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1.5 EcoBoost vs 1.2 8v: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.2 8v carries less risk than the 1.5 EcoBoost: 36/100 versus 43/100 (both moderate risk). The 1.5 EcoBoost has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Coolant loss through a microcrack in the engine block (4-cylinder 1.5)»; the 1.2 8v has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Damaged cylinder head gasket (coolant loss and overheating)».

Risk index

1.5 EcoBoost

43

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

1.2 8v

36

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

20 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.5 EcoBoost reliable?

These are two engines with the same name. The four-cylinder (2014-2019: Mondeo, Focus, Kuga, C-Max) has documented cases of coolant loss through a microcrack in the block, which can end in a new engine. The three-cylinder Dragon (from 2018) has hardly any mechanical faults cited, but the Kuga has been recalled several times because an injector can crack and cause a fuel leak with a fire risk.[1][2][3][4]

See the 2 of the 1.5 EcoBoost faults

Is the 1.2 8v reliable?

The 1.2 8v (D7F) is a simple naturally aspirated engine of 54 to 60 hp, with a timing belt, which Renault fitted from 1996 to the Twingo, Clio II and Kangoo. No catastrophic failures are documented; what owner reviews mention most often are the sensors, the cylinder head gasket, the coil packs and the occasional oil drip.[5][6][7]

See the 5 of the 1.2 8v faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.5 EcoBoost and 1.2 8v
1.5 EcoBoost1.2 8v
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,498 cm³1,149 cm³
TimingChainTiming belt (dry)
Power120–200 hp54–60 hp
Productionsince 2014[8][9][10][11][12]1996–2012[13][14][15][16]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)43Moderate risk36Moderate risk
Documented faults25
Of high or critical severity21
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Coolant loss through a microcrack in the engine block (4-cylinder 1.5)
  2. Critical severity: Fuel leak from cracked injectors, with a fire risk (Kuga Dragon)
  1. High severity: Damaged cylinder head gasket (coolant loss and overheating)
  2. Medium severity: Crankshaft sensor (TDC) and other engine sensor failure
  3. Medium severity: Ignition faults: coil packs, ignition harness and humidity
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.5 EcoBoost 4-cylinder 120/150/160/182 hp (Mondeo, Focus, Kuga, C-Max, S-Max, Galaxy, 2014-2019)[1][2]
  • 1.5 EcoBoost Dragon 3-cylinder 120/150/182 hp (Kuga III and Focus IV, from 2018)[3][4][17][18]
  • 1.5 EcoBoost ST 200 hp (Fiesta ST 2018-2023 and Puma ST, code YZJA)[3][10][19]
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

Other comparisons

With the 1.5 EcoBoost

With the 1.2 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 Mondeo V - Auto ReviewANWB · Consumer association · published 2 September 2024 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in Dutch
  2. Ford EcoBoost Probleme und Haltbarkeitgebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  3. Rückruf: Bei diesen Ford-Modellen besteht BrandgefahrADAC · Motoring press · published 2 February 2026 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  4. Rückruf Ford Kuga: Brandgefahr wegen defekter Einspritzventileauto motor und sport · Motoring press · published 3 May 2024 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  5. Fiabilité Renault Clio 2 : pannes et avis des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité Renault Twingo 1993-2006 : pannes et avis des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  7. Fiabilité Renault Twingo 2 (2007-2014) : pannes et avis des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  8. Ford EcoBoost engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
  9. Ford EcoBoostWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  10. Every Ford Powered By The 1.5L EcoBoost 'Dragon'SlashGear · Motoring press · consulted 8 October 2026
  11. Ford Kuga Titanium 1.5 EcoBoost Auto-Start-Stop 150 CV 4x2 (2014-2016): precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 8 October 2026 · in Spanish
  12. Ford Kuga MK3 2019-2026 Probleme und Schwachstellengebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  13. Moteur D (Renault)Wikipédia (francés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  14. Renault Clio IIWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  15. Renault TwingoWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  16. Renault Twingo IWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  17. Trois problèmes avec le Ford Kuga : jauge de carburant, injecteurs et toit panoramique défectueuxcar-recalls.eu · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  18. Tous les problèmes sur Ford FOCUS 4 2018 (93 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  19. YZJA engine (Ford 1.5 EcoBoost)Motorinsel · Technical documentation · consulted 8 October 2026
  20. Renault Twingo (ab 1993): Schwachstellen laut TÜV-AuswertungAUTO BILD · Motoring press · published February 2002 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German