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1.6 EcoBoost vs E-Tech Híbrido: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the E-Tech Híbrido carries less risk than the 1.6 EcoBoost: 32/100 (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 E-Tech Híbrido has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)».

Risk index

1.6 EcoBoost

59

High risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

E-Tech Híbrido

32

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

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

16 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 E-Tech Híbrido reliable?

The E-Tech combines a combustion engine (1.6 H4M naturally aspirated or 1.2 HR12 turbo) with electric motors and a multi-mode gearbox with no clutch or torque converter. Its best-documented weak point is the gearbox itself: reports from the Clio, Captur, Arkana, Austral, Duster and Jogger describe warnings of a risk of breakage, and Renault has launched two campaigns since 2020 (an electrical fault and a primary shaft seal). The 12 V battery also fails fairly often.[4][5][6]

See the 4 of the E-Tech Híbrido faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.6 EcoBoost and E-Tech Híbrido
1.6 EcoBoostE-Tech Híbrido
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,596 cm³1,598 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power120–200 hp140–200 hp
Production2010–2019[1][7]since 2020[4][8][9]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)59High risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults44
Of high or critical severity32
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: Multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)
  2. High severity: Stalling and injection warnings on the 1.2 E-Tech 200 (HR12)
  3. Medium severity: Hybrid system electrical fault with "DANGER" warning and car won't start
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][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]
  • 1.6 E-Tech Full Hybrid 140-145 (H4M, 2020+)[5][14]
  • 1.6 E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid 160 (H4M, 2020-2023)[15]
  • 1.2 E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 (HR12 turbo, 2022+)[6][16]
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

E-Tech Híbrido

See the 12 models with the E-Tech Híbrido

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 EcoBoost

With the E-Tech Híbrido

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. Renault Clio VWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 5Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault AustralFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Volvo S60Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. Renault Captur IIWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. Renault AustralWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. Fiabilité et pannes Ford Mondeo 3Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  11. Fiabilité et pannes Ford S-MaxFiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  12. Ford Fiesta STWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  13. Fiabilité et pannes Volvo S60Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  14. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault ArkanaFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  15. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Captur IIFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  16. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Espace 6Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French