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1.0 EcoBoost vs 2.0 TSI / TFSI: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.0 TSI / TFSI carries less risk than the 1.0 EcoBoost: 54/100 versus 71/100 (both high risk). The 1.0 EcoBoost has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Degradation of the timing belt running in oil»; the 2.0 TSI / TFSI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «High oil consumption».

Risk index

1.0 EcoBoost

71

High risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

2.0 TSI / TFSI

54

High risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

20 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.0 EcoBoost reliable?

It is a turbocharged direct-injection three-cylinder that has won Engine of the Year several times, but it has two very well-documented weak points: two belts running in oil (timing and oil pump) that can disintegrate and seize the engine, and cases of coolant leaks and overheating in early units. It is best bought with a service history and the belts checked or replaced on time.[1][2][3][4]

See the 4 of the 1.0 EcoBoost faults

Is the 2.0 TSI / TFSI reliable?

It depends above all on the generation. The earliest units (2008-2012, without Valvelift) have more oil consumption complaints and somewhat more chain and tensioner wear; from 2012 the Valvelift design reduced oil consumption but kept carbon build-up on the intake valves as a weak point until, around 2016, supplementary indirect injection was added. The thermostat housing with the integrated water pump leaks coolant in several generations.[5][6][7][8][9]

See the 5 of the 2.0 TSI / TFSI faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.0 EcoBoost and 2.0 TSI / TFSI
1.0 EcoBoost2.0 TSI / TFSI
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement999 cm³1,984 cm³
TimingWet belt (belt-in-oil)Chain
Power100–155 hp170–320 hp
Productionsince 2012[1][10][11][12]since 2008[5][13]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)71High risk54High risk
Documented faults45
Of high or critical severity32
Worst severityCritical severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Degradation of the timing belt running in oil
  2. Critical severity: Oil pump belt and tensioner failure
  3. Critical severity: Coolant leaks and overheating from the turbo hose
  1. High severity: High oil consumption
  2. Critical severity: Timing chain and tensioner wear
  3. Medium severity: Carbon build-up on the intake valves
Most expensive documented repairup to €1,200Degradation of the timing belt running in oilPublished figure[2]up to €4,000High oil consumptionPublished figure[14]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
  • 2.0 TSI/TFSI Gen 3B / evo, with added indirect injection (2016 onwards, 190-320 hp)[5][9][15]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.0 EcoBoost 100/125 (Fox, 2012-2017)[2][3][16]
  • 1.0 EcoBoost 100/125/140 with cylinder deactivation (from ~2017)[17][18]
  • 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid 48V mild hybrid (125/155 hp, from 2019)[1][19]
  • 2.0 TSI/TFSI Gen 1, without Valvelift (2008-2012, 170-220 hp)[6][7][15][20]
  • 2.0 TSI/TFSI Gen 2/3, with Valvelift and direct injection only (2012-2016, 180-230 hp)[6][7][15]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

1.0 EcoBoost

See the 11 models with the 1.0 EcoBoost

2.0 TSI / TFSI

See the 42 models with the 2.0 TSI / TFSI

Other comparisons

With the 1.0 EcoBoost

With the 2.0 TSI / TFSI

Compare other engines

That is the comparison you are viewing: change one of the two engines.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Ford EcoBoost engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  2. Alerta Ford: la correa de distribución del 1.0 EcoBoost puede romper el motor y la NHTSA ya investigaMotor16 · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. Los Ford 1.0 EcoBoost tricilíndricos están dando problemas de correas bañadas que recuerdan al caso PureTechMotor.es · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  4. Gripa el motor por problema en el manguito se queda sin refrigeranteOpinautos · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. Volkswagen EA888 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  6. Fiabilité Volkswagen (datos de propietarios por modelo)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  7. Fiabilité Audi (datos de propietarios por modelo)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  8. Motores TFSI: características, ventajas e inconvenientesAutofácil · Motoring press · published 18 May 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Motor 2.0 TFSI 190 CV (ficha técnica)km77 · Technical documentation · published 13 May 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  10. Prueba: Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost 100 CV (2013)km77 · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. Ford Mondeo Berlina Trend 1.0 EcoBoost 92 kW (125 CV) (2015-2018): precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. Ford B-MAX Trend 1.0 EcoBoost 100 CV (2012-2018): precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  13. Audi TTWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  14. Tu coche quema aceite: 6 señales de alarma y la solución definitiva para salvar tu motorAutopista.es · Motoring press · published 19 June 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  15. Témoignages fiabilité Audifiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  16. Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?Carbuyer · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026
  17. Ford's Self-Clogging 1.0-Liter EcoBoost Engine Is Finally Getting RecalledThe Drive · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026
  18. The Largest Ford EcoBoost Recalls In 15 Years Of ProductionCarBuzz · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026
  19. Stellantis no es el único afectado por la correa de distribución bañada en aceiteAutofácil · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  20. Témoignages fiabilité Volkswagenfiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French