1.6 EcoBoost vs BMW N62 / N63: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the BMW N62 / N63 carries less risk than the 1.6 EcoBoost: 54/100 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 N62 / N63 has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «N63 oil consumption from worn valve stem seals».

Risk index

1.6 EcoBoost

High risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

BMW N62 / N63

High risk · 3 serious faults

Lower risk

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

Reviewed on 8 October 202619 sources How 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 N62 / N63 reliable?

The N62 (naturally aspirated V8, 2001-2010) is considered a solid engine, with the coolant hoses and valve stem seals as points to watch. The N63 (twin-turbo V8, since 2008) has a worse reputation: oil consumption from the seals, the timing chain and coolant loss; the post-July 2013 N63TU is considered more reliable.^{[4][5][6][7][8]}

See the 6 of the BMW N62 / N63 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.6 EcoBoost and BMW N62 / N63
Item	1.6 EcoBoost	BMW N62 / N63
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Displacement	1,596 cm³	—
Timing	Timing belt (dry)	Chain
Power	120–200 hp	272–450 hp
Production	2010–2019^[1][9]	since 2001^{[6][10][11][12]}
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	59High risk	54High risk
Documented faults	4	6
Of high or critical severity	3	3
Worst severity	Critical severity	Critical severity
Main faults	Critical severity: Cracked cylinder head from overheating, with fire risk High severity: Coolant loss from hoses, water pump or expansion tank High severity: Premature turbocharger failure	High severity: N63 oil consumption from worn valve stem seals Critical severity: N63 timing chain stretch and guide breakage Critical severity: Additional turbo coolant pump with a risk of short circuit and fire
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	None	N62B48TU 4.8 naturally aspirated 355-367 hp (550i, 650i, 750i, X5 4.8i; 2005-2010)^[5][7]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	1.6 EcoBoost 120/150/160/182 (Ford, 2010-2019)^[3][13][14] 1.6 EcoBoost ST 182/197/200 (Ford Fiesta ST/ST200, 2013-2017)^[1][15] Volvo T3/T4 1.6 (B4164T3/B4164T/B4164T2, 2010-2018)^[16]	N62B36 3.6 naturally aspirated 272 hp (735i, 2001-2005)^[4][7] N62B40 4.0 naturally aspirated 306 hp (540i and 740i, 2005-2010)^[4][8] N62B44 4.4 naturally aspirated 320-333 hp (545i, 645Ci, 745i, X5 4.4i; 2001-2006)^[4][8][17] N62B48 4.8 naturally aspirated 360 hp (X5 4.8is, 2004-2006)^[18] N63B44O1 (N63TU) 4.4 twin-turbo 450 hp (2013-2019)^[6]
AvoidVersions to avoid	None	N63B44O0 4.4 twin-turbo 408 hp (2008-2014)^[6][19]

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 10 models with the 1.6 EcoBoost

BMW N62 / N63

See the 12 models with the BMW N62 / N63

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 EcoBoost

With the BMW N62 / N63

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.

Ford EcoBoost engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
The Largest Ford EcoBoost Recalls In 15 Years Of ProductionCarBuzz · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026
Ford KugaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
BMW 5er E60, E61 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 26 April 2024 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
BMW X5 E70 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 5 January 2023 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
BMW 5er F10, F11: Typische Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
BMW 6er E63, E64 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 5 January 2023 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
BMW 650i: Gebrauchtwagen-TestAUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 4 December 2015 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
Volvo S60Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
BMW N62Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
BMW N63Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
BMW N62Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
Fiabilité et pannes Ford Mondeo 3Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes Ford S-MaxFiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Ford Fiesta STWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Fiabilité et pannes Volvo S60Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
BMW 745i (E65): Test über 100.000 kmAUTO ZEITUNG · Motoring press · published 12 January 2018 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
BMW X5 E53 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 4 January 2023 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
Fiabilité Bmw Serie 5 (2010-2016) (252 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French