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

According to our risk index, the 1.6 EcoBoost carries less risk than the BMW N20: 59/100 versus 63/100 (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 N20 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain guide and tensioner wear (2011-2015)».

Risk index

1.6 EcoBoost

59

High risk · 3 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

BMW N20

63

High risk · 2 serious faults

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 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.[4][5]

See the 5 of the BMW N20 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.6 EcoBoost and BMW N20
1.6 EcoBoostBMW N20
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,596 cm³1,997 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power120–200 hp156–245 hp
Production2010–2019[1][6]2011–2017[4][7]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)59High risk63High risk
Documented faults45
Of high or critical severity32
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 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 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]
  • N20B20 156 hp (115 kW, 2013-2016)[5]
  • N20B20B 184 hp (135 kW, 2011-2017)[5]
  • N20B20 218 hp (160 kW, 2012-2015)[5]
  • N20B20A 245 hp (180 kW, 2011-2017)[5]
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 N20

See the 8 models with the BMW N20

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 EcoBoost

With the BMW N20

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 N20Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  5. BMW N20 Engine: Pros, Cons, Reliability, Tuning, and Maintenance GuideBMW BLOG · Motoring press · published 8 June 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. Volvo S60Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. BMW N20Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  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