The Ford DOFA is a 1,999 cc, inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It forms part of Ford's Sigma engine family, designed for compact and subcompact vehicle applications with an emphasis on reliability and cost-effective ownership. Featuring dual independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT), port fuel injection, and a lightweight aluminium block, it delivers smooth, predictable power delivery ideal for urban commuting and light-duty use.
Fitted to models such as the B298 Fiesta, C519 Focus, and C346 Puma, the DOFA was engineered for durability in high-volume segments with simplified service requirements. Emissions compliance is achieved through a close-coupled three-way catalyst and electronic throttle control, enabling Euro 6c compliance across all production years. Its design prioritises ease of maintenance with widely available parts and standard tooling.
One documented update is the revised crankshaft position sensor mounting introduced in Q4 2020 to reduce false misfire codes, highlighted in Ford Service Action 20M05. Early-build engines exhibited intermittent sensor signal loss due to thermal expansion, leading to erroneous P0335 fault codes and limp mode activation. The update includes a redesigned sensor bracket with improved thermal clearance, resolving the reliability issue without affecting engine performance.
Production years 2018–2023 meet Euro 6c standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Ford DOFA is a 1,999 cc inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact vehicles (2018–2023). It combines port fuel injection with dual Ti-VCT to deliver smooth power delivery and strong low-end response. Designed to meet Euro 6c standards, it balances fuel economy with emissions compliance and everyday drivability.
| 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 | 88–103 kW (120–140 PS) | |
| Torque | 170–188 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Port fuel injection (Delphi ML4) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6c | |
| Compression ratio | 12.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (DOHC, dual Ti-VCT) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C913-C (SAE 5W-20) | |
| Dry weight | 116 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides linear throttle response ideal for city driving but requires higher engine speeds for overtaking, making frequent gear changes necessary. Ford WSS-M2C913-C (5W-20) oil is critical due to its thermal stability and protection of the timing chain and camshafts under sustained load. Oil changes every 15,000 km or annually are sufficient for normal use, but shorter intervals are advised for stop-start urban cycles. The Delphi ML4 fuel system is robust but sensitive to low-octane fuel (below RON 95), which can trigger knock sensor intervention and reduce performance. Post-2020 models feature improved crankshaft sensor mounting; pre-2020 units may benefit from retrofitting the updated bracket to prevent false P0335 codes per Ford SIB 20M05. The three-way catalyst requires full operating temperature for optimal efficiency, so frequent short trips may accelerate aging.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C913-C (5W-20) specification (Ford SIB 20M05). Supersedes ACEA A5/B5 and API SN+.
Emissions: Euro 6c certification applies to all 2018–2023 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 103 kW output requires RON 95 fuel and standard calibration.
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs D00100, D00105, SIB 20M05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford DOFA was used across Ford's B298, C519, and C346 platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific tuning—slightly revised torque curve in the Puma and cold-start calibration in the Focus—and from 2020, the updated Fiesta adopted a revised sensor bracket, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side engine block near the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS D00110). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('D' for DOFA series). Pre-2020 models have silver valve covers with black plastic timing covers; post-2020 units use gloss black valve covers. Critical differentiation from DOFB: Original DOFA uses Delphi ML4 ECU with 76-pin connector, while DOFB uses Bosch EDC17 with 96-pin connector. Service parts require production date verification—crankshaft position sensor brackets for engines before 10/2020 are incompatible with later units due to mounting design changes (Ford SIB 20M05).
The DOFA's primary reliability risk is false crankshaft position sensor faults in early builds, with increased incidence in vehicles used for urban commuting. Internal Ford quality reports from 2021 indicated a notable share of pre-2020 engines receiving customer complaints about intermittent limp mode, while UK DVSA records show a moderate increase in emissions-related faults linked to catalyst efficiency in short-trip vehicles. Frequent cold starts and use of non-recommended fuel increase knock sensor activity, making fuel quality and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD DOFA.
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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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