Ford EcoBlue engines explained

If you’re shopping for a new Ford, you may have come across EcoBlue models – but what does this term mean? We explain all

Back in 2016, Ford announced a new range of diesel engines named EcoBlue. These replaced its previous diesel engines, known as Duratorq and TDCi, and EcoBlue engines promise fewer emissions, quieter running and greater efficiency.

EcoBlue engines now feature in a number of Ford models, and this guide will explain what you need to know about them.

What is Ford EcoBlue?

EcoBlue is Ford’s proprietary name for its latest generation of diesel engines. EcoBlue engines come in 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre sizes, producing between 105 and 240hp, with both the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre available with different power outputs. The name EcoBlue follows on from Ford’s EcoBoost petrol engines.

The ‘blue’ in EcoBlue indicates these engines all Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), more commonly known as AdBlue. This system squirts tiny amounts of an ammonia-based liquid into the exhaust emissions, reducing harmful pollutants.

What are the benefits of Ford EcoBlue?

When Ford announced its EcoBlue range of engines, it highlighted that they offer 13% greater fuel efficiency that its previous diesel models, together with 20% more pulling power at the low end of the rev range. The firm also claimed a noise reduction of four decibels at idle, while carbon dioxide emissions are down 10% on the previous-generation engine.

So in short, EcoBlue engines are cleaner, more powerful and more fuel efficient than the engines that preceded them.

Ford EcoBlue problems

All engines can run into difficulties, and EcoBlue engines are no exception.

The most well-known issue with EcoBlue engines concerns 2.0-litre unites fitted to Ford’s commercial vehicles. Ford Transits, Rangers and Transit Customs with this engine can suffer blocked injectors, to the extent Ford issued a service action to resolve the issue – although it only affected vehicles built in 2019. Rough running, high fuel consumption and reduced performance are typical symptoms, although by now hopefully most affected engines have been repaired.

The next issue you should be aware of isn’t a problem as such, more something you should know about all modern diesel engines: AdBlue consumption.

Because AdBlue liquid is a consumable, it needs to be replaced periodically. AdBlue is a liquid and sits in a small tank in the car, which is typically accessed by a filler under the fuel door.

How much AdBlue a car uses depends on how it is driven, but expect to need to refill every 2,500 to 6,500 miles depending on which engine and car you have.

Our guide to AdBlue has more information on this topic.

Which Ford models have EcoBlue?

Ford makes a wide range of cars, vans and pickups, and fits EcoBlue engines to many different models. The company, like many other car firms, has recently started to focus more on hybrid and electric models, so you may not be able to buy new EcoBlue versions of the following cars, but you may well see them on second-hand models if not.

The Ford Fiesta, Focus, EcoSport, Kuga, Galaxy, S-Max, Puma and Mondeo can all be had with EcoBlue engines.

Commercial vehicles with EcoBlue engines include the Ford Ranger, Transit, Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom.

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