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

According to our risk index, the BMW N13 carries less risk than the 1.6 EcoBoost: 57/100 versus 59/100 (both high risk). The 1.6 EcoBoost has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Cracked cylinder head from overheating, with fire risk»; the BMW N13 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing chain and tensioner wear».

Risk index

1.6 EcoBoost

59

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

11 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.6 EcoBoost reliable?

It is a turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder that Ford used between 2010 and 2018 as a mid-range step across much of its European line-up, and which Volvo sold under its own T3/T4 designations. Its most serious fault is overheating caused by a loss of coolant circulation that can crack the cylinder head and cause a fire: Ford has recalled cars in South Africa and in the US/Canada, although we have not confirmed an equivalent campaign in Spain.[1][2][3]

See the 4 of the 1.6 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.[4][5][6]

See the 4 of the BMW N13 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.6 EcoBoost and BMW N13
1.6 EcoBoostBMW N13
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,596 cm³1,598 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power120–200 hp102–177 hp
Production2010–2019[1][7]2011–2016[4][5]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)59High risk57High risk
Documented faults44
Of high or critical severity31
Worst severityCritical severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Cracked cylinder head from overheating, with fire risk
  2. High severity: Coolant loss from hoses, water pump or expansion tank
  3. High severity: Premature turbocharger failure
  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 repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.6 EcoBoost 120/150/160/182 (Ford, 2010-2019)[3][8][9]
  • 1.6 EcoBoost ST 182/197/200 (Ford Fiesta ST/ST200, 2013-2017)[1][10]
  • Volvo T3/T4 1.6 (B4164T3/B4164T/B4164T2, 2010-2018)[11]
  • 114i 102 hp (75 kW, 2012-2015)[5][6]
  • 116i / 316i 136 hp (100 kW, 2011-2015)[5][6]
  • 118i 170 hp (125 kW, 2011-2016)[5][6]
  • 120i 177 hp (130 kW, 2015-2016)[5][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

1.6 EcoBoost

See the 11 models with the 1.6 EcoBoost

BMW N13

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 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 27 September 2026
  2. The Largest Ford EcoBoost Recalls In 15 Years Of ProductionCarBuzz · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026
  3. Ford KugaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  4. BMW N13Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  5. BMW N13Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  6. 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
  7. Volvo S60Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. Fiabilité et pannes Ford Mondeo 3Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. Fiabilité et pannes Ford S-MaxFiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  10. Ford Fiesta STWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  11. Fiabilité et pannes Volvo S60Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French