The Ford D3FA is a 1,999 cc, inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2018. It forms part of Ford's Sigma engine family, featuring twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT), sequential multi-point fuel injection, and a cast-iron block with aluminium cylinder head. In standard tune, it delivers 103 kW (140 PS), with peak torque of 188 Nm available from 4,250 rpm, providing linear power delivery and strong mid-range performance.
Fitted to models such as the Focus (Mk3 facelift), Mondeo (Mk4), and C-Max, the D3FA was engineered for drivers prioritising reliability, refinement, and ease of maintenance in urban and highway driving conditions. Emissions compliance is achieved via a close-coupled three-way catalyst and electronic throttle control, allowing Euro 6 compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is timing chain wear in early-production units, particularly under extended oil change intervals. This issue, noted in Ford Service Action 16S03, stems from inadequate lubrication at the chain tensioner during cold starts. Ford revised the tensioner design and updated oil specification requirements in mid-2016 to mitigate this effect.
All production years (2015–2018) meet full Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4567).
The Ford D3FA is a 1,999 cc inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for mid-size models (2015-2018). It combines twin independent cam phasing with sequential multi-point fuel injection to deliver smooth power delivery and responsive throttle control. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances durability, serviceability, and regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,999 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 93.2 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 188 Nm @ 4,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point fuel injection (MPI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 12.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (single-row, rear-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C945-B (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 132 kg |
The D3FA delivers linear power delivery ideal for relaxed driving but requires oil changes every 12,000 km to maintain timing chain longevity. Ford WSS-M2C945-B (5W-30) oil is essential due to its shear stability and protection against valve train wear. Early-production units (pre-06/2016) are prone to timing chain tensioner wear; the updated tensioner and revised oil spec per Ford SIB 16S03 significantly reduce failure risk. The MPI system is less sensitive to carbon buildup than direct injection, though intake cleaning is still recommended at 80,000 km. Engine longevity exceeds 200,000 km when maintained per schedule. Three-way catalyst efficiency depends on warm-up cycles; frequent short trips increase DTC risk.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C945-B (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 16S03). Supersedes API SN and ACEA A1/B1.
Emissions: Full Euro 6 compliance applies to all 2015-2018 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4567).
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. 103 kW output requires RON 95+ fuel (Ford TIS Doc. F12630).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F12630, SIB 16S03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4567)
ISO 8854:2020 Road vehicles — Light-duty compression- and spark-ignition engines — Vocabulary
The Ford D3FA was used across Ford's C1 and CD4 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Mazda under prior engine co-development agreements. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-longer intake manifolds in the Mondeo and revised torque mounts in the Focus-and from 2017 the facelifted C-Max models adopted the D3FA with enhanced cooling, creating interchange limits. Partnerships enabled Mazda's 2.0 SkyActiv-G units to use Ford's cam phasing hardware. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right side of the cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS F12645). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('L' for D3FA). Pre-2016 models have silver valve covers with black cam seals; post-2016 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from D3FB: D3FA is naturally aspirated with MPI, while D3FB uses turbocharging and direct injection. Service parts require production date verification - timing tensioners for models before 06/2016 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Ford SIB 16S03).
The D3FA's primary reliability risk is timing chain wear in early-production units, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to extended oil change intervals. Internal Ford field reports from 2017 indicated over 20% of pre-2016 units required timing service before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased cam correlation DTCs in city-driven examples. Frequent cold starts and low-load operation increase wear at the chain guide, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2015-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD D3FA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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