1.6 EcoBoost vs 0.9 TCe: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 0.9 TCe carries less risk than the 1.6 EcoBoost: 49/100 (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 0.9 TCe has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Coolant leak at the thermostat housing».

Risk index

1.6 EcoBoost

High risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

0.9 TCe

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 27 September 202613 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 0.9 TCe reliable?

The 0.9 TCe (H4Bt) is a three-cylinder turbo with a good reliability reputation, better than that of its sibling the 1.2 TCe: it does not share the same oil consumption or the same rate of chain problems. Its most-cited weak point is a coolant leak at the thermostat housing, which if ignored can end up damaging the head gasket; chain, turbo and lambda sensor cases appear less often.^[4][5]

See the 5 of the 0.9 TCe faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.6 EcoBoost and 0.9 TCe
Item	1.6 EcoBoost	0.9 TCe
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Displacement	1,596 cm³	898 cm³
Timing	Timing belt (dry)	Chain
Power	120–200 hp	90 hp
Production	2010–2019^[1][6]	2012–2024^{[4][5][7][8][9]}
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	59High risk	49Moderate risk
Documented faults	4	5
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: Coolant leak at the thermostat housing Critical severity: Timing chain or tensioner failure High severity: Turbocharger wear or failure
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	None	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	1.6 EcoBoost 120/150/160/182 (Ford, 2010-2019)^[3][10][11] 1.6 EcoBoost ST 182/197/200 (Ford Fiesta ST/ST200, 2013-2017)^[1][12] Volvo T3/T4 1.6 (B4164T3/B4164T/B4164T2, 2010-2018)^[13]	0.9 TCe 90 (H4Bt, 2012-2024)^[4][5]
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

0.9 TCe

See the 8 models with the 0.9 TCe

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 EcoBoost

With the 0.9 TCe

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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
Fiabilité des 0.9 TCeFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Moteur H Renault-NissanWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Volvo S60Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Mercedes-Benz M281 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Renault ClioWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
Dacia SanderoWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
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