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Dear Motor Medics, I am looking to buy a small SUV like a Ford Escape or a Chevy Trax or similar or possibly a slightly larger model like the Explorer.
I have heard that there may be concerns with the turbo engines failing earlier than expected and don’t want to get stuck with an expensive repair. What are your thoughts on these engines and the vehicles overall?
Thank you, Chase in Atlanta, Georgia
Dear Chase, We work on a number of these vehicles in our own shop and overall, they are pretty good but there are several things to think about. Due to the small engine size on the smaller SUVs, they tend to work harder. When they get out on the highway with a load or get driven hard in town the engines can wear faster and more so if you don’t maintain the oil system with regular oil changes you are asking for trouble. Regular changes does not mean following the dash indicator. These engines prefer 3mo or 3k mile changes. The longer change intervals can lead to oil breakdown and early wear.
We have replaced a number of turbos on these cars that all failed due to oil system issues. The larger Explorer with the Ecoboost has a lot more engine to move the vehicle and can even be a very capable tow vehicle but you also need to maintain the oil systems to keep them running as they should be.
Take care, The Motor Medics
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