The Ford 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine first emerged in 2010. The engine usually provides between 200 and 252 horsepower, while the torque is 221 to 270 pound-feet. It offers medium performance and high fuel efficiency and is generally found in base Ford, Land Rover, Volvo, and Lincoln vehicles. It is best described as a turbocharged, inline-4 cylinder direct injection engine.
This guide would cover all you need to know about this engine, how reliable it is, and common problems that might come up with it.
Two Generations of 2.0 EcoBoost
There are two generations of the Ford 2.0 EcoBoost engines. Although the original one was in 2010, the second generation emerged in 2015.
First Generation
The first generation 2.0 EcoBoost engine did not fail, even if it was upgraded in 2015. It used a twin-independent variable system, unlike some EcoBoost engines, which use traditional systems. It continued to be used in cars until 2018.
You can find the 2.0-liter engine in Ford S-Max, Mondeo and Galaxy, from the 2010 model till present. It can also be found in the 2010 to 2013 Volvo V60, V70 and S60, and XC60 T5 from 2012 to 2017. The engine is also installed in different model years for Ford Explorer, Edge, Falcon, Fusion, Escape, and Taurus.
Second Generation
On the other hand, the second generation 2.0l engine was updated in 2015. It offers higher performance and fuel efficiency with a new design. The design includes a recent aluminum block, a twin-scroll turbocharger, and a head fitted with an exhaust manifold.
It can be found in many present vehicles, like Ford Edge, Tourneo, Fusion, Everest, Escape, and Bronco Sport. It is also installed in Lincoln MKZ. Nautilus, and Corsair.
Is the 2.0 EcoBoost Reliable?
Yes, it is. The Ford 2.0 EcoBoost engine is decently reliable. There aren’t a lot of problems that come with this engine, and the essential components are durable and long-lasting. You can easily use this engine for up to 150,000 miles, although it would require a couple of replacements and checks after this.
The 2.0-liter engine can last longer with the proper maintenance, so you should avoid neglecting your engine. Instead, always take it for regular checks and use high-quality oil and components. Also, if you notice any faults, you should fix them immediately.
Common Problems with the Ford 2.0 EcoBoost
Here are the common problems that might come up when using the Ford 2.0 EcoBoost.
The Exhaust Manifold is Cracked
One major problem with the Ford 2.0 EcoBoost engine is a cracked exhaust manifold on the two generations. Exhaust gas temperatures can become very high, especially when driving on elevated platforms, and this can cause cracks in the exhaust manifold.
Because of these cracks, air seeps out of them instead of going directly from exhaust system. This isn’t environmentally healthy and can reduce the efficiency of your car.
You can identify the problem with poor performance, excessive turbo boost, wrong noises from the engine, poor acceleration, and exhaust fume smells. When it gets cracked, you should fix it immediately, or it can damage the entire turbocharger and lead to excessive spool.
Repairing an exhaust manifold is pretty expensive. Keep in mind that the manifold is joined to the head, leading to further problems.
Failure in the Low-Pressure or High-Pressure Fuel Pump
Your Ford 2.0 EcoBoost engine might also have a failure in a low-pressure or high-pressure fuel pump. The direct injection fuel system has these two pumps, and while the low-pressure pump is more prone to failure, the high-pressure unit can also get damaged.
Suppose this is the problem of your vehicle’s engine. In that case, you might notice misfires, poor acceleration, check engine light is on, low air-to-fuel ratio, rough idling, and generally poor performance. It would be best to fix it immediately you notice, so visit a mechanic to check.
Failure in Turbo/Boost Control Solenoid
Another problem in your Ford 2.0 EcoBoost engine might be a faulty turbo/boost control solenoid. If this goes bad, the wastegate doesn’t open and close properly. So, it doesn’t produce enough or might create too much pressure on the acceleration pedal.
Even if it doesn’t get damaged, the solenoid can also go through wear and tear. Since it is an electrical system, it can cause dirt buildup, corroded wires, water, and other natural causes. It can last for up to ten years without damage.
Carbon Build-Up
Direct injection engines usually have a problem with carbon buildup, which is the case with the Ford 2.0 EcoBoost. Sometimes, the carbon deposits land on the engine cylinder over time, leading to buildup. This also leads to a restricted airflow to the cylinders.
This won’t happen over time and isn’t easy to catch, but it gradually reduces the performance of your engine. You can identify the problem with a few symptoms like misfires, poor acceleration, sluggish performance, and rough idling.
If you have this problem, you can fix it with walnut blasting. But, this is best resolved by a professional mechanic, although it can cost up to $500. You should also do this every 80,000 miles, even if you don’t notice these symptoms.
Conclusion
If your Ford 2.0 EcoBoost engine has the wrong symptoms, you should get it checked immediately so it can last for a long time. The engine is still very reliable, even more so when you take better care of it. Plus, it offers good performance despite the common problems.