Thoughts on Ford 2.0 Ecoboost

[jsean]

Any one here have insight or experience with the 2.0 Ecoboosts? Considering replacing the trusty Corolla that’s been in the family since brand new. I’d like something a little quieter and possibly a little more fun for DD duties.

Specifically, I’m looking at 2013-2015 or 2020 Fusions and/or MKZ. No desire in getting the in between TSB years.

I also saw some Taurus’ came with the 2.0 EB but no mention of the Taurus in the Ford TSB. Were they safe from the open deck design through their entire run?

Main goal is to have something mostly reliable and I little more fun to drive than an appliance.

 

[Corollaman]

I have a 2016 Fusion with the 2.0, no mechanical issues (including coolant intrusion). 87,000 miles, plenty of power.

 

[MVAR]

Any one here have insight or experience with the 2.0 Ecoboosts? Considering replacing the trusty Corolla that’s been in the family since brand new. I’d like something a little quieter and possibly a little more fun for DD duties.

Specifically, I’m looking at 2013-2015 or 2020 Fusions and/or MKZ. No desire in getting the in between TSB years.

I also saw some Taurus’ came with the 2.0 EB but no mention of the Taurus in the Ford TSB. Were they safe from the open deck design through their entire run?

Main goal is to have something mostly reliable and I little more fun to drive than an appliance.

Wifes car is a 2013 Fusion SE 2.0 ecoboost. Has around 190k mi on it currently. It's been one of the most reliable cars we've ever owned tbh. I will insert a caveat here though.

Since you're coming from an older(ish) Toyota, the maintenance costs & frequency will be much higher with the fusion. Don't follow the manufacturer schedules for service is of a high priority. If mainly hwy driving, a solid oil like HPL will do fine at 10k intervals (without excessive fuel dilution which ours doesn't thankfully). I also do a drain/fill on the 6F35 FAR more regularly than most. That'll be the real weak link. Those who don't (like my old neighbors) tend to have more issues. I did drain/fill every 10k mi until I went through a 2.5 gallon jug of Amsoil SS transmission fluid. After that, about every 20k for a drain/fill. Also, I do plugs every 50k, brake fluid & coolant every other year.

Headlight bulbs are a huge PITA to replace. If one burns out, just change them all while you're in there.

In 190k miles we've changed:
Front dampeners & lower control arms (at around 175-180k)
Brakes once
Leaking antenna seal(roof)
Evap system sensor
Transmission cooler thermostat
One walnut shell intake cleaning (around 110k mi)

Besides fluids, filters & tires I think that's all we've had to do to the car. From 20k to about 145k it was 75% hwy miles. After 145k it has been a city commuter that spends 95% of its life short tripped. Still has great UOA's with little to no wear. I also only run premium fuel as the transmission seems to respond & shift better on 91 over 87.

Don't know how much this will help but it's been my experience. Great car if you stay on top of the regular maintenance.

 

[I<3oil]

Owned a 2013 Fusion for 4 years. Ran great. Only issue I had was the headliner glue sag. I liked it, especially since I had it tuned and aftermarket BOV. Only reason got rid of it was to get CRV due to having kids.

 

[dishdude]

Is there a bad 2.0T on the market? It seems to be the sweet spot where all manufacturers really make a great engine that puts out great power.

 

[MVAR]

Wifes car is a 2013 Fusion SE 2.0 ecoboost. Has around 190k mi on it currently. It's been one of the most reliable cars we've ever owned tbh. I will insert a caveat here though.

Since you're coming from an older(ish) Toyota, the maintenance costs & frequency will be much higher with the fusion. Don't follow the manufacturer schedules for service is of a high priority. If mainly hwy driving, a solid oil like HPL will do fine at 10k intervals (without excessive fuel dilution which ours doesn't thankfully). I also do a drain/fill on the 6F35 FAR more regularly than most. That'll be the real weak link. Those who don't (like my old neighbors) tend to have more issues. I did drain/fill every 10k mi until I went through a 2.5 gallon jug of Amsoil SS transmission fluid. After that, about every 20k for a drain/fill. Also, I do plugs every 50k, brake fluid & coolant every other year.

Headlight bulbs are a huge PITA to replace. If one burns out, just change them all while you're in there.

In 190k miles we've changed:
Front dampeners & lower control arms (at around 175-180k)
Brakes once
Leaking antenna seal(roof)
Evap system sensor
Transmission cooler thermostat
One walnut shell intake cleaning (around 110k mi)

Besides fluids, filters & tires I think that's all we've had to do to the car. From 20k to about 145k it was 75% hwy miles. After 145k it has been a city commuter that spends 95% of its life short tripped. Still has great UOA's with little to no wear. I also only run premium fuel as the transmission seems to respond & shift better on 91 over 87.

Don't know how much this will help but it's been my experience. Great car if you stay on top of the regular maintenance.

To update this, my wife just texted me that she now has a TPMS system error. Considering I just had to replace those in the 2012 GMC Canyon last year, I figure it's time to do the ones in the Fusion. 12yrs isn't bad for the original batteries on those things.

 

[jsean]

I have a 2016 Fusion with the 2.0, no mechanical issues (including coolant intrusion). 87,000 miles, plenty of power.

Thanks for the data point. Glad to hear that it’s been reliable. Have you run it mostly on regular unleaded?

 

[jsean]

Wifes car is a 2013 Fusion SE 2.0 ecoboost. Has around 190k mi on it currently. It's been one of the most reliable cars we've ever owned tbh. I will insert a caveat here though.

Since you're coming from an older(ish) Toyota, the maintenance costs & frequency will be much higher with the fusion. Don't follow the manufacturer schedules for service is of a high priority. If mainly hwy driving, a solid oil like HPL will do fine at 10k intervals (without excessive fuel dilution which ours doesn't thankfully). I also do a drain/fill on the 6F35 FAR more regularly than most. That'll be the real weak link. Those who don't (like my old neighbors) tend to have more issues. I did drain/fill every 10k mi until I went through a 2.5 gallon jug of Amsoil SS transmission fluid. After that, about every 20k for a drain/fill. Also, I do plugs every 50k, brake fluid & coolant every other year.

Headlight bulbs are a huge PITA to replace. If one burns out, just change them all while you're in there.

In 190k miles we've changed:
Front dampeners & lower control arms (at around 175-180k)
Brakes once
Leaking antenna seal(roof)
Evap system sensor
Transmission cooler thermostat
One walnut shell intake cleaning (around 110k mi)

Besides fluids, filters & tires I think that's all we've had to do to the car. From 20k to about 145k it was 75% hwy miles. After 145k it has been a city commuter that spends 95% of its life short tripped. Still has great UOA's with little to no wear. I also only run premium fuel as the transmission seems to respond & shift better on 91 over 87.

Don't know how much this will help but it's been my experience. Great car if you stay on top of the regular maintenance.

This is exactly what I was looking for! Looks like it’s been pretty reliable - nothing on your list seems to out of the ordinary to me.
I figured nothing else was probably going to beat this Corolla - it’s approaching 205k miles and all it’s had are regular fluid changes and 1 LF wheel bearing. Everything else has been preventative.
I’ve read about the 6F35 having quirky 2-3 shifts. Much like, if I do buy one - i plan on doing ATF changes every 20k miles.
Are IVDs a common problem on the 2.0 EB?
Is the difference significant in how the vehicle runs between 91 and 87? I already have 3 vehicles that require premium - so my hope would be to run 87 on a DD.

 

[jsean]

Owned a 2013 Fusion for 4 years. Ran great. Only issue I had was the headliner glue sag. I liked it, especially since I had it tuned and aftermarket BOV. Only reason got rid of it was to get CRV due to having kids.

Funny you mention kids - we’re looking at getting a mid size due to needing more space in the back for a 2nd car seat. The Corolla is undriveable if we put both car seats in the back and I’m not a huge fan of driving around the Armada everywhere getting 12-14 mpg along the way. Fusion/other mid size sedans seem like a decent in between compromise.

 

[MVAR]

This is exactly what I was looking for! Looks like it’s been pretty reliable - nothing on your list seems to out of the ordinary to me.
I figured nothing else was probably going to beat this Corolla - it’s approaching 205k miles and all it’s had are regular fluid changes and 1 LF wheel bearing. Everything else has been preventative.
I’ve read about the 6F35 having quirky 2-3 shifts. Much like, if I do buy one - i plan on doing ATF changes every 20k miles.
Are IVDs a common problem on the 2.0 EB?
Is the difference significant in how the vehicle runs between 91 and 87? I already have 3 vehicles that require premium - so my hope would be to run 87 on a DD.

Fuel mpg isn't much different. About 1mpg less on 87 averaged over 5k miles. The computer does change the way the transmission shifts between 87 & 91 though & that's where the shift feel made me keep with 91

 

[Corollaman]

Thanks for the data point. Glad to hear that it’s been reliable. Have you run it mostly on regular unleaded?

I've ran 91 octane for the most part, some 89 mixed in.

 

[I<3oil]

Funny you mention kids - we’re looking at getting a mid size due to needing more space in the back for a 2nd car seat. The Corolla is undriveable if we put both car seats in the back and I’m not a huge fan of driving around the Armada everywhere getting 12-14 mpg along the way. Fusion/other mid size sedans seem like a decent in between compromise.

CUV > sedan, so much more room in general and its a lot easier to load/unload things in the back vs. having to put it down into a trunk.

 

[KCJeep]

Four Fusions in my immediate family, all have been good even the 1.6 Ecos. All are well beyond 100k with one at 180k. Those and older Mazda 6 are excellent buys albeit more expensive than they used to be (market). The 17 to 19 2.0 should be avoided.

IIRC Ford recommends premium for the Eco's although I'd bet 95% of them get 87.

 

[dogememe]

Funny you mention kids - we’re looking at getting a mid size due to needing more space in the back for a 2nd car seat. The Corolla is undriveable if we put both car seats in the back and I’m not a huge fan of driving around the Armada everywhere getting 12-14 mpg along the way. Fusion/other mid size sedans seem like a decent in between compromise.

I have dated two guys with second gen Fusions and I did NOT find the back seats particularly spacious the few times I was back there. I don't know anything about kids or car seats but I'd go with an SUV personally. Maybe I just found the back seats tight because I am used to SUVs as that's what I've driven most but there is a reason most people with families go with SUVs or minivans Of the two Fusions, one was a 1.5 that was disappointing both in terms of MPG and performance, and one was a Hybrid that was very nice. If you do go with a Fusion, I'd skip the turbos and find one with the trusty 2.5 NA engine or go with a hybrid version for much better MPG. I had the 2.5 in an Escape and although it wasn't the best on gas it was trouble free! Speaking of Escapes, I'm a fan of the 2nd gen Escapes (the boxy ones). 2009-2012 are the years to get IMO.

 

[jsean]

CUV > sedan, so much more room in general and it’s a lot easier to load/unload things in the back vs. having to put it down into a trunk.

I like sedans - and I know I’m the minority unfortunately. It’s been a while we’ve looked at vehicle for DD purposes and this whole time I thought CUVs didn’t have enough leg space compared to their sedan siblings. Gotta start looking at some of the larger CUVs to see what makes more sense

 

[SOUNDMAN5000]

Purchased a Used (REPO) 2017 Ford Fusion in 2017 Se with the 2.0 Turbo. The car only had 500 miles on it! Got a great deal!

Last year 2024 I gave the car to my daughter, she is still at home in school ( I'm Dad so I still maintain it )
I have owned and own many cars and trucks and the 2.0 Fusion has been truly the BEST car I have owned!
Its a low road noise car, same price and year Honda all have loud front end road noise.

I do Ford dealer oil changes when the oil change gets to around 15-20% about every 4K to 5K miles, My local Ford dealer will come to my house and do the 5K service in my driveway for under $100! Thats the only money I have had to spend except tires and a air filter (s) Very inexpensive car to own and drive.

IMO Ford has the best AC of any brand ( I live in the hot south ) , Mine has super bright LED headlights that I LOVE, I had a 2014 WRX new I could not see on a rain night! . Most of the 2017 Fusions has the 1.5L but my SE has the 2.0 and I can't believe how quick it is ( I also own a Hellcat and have owned Mustangs) The Fusion is a quick as you need in a car! It will get up and GO!

The only issue we have ever has was the washer fluid won't spray and the right front speaker I think ( Taylor Swift blew it ) a few weeks ago! and that said the mid range Fusion car audio is fantastic and I'm a audio engineer on my day job!

I LOVE this car and my daughter LOVES this car, We buy new cars, lots over the years domestic to Honda to VW to well most everything and when I consider the Fusion itself, smooth ride, quick with that 2.0, easy and not expensive to keep it dealer maintained, the seats feel great , The AC will run me out on the Carolina Coast, My new Honda, VW, Subaru AC struggles but my old 2002 Ford work van, I can only turn the AC on low and it will run me out!
Ford has had the coldest AC the last forever if you live in a sub tropical area like buy a Ford based on the AC alone!

The 2.0 Fusion is overall the BEST car I have ever purchased! it checks ALL the boxes!

 

[jsean]

I have dated two guys with second gen Fusions and I did NOT find the back seats particularly spacious the few times I was back there. I don't know anything about kids or car seats but I'd go with an SUV personally. Maybe I just found the back seats tight because I am used to SUVs as that's what I've driven most but there is a reason most people with families go with SUVs or minivans Of the two Fusions, one was a 1.5 that was disappointing both in terms of MPG and performance, and one was a Hybrid that was very nice. If you do go with a Fusion, I'd skip the turbos and find one with the trusty 2.5 NA engine or go with a hybrid version for much better MPG. I had the 2.5 in an Escape and although it wasn't the best on gas it was trouble free! Speaking of Escapes, I'm a fan of the 2nd gen Escapes (the boxy ones). 2009-2012 are the years to get IMO.

That’s good to know about the back seat space. It’s a shame because I really like the 2.0 Ecoboost and how the Fusions look. Oh well. I like the looks of the Gen2 Escapelbut that gen of Ford vehicles here have just mostly rotted out.

I started my search for Fusions with the 2.5 engine. But trying to find one with the heated seats/cold weather package is harder than expected. Plus I drove a 2014 2.0 EB that a coworker has and I really liked how it drove.
Maybe I need to switch my search and look for a 2.0 EB Taurus instead for the larger backseat and trunk.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Another member here shared this with me on the EB.

Someone correct me - but I think the pre 2015 "ecoboost" is a Mazda engine - which I think was good.

2015 they went to the twin scroll turbo with no cross drill, and had all kinds of head gasket failures per below.

I think they updated it after this TSB in 2019 solving that problem.

There is a new version came out in 22?? Don't know much about that.

Hopefully one of the Ford knowledgeable folks can comment.

 

[MVAR]

That’s good to know about the back seat space. It’s a shame because I really like the 2.0 Ecoboost and how the Fusions look. Oh well. I like the looks of the Gen2 Escapelbut that gen of Ford vehicles here have just mostly rotted out.

I started my search for Fusions with the 2.5 engine. But trying to find one with the heated seats/cold weather package is harder than expected. Plus I drove a 2014 2.0 EB that a coworker has and I really liked how it drove.
Maybe I need to switch my search and look for a 2.0 EB Taurus instead for the larger backseat and trunk.

I've never had an issue with backseat space in our Fusion. We've hauled people that were 6' tall for 5-6hr road trips with no issue. I'm 5'10" & have been in the back when transporting aging relatives (letting them sit up front) & had plenty of room. I would say that our old 2007 Fusion had more head room in the back but slightly less leg room.

As far as the Taurus, IMHO, I'd stick with the Fusion. It's more comfortable & seems to have about the same amount of interior room with a smaller trunk (old 2007 Fusion had a larger trunk than the 2013 as well). I think the 2013 is around 13-14 cu' for trunk space.

 

[MVAR]

Another member here shared this with me on the EB.

Someone correct me - but I think the pre 2015 "ecoboost" is a Mazda engine - which I think was good.

2015 they went to the twin scroll turbo with no cross drill, and had all kinds of head gasket failures per below.

I think they updated it after this TSB in 2019 solving that problem.

There is a new version came out in 22?? Don't know much about that.

Hopefully one of the Ford knowledgeable folks can comment.



View attachment 272881

Can't confirm but I've also heard the 1st gen 2.0 ecoboost was based off the Mazda MZR 2.3 TGDI (Mazdaspeed3/6) engine. What's funny is my old Mazdaspeed6 said FoMoCo on the cylinder head lol