Skip to content
MotorFiable

1.0 EcoBoost vs BMW N20: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the BMW N20 carries less risk than the 1.0 EcoBoost: 63/100 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 N20 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain guide and tensioner wear (2011-2015)».

Risk index

1.0 EcoBoost

71

High risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

BMW N20

63

High risk · 2 serious faults

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 N20 reliable?

The BMW N20 (2011-2017) was the first turbocharged four-cylinder with which BMW replaced its naturally aspirated six-cylinders in models such as the 320i, 328i and X3, and it is generally mechanically sound. Its best-documented weak point is the timing chain guides and tensioner on units built before 2015; oil leaks, the electric water pump and, to a lesser extent, the turbo and the high-pressure fuel pump are also known issues.[5][6]

See the 5 of the BMW N20 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.0 EcoBoost and BMW N20
1.0 EcoBoostBMW N20
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement999 cm³1,997 cm³
TimingWet belt (belt-in-oil)Chain
Power100–155 hp156–245 hp
Productionsince 2012[1][7][8][9]2011–2017[5][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)71High risk63High risk
Documented faults45
Of high or critical severity32
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 guide and tensioner wear (2011-2015)
  2. Critical severity: Electric water pump failure (BMW campaign in the US over fire risk)
  3. Medium severity: Oil leaks from the rocker cover gasket and the filter housing
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]
  • N20B20 156 hp (115 kW, 2013-2016)[6]
  • N20B20B 184 hp (135 kW, 2011-2017)[6]
  • N20B20 218 hp (160 kW, 2012-2015)[6]
  • N20B20A 245 hp (180 kW, 2011-2017)[6]
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 N20

See the 8 models with the BMW N20

Other comparisons

With the 1.0 EcoBoost

With the BMW N20

Compare other engines

That is the comparison you are viewing: change one of the two engines.

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 N20Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. BMW N20 Engine: Pros, Cons, Reliability, Tuning, and Maintenance GuideBMW BLOG · Motoring press · published 8 June 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. Prueba: Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost 100 CV (2013)km77 · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  8. 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
  9. Ford B-MAX Trend 1.0 EcoBoost 100 CV (2012-2018): precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  10. BMW N20Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  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