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

According to our risk index, the 1.2 8v carries less risk than the 2.0 EcoBoost: 36/100 versus 38/100 (both moderate risk). The 2.0 EcoBoost has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Coolant entering the cylinders through block cracks»; the 1.2 8v has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Damaged cylinder head gasket (coolant loss and overheating)».

Risk index

2.0 EcoBoost

38

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

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 2.0 EcoBoost reliable?

This is the direct-injection turbo 2.0 that Ford fitted from 2010 to the Mondeo, S-Max, Galaxy, Kuga and Focus ST, and that Volvo, Land Rover and Jaguar also used. Its most serious weak point is cracks in the block that let coolant into the cylinders (a Ford bulletin in North America; cited for the Mondeo and Kuga); we have not found a European recall.[1][2][3][4]

See the 3 of the 2.0 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 2.0 EcoBoost and 1.2 8v
2.0 EcoBoost1.2 8v
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,999 cm³1,149 cm³
TimingChainTiming belt (dry)
Power203–250 hp54–60 hp
Production2010–2018[8][9]1996–2012[10][11][12][13]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)38Moderate risk36Moderate risk
Documented faults35
Of high or critical severity11
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Coolant entering the cylinders through block cracks
  2. Medium severity: Carbon build-up on injectors and intake valves from direct injection
  3. Medium severity: Turbo faults: sensor, pressure solenoid and noise
  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
  • 2.0 EcoBoost 203/240 hp (Mondeo IV, S-Max I and Galaxy II, 2010-2014)[1][14]
  • 2.0 EcoBoost 203/240 hp (Mondeo V, S-Max II and Galaxy III, 2014-2018)[1][2][15]
  • 2.0 EcoBoost ST 250 hp (Focus ST, 2012-2018)[14][16][17]
  • 2.0 EcoBoost 242 hp 4x4 (Kuga II, 2017-2018)[1][3]
  • Volvo 2.0T 203 hp and T5 240 hp (B4204T6 and B4204T7, 2010-2013)[8][18]
  • Land Rover and Jaguar Si4 240 hp (Evoque, Freelander 2, Discovery Sport and XF, 2011-2016)[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 2.0 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. TSB 19-2346: 2.0L EcoBoost - Coolant In Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke And/Or Illuminated MILFord Motor Company · Manufacturer · published 19 December 2019 · consulted 2 November 2026
  2. Ford Mondeo: Probleme, Krankheiten und Rückrufe (Mondeo MK5)Gebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  3. Ford Kuga: Probleme, Krankheiten und Kaufberatung (Kuga MK2)Gebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  4. Ford Mondeo (2010 – 2014): engine fire (código Ford 17S09)car-recalls.eu · Other source · published October 2021 · consulted 2 November 2026
  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 · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  9. Ford Focus (third generation)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  10. Moteur D (Renault)Wikipédia (francés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  11. Renault Clio IIWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  12. Renault TwingoWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  13. Renault Twingo IWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  14. Ford EcoBoost Probleme (2.0 und 2.3)Carwiki.de · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  15. Ford Mondeo (tabla de motores del Mondeo V)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Spanish
  16. Used Ford Focus ST (Mk3, 2012-2019) review and buyer's guideAuto Express · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026
  17. Fiabilité et pannes Ford Focus 3 (2011-2018)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  18. Volvo V60 I (2010 – 2018) – Typische Probleme & KrankheitenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  19. Fiabilité et pannes Land Rover Range Rover Evoque (2011-2018)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  20. Renault Twingo (ab 1993): Schwachstellen laut TÜV-AuswertungAUTO BILD · Motoring press · published February 2002 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German