Ford Puma
Ford 1.0L EcoBoost 140 hp non-mHEV. Puma II 2019-2021.
Solid Crossover
140 hp in the Puma: the good chassis shines through, adequate power for everyday use.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The 1.0 EcoBoost YYJE (Focus Mk3 FL, C-Max) uses an oil bath timing belt like all 1.0 EcoBoost variants. Belt debris clogs the oil pump and causes engine failure.
Symptoms: Rubber debris in engine oil, warning light, sudden power loss through to complete engine failure
The electronically controlled thermostat of the 1.0 EcoBoost can fail, allowing engine operating temperature to rise uncontrolled. This significantly increases the risk of cylinder head damage.
Symptoms: Temperature gauge climbs into the red, coolant loss, reduced heater output
The 1.0 EcoBoost YYJE in the Fiesta HJ uses an oil-bathed timing belt (wet belt). Incorrect engine oil or neglected service intervals significantly accelerate degradation. Belt failure invariably causes engine damage.
Symptoms: Typically no warning symptom — sudden engine failure. On oil pump belt failure: rapid oil pressure loss
The front cover seal on early 1.0 EcoBoost engines (up to approx. February 2015) was not oil-resistant. Oil attacks the seal, leading to gradual coolant loss. TSI 15-1070 addresses the issue.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops without visible external leak, temperature warning, whitish steam from engine bay.
Ignition coils on the 1.0 EcoBoost three-cylinder wear unevenly. When one coil fails, the engine continues on two cylinders, causing severe vibrations and increased wear.
Symptoms: Heavy engine vibrations, rough idle, engine warning light with misfire fault code
The wastegate actuator rod vibrates due to a leaking vacuum diaphragm. Causes power loss and fault code P0299 (underboost).
Symptoms: Rattling noise from turbo area, noticeable power drop, fault code P0299, engine enters limp mode.
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Ford recalled around 4,572 Puma vehicles due to an incorrectly secured driver airbag unit. Inadequate fastening could cause the airbag to fail to deploy correctly in the event of activation.
On approx. 200 Puma mild hybrid vehicles, the battery terminal connections could come loose, leading to system failures and melt damage to components. Ford treated this as a recall action.
In the Puma 155 hp MHEV with 6-speed manual gearbox (6MX65), the 2nd gear synchro ring typically fails between 50,000 and 60,000 km. The gear no longer engages or pops out. Known issue, documented in TSB 23-2410.
On Puma vehicles from model years 2019–2021 (approx. 300 vehicles in Germany), the legally mandated eCall emergency call system was impaired by a software fault. Vehicles had to visit a dealer for a software update.
AC failures are documented on the Puma II, partly due to loose compressor mounting bolts (recall 2016–2018), partly from compressor wear. Sudden AC failures without warning are also reported from everyday use.
Owners report creaking noises from the dashboard, especially with temperature changes. Plastic parts expand and rub against each other. Door and roof frame seals can also let water into the footwell.
Owners report rattling and rubbing noises from the boot. Load cover mounting brackets no longer hold properly after 2–3 years, causing the cover to hang at an angle and restrict the rear view.