBoost

BMW N13

Other comparisons

With the 1.0 EcoBoost

With the BMW N13

Compare other engines

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Ford EcoBoost engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  2. Alerta Ford: la correa de distribución del 1.0 EcoBoost puede romper el motor y la NHTSA ya investigaMotor16 · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. Los Ford 1.0 EcoBoost tricilíndricos están dando problemas de correas bañadas que recuerdan al caso PureTechMotor.es · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  4. Gripa el motor por problema en el manguito se queda sin refrigeranteOpinautos · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. BMW N13Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. BMW N13Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  7. Tickende Zeitbombe: So zuverlässig ist der Prince-Motor von PSA und BMWGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 13 March 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. Prueba: Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost 100 CV (2013)km77 · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Ford Mondeo Berlina Trend 1.0 EcoBoost 92 kW (125 CV) (2015-2018): precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  10. Ford B-MAX Trend 1.0 EcoBoost 100 CV (2012-2018): precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?Carbuyer · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026
  12. Ford's Self-Clogging 1.0-Liter EcoBoost Engine Is Finally Getting RecalledThe Drive · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026
  13. The Largest Ford EcoBoost Recalls In 15 Years Of ProductionCarBuzz · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026
  14. Stellantis no es el único afectado por la correa de distribución bañada en aceiteAutofácil · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish