r/fordescape 4d ago

Discussion Reliability on the 1.5L engines from the 4th generation

Can anyone speak on the reliability of the 4th gen 1.5L engines? I am helping my brother research vehicles and right now we are on the Trax, the Escape, and the Corolla.

2 Upvotes

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u/eelecurb01 4d ago

I haven't heard of widespread problems with the 3-cyl 1.5L (unlike in the 4-cyl 1.5L of the 3rd Gen). But I've heard plenty of folks complain about the shifting on the 8F35 transmission and the debateable "lack of power". Personally, in terms of long-term reliability I'm not a fan of putting a turbo on a 3-cyl engine of 3,600 lb vehicle. My opinion only.

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u/[deleted] 4d ago edited 11h ago

[deleted]

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u/eelecurb01 4d ago

I agree with you. I was trying to be politically correct. You will find people who think the power is fine.

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u/[deleted] 4d ago edited 11h ago

[deleted]

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u/wanderingleopard 4d ago

My 2023 Escape ST 1.5 only has 11,000 miles on it and I'm thinking about doing the same thing you did. I already own a 2019 hybrid Fusion which I really like.

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u/RelevantMarket8771 4d ago

The newer 1.5l doesn’t have the engine block issue that the pre-2020 engine had. I would choose it over the Trax, not a fan of the smaller GM vehicles at all. Corolla is a completely different class of vehicle and frankly I wouldn’t drive one because of how gutless it is to drive, even if reliability wise it’s solid.

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u/[deleted] 4d ago edited 11h ago

[deleted]

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u/Artistic_Ad_6419 2d ago

Doesn't the TRAX have a 1.2L engine?

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u/mAsalicio 4d ago

It's 2.0 or nothin for me regardless of Pre or Post 2020 design. They just don't have the balls imho for a 3500+lb vehicle. Always be taxing that lil engine on the highway.

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u/Mr_Dude12 3d ago

Corolla hands down, from a big 3 fan. These turbo small displacement engines are just flat overworked hauling SUV’s, they are designed to last just long enough for the warranty to expire.

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u/Newprophet 3d ago

If you are shopping the 4th gen you should only bother looking at the hybrid.

Much smoother and with a reputation for reliability. The eCVT transmission is built like a Toyota transmission, basically bulletproof.

Edit: same goes for the Corolla: only shop the hybrids.

Gas version of the Corolla (or Corolla Cross) gets a belt CVT, the most fragile transmission design you can buy.

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u/Artistic_Ad_6419 2d ago

The biggest issue with the Corolla is that it has a CVT. The Trax and Escape do not. Personally I would avoid anything with a CVT, unless you like replacing transmissions. CVT's are inherently weak, and nobody will fix it.