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Ford 1.5 EcoBoost (three-cylinder) engine: reliability and faults

Petrol · 1,497 cm³ · 120, 150, 182, 200 hp · since 2018

Good choice, check first
Reliability
4.0/5

2 known faults

Verdict

A 1.5-litre direct-injection turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, fitted to the Ford Focus IV, Kuga III, Fiesta ST and Puma ST. The injectors can crack and leak petrol onto the hot engine: Ford has issued several recalls on engines built from late 2018 to 2024. Early builds also suffer head gasket failures with coolant loss. Ask for invoices and proof that the recalls have been carried out.

Years to favour or avoid

To favour
No year particularly to favour
To avoid
2018, 2019

Known faults

Head gasket and coolant loss (early builds)

Severity 3/3 · Serious

Getcarwise reports premature head gasket failure on early three-cylinder 1.5 EcoBoost engines, mostly built from 2017 to 2019: coolant leaks into the combustion chambers, and overheating can lead to engine failure. CarVerif also notes a few cases of excessive overheating on the Focus IV. Watch the coolant level and look for white smoke.

Versions
ecoboost-1-5
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Cracked injectors: fuel leak and fire risk (recalls)

Manufacturer recall

An injector can crack and leak fuel onto the hot engine. Recall 22S73 (2022) adds a software update that detects the drop in fuel pressure, reduces power and lights a warning, plus a drain tube; 24S16 followed, then a campaign extended to 1.5 EcoBoost engines built between November 2018 and May 2024. Check with the VIN.

Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

Versions
ecoboost-1-5
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Models fitted

  • Buy with care

    Photo: Herranderssvensson, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Ford Fiesta

    2017–2023 · Petrol, Diesel

    Estimated monthly cost
    €331/month
    See the guide : Ford Fiesta
  • Good choice, check first

    Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Ford Focus

    2018–2025 · Petrol, Diesel

    Estimated monthly cost
    €362/month
    See the guide : Ford Focus
  • Buy with care

    Photo: Harvey Bold, CC0

    Ford Kuga

    since 2019 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid

    Estimated monthly cost
    €512/month
    See the guide : Ford Kuga
  • Good choice, check first

    Photo: Cutlass, CC0

    Ford Puma

    since 2019 · Petrol, Electric

    Estimated monthly cost
    €384/month
    See the guide : Ford Puma

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.