These 9 Forced Induction 4

Aug 26, 2023

While the advent of the turbo four-cylinder made internal combustion engines far more efficient, some are actually worse than they seem.

By the end of the 2000s, with skyrocketing gas prices and an upending economy, automotive consumers were looking for ways to save money on fuel any way they can. Hybrids became especially popular during this time, with there even being hybrid versions of the Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade, all as a means for gas-conscious buyers to continue buying their product. Shortly following the Great Recession, automakers began to see the benefits of forced induction: finding ways to get improved power out of smaller-displacement, fuel-efficient engines. It started with Ford's EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6 on the 2010 Taurus but soon permeated the four-cylinder arena.

While the technology is great and did indeed accomplish its goal of getting more power and efficiency out of gasoline engines, some engines are still not immune to unreliability. Here are nine forced-induction four-cylinder engines that are about as good as gone.

The 2.0T TSI engine is one found on many Volkswagen and Audi models. In fact, with the exception of the Jetta, Golf, and Taos, it's offered on every Volkswagen model, from the Passat to the Atlas.

According to Wheels.ca, problems with the timing chain tensioner, water pump, and oil burning plague the engine. Best to avoid this one at all costs.

The 1.6 Ecoboost was put in many of Ford's cars, including the Fiesta, Focus, and Fusion. It was the first time in the United States market that such a low-displacement engine was placed in a midsize car.

Common issues include coolant leaking into the cylinders, overheating, and even catching on fire. The coolant leaks resulted in sweeping recalls on several models, while a total of 29 fires have been reported by the U.S. government.

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This is a tough one. It's the engine that made the WRX the fast and grippy compact we know and love today. But, unfortunately, it's had its run-ins with reliability issues.

In model years 2009-2014, examples of the WRX were reported to have experienced overheating, stalling, and engine failure due to faulty PCV systems and pistons that would overheat the engine.

For 2007, the MINI Cooper S did away with supercharging for its high-output powertrain, instead opting for turbocharging as a form of forced induction. This new engine, however, would prove to be a ticking time bomb.

Timing chain and cooling system problems would lead to this engine's short life. Best to go for a naturally-aspirated model if set on this generation MINI.

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General Motors led an ambitious charge by pairing a four-cylinder engine with its full-size pickup trucks. The idea was ingenious in theory, using a low-displacement, high-output engine to avoid hybridization à la Ford.

However, its execution was not as perfect. Owners reported issues with the cylinder heads, timing chain, fuel pump, and the turbocharger itself, with some instances requiring total engine replacement. Others say it's simply too underpowered for the truck's weight.

When the turbocharging trend began in the early 2010s, GM was quick to stuff its 1.4-liter Ecotec turbo in a lot of its compact models, including the then-new Chevrolet Cruze and Sonic.

Among the shortcomings of this powertrain include engine failures, issues with the water pump, coolant leaks, defective alternators, and engine sputtering.

It should go without saying that, if you want a Camaro, you'd go for the V8 SS version. However, some people want to look cool whilst saving on gas. For that, the 2.0-liter Ecotec turbo was available as a base powertrain.

Consumer Reports ranks the Camaro as among the least reliable cars they've tested. And while a 6-second 0-60 time is no slouch, there simply are better engines to pair the muscle car with than the four-pot.

Before their line of Skyactiv engines that would save them from having to electrify their lineup (though the California-only MX-30 would eventually be birthed), Mazda had the 2.3 Turbo engine they used in their SUV models, including the CX-9 and now-dead CX-7.

Namely, drivers have had to replace the turbocharger several times throughout ownership. With this, coupled with excessive oil-burning issues, it could even be said that the advent of the much more dependable Skyactiv saved Mazda.

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Volvo's 2.0-Liter Drive-E engine is a festival of forced induction, utilizing both turbocharging and supercharging. Managing this hodgepodge is an intricate computer system that does so much as beg to be broken.

Through each model year, it was tested, the XC90 turned out to be among the least reliable vehicles Consumer Reports has tested. Problems with the drive system, as well as electronics, suspension, and other components are also cited.

Sources: Wheels.ca, HotCars.com, LemonLaw.com, LemonLawCar.com, TorqueNews.com, GuideAutoWeb.com, NormanTaylor.com

Michael Farber is a journalist who has written articles about cars as far back as college, with his passion for cars dating back to his childhood. He couldn't think of a greater privilege than to write about what he loves. He currently dailies a Honda Accord 2.0T: Civic Type R engine with none of the austerity.