1.6 EcoBoost vs M264/M254: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the M264/M254 carries less risk than the 1.6 EcoBoost: 29/100 (moderate risk) versus 59/100 (high risk). The 1.6 EcoBoost has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Cracked cylinder head from overheating, with fire risk»; the M264/M254 has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Poorly tightened 48 V earth wiring in the mild-hybrid system (fire risk)».

Risk index

1.6 EcoBoost

High risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

M264/M254

Moderate 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 9 October 202616 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 M264/M254 reliable?

The M264 (four-cylinder turbo petrol, since 2017) and its successor the M254 (since 2021) have no documented, widespread serious mechanical faults: the German guides cite no typical problems. What is on record are recalls of limited scope (misfire-detection software, poorly tightened 48 V earth connections and turbo oil lines). These are young engines and long-term data is lacking, above all on the starter-generator and the 48 V battery.^{[4][5][6][7][8]}

See the 4 of the M264/M254 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.6 EcoBoost and M264/M254
Item	1.6 EcoBoost	M264/M254
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Displacement	1,596 cm³	1,991 cm³
Timing	Timing belt (dry)	Chain
Power	120–200 hp	156–299 hp
Production	2010–2019^[1][9]	since 2017^[10][11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	59High risk	29Moderate risk
Documented faults	4	4
Of high or critical severity	3	3
Worst severity	Critical severity	High 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: Poorly tightened 48 V earth wiring in the mild-hybrid system (fire risk) High severity: Engine control unit: misfire-detection software (loss of propulsion) High severity: Oil leak at the turbo oil line connections (fire risk)
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	None	M264 1.5 turbo 156-184 CV (M264 E15)^[4][5][6][7] M264 2.0 turbo 197-299 CV (M264 E20)^{[4][5][6][7][8]}
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	1.6 EcoBoost 120/150/160/182 (Ford, 2010-2019)^[3][12][13] 1.6 EcoBoost ST 182/197/200 (Ford Fiesta ST/ST200, 2013-2017)^[1][14] Volvo T3/T4 1.6 (B4164T3/B4164T/B4164T2, 2010-2018)^[15]	M254 1.5 turbo 170-204 CV (C 180 and C 200)^[16] M254 2.0 turbo 204-258 CV (C 300, GLC and E-Class W214)^[16]
AvoidVersions to avoid	None	None

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

M264/M254

See the 7 models with the M264/M254

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 EcoBoost

With the M264/M254

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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
Mercedes-Benz GLC (X253): Alle typischen Probleme & MängelGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
Mercedes E-Klasse ProblemeCarWiki.de · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
Mercedes-Benz: Probleme mit der Software des MotorsteuergerätesÖAMTC · Consumer association · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
Mercedes-Rückruf: Brandgefahr bei E-Klasse, CLS und AMG GTauto motor und sport · Motoring press · published 13 February 2024 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
Mercedes-Benz: Öl könnte austretenÖAMTC · Consumer association · published September 2020 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
Volvo S60Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Mercedes-Benz M 260 / M 264 (Wikipedia)Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
Mercedes-Benz W 206 (Wikipedia)Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 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
Mercedes W206 im Gebraucht-CheckGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · published 8 August 2026 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German