The Ford 1.0 EcoBoost engine is, for the most part, an excellent engine. It delivers good performance for city driving, despite its relatively low power output of 80-140 horsepower. It also delivers great fuel economy, and even won the international engine of the year award, for the sub-1.0 Liter category. However, as with most engines, it does come with a few annoying problems. In this article, we’ll explore the top Ford 1.0 EcoBoost engine problems, as well as potential fixes and alternatives. Let’s get stuck in!

The Ford 1.0 EcoBoost engine is designed to be fuel-efficient and refined, whilst at the same time delivering crisp performance. You won’t see the engine on bigger saloons or sports cars, but it feels at home in smaller hatchbacks and even some SUVs.

The engine has been installed in a variety of Ford cars, including:

• The Ford Focus (2012-2022)
• The Ford C-Max (2012-2022)
• The Ford Mondeo (2013-2022)
• The Ford Fiesta (2013-2022)
  

But, what do the Ford 1.0 EcoBoost engine problems look like?

Symptoms of Ford 1.0 EcoBoost Engine Problems

Here’s what to look for if you suspect that your EcoBoost engine has a problem:

Loss of Engine Power:

The Ford 1.0 Ecoboost engine is certainly not renowned for its power. However, higher mileage engines have a tendency to lose the few horses that they do have, which can make your car monumentally slow. The EcoBoost uses direct fuel injection, which has no automatic cleaning system. This means that, over time, carbon will build up on the valve intake stems, restricting airflow and ultimately causing a loss of engine power.

Fuel Pressure Issues:

Fuel pressure is vital for an engine’s performance. Unfortunately, Ford’s EcoBoost commonly suffers from fuel pressure issues, further reducing its power. These issues occur as a result of a faulty fuel pump, and thus replacing it is normally the best fix.

The average Ford fuel pump will cost you around $700, plus labor to install it. This might seem like a lot of money, but your car will feel undrivable if you don’t get it fixed.

Overheating:

Perhaps the most common problem with Ford’s EcoBoost engine is its tendency to overheat. Its coolant pipes are made of nylon, which simply can’t withstand higher temperatures. Eventually, these coolant pipes will break or leak, leading to a lack of coolant around the engine, and ultimately, overheating.

This problem was so big that, in 2015, Ford replaced the pipes in over 40,000 Ford Engines. They reached a repair rate of 96% of the affected cars, leaving 4% with nylon pipes still installed. They have also promised to reimburse any owners who received car damage as a result of their EcoBoost engine overheating. Ford’s response was ultimately classy and quick, showing them to be worthy of their dominant position in the car market.

The overheating issues could lead to further problems. For instance, consistent overheating could lead to an oil leak, which is very expensive to fix. Alternatively, the cylinder head could crack. So, if you’ve got a

Variable Fuel Economy:

One of the main reasons you’d want to buy an EcoBoost engine is for its excellent fuel economy. However, some drivers have reported much lower figures than Ford has quoted. This is because the more the turbocharger is used, the more fuel you’ll use. This can become frustrating for drivers. The turbocharger is there to compensate for the engine’s poor performance, but, using it seems to defeat the whole purpose of an efficient engine!

Turbocharger problems:

The EcoBoost’s turbo is responsible for its lower-than-expected fuel economy. But, it’s also prone to breaking. This isn’t a major problem, and some drivers may not experience it. But, if you do, it can set you back hundreds.

The Turbocharger will most likely break over time. As such, it’s good to conduct proper maintenance on your engine. This way, you’ll be able to regularly check your turbocharger, to make sure there are no issues with it. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Top things to look out for when inspecting your turbo include:

Lubrication- If your turbocharger doesn’t have enough lubricant, it could overheat

Foreign Objects- Clear your turbocharger of foreign objects, as these could damage your turbo when it spins.

Is the Ford 1.0 EcoBoost Engine Worthwhile?

Ultimately, the Ford 1.0 Ecoboost engine is a great choice- for the most part. If you’re looking for something efficient and low maintenance, the 1.0 EcoBoost might just be perfect for you. Especially now the coolant issues are fixed the 1.0 EcoBoost is a reliable and dependable engine.

In reality, the Ford 1.0 EcoBoost engine’s biggest problem is its performance. If you drive on the highway frequently or want something with decent acceleration, the 1.0 EcoBoost certainly isn’t for you. Its performance is far from sporty, and the engine could frustrate you more than it excites you.

If you’re looking for an alternative to the 1.0 EcoBoost, consider the 1.5 EcoBoost. The Ford 1.5 EcoBoost engine is the 1.0’s older brother- just as efficient, but a lot more powerful. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for something both punchy and efficient. However, it does come with a fair few issues too, which is something to consider.

FAQ

Are Ford EcoBoost engine problems dangerous?

For the most part, the most common EcoBoost engine problems are not dangerous. Instead, they’ll affect your quality of life as well as your wallet. For instance, the fuel pressure and fuel injection problems won’t compromise your engine’s safety but will make every drive an absolute nightmare.

Although, the overheating issue could have been very dangerous for some drivers. In fact, several Ford owners reported that their car caught fire as a result of the coolant issues. No one was hurt because of this problem, but it could have ended very badly. Thankfully, Ford quickly realized and fixed this problem before it was too late.

How long will a Ford EcoBoost engine last?

Generally, Ford EcoBoost engines are very reliable. Apart from the cooling system, which has been replaced, the engine is built from sturdy materials. As such, an EcoBoost engine will easily last you 100,000 miles or more. Consistent maintenance and services could see you through to 200,000 miles.