Verdict
A three-cylinder turbo of 999 cm³ produced since 2012: lively and frugal, but fragile. On the first engines the timing belt runs in oil; Ford later switched to a chain (Fiesta from 2017 and Focus from 2018 according to Parkers, checking by serial number recommended), but a belt immersed in oil still drives the oil pump. Its debris can block the oil strainer and destroy the engine. Engines built between October 2011 and October 2013 also received a coolant hose that may fail. A complete service history is essential.
Years to favour or avoid
- To favour
- No year particularly to favour
- To avoid
- 2012, 2013
Known faults
Wet belt degrading and blocking the oil strainer (1.0 EcoBoost)
Severity 3/3 · SeriousThe timing belt of the early 1.0 EcoBoost runs in oil. More recent versions receive a timing chain, but keep a submerged belt to drive the oil pump. As these belts degrade, they release debris that clogs the oil pump strainer: oil pressure drops and the engine can fail. In the United States, Ford recalled Focus and EcoSport models with automatic gearboxes (campaign 23V905) to replace the oil pump belt tensioner, and the road safety authority (NHTSA) extended its investigation in 2026 to Fiesta and Focus models with manual gearboxes. No equivalent European recall has been found.
- Versions
- ecoboost-1-0
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Sources
- Fiabilité du 1.0 EcoBoost — Fiches-auto (new tab)
- Ford wet belt issues: which models are affected? — Parkers (new tab)
- Après le PureTech, un nouveau moteur subit des problèmes similaires : vérifiez le niveau d'huile de votre voiture — Journal du Net (new tab)
- Des problèmes sur le moteur Ford 1.0 EcoBoost : quels sont les modèles concernés ? — L'Automobiliste (new tab)
- Did the new Ford EcoBoost timing chain fix things? (video) — Ford Authority (new tab)
- NHTSA upgrades Ford 1.0L EcoBoost engine failure investigation — Ford Authority (new tab)
- The feds want to know why Ford's one-liter EcoBoost wet belt engine keeps failing catastrophically — The Autopian (new tab)
- Ford recalls 1.0L EcoBoost engine in Focus, EcoSport for oil pressure issues — Motor1 (new tab)
- Recall 23V905 — NHTSA (new tab)
Coolant hose failing and causing overheating (1.0 EcoBoost 2011-2013)
Severity 3/3 · SeriousAround 44,700 Fords with a 1.0 EcoBoost engine built between October 2011 and October 2013 received a nylon coolant hose that can give way at high temperature, causing overheating and engine failure. A service action launched in March 2015 replaced these hoses, and in 2018 Ford announced that it would cover 100% of repairs related to this overheating at a Ford dealership. Check that the work has been carried out.
- Versions
- ecoboost-1-0
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Models fitted
Good choice, check firstPhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy with carePhoto: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Good choice, check firstPhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Ford EcoSport
2014–2023 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €338/month
Buy with carePhoto: Herranderssvensson, CC BY-SA 3.0
Extra cautionPhoto: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Good choice, check firstPhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Good choice, check firstPhoto: Makizox, CC BY-SA 4.0
Ford Mondeo
2014–2022 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
- Estimated monthly cost
- €366/month
Buy with carePhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Ford Tourneo Connect
2013–2021 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €385/month
.jpg/1280px-2014_Ford_Tourneo_Courier_(fl).jpg)
Good choice, check firstPhoto: BarnCas, CC BY-SA 4.0
Ford Tourneo Courier
2014–2023 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €307/month
Maintain and diagnose this engine
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of car parts (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.