The 2013 Escape has had EIGHT recalls since in was introduced 7/2012!

TWO recalls affecting 1.6T Eco-Boost installed in 2013 Escape and Fusion.

12/2012 ~ The 1st recall: "The valve cover gasket and/or the fuel rail O-rings may leak, could cause an engine fire."

STOP driving the vehicle, turn it in to local dealer, a free rental car will be provided until the parts become available."

It took 3 months to get the parts, the free rental car was a Hyundai from Enterprise.
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The 2nd recall is ongoing now: Engine overheating may cause the cylinder head to crack, fluid will leak causing an engine fire.

Monitor coolant level in recovery tank, owners will be notified when the parts (a coupla heat shields) will be available. Neighbor with Fusion received the 'parts available' letter last week.

1.6T & 2.0T Eco's are made in England.

 

I believe that the 2.0 ecoboost engine is produced in Spain, with plans to build it in Cleveland as well in the near future, Ford transfers 2L EcoBoost from Spain to Cleveland » Automotive World my wifes Escape has the 2.0 and has not yet had a recall, to the engine at least, there are two non powertrain recalls coming to the escape line dealing with side canopy airbag system and improperly aligned door handles, we have had this vehicle since dec 2012, so far this vehicle has been trouble free, as has my 2012 f150 with the 3.5l ecoboost.

 

If it was me, I'd go for the 5.0 over the egoboost, just too many potential issues once the warranty goes out. Plus the 5.0 is cheaper and it's mileage isn't that far off the boost. I would also look at all of the TSB's for both engines just to see how things were going.

 

Like what? Turbos are really simple mechanisms, not very prone to failure at all. Turbo bashers should stop living in the 80's.

The 3.5 EB is a stronger built engine, using 6 bolt mains, and forged piston rods and crank.

 

I can only report on our experience... with no extrapolation suggested...
We have the Explorer Sport with the twin turbo econboost and haven't had an issue in 20k+ Dallas - Fort Worth miles....

Now, the Audi 2.0 we just traded in has had basically the same direct injection turbo engine design and reports are coming out that it is starting to experience issues with deposits on the intake that can only be removed via mechanical means --- the direct injection is not 'washing' down the intakes and deposits are forming to create an expensive out of warranty repair...

will the DI on the ecoboost start having the same issues, dunno ?!?

 

just bought our 2013 Edge 2.0l EB two weeks ago and is now in dealership service center for second time. First was fuel line recall that was never done, turns out we had the bad line and was replaced, now is in for a cracked fuel pump cap allowing gas to leak out of top of tank. filled her up and came out to a puddle of gas yesterday, all covered under warranty-while these are not exactly ecoboost related, thought I would share

Joe

 

I can see this thread drifting off topic pretty quick.
I have 2013 with ecoboost. Works just fine. My son has a 2012 5.0 works just fine. Our mileage is almost identical. Mine pulls a load much better than his. So if you want the truck for towing, the torque specs speak for themselves.
The question of reliability. I know people who drive them from Edmonton to Fort Mac every couple weeks for work. Some with more than 200k on them now, and they don't seem to have any more problems than the 5.0

 

I can add this as well. I've noticed a lot of former diesel guys like the ecoboost a lot. Where as folks that has only driven gassers not so much.

 

Had a 2008 Fx2 w/ 5.4 pulling a 11k camper wet. Sold it to CarMax and got a 2013, crew cab, 4x4, 6.5' box, pulling the same camper. All I can say is that I am impressed. The torque is amazing, and the fuel economy can be as good as 22mpg, but you have got to monitor the "instant" at all times, 8-10 towing up moderate terrain. I am concerned about long term maintenance costs, however having 20k miles on it, well again, I'm just really impressed with this truck. My dad bought a 2014 Chevy 2500 gasser, to pull the same camper, and i'll beat him any day towing, hands down, I wouldn't second guess this engine at all. In the end, everyone has their opinion, and I'm hands down EB.

 

The Eco boost has problems with carbon build up on valves, fords TSB. It also states that injector cleaning can not been done do to damage to turbos. Part of the reason is for rich mixture on start up. Under warranty for hesitation, misfire ford techs to check for carbon build up if located recommended to replace heads. So on Eco boost if you have or do de carbon flush say good by to your warranty. How in gods name can ford design a engine that can not be survived for carbon build up. Also from what I understand the 5.0 lt is nothing more the a 4.6 bored

 

My dad bought a 2011 F150 with the 3.5 EcoBoost and loves it. His was an early build and had the intercooler issue resulting in a warranty replacement of 3 turbos (replaced 1 last year and both got replaced this year to the new revision). Even with those problems, he loves it. My girlfriend just bought a 2014 F150 and I suggested if she wants it for towing to get the EcoBoost. She also loves it.

 

I think the way the ecoboost was designed is much like a diesel engine. They need to be worked hard from time to time. They were designed as a towing motor. Except for an ongoing software bug with the battery monitor system and a parasitic battery draw, my truck has been a good truck so far. My trade in truck was a 04 Superduty diesel and as a former diesel guy I like the way the motor runs. There is a bit of turbo lag sometimes, but when the power comes on, it's pretty good.

 

Well the turbos aren't the problem it's the oil lines going to the turbo.
Mazda 90,00 km turbo done, oil change ever 5,000 km. dealer said its because of sludge. I told them I'll come down and let's pull the rocker cover, no sludge you pay, sludge I pay. The bill was going to 2,800.00 bucks. To the dealer surprise crustal clear. Removed the line plugged up, being a tech I knew there was a TSB. It's my daughters car and has a turbo timer. A shop I know that rebuilds them told me he rebuilds hundreds of the turbos for this make.

 

Which line plugged up, the pressure side or the return side, I have a hard time believing it would be the pressure line?, not familiar with the mazda turbo engines.

 

I spoke to my service rep about these concerns and they reply was that it was news to them.
Your comparison between the F150 eco to the Mazda / Focus engine seems to be apples and oranges. They are two completely different power plants.
Besides myself, I know people in construction and oilsands work who punish these trucks and they seem hold up well.