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Ford EcoSport 1

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.7 / 5.0 · Based on 7 engine variants · How we rate
Most Fun Engine

166 PS

EcoSport · Benzin

Punchy EcoSport

Decent
Most Reliable Engine

111 PS

1.5L Duratec Ti-VCT Benzin

6 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

101–140 PS

1.0L EcoBoost Benzin

6 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Overview

The Ford EcoSport 1 is available with 6 engine variants — from 75 to 166 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.5L EcoBlue · Diesel· 100 PS
2017 2020

Ford 1.5L EcoBlue 100 hp. EcoSport facelift 2017+.

  • !! Injector Problems: Juddering and Knocking from 140,000 km

    Faulty injectors cause severe juddering and knocking on acceleration. Problem occurs from approx. 140,000–150,000 km. Multiple injectors become leaky or faulty simultaneously. Ford has replaced all 4 injectors in individual cases without a permanent fix.

    Symptoms: Heavy juddering, knocking on acceleration, engine misfires, power loss
    400–1,600 $
  • !! Timing Chain Premature Wear from 120,000 km

    The 1.5 EcoBlue XWDA in the Fiesta/Puma can suffer premature timing chain wear. Ford recommends retrofitting the reinforced 8 mm chain as a preventive measure. Regular oil changes are critical.

    Symptoms: Rattling on cold start from the timing chain area, check engine light, camshaft sensor fault
    600–1,400 $
  • !! Recall Camshaft Sprocket Material Fatigue (16B42)

    Ford recalled approximately 8,400 vehicles (production October 2014 to April 2015) because the camshaft sprocket can fracture due to material fatigue and damage the engine.

    0–0 $

+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

1.5L EcoBlue TDCi · Diesel· 120 PS
2017 2022

1.5L four-cylinder diesel 1499cc. EcoSport facelift from 2017. 125 hp. Compact diesel for the small SUV.

  • !! Injector Problems: Juddering and Knocking from 140,000 km

    Faulty injectors cause severe juddering and knocking on acceleration. Problem occurs from approx. 140,000–150,000 km. Multiple injectors become leaky or faulty simultaneously. Ford has replaced all 4 injectors in individual cases without a permanent fix.

    Symptoms: Heavy juddering, knocking on acceleration, engine misfires, power loss
    400–1,600 $
  • !! Turbocharger fails prematurely from 90,000 km

    On the 1.5 EcoBlue, turbocharger wear appears from as early as 80,000 km; the cause is insufficient lubrication on cold start and frequent short trips without reaching operating temperature.

    Symptoms: Whistling noise during acceleration, power loss, oil smoke from the exhaust, turbo warning light.
    800–2,000 $
  • !! Recall: Camshaft sprocket material fatigue (16B42)

    Ford recalled approximately 8,400 vehicles (production October 2014 to April 2015) because the camshaft sprocket could fracture due to material fatigue and damage the engine.

    0–0 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

1.5L TDCi · Diesel· 90–95 PS
2013 2017

Ford 1.5L Duratorq TDCi 75/95 hp. Used in B-Max and EcoSport II.

  • !! Recall Camshaft Sprocket Material Fatigue (16B42)

    Ford recalled approximately 8,400 vehicles (production October 2014 to April 2015) because the camshaft sprocket can fracture due to material fatigue and damage the engine.

    0–0 $
  • !! EGR Cooler Crack with Coolant Ingestion from 120,000 km

    The EGR cooler develops cracks under extreme thermal cycling. Coolant enters the intake tract and forms black foam in the expansion tank. In the worst case a hydraulic lock results.

    Symptoms: Black or oily foam in the coolant expansion tank, coolant loss with no external leak, white exhaust smoke, tendency to overheat.
    500–1,200 $
  • !! DPF Issues from Short-Trip Driving from 80,000 km

    The 1.5 TDCi frequently suffers from DPF clogging. Regeneration temperature is not reached on short trips, resulting in failed regeneration cycles and fuel dilution of the oil. Widely reported as the most common warranty complaint.

    Symptoms: Check engine light, power loss, raised oil level, DPF warning lamp
    400–1,000 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

1.0L EcoBoost · Petrol· 100–140 PS Engine Change
2013 2017

Award-winning three-cylinder turbo with wet timing belt and integrated exhaust manifold in the head. Light and efficient, but oil quality and change intervals are critical for longevity. Chain-driven from mid-2018.

  • !! Wet Timing Belt Dissolves in Wrong or Old Oil from 100,000 km

    The oil-bath timing belt degrades with incorrect oil type or overdue change intervals. Rubber fragments block the oil strainer and endanger the oil pump and connecting-rod bearings.

    Symptoms: Unusual noises from engine bay, engine warning light, in the worst case engine seizure from oil pressure loss.
    1,300–2,500 $
  • !! Degas Hose at Coolant Expansion Tank Fractures from 80,000 km

    The plastic fitting on the turbo coolant hose at the expansion tank becomes brittle and fractures. Rapid coolant loss can overheat the engine in minutes and cause irreparable damage.

    Symptoms: Visible coolant loss, steam rising from engine bay, temperature warning. Coolant level drops rapidly.
    50–300 $
  • !! Head Gasket Failure from Thermal Stress from 120,000 km

    The integrated exhaust manifold in the cylinder head generates extreme heat. Insufficient cooling (e.g. after degas hose failure) can blow the head gasket.

    Symptoms: White exhaust smoke, oil-milk in expansion tank, coolant loss without visible external leak, power loss.
    800–2,500 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

2017 2022

Ford 1.0L EcoBoost 100/125/140 hp. EcoSport facelift 2017+. Also variants with different codes.

  • !! Oil-Bath Timing Belt Degenerates from 100,000 km

    The 1.0 EcoBoost M2NA (Mondeo MK5) uses an oil-bath timing belt. Incorrect oil grades or overdue change intervals dissolve the belt and block the oil pump — engine failure follows.

    Symptoms: Engine oil darkens with rubber particles, engine warning light, sudden power loss, engine failure
    400–900 $
  • !! Head Gasket Leaking from 120,000 km

    Early 1.0 EcoBoost versions are prone to head gasket cracking on overheating. Insufficient coolant or a blocked radiator significantly exacerbates the problem.

    Symptoms: White exhaust smoke, coolant loss without visible leak, milky oil under filler cap
    600–1,800 $
  • !! Wet Belt Degraded Prematurely from 100,000 km

    The 1.0 EcoBoost M2NA uses an oil-bath timing belt (wet belt). Incorrect engine oil or exceeded service intervals cause the belt to shed teeth or disintegrate. A snap results in total engine failure.

    Symptoms: No warning — sudden engine seizure, engine damage symptoms on oil pump belt failure (oil pressure loss)
    800–2,000 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

1.5L Duratec Ti-VCT · Petrol· 112 PS
2013 2017

Ford 1.5L 4-cyl Duratec Ti-VCT 112 hp. Used in EcoSport II. Manual and automatic.

  • !! Timing Chain Rattles on Cold Start from 160,000 km

    The 1.5L Duratec Ti-VCT YFDA (Mondeo Mk5 facelift 2019+, Focus Mk4) can rattle on cold start at high mileage or after long periods of inactivity. The chain tensioner temporarily loses tension at low oil pressure.

    Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start that stops after a few seconds, occasional warning light
    400–900 $
  • !! Elevated Oil Consumption from Piston Rings from 180,000 km

    The Ti-VCT engine YFDA can develop elevated oil consumption of up to 0.5 litres per 1,000 km at higher mileage. Cause is worn piston ring sets or valve stem seals.

    Symptoms: Bluish smoke on overrun or cold start, oil level drops between changes
    800–2,000 $
  • !! Intake Valve Carbon Buildup from Direct Injection from 100,000 km

    The YFDA uses direct injection without port injection. Intake valves are not washed by fuel, leading to carbon deposits that reduce the intake cross-section.

    Symptoms: Power loss, rough idle, increased fuel consumption, poor throttle response
    200–500 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

2.0L Ti-VCT GDi · Petrol· 166 PS
2017 2022

Ford 2.0L Ti-VCT GDi 166 hp AWD automatic. EcoSport facelift AWD variant.

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Brake hoses: becoming porous and cracking

All EcoSport brake hoses become porous and crack with age, which can lead to brake pressure loss and in extreme cases complete brake failure. Regular visual inspection and preventive replacement no later than 10 years is strongly recommended.

Symptoms: Spongy brake pedal; brake pedal sinking; brake fluid loss; ABS/ESP warning light.
from 100,000 km
Low
!Rear brake callipers seizing and corroding

In urban use the EcoSport's rear brakes are barely used, so the callipers and discs corrode and seize. Premature brake pad and disc wear is typical from 80,000 km.

Symptoms: Scraping noises from the rear, vehicle pulls to one side under braking, rear wheels heat up unevenly while driving.
from 80,000 km
Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
1,764 complaints · 2013–2022
  1. 01 Engine & Cooling
    825 ⚠ 4
  2. 02 Engine
    751 ⚠ 10
  3. 03 Powertrain
    196 ⚠ 4
  4. 04 Other
    137 ⚠ 3
  5. 05 Fuel System
    93 ⚠ 2

Top Reported Issues

Engine & Cooling (825 complaints)
Engine (751 complaints)
Powertrain (196 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 51 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford EcoSport 1 (2013–2022) — 44 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: M1DA (1.0L EcoBoost), M2NA (1.0L EcoBoost). Typical issues affect Brakes, Other, Electronics. Considered reliable: YFDA (1.5L Duratec Ti-VCT).

EcoSport (SFJA-ECOSPORT, 2013–2015) — Be Careful: Recall Camshaft Sprocket Material Fatigue (16B42), EGR Cooler Crack with Coolant Ingestion, DPF Issues from Short-Trip Driving. Power: 90–95 PS.

EcoSport (SFJA-ECOSPORT, 2015–2017) — Be Careful: Recall Camshaft Sprocket Material Fatigue (16B42), EGR Cooler Crack with Coolant Ingestion, DPF Issues from Short-Trip Driving. Power: 90–101 PS.

EcoSport (XWDA, 2017–2020) — Be Careful: Injector Problems: Juddering and Knocking, Timing Chain Premature Wear, Recall Camshaft Sprocket Material Fatigue (16B42). Power: 95–101 PS.

EcoSport (EcoBlue-1.5-EcoSport, 2017–2026) — Be Careful: Injector Problems: Juddering and Knocking, Turbocharger fails prematurely, Recall: Camshaft sprocket material fatigue (16B42). Power: 120 PS.

EcoSport (M1DA, 2013–2017) — Stay Away!: Wet Timing Belt Dissolves in Wrong or Old Oil, Degas Hose at Coolant Expansion Tank Fractures, Head Gasket Failure from Thermal Stress. Power: 125 PS.

EcoSport (M1DA, 2016–2017) — Stay Away!: Wet Timing Belt Dissolves in Wrong or Old Oil, Degas Hose at Coolant Expansion Tank Fractures, Head Gasket Failure from Thermal Stress. Power: 140 PS.

EcoSport (M2NA, 2017–2022) — Stay Away!: Oil-Bath Timing Belt Degenerates, Head Gasket Leaking, Wet Belt Degraded Prematurely. Power: 125 PS.

EcoSport (M2NA, 2017–2022) — Stay Away!: Oil-Bath Timing Belt Degenerates, Head Gasket Leaking, Wet Belt Degraded Prematurely. Power: 140 PS.

EcoSport (R9DC-ECOSPORT, 2017–2022) — Be Careful: Hairline Crack in Engine Block — Coolant Entering Combustion Chamber, Intake Valve Carbon Buildup (Direct Injection), Timing Chain Tensioner Wear. Power: 166 PS.

EcoSport (M2NA, 2018–2022) — Stay Away!: Oil-Bath Timing Belt Degenerates, Head Gasket Leaking, Wet Belt Degraded Prematurely. Power: 101 PS.

What to watch out for with the Ford EcoSport? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Ford EcoSport 1 have? +
The Ford EcoSport 1 has 44 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Ford EcoSport 1? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: YFDA (1.5L Duratec Ti-VCT). The most reliable engine is the YFDA (1.5L Duratec Ti-VCT) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the R9DC-ECOSPORT (2.0L Ti-VCT GDi). Problem engine: M2NA (1.0L EcoBoost) — stay away!
Which Ford EcoSport 1 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Ford EcoSport 1. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 6 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Ford EcoSport 1 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Ford EcoSport 1 — rated: "Decent". {description} 166 hp EcoBoost in the EcoSport: brisk for a subcompact SUV, but the weight limits the fun.
Is the Ford EcoSport 1 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Ford EcoSport 1 — 2 of 7 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Ford EcoSport 1? +
The Ford EcoSport 1 is available with engine variants from 75 to 166 hp. Petrol: M1DA (1.0L EcoBoost), YFDA (1.5L Duratec Ti-VCT), M2NA (1.0L EcoBoost), R9DC-ECOSPORT (2.0L Ti-VCT GDi). Diesel: SFJA-ECOSPORT (1.5L TDCi), XWDA (1.5L EcoBlue), EcoBlue-1.5-EcoSport (1.5L EcoBlue TDCi).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee