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M8DAM8MAM9DAUNCA

1.5 EcoBoost 4-cylinder 120/150/160/182 hp (Mondeo, Focus, Kuga, C-Max, S-Max, Galaxy, 2014-2019) engine: faults and reliability

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

With caution

The ANWB notes that its roadside assistance often sees coolant losses from a microcrack in the block, with engine replacement as the fix, although many units exceed 200,000 km without problems; no Ford campaign is recorded in Europe. It is best bought with a history and by watching the coolant level.[1][2]

Years
2014–2019
Power
120–182 hp
Faults that affect it
1
1 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
6
in our database

12 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

It is the four-cylinder derived from the 1.6 EcoBoost: 1,498 cc with aluminium block and head, turbo and direct injection, integrated exhaust manifold and a clutch on the water pump that speeds up warm-up. It drives the timing with a dry belt (a German guide recommends changing it at 200,000 km or 5 years). It produces 150 hp and 240 Nm in the Kuga and 160 hp in the Mondeo; the codes cited come from engine sellers and we have not been able to match them to each output.[2][3][4][5][6][7][8]

Engine codes of this version: M8DA, M8MA, M9DA, UNCA.

Faults of the M8DA engine

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

  1. 1Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalCylinder head and blockCoolant loss through a microcrack in the engine block (4-cylinder 1.5)Yes: in the four-cylinder 1.5 EcoBoost there are cases of coolant loss attributed to a microcrack in the block that can force a new engine to be fitted. We have found no Ford campaign in Europe.

Cars fitted with the M8DA 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 M8DA engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. The ANWB notes that its roadside assistance often sees coolant losses from a microcrack in the block, with engine replacement as the fix, although many units exceed 200,000 km without problems; no Ford campaign is recorded in Europe. It is best bought with a history and by watching the coolant level.[1][2]

What faults does the M8DA engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: coolant loss through a microcrack in the engine block (4-cylinder 1.5) (critical severity).

Which cars use the M8DA engine?

Ford Mondeo V (2014–2018), Ford Focus III (2015–2018), Ford C-Max II (2015–2019), Ford Kuga II (2014–2019), Ford S-Max II (2015–2018) and Ford Galaxy III (2015–2018).[1][3][4][5][6][7][9][10][11][12]

Are you buying a car with the M8DA 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. 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. Ford EcoBoost engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
  4. Ford EcoBoostWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  5. Ford Mondeo (fourth generation)Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
  6. 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
  7. Ford M8DA engine specificationsMyMotorList · Technical documentation · consulted 8 October 2026
  8. Used Ford EcoBoost engine: 1.0, 1.5, 1.6 or 2.0, how to find the right codeAllomoteur · Technical documentation · consulted 8 October 2026
  9. Tous les problèmes sur Ford MONDEO 4 2015-2022 (76 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  10. Ford KugaWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
  11. Tous les problèmes sur Ford KUGA 2 2012-2019 (91 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  12. Ford S-MaxWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026