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1.8 and 2.0 Zetec-E vs Honda e:HEV / i-MMD: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.8 and 2.0 Zetec-E carries less risk than the Honda e:HEV / i-MMD: 30/100 versus 34/100 (both moderate risk). The 1.8 and 2.0 Zetec-E has no documented serious faults; the Honda e:HEV / i-MMD has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Cracked high-pressure fuel pump (Honda campaign 6YP)».

Risk index

1.8 and 2.0 Zetec-E

30

Moderate risk · 0 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

Honda e:HEV / i-MMD

34

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

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

12 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.8 and 2.0 Zetec-E reliable?

The 1.8 and 2.0 litre Zetec-E engines in the Focus I are simple naturally aspirated petrol engines that, according to the sources, have no recurring serious fault. The most frequently mentioned issue is the plastic thermostat housing, which deforms and leaks coolant; in addition, Ford issued a recall in 2000 to replace the oil filler cap on 1.8 and 2.0 units built up to December 1999.[1][2][3]

See the 3 of the 1.8 and 2.0 Zetec-E faults

Is the Honda e:HEV / i-MMD reliable?

The Honda e:HEV hybrid system (formerly i-MMD) has no serious, widespread faults documented in the sources consulted. The most cited issue is the 12 V battery going flat when the car stands unused and, on the 2.0, a recall for the high-pressure fuel pump.[4][5][6]

See the 3 of the Honda e:HEV / i-MMD faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.8 and 2.0 Zetec-E and Honda e:HEV / i-MMD
1.8 and 2.0 Zetec-EHonda e:HEV / i-MMD
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement——
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power115–130 hp109–184 hp
Production1991–2004[1][7][8]since 2018[4][9]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)30Moderate risk34Moderate risk
Documented faults33
Of high or critical severity02
Worst severityMedium severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Medium severity: Plastic thermostat housing: coolant leaks
  2. Medium severity: Loose oil filler cap and oil leak onto the exhaust
  3. Low severity: Dirty idle control valve: unstable idle
  1. High severity: Cracked high-pressure fuel pump (Honda campaign 6YP)
  2. High severity: Faulty fuel pump impeller on the 2019-2020 CR-V hybrid (Honda 6FE campaign)
  3. Low severity: 12 V battery going flat and hybrid system failing to start
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataup to €25012 V battery going flat and hybrid system failing to startPublished figure[4]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
  • e:HEV 1.5 (LEB-H5) 109-131 hp system output (Jazz IV, HR-V III)[4][9]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.8 Zetec-E 16v 115 hp (Focus I, 1998-2004)[1][2]
  • 2.0 Zetec-E 16v 130 hp (Focus I, 1998-2004)[1][2][10]
  • 1.6 Zetec-E 16v 90 and 95 hp (Mondeo II, 1996-2000)[7][11]
  • 1.8 Zetec-E 16v 115 hp (Mondeo II, 1996-2000)[11]
  • 2.0 Zetec-E 16v 131 hp (Mondeo II, 1996-2000)[11]
  • i-MMD 2.0 184 hp system output (CR-V V hybrid)[4][5]
  • e:HEV 2.0 184 hp system output (Civic XI)[5][12]
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

1.8 and 2.0 Zetec-E

Honda e:HEV / i-MMD

Other comparisons

With the 1.8 and 2.0 Zetec-E

With the Honda e:HEV / i-MMD

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 Focus MK1 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 5 October 2023 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  2. Fiabilité et pannes du Ford Focus 1 (1998-2004)fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  3. Ford Focus recall R/2000/003: oil filler cap may become looseAutoinsider (datos DVSA) · Other source · published 20 March 2000 · consulted 2 November 2026
  4. Sistema híbrido Honda e:HEV (i-MMD): problemas, fiabilidad y coches que lo llevanMotordex · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish
  5. Honda recalls 1.3 million cars: fuel pump fire risk (KBA 14559R)Car-Recalls.eu · Motoring press · published 17 March 2025 · consulted 29 October 2026
  6. Fiabilité Honda HR-V (2022): pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
  7. Ford Zeta engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  8. Ford FocusWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Honda LEB-H5 (1.5 i-MMD e:HEV): experiencias, problemas, consumo y consejos de compraAutohints · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish
  10. Ford Focus [MK1] [C170] (2002 - 2005) used car model guideExchange & Mart · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026
  11. Ford Mondeo 1993-2001: fiabilité et pannes (témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  12. Guide d'achat Honda Civic (nueva campaña 6YP, 4.740 híbridos en Francia)L'argus · Motoring press · published 7 January 2025 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in French