The Ford CGBA is a 1,596 cc, inline-four petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It forms part of Ford's EcoBoost engine family, featuring turbocharging and direct fuel injection to deliver responsive performance and improved fuel efficiency. This engine was designed with a focus on downsizing without sacrificing drivability, offering strong low-end torque for urban and highway use.
Fitted to models such as the Focus Mk3, C-MAX, and Mondeo Mk4, the CGBA was engineered for drivers seeking a balance of performance and economy. Its driving character emphasizes smooth power delivery and refinement, particularly in mid-range acceleration. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, allowing it to meet Euro 5 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, which can lead to increased noise and potential timing misalignment. This issue, highlighted in Ford Service Action 14M04, is primarily associated with extended oil change intervals and use of non-compliant oil specifications. Later production units (post-2015) incorporated an updated tensioner design to improve reliability.
Production years 2010–2018 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Ford CGBA is a 1,596 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size passenger vehicles (2010–2018). It combines direct fuel injection with turbocharging to deliver responsive acceleration and efficient fuel use. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances everyday usability with performance-oriented driving characteristics.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,596 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 77.0 mm × 85.8 mm | |
| Power output | 110–118 kW (150–160 PS) | |
| Torque | 240–250 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-vane turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front-mounted; tensioner wear concern) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C947-A1 (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The turbocharged design provides strong mid-range torque ideal for overtaking and city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using Ford WSS-M2C947-A1 (5W-30) specification oil to prevent timing chain tensioner wear. The direct injection system is prone to intake valve coking over time, necessitating periodic walnut blasting or chemical cleaning. Turbo response is sharp, but prolonged high-load operation without adequate cooldown may reduce turbo lifespan. Cold-start idling should be minimized to reduce thermal stress on turbo and exhaust manifold. Post-2015 models feature revised tensioner design; pre-2015 units should be inspected per Ford SIB 14M04. Three-way catalytic converter longevity depends on fuel quality and thermal management.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C947-A1 (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 14M04). Supersedes ACEA C2 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all models (2010–2018) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 118 kW output requires 98 RON fuel (Ford TIS Doc. F16020).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F15680, F15720, SIB 14M04
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford CGBA was used across Ford's C1/D4 platforms with transverse mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Focus and revised cooling routing in the Mondeo-and from 2015 the facelifted Focus Mk3.5 adopted revised engine management software, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block near the starter motor (Ford TIS F15890). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('G' for 1.6L EcoBoost). Pre-2015 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2015 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from 1.5L EcoBoost: CGBA has larger turbo housing and Bosch HDEV5 fuel system. Service parts require production date verification - timing tensioners for engines before 06/2015 are incompatible with later units due to design revision (Ford SIB 14M04).
The CGBA's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Internal Ford quality reports from 2016 indicated a significant number of pre-2015 engines requiring tensioner replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased catalytic converter failures in vehicles with poor maintenance. Frequent cold starts and extended oil intervals increase wear, making oil quality and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2014-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD CGBA.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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