Skip to content
MotorFiable
en

1.6 EcoBoost vs 1.8 T 20v: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.8 T 20v 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 1.8 T 20v has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Turbo wear and oil consumption».

Risk index

1.6 EcoBoost

59

High risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

1.8 T 20v

32

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

18 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 1.8 T 20v reliable?

With up-to-date maintenance, the 20-valve 1.8T has a reputation as a powerful, durable engine for its time, but owner reports document recurring faults: ignition coils (especially on 2001 to 2003 units), water pump and air mass meter, and less often the turbo -sometimes linked to growing oil consumption- and the timing chain tensioner.[4][5][6][7][8][9]

See the 5 of the 1.8 T 20v faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.6 EcoBoost and 1.8 T 20v
1.6 EcoBoost1.8 T 20v
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,596 cm³1,781 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Timing belt (dry)
Power120–200 hp150–225 hp
Production2010–2019[1][10]1996–2006[11][12][13][14]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)59High risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults45
Of high or critical severity31
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: Turbo wear and oil consumption
  2. Medium severity: Water pump failure
  3. Medium severity: Timing chain tensioner noise and wear
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][15][16]
  • 1.6 EcoBoost ST 182/197/200 (Ford Fiesta ST/ST200, 2013-2017)[1][17]
  • Volvo T3/T4 1.6 (B4164T3/B4164T/B4164T2, 2010-2018)[18]
  • 1.8 T 20v 150 hp (AEB/AGU/ARZ/AUM, 1996-2005)[5][9]
  • 1.8 T 20v 180 hp (AUQ, 1998-2006)[6][7]
  • 1.8 T 20v 225 hp quattro (BAM, 1999-2006)[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

1.8 T 20v

See the 11 models with the 1.8 T 20v

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 EcoBoost

With the 1.8 T 20v

Compare other engines

That is the comparison you are viewing: change one of the two engines.

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 Volkswagen Golf IVFiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité et pannes Volkswagen PassatFiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité et pannes Audi A3Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Fiabilité et pannes Audi TTFiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Fiabilité et pannes Seat LeónFiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. Seat Leon Mk1: Probleme, Schwachstellen, ErfahrungenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  10. Volvo S60Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  11. List of Volkswagen Group petrol enginesWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  12. Audi TTWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  13. SEAT LeónWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  14. SEAT ToledoWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  15. Fiabilité et pannes Ford Mondeo 3Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  16. Fiabilité et pannes Ford S-MaxFiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  17. Ford Fiesta STWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  18. Fiabilité et pannes Volvo S60Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French