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

According to our risk index, the E-Tech Híbrido carries less risk than the 2.3 EcoBoost: 32/100 versus 41/100 (both moderate risk). The 2.3 EcoBoost has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Focus RS cylinder head gasket and block: coolant entering the cylinders»; the E-Tech Híbrido has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)».

Risk index

2.3 EcoBoost

41

Moderate risk · 2 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 2.3 EcoBoost reliable?

The 2.3 EcoBoost is the turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that Ford has fitted since 2015 to the Focus RS (350 hp), the fourth-generation Focus ST (280 hp) and the Ranger. Its documented fault is the cylinder head gasket on Focus RS cars built up to July 2017, which Ford repaired free of charge. We have found no evidence that it affects the ST, which uses a variant derived from the Mustang.[1][2][3][4]

See the 3 of the 2.3 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.[5][6][7]

See the 4 of the E-Tech Híbrido faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.3 EcoBoost and E-Tech Híbrido
2.3 EcoBoostE-Tech Híbrido
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement2,261 cm³1,598 cm³
TimingChainChain
Power270–350 hp140–200 hp
Productionsince 2015[1][4][8][9]since 2020[5][10][11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)41Moderate risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults34
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Focus RS cylinder head gasket and block: coolant entering the cylinders
  2. High severity: Engine wiring harness damaged by the gearbox housing (fourth-generation Focus)
  3. Medium severity: Oil leaks from the filler cap, the oil cooler and the sump
  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 versions
  • 2.3 EcoBoost 280 hp (Focus ST, 2019-2025)[4][12]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 2.3 EcoBoost 350 hp (Focus RS, 2016-2018)[2][3]
  • 2.3 EcoBoost 270 hp (Ranger T6.2, Mexico, from 2023)[9]
  • 2.3 EcoBoost PHEV 281 hp (Ranger plug-in hybrid, from 2025)[9][13]
  • 1.6 E-Tech Full Hybrid 140-145 (H4M, 2020+)[6][14]
  • 1.6 E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid 160 (H4M, 2020-2023)[15]
  • 1.2 E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 (HR12 turbo, 2022+)[7][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

2.3 EcoBoost

E-Tech Híbrido

See the 12 models with the E-Tech Híbrido

Other comparisons

With the 2.3 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 2 November 2026
  2. Ford Focus RS (Mk3) | PH Used Buying GuidePistonHeads · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026
  3. Ford Focus RS engine problems: owners promised free repairsevo · Motoring press · published 23 January 2018 · consulted 2 November 2026
  4. Ford Focus ST (Mk4) | PH Used Buying GuidePistonHeads · Motoring press · published 19 November 2023 · consulted 2 November 2026
  5. Renault Clio VWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 5Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault AustralFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Ford Focus RS (tabla del Focus RS Mk3, 2015-2018)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  9. Ford Ranger (T6)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  10. Renault Captur IIWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  11. Renault AustralWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  12. Used Ford Focus ST (Mk4, 2019 to date) review and buyer's guideevo · Motoring press · published 4 August 2022 · consulted 2 November 2026
  13. Ford Ranger (tabla del Ranger Plug-in-Hybrid)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  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