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1.6 EcoBoost vs BMW B48 / B38: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the BMW B48 / B38 carries less risk than the 1.6 EcoBoost: 24/100 (low risk) versus 59/100 (high risk). The 1.6 EcoBoost has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Cracked cylinder head from overheating, with fire risk»; the BMW B48 / B38 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing chain on the early units (2014-2018), redesigned in the B48TU».

Risk index

1.6 EcoBoost

59

High risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

BMW B48 / B38

24

Low risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

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

14 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.6 EcoBoost reliable?

It is a turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder that Ford used between 2010 and 2018 as a mid-range step across much of its European line-up, and which Volvo sold under its own T3/T4 designations. Its most serious fault is overheating caused by a loss of coolant circulation that can crack the cylinder head and cause a fire: Ford has recalled cars in South Africa and in the US/Canada, although we have not confirmed an equivalent campaign in Spain.[1][2][3]

See the 4 of the 1.6 EcoBoost faults

Is the BMW B48 / B38 reliable?

The BMW B48 (2.0 turbo, from 2014) and its three-cylinder sibling, the B38 (1.5), have a reputation as reliable engines within BMW's modern range: there is no serious, widespread fault on record, unlike the timing chain on the N47 diesel or the EGR fire risk on the B47. Keep an eye on the cooling circuit, the oil seals near the turbo and the VANOS, and the carbon build-up typical of direct injection; BMW revised the timing chain in 2018 (B48TU update).[4][5][6]

See the 4 of the BMW B48 / B38 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.6 EcoBoost and BMW B48 / B38
1.6 EcoBoostBMW B48 / B38
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,596 cm³1,998 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power120–200 hp136–312 hp
Production2010–2019[1][7]since 2014[4][8][9]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)59High risk24Low risk
Documented faults44
Of high or critical severity31
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Cracked cylinder head from overheating, with fire risk
  2. High severity: Coolant loss from hoses, water pump or expansion tank
  3. High severity: Premature turbocharger failure
  1. Medium severity: Deterioration of hoses and seals in the cooling circuit, with coolant loss
  2. Medium severity: Oil leaks or seepage from seals and covers, near the turbo and the VANOS
  3. High severity: Timing chain on the early units (2014-2018), redesigned in the B48TU
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
  • B38 1.5 136 hp (MINI Cooper, 118i)[5]
  • B48 2.0 178-197 hp (120i, 220i, 320i, 520i, X1/X2/X3 20i, MINI Cooper S)[5]
  • B48 2.0 252-258 hp (330i, 530i, X3/X4 xDrive30i)[5][10]
  • B48 2.0 up to 302-312 hp, high performance (MINI John Cooper Works, BMW X1 M35i)[5]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.6 EcoBoost 120/150/160/182 (Ford, 2010-2019)[3][11][12]
  • 1.6 EcoBoost ST 182/197/200 (Ford Fiesta ST/ST200, 2013-2017)[1][13]
  • Volvo T3/T4 1.6 (B4164T3/B4164T/B4164T2, 2010-2018)[14]
None
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

1.6 EcoBoost

See the 10 models with the 1.6 EcoBoost

BMW B48 / B38

See the 17 models with the BMW B48 / B38

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 EcoBoost

With the BMW B48 / B38

Compare other engines

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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 27 September 2026
  2. The Largest Ford EcoBoost Recalls In 15 Years Of ProductionCarBuzz · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026
  3. Ford KugaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  4. BMW B48Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  5. Motor BMW B48: defectos, mantenimiento y guía de compraRecambios y Accesorios BMW (blog) · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. BMW Reliability Has Changed, But the Internet Hasn't Caught UpBMWBLOG · Other source · published January 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. Volvo S60Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. BMW B38Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. BMW B48Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  10. 5 BMWs That Prove the B48 Four-Cylinder Engine Is Better Than You ThinkBMWBLOG · Other source · published April 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026
  11. Fiabilité et pannes Ford Mondeo 3Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  12. Fiabilité et pannes Ford S-MaxFiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  13. Ford Fiesta STWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  14. Fiabilité et pannes Volvo S60Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French