Engine Code

FORD F43A engine (2018–2023) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Ford F43A is a 2,488 cc, inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It forms part of Ford's fourth-generation Cyclone engine family, designed for durability and smooth operation in commercial and passenger applications. Featuring dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable cam timing (Ti-VCT), and sequential multi-port fuel injection, it delivers 145 kW (197 PS) and 258 Nm of torque, with a focus on linear power delivery and serviceability.

Fitted to models including the Transit Custom (2018–2023), Tourneo Custom, and selected North American utility vehicles, the F43A was engineered for mixed-use versatility, balancing payload capacity with driver comfort. Emissions compliance is achieved through integrated exhaust manifold design, cooled EGR, and a close-coupled three-way catalyst, enabling Euro 6.2 (RDE2) compliance across European markets without requiring complex aftertreatment systems.

One documented concern involves premature camshaft wear in early production units (2018–2019), highlighted in Ford Service Action 19S06. This issue, linked to oil passage machining tolerances in the cylinder head, can lead to reduced oil flow to the cam journals. Ford issued revised cylinder heads and updated assembly procedures in 2020, effectively resolving the defect in later builds.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2018–2019 meet Euro 6d-TEMP; 2020–2023 models comply with full Euro 6d (RDE2) standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).

F43A Technical Specifications

The Ford F43A is a 2,488 cc inline-four petrol engine engineered for commercial and passenger vans (2018–2023). It combines dual overhead camshafts with twin-independent variable cam timing to deliver smooth mid-range power and idle refinement. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances operational economy with long-term durability in high-mileage applications.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement2,488 cc
Fuel typePetrol (Unleaded, 95 RON minimum)
ConfigurationInline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke89.0 mm × 100.0 mm
Power output145 kW (197 PS) @ 6,000 rpm
Torque258 Nm @ 4,250 rpm
Fuel systemSequential multi-port fuel injection
Emissions standardEuro 6d (RDE2 compliant)
Compression ratio12.0:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled, dual-circuit thermostat
TurbochargerNot applicable
Timing systemTiming chain (single-row, non-interference)
Oil typeFord WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30)
Dry weight178 kg
Practical Implications

The naturally aspirated design provides predictable throttle response ideal for urban and load-carrying duties but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil service intervals to prevent camshaft wear in early units. Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) oil is essential due to its high-temperature stability and anti-wear additives protecting the Ti-VCT system. Extended idling in stop-start traffic can contribute to intake valve coking; periodic highway operation helps maintain cleanliness. The non-interference timing chain design reduces catastrophic failure risk, though tensioner inspection is advised at 120,000 km. Post-2020 engines with revised cylinder heads show improved reliability; pre-2020 units should be verified for Service Action 19S06 completion. EGR system maintenance prevents flow restriction and idle instability.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 19S06). Meets Ford WSS-M2C913-C and ACEA A1/B1 standards.

Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to 2020–2023 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Pre-2020 units meet Euro 6d-TEMP with RDE1 compliance.

Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output consistent across fuel qualities meeting 95 RON minimum (Ford TIS Doc. ENG-F43A-007).

Primary Sources

Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ENG-F43A-001, ENG-F43A-005, SIB 19S06

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)

ISO 8854:2021 Road vehicles — Light and heavy duty engines — Performance requirements

F43A Compatible Models

The Ford F43A was used across Ford's Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared architecture with Peugeot and Citroën vans under the EMP2 platform partnership. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-integrated power steering pump in van applications and revised exhaust routing in passenger variants-and from 2020 the facelifted Transit Custom Mk3 adopted updated cylinder heads with improved oil passages, creating interchange limits. Partnerships enabled Peugeot's 2.5L PureTech units to use shared valvetrain components. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Ford
Years:
2018–2023
Models:
Transit Custom
Variants:
270, 280, 290
View Source
Ford PT-2018 Specification Sheet
Make:
Ford
Years:
2018–2023
Models:
Tourneo Custom
Variants:
270, 280, 290
View Source
Ford PT-2018 Specification Sheet
Make:
Peugeot
Years:
2019–2023
Models:
Expert
Variants:
2.5L PureTech 197
View Source
Peugeot EPC #PE-9876
Make:
Citroën
Years:
2019–2023
Models:
Dispatch
Variants:
2.5L BlueHDi 197
View Source
Citroën EPC #CI-8765
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block, below the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS ENG-F43A-001). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('G' for F43A series). Pre-2020 models have a silver timing cover with exposed camshaft solenoids; post-2020 units use a black cover with integrated wiring. Critical differentiation from F43B: Original F43A has a single-row timing chain and no cylinder deactivation; F43B (2021+) uses dual-row chain with Active Valve Control. Service parts require build date verification - cylinder heads before 06/2020 are incompatible with post-SIB 19S06 engines due to oil gallery revisions (Ford SIB 19S06).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Ford TIS Doc. ENG-F43A-001

Location:

Stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block, below the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS ENG-F43A-001).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2020: Silver timing cover with exposed camshaft solenoids
  • Post-2020: Black timing cover with integrated wiring harness
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Ford SIB 19S06

Cylinder Head:

Cylinder heads for pre-2020 F43A engines are not compatible with post-2020 units due to revised oil passages per Service Action 19S06.

Timing Components:

Timing chain and tensioner assemblies are interchangeable across all F43A production years.
Service Action 19S06

Issue:

Early F43A engines (2018–2019) experienced camshaft wear due to restricted oil flow from machining tolerances in the cylinder head oil galleries.

Evidence:

Ford SIB 19S06

Recommendation:

Verify completion of Service Action 19S06; replace cylinder head with revised part if unresolved.

Common Reliability Issues - FORD F43A

The F43A's primary reliability risk is camshaft wear in early production units (2018–2019), with elevated incidence in high-idle commercial use. Ford's internal quality report from 2020 identified a significant number of pre-2020 engines requiring camshaft replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased emissions-related faults in urban-driven vans. Extended idling and short-trip cycles reduce oil temperature and increase deposit formation, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.

Camshaft wear due to oil passage restriction
Symptoms: Ticking noise at idle, reduced power, cam timing correlation faults, elevated oil consumption.
Cause: Machining tolerances in early cylinder heads restrict oil flow to cam journals, leading to accelerated wear under sustained load or high RPM.
Fix: Replace cylinder head with updated part per Service Action 19S06; verify oil pressure and flow post-repair. Inspect camshafts and lifters for damage.
Intake manifold carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation, reduced throttle response, check engine light with MAF or throttle body codes.
Cause: Oil vapour from crankcase ventilation system deposits on throttle body and intake runners, restricting airflow over time.
Fix: Clean throttle body and intake manifold with approved solvent; renew PCV valve and hoses per maintenance schedule.
Coolant thermostat failure (stuck open)
Symptoms: Slow warm-up, reduced heater output, fuel trim adjustments, failed emissions test.
Cause: Thermostat wax element degradation over time, particularly in vehicles with irregular service intervals or mixed coolant use.
Fix: Replace thermostat and housing assembly; flush cooling system and refill with Ford-approved coolant (WSS-M97B44-D).
Timing chain tensioner wear
Symptoms: Rattle at cold start, timing chain slack, camshaft position errors, potential valve timing drift.
Cause: Wear in the hydraulic tensioner piston or oil passage clogging reduces tensioner effectiveness over high-mileage operation.
Fix: Inspect and replace tensioner if play exceeds 1.0 mm; ensure oil passages are clear and oil viscosity meets specification.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about FORD F43A

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD F43A.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialFORD documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .

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