By the end of the 2000s, with gas prices skyrocketing and the economy in turmoil, car consumers were looking for ways to save as much fuel as possible. Hybrid cars became especially popular during this period, with versions of Chevrolet his Tahoe and Cadillac his Escalade hybrids also appearing. Shortly after the Great Recession, automakers began recognizing the benefits of forced induction. Finding ways to get more power out of smaller, more fuel-efficient engines. It started with his Ford’s EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6 in his 2010 Taurus, but soon he made inroads into the four-cylinder arena.
While the technology is excellent and has indeed achieved the goal of getting more power and efficiency from gasoline engines, some engines are still plagued with unreliability. 10 forced-induction 4-cylinder engines that are as good as any other.
10/10 Volkswagen 2.0T TSI
The 2.0T TSI engine is installed in many Volkswagen and Audi models. In fact, with the exception of the Jetta, Golf and Taos, it’s on every Volkswagen model from the Passat to the Atlas.
According to Wheels.ca, timing chain tensioner, water pump, and oil burn issues plague the engine. This is best avoided at all costs.
9/10 ford 1.6 ecoboost
The 1.6 EcoBoost was featured on many Ford cars, including the Fiesta, Focus and Fusion. This is the first time in the US market that such a low-displacement engine is installed in a midsize vehicle.
Common problems include coolant leaks into the cylinder, overheating, and even fire. A total of 29 fires were reported by the U.S. government, with major recalls on several models due to coolant leaks.
8/10 Subaru 2.5 liter turbo
This is a big deal. It’s the engine that made the WRX the fast, grippy, and compact we know and love today. But, unfortunately, it’s been run-in with reliability issues.
Models from 2009 to 2014 reported overheating, stalling, and engine failure, in the WRX example, due to PCV system and piston failure that could overheat the engine.
7/10 MINI 1.6 liter turbo
For 2007, the MINI Cooper S ditched the supercharger for its high-output powertrain, opting instead for a turbocharger as a form of forced intake. But this new engine will prove to be a time bomb.
Problems with the timing chain and cooling system will shorten the life of this engine. The naturally aspirated model is the best for this generation MINI.
6/10 GM 2.7 liter turbo
General Motors spearheaded an ambitious effort by pairing a four-cylinder engine with a full-size pickup truck. The idea was ingenious in theory, using a low-displacement, high-power engine to avoid hybridisation like Ford.
However, its execution was not perfect. Owners report problems with the cylinder head, timing chain, fuel pump, and turbocharger itself, sometimes requiring a complete engine replacement. Others say the power output is simply too low for the weight of the truck.
5/10 GM 1.4L Ecotech
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When the turbocharger trend took off in the early 2010s, GM was quick to equip many compact models, including the then-new Chevrolet Cruze and Sonic, with the 1.4-liter Ecotech Turbo.
Shortcomings of this powertrain include engine failures, water pump issues, coolant leaks, alternator failures, and engine sputtering.
4/10 GM 2.0L Ecotech
It goes without saying that if you want a Camaro, you’ll opt for the V8 SS version. A 2.0-liter Ecotech Turbo was therefore available as the base powertrain.
Consumer Reports ranks the Camaro as one of the least reliable cars they’ve tested. And while his 0-60 time of 6 seconds is no slouch, it has a better engine to pair with a muscle car than a 4-pot.
3/10 Mazda 2.3 MZR DISI
Before the Skyactiv engine line-up that eliminated the need to electrify the lineup (although the California-only MX-30 would eventually come to fruition), Mazda had the 2.3 turbo engine it used in its SUV models, including the CX-9. I was. The now dead CX-7.
This meant that the driver had to replace the turbocharger several times during his ownership. Combined with the problem of excessive oil burning, it can even be said that the emergence of the more reliable Skyactiv saved Mazda.
2/10 Fiat Chrysler 2.4 liter Tigershark
When Fiat bought Chrysler, many wanted Chrysler to improve the quality of its cars. Build quality certainly did, but not so with his co-developed 2.4-liter Tigershark turbo engine.
The problem is mainly with the MultiAir air distribution system. Failure of piston rings to manage oil flow to the piston caused problems with oil burning and oil measurement. With more oil detected than there is, the owner may inadvertently neglect the service period and cause further engine damage.
1/10 Volvo 2.0 liter Drive-E
Volvo’s 2.0-liter Drive-E engine is a forced-aspiration extravaganza, utilizing both a turbocharger and a supercharger. Managing this hodgepodge is a complex computer system that does so many things that it almost breaks.
The XC90 was tested year after year and was found to be the least reliable vehicle Consumer Reports tested. Problems with the electronics, suspension and other components are also cited as well as the driveline.
Sources: Wheels.ca, HotCars.com, LemonLaw.com, LemonLawCar.com, TorqueNews.com, GuideAutoWeb.com, NormanTaylor.com
