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1.6 EcoBoost vs 1.4 and 1.6 8v: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.4 and 1.6 8v carries less risk than the 1.6 EcoBoost: 48/100 (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 1.4 and 1.6 8v has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «LPG tank corrosion».

Risk index

1.6 EcoBoost

59

High risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

1.4 and 1.6 8v

48

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

15 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 1.4 and 1.6 8v reliable?

The K7J (1.4) and K7M (1.6) are the original 8-valve, single-camshaft versions of Renault's «K» family: simple naturally aspirated engines that are, on the whole, reliable. None of the sources consulted documents oil consumption or faults that destroy the block. The most frequently cited weak points are the crankshaft sensor, the head gasket and the ignition coils; on Dacia's LPG versions, corrosion of the gas tank is added to the list.[4][5][6]

See the 5 of the 1.4 and 1.6 8v faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.6 EcoBoost and 1.4 and 1.6 8v
1.6 EcoBoost1.4 and 1.6 8v
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,596 cm³—
TimingTiming belt (dry)Timing belt (dry)
Power120–200 hp75–90 hp
Production2010–2019[1][7]since 1995[8][9][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)59High risk48Moderate risk
Documented faults45
Of high or critical severity33
Worst severityCritical severityHigh 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. High severity: LPG tank corrosion
  2. High severity: Timing belt breakage or failure
  3. High severity: Head gasket (and, in some cases, cylinder head)
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][11][12]
  • 1.6 EcoBoost ST 182/197/200 (Ford Fiesta ST/ST200, 2013-2017)[1][13]
  • Volvo T3/T4 1.6 (B4164T3/B4164T/B4164T2, 2010-2018)[14]
  • 1.4 8V 75 hp (K7J, 1995-2012)[4][5][6][15]
  • 1.6 8V 90 hp (K7M, 1995-2012)[4][5]
  • 1.4 8V 75 hp LPG (K7J 714, Dacia, 2008-2012)[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 10 models with the 1.6 EcoBoost

1.4 and 1.6 8v

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 EcoBoost

With the 1.4 and 1.6 8v

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. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia Logan 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia Sandero 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Volvo S60Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. Renault K-Type engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. Moteur K RenaultWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  10. Anexo:Motores de RenaultWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. Fiabilité et pannes Ford Mondeo 3Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  12. Fiabilité et pannes Ford S-MaxFiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  13. Ford Fiesta STWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  14. Fiabilité et pannes Volvo S60Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  15. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Kangoo 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French