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1.5 EcoBoost Dragon 3-cylinder 120/150/182 hp (Kuga III and Focus IV, from 2018) engine: faults and reliability

Ford 1.5 EcoBoost (cuatro cilindros 2014-2019 and tricilíndrico Dragon desde 2018) version

With caution

The Focus IV testimonials with this engine record no mechanical faults, but the Kuga III is in three successive campaigns over injectors that can crack and cause a fuel leak (22S73, 24S16 and 25S76), and the definitive repair for the last one had not been announced in February 2026. It is only worth buying with the campaign confirmed by VIN.[1][2][3][4]

Years
since 2018
Power
120–182 hp
Faults that affect it
1
1 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
2
in our database

10 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

It is a new three-cylinder, not a cut-down four-cylinder: 1,497 cc aluminium with direct and port injection, integrated exhaust manifold and cylinder deactivation at low load. In the Kuga III the German press and a CompleteCar expert describe a timing chain; they disagree on whether an oil-bathed belt still drives the oil pump. We have not found the engine codes for this version in a reliable source.[5][6][7][8]

Faults of the 1.5 EcoBoost Dragon 3-cylinder 120/150/182 hp (Kuga III and Focus IV, from 2018) engine

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionFuel leak from cracked injectors, with a fire risk (Kuga Dragon)Yes: Ford has recalled the Kuga with the three-cylinder 1.5 EcoBoost because a high-pressure injector can crack and release fuel onto the engine, with a fire risk. The broadest campaign, 25S76 (2026), covers units built between 2018 and 2024.

Cars fitted with the 1.5 EcoBoost Dragon 3-cylinder 120/150/182 hp (Kuga III and Focus IV, from 2018) engine

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Ford

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1.5 EcoBoost Dragon 3-cylinder 120/150/182 hp (Kuga III and Focus IV, from 2018) engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. The Focus IV testimonials with this engine record no mechanical faults, but the Kuga III is in three successive campaigns over injectors that can crack and cause a fuel leak (22S73, 24S16 and 25S76), and the definitive repair for the last one had not been announced in February 2026. It is only worth buying with the campaign confirmed by VIN.[1][2][3][4]

What faults does the 1.5 EcoBoost Dragon 3-cylinder 120/150/182 hp (Kuga III and Focus IV, from 2018) engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: fuel leak from cracked injectors, with a fire risk (Kuga Dragon) (critical severity).

Which cars use the 1.5 EcoBoost Dragon 3-cylinder 120/150/182 hp (Kuga III and Focus IV, from 2018) engine?

Ford Focus IV (2018–2021) and Ford Kuga III (since 2019).[4][5][7][9][10]

Are you buying a car with the 1.5 EcoBoost Dragon 3-cylinder 120/150/182 hp (Kuga III and Focus IV, from 2018) engine?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Rückruf: Bei diesen Ford-Modellen besteht BrandgefahrADAC · Motoring press · published 2 February 2026 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  2. Rückruf Ford Kuga: Brandgefahr wegen defekter Einspritzventileauto motor und sport · Motoring press · published 3 May 2024 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  3. Trois problèmes avec le Ford Kuga : jauge de carburant, injecteurs et toit panoramique défectueuxcar-recalls.eu · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  4. Tous les problèmes sur Ford FOCUS 4 2018 (93 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  5. Ford EcoBoost engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
  6. Ford EcoBoostWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  7. Ford Kuga MK3 2019-2026 Probleme und Schwachstellengebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  8. Which kind of belt or chain drive in a 2024 Ford KugaCompleteCar.ie · Motoring press · consulted 8 October 2026
  9. Every Ford Powered By The 1.5L EcoBoost 'Dragon'SlashGear · Motoring press · consulted 8 October 2026
  10. Ford KugaWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026