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SFJASFJBSFJCSFJD

1.0 EcoBoost 100/125 (Fox, 2012-2017) engine: faults and reliability

Ford 1.0 EcoBoost (Fox) version

With caution

This is the version with the most documented cases of degradation of the belts running in oil and of coolant leak reports in early units; only recommended with the belts checked or replaced and no oil temperature or pressure warning lights.[1][2][3]

Years
2012–2017
Power
100–125 hp
Faults that affect it
3
3 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
8
in our database

16 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

The Fox's launch version, with 100 and 125 hp. Both the timing belt and the oil pump belt run in oil, and the engine has no cylinder deactivation.[4][5]

Engine codes of this version: SFJA, SFJB, SFJC, SFJD.

Faults of the SFJA engine

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1Critical severityCommonFrequency: CommonTimingDegradation of the timing belt running in oilYes: the 1.0 EcoBoost's timing belt runs in oil and can degrade over the years, shedding bits of rubber that block the oil pump and seize the engine without warning. The NHTSA is investigating the case in the United States and Ford has shortened the recommended replacement interval.Repair (garage): €800–€1,200
  2. 2Critical severityCommonFrequency: CommonLubricationOil pump belt and tensioner failureYes. In addition to the timing belt, the 1.0 EcoBoost has a second belt, also running in oil, that drives the oil pump. If the tensioner breaks, the belt loses teeth and can cut off oil pressure; in the US Ford has recalled more than 100,000 Ford Focus and EcoSport vehicles for this reason.
  3. 3Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalCoolingCoolant leaks and overheating from the turbo hoseThere are documented cases of turbo hoses that crack and drain the coolant without warning, which can overheat the engine and even seize it. We have not found a Ford campaign for the 1.0 EcoBoost in Spain; Ford's best-known fire recall concerns a different engine, the 1.6 EcoBoost.

Cars fitted with the SFJA engine

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Ford

Frequently asked questions

Is the SFJA engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. This is the version with the most documented cases of degradation of the belts running in oil and of coolant leak reports in early units; only recommended with the belts checked or replaced and no oil temperature or pressure warning lights.[1][2][3]

What faults does the SFJA engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: degradation of the timing belt running in oil (critical severity), oil pump belt and tensioner failure (critical severity) and coolant leaks and overheating from the turbo hose (critical severity).

Which cars use the SFJA engine?

Ford Fiesta VII (2013–2017), Ford Focus III (2012–2018), Ford C-Max II (2013–2019), Ford B-Max (2012–2017), Ford EcoSport (2014–2022), Ford Mondeo V (2015–2018), Ford Transit Courier (since 2014) and Ford Tourneo Courier (since 2014).[4][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]

Are you buying a car with the SFJA engine?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

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

  1. 1.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
  2. 2.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
  3. 3.Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?Carbuyer · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026
  4. 4.Ford EcoBoost engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  5. 5.Correa en Aceite Motor Ford EcoBoost 1.0LIndustrias Dolz · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. 6.Prueba: Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost 100 CV (2013)km77 · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  7. 7.Stellantis no es el único afectado por la correa de distribución bañada en aceiteAutofácil · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  8. 8.Ford's Self-Clogging 1.0-Liter EcoBoost Engine Is Finally Getting RecalledThe Drive · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026
  9. 9.The Largest Ford EcoBoost Recalls In 15 Years Of ProductionCarBuzz · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026
  10. 10.Gripa el motor por problema en el manguito se queda sin refrigeranteOpinautos · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. 11.Ford B-MAX Trend 1.0 EcoBoost 100 CV (2012-2018): precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. 12.Self-Clogging Ford Oil Pumps Lead Feds to Investigate 1.0-Liter EcoBoost EnginesThe Drive · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026
  13. 13.Timing Belt in Oil for Ford EcoBoost 1.0LIndustrias Dolz · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
  14. 14.1.0L EcoBoost - Automatic Transmission - Illuminated MIL With Multiple DTCs (TSB 19-2168)Ford Motor Company · Manufacturer · published 28 May 2019 · consulted 26 September 2026
  15. 15.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
  16. 16.Prueba Ford Tourneo Courier 1.0 EcoBoost 100 CV Sport: mucho coche por muy pocoAutonoción · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish