EcoBoost 1.6 vs Duratec HE 2.0
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Specifications
Character
EcoBoost 1.6
"Ford's first four-cylinder EcoBoost (2010-2017): 1.6 litres, direct injection, turbo, timing belt. Fitted to the Focus III, C-Max II, Kuga II, Fiesta ST and ST200, Mondeo, S-Max, Galaxy, Transit Connect and, as the B4164T, to Volvo T3/T4 models. Strong and lively, but very sensitive to coolant loss: with too little coolant the cylinder head can overheat and crack, leak oil under pressure and, in rare cases, start an engine-bay fire. Ford recalled engines built 2010-2014 worldwide (845 cars in Greece) to fit a coolant level sensor. Check the recall was done, watch the coolant level and change the timing belt on time."
Duratec HE 2.0
"The 2.0 16V petrol shared by Mazda (MZR LF-DE / LF-VE: Mazda 3, Mazda 5, Mazda 6, MX-5 NC) and Ford (Duratec HE 2.0: Mondeo Mk3/Mk4, Focus Mk2, C-Max, S-Max, Galaxy, Fiesta ST), also used by Volvo (S40/V50). Naturally aspirated, timing chain, 141-160 hp; engine guides quote 300,000-400,000 km with care. Two things to check: the plastic intake flaps wear, stick and can break off into the engine - most reports are on Ford Mondeo Mk3 and Focus Mk2, but Mazda-side guides report it on early Mazda engines too, and Mazda issued a bulletin for sticking flaps on 2004-2009 Mazda 3 (listen for a rattle at idle) - and oil use rises at high mileage. No hydraulic lifters, so valve clearances need periodic checks."