2018-2022 Ford EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Engine: Longevity, Problems, and Specs

As of 2022, Ford EcoSport ditched the 1.0 EcoBoost engine as one of its options for buyers in favor of its 2.0-liter inline-four unit. That means the crossover will be exclusively offered with a single engine type for now.

In this article, we will see whether this is the right move for Ford in the case of the EcoSport crossover. Let's dive in at the durability, problems, and key specs of the engine to see whether or not it is worth keeping.

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2012-now
• Average lifespan of 1.0L EcoBoost:150,000-200,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:84-153 hp
• Fuel efficiency:excellent
• Engine block material:cast-iron
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:coolant leaks, oil leaks, carbon buildup on intake valves, turbocharger failure, no lifters.

Ford EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Engine: Longevity

The EcoBoost engine family of Ford is defined by its power and fuel efficiency. However, it seems that the American automaker has dropped the ball with the 1.0 EcoBoost.

There were a lot of issues that came with it, and it became too problematic to a point that the company recalled around 44,682 vehicles equipped with it years ago due to faulty coolant pipes and coolant tanks that exposed owners to overheating issues. A class action lawsuit was also filed in court as a result of the matter, which Ford settled in the form of reimbursements.

There were owners who claimed to have fixed the hose, gasket, and coolant problems early on. According to them, they were able to push their engines up to 100,000 miles with only minor repairs and maintenance from then on. Many who weren't as lucky had the signature problems of the 1.0 EcoBoost before the 50,000- to 80,000-mile mark though.

Most Common Problems of the Ford EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Engine

According to long-time users of the Ford EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Engine, here are the most common problems you may encounter with it:

1. Blown Head Gasket

The head gasket is a component of the engine that seals the cylinders and prevents the coolant and oil from mixing. If it fails, the engine will overheat and may suffer serious damage. The worst that could happen with an overheating engine is that it can even cause fire to the flammable components of your engine bay.

The head gasket is supposed to last throughout the life of the engine, but the 1.0L EcoBoost is notorious for its head gasket blowing off way before the 80,000-mile mark. However, as we will show you in the next part, the quality of the head gasket should not be the only one to blame here.

A head gasket may blow due to excessively high operating temperatures within the engine bay due to lubrication issues. It can also stem from very strong vibrations, collisions, or other kinds of damage to the engine block.

A blown head gasket in the 1.0 EcoBoost engine of the Ford EcoSport can have several effects. The most common symptom is an overheating engine as coolant will no longer be able to circulate properly. The engine may run rough or stall completely, too. The other symptoms of a blown head gasket include white smoke coming from the exhaust, oil or dirt in the coolant, and constantly low coolant levels.

The only way to effectively fix a blown head gasket is to replace it. This is a fairly major repair, so it is important to consult with a qualified mechanic for the job.

2. Faulty Lower Hose

In actuality, the head gasket is not the sole culprit in the major problems experienced by 1.0 EcoBoost users. The major contributor to the problem is the faulty lower hose equipped in Ford vehicles that tends to drain off the coolant quickly. The gradual seeping of the coolant can mean a higher operating temperature for the engine at some point when it is already very low on the fluid.

In a worst-case scenario, the situation can trigger overheating which can ruin the entire engine. Usually, the first ones to go here are the head gasket and the cylinder heads. Both of which entail extensive and expensive repairs. In most cases, it may even be more economical to replace the entire engine than to have the individual parts repaired.

It is important to detect problems in the lower hose early on to avoid such problems from taking place by knowing the symptoms such as the temperature gauge reading higher than normal or the warning light turning on.

The hose may also start to leak coolant which can be easily spotted. Another symptom is the hissing noise that can be audible when the car is already low on coolant.

If any of these conditions are becoming evident, take action right away and have the car brought in to a reputable mechanic for inspection. The problem with the lower hose can be easily remedied via a replacement.

Installing a new and improved hose is the best solution to avoid any future issues. It's best to get one that is of high quality to ensure durability and proper function. This little effort and a little bit of investment will surely save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.

3. Cracked Cylinder Heads

A cracked cylinder head is a relatively common issue with this particular engine due to the reasons identified in the preceding part of this section. This issue is already severe enough, so further neglect can lead to your engine totally getting written off.

One of the most common causes of cracked cylinder heads in the 1.0 EcoBoost engine is due to overheating. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as having a faulty lower hose, a blown gasket, a cooling system generally not functioning properly, or if the engine has been over-revved. If your engine overheats, it's important to get it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible, as this can cause serious damage to the engine or even fire.

Another possible cause of cracked cylinder heads is due to incorrect installation. If the cylinder heads are not installed correctly, they can become warped or damaged. This can then lead to coolant leaks, which can cause the engine to overheat. Likewise, the incorrect calibration of the pistons can lead to scoring in its internal parts and eventually result in breaks.

If you suspect that your cylinder heads may be cracked, there are a few different symptoms that you may notice. One of the most common symptoms is a weird noise coming from the engine. This can be anything from a knocking sound to a hissing noise. You may also notice that the engine is running hotter than usual, or that it's consuming more oil than normal.

If you think that your cylinder heads may be cracked, the best thing to do is to take your car to a mechanic and have them take a look. They will be able to tell you for sure if the heads are indeed cracked, and they'll be able to advise you on the best course of action as well. In most cases, they may recommend that you replace the cylinder heads entirely.

4. Timing Belt Premature Wear

Most cars today have timing belts that can last up to 100,000 miles before needing a replacement. However, the Ford EcoSport has the tendency to wear that part halfway down that mark or even much earlier.

You can easily spot a worn timing belt by popping up your hood and looking for signs of over-extension or damage on that component. There are also symptoms that will point to the issue such as the engine running rough, a whining sound in the engine bay, and excessive vibrations when idling. The engine may also stall or misfire as a result.

If you suspect that your timing belt is worn, have a mechanic check and replace it as soon as possible. A worn timing belt can cause serious engine damage if it breaks while the engine is running.

Key Highlights of the Ford EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Engine

The 1.0 EcoBoost engine used by the Ford EcoSport is popularly referred to as "The Fox". It features an inline-three design with a transverse orientation. The unit possesses a dual-overhead cam (DOHC) with variable camshaft timing (VCT) configuration.

The engine uses a cast aluminum cylinder head and cast-iron block while its operation is driven by an engine belt. The unit has a bore measuring 71.9 mm and a stroke of 82 mm. These allow a compression ratio of 10.0:1.

In the EcoSport crossover, the output of the engine is rated at 123 hp at 6,000 rpm and 125 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm. All that power is directed to a front-wheel-drive (FWD) system and is distributed via a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.

The A/T version of the Ford EcoSport with the 1.0 EcoBoost is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 12.7 seconds while its max speed is capped at 112 mph. Meanwhile, the fuel economy of the unit is 27 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined.

Conclusion

Many people familiar with the issues of the Ford EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost engine would tell you to stay clear of it. Well, it's in your best interest to do so due to the fact we uncovered here. However, if you already own an EcoSport with the said engine, we strongly advise that you pay special attention to the components where the problems usually originate.

Should you notice anything unusual with them or if they start showing the primary symptoms stated here, take immediate action to save yourself from all the hassle coming from expensive repairs.