The Ford Fiesta is one of the smallest and most popular Ford models for decades. The Fiesta was first released back in 1976 and was in continuous production ever since. During this time, the Fiesta spawned seven different generations which makes it one of the longest-lasting Ford models in production, surpassed only by the Mustang and a few other models.
Engine-wise, the Fiesta has adopted two EcoBoost engines for the latest two generations. Most Fiesta models come with Ford’s 1.0 EcoBoost engine while the hot hatchback Fiesta ST comes with Ford’s 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The 1.0L EcoBoost engine offers between 100hp and 125hp while the 1.5L EcoBoost offers 200hp.
Reliability-wise, both of these engines seem to be doing just fine, but you do need to maintain them if you want them to last. Thankfully, these aren’t all that expensive to maintain which means that most owners tend to take care of them. The most common Ford 1.0 EcoBoost engine problems are related to high-pressure fuel pumps and oil leaks.
The most common Ford 1.5 EcoBoost engine problems are associated with the cooling system and carbon build-up. All in all, both of these are great, the 1.0L EcoBoost is enough for 99% of situations while the 1.5L EcoBoost in the ST is made for enthusiasts.
Ford Fiesta EcoBoost engine problems – Ford 1.0 EcoBoost high-pressure fuel pump issues
The 1.0 EcoBoost 3-cylinder engine found in the Ford Fiesta is a direct injection engine which means that it is lighter and more efficient than a similar indirect injection engine. This comes with a whole host of benefits, but it also comes with certain drawbacks such as carbon build-up and more importantly, issues with the high-pressure fuel pump.
The problem here is that the pump used in the 1.0 EcoBoost engine operates with an extremely fast piston that needs to push fuel into the engine really aggressively. As such, the pump, the corresponding fuel valves, and the fuel control valve are all prone to failure because they withstand high levels of stress during everyday applications.
Ford Fiesta EcoBoost engine problems – Ford 1.0 EcoBoost oil leaks
The Ford 1.0 EcoBoost engines come with lots of seals, gaskets, and o-rings, all of which are made out of plastic. As time passes on, these tend to wear out quickly, especially if they are mounted on significantly harder materials such as aluminum or steel. When that inevitably happens, you are going to experience oil leaks.
The key to avoiding any potential damages caused by oil leaks is to inspect these components whenever you service the car. Lack of engine oil can cause a plethora of detrimental engine issues which can even destroy the engine completely. Also be sure to look for any visible oil leaks, oil-burning smells, or any smoke coming from within the engine bay.
Ford Fiesta EcoBoost engine problems – Ford 1.5 EcoBoost cooling issues
The Ford 1.5 EcoBoost engine is loosely based on its larger brother, the 1.6 EcoBoost. Ford introduced the 1.5 engine in order to comply with tax groups in certain countries. We also need to mention that Ford managed to make the 1.5 EcoBoost as powerful, if not even more powerful than its larger 1.6 counterpart which is certainly amazing. However, both of these suffer from cooling issues.
The issue here is that the coolant is somehow able to find its way into the combustion chamber which will inevitably lead to low coolant levels which can overheat the engine if not even destroy it. This has caused a huge class-action lawsuit against Ford that still seems to be popping up.
Ford Fiesta EcoBoost engine problems – Ford 1.5 EcoBoost carbon build-up issues
We have already talked about the fact that direct injection engines are in many ways better than indirect injection engines. A prime example of that is the fact a direct injection engine tends to be more powerful, more efficient, and better packaged than a similarly-sized indirect injection engine. However, carbon build-up is likely the most common issue with direct injection engines.
As the fuel passes into the engine, it can often cause carbon deposits to build up on the valves of the engine which can restrict the airflow into the combustion chamber. This will cause uneven fuel and air mixtures which are inevitably going to result in less power. For a performance car such as the Fiesta ST, lack of power is the last thing you want. So, be sure to pay a few hundred dollars and clean the engine with the Walnut blasting method.
FAQ Section
Is the Ford 1.0 EcoBoost a good engine?
The Ford 1.0 EcoBoost is a really good engine from many different perspectives. For starters, it is only a 1.0L 3-cylinder engine, but it offers 125hp, a power output some manufacturers only manage with 2.0L 4-cylinder engines. Moreover, the 1.0 EcoBoost engine is extremely efficient as it can return up to 50MPG which is a seriously good number for a gasoline engine.
Reliability-wise, the 1.0 EcoBoost engines offer two distinct advantages over similar engines. Firstly, it does not break down often, secondly, it costs next to nothing to keep it operating in an adequate manner. All in all, the 1.0 EcoBoost Ford engine is a really good engine for 99% of people.
Is the Ford 1.5 EcoBoost a good engine?
The Ford 1.5 EcoBoost is an engine you can find in a whole host of Ford and Volvo models. Most 1.5 EcoBoost engines don’t serve a specific performance-oriented role, but the one in the Ford Fiesta ST does. As such, the Fiesta ST is a small hatchback that offers 200hp which inevitably makes it fun to drive and live with.
The 1.5L EcoBoost engine is as impressive if not even more impressive than the 1.0 EcoBoost. Being able to extract 200hp from such a small engine is truly a feat of engineering that wasn’t possible a decade ago.
Does Ford make good engines?
Ford is one of those brands that know how to make an engine, but they are also a brand that knows how to not make an engine. Therefore, Ford has amazing engines in its lineup, but they also have horrible engines in its lineup. The newest EcoBoost range of engines isn’t exciting as some older higher displacement V8 engines but is better in every way.
