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1.6 EcoBoost vs 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT carries less risk than the 1.6 EcoBoost: 25/100 (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 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing belt failure due to overdue maintenance».

Risk index

1.6 EcoBoost

59

High risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

2.0 16v F4R and F4RT

25

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

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

13 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 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT reliable?

In the sources we consulted, the 2.0-litre F4R and F4RT show no engine-destroying design faults, but the timing belt must be changed on time, and the coils (RS) and the variable valve timing pulley appear as weak points. We have found no reliable sources on oil consumption or big-end bearings.[4][5][6][7]

See the 3 of the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.6 EcoBoost and 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT
1.6 EcoBoost2.0 16v F4R and F4RT
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,596 cm³1,998 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Timing belt (dry)
Power120–200 hp135–250 hp
Production2010–2019[1][8]since 2000[9]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)59High risk25Moderate risk
Documented faults43
Of high or critical severity31
Worst severityCritical severityCritical 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. Critical severity: Timing belt failure due to overdue maintenance
  2. Medium severity: Faulty camshaft variable valve timing pulley
  3. Medium severity: F4RT ignition coil failure
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]
  • 2.0 16v naturally aspirated 135-197 hp (F4R)[4][5]
  • 2.0 turbo 165-250 hp (F4RT)[6][7]
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

2.0 16v F4R and F4RT

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 EcoBoost

With the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT

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. Pannes Renault Mégane 2 (testimonios por motorización)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité occasion Renault Mégane II (2002-2009)CarVerif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  6. Renaultsport Megane checkpointsevo · Motoring press · published 20 November 2008 · consulted 5 October 2026
  7. RenaultSport Megane 225 buying guide, history and reviewOctane · Motoring press · published 7 February 2025 · consulted 5 October 2026
  8. Volvo S60Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. Moteur F Renault (F4R y F4RT)Wikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  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