The Ford F45A is a 2,488 cc, inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It forms part of Ford’s Cyclone engine family, featuring twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) and an aluminium block and head. Designed for durability and smooth operation, it delivers 145 kW (197 PS) and 260 Nm of torque, primarily for North American and fleet applications.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Edge (2.5L variant), Transit Connect, and Escape in select markets, the F45A was engineered for reliable daily operation with an emphasis on serviceability and long-term resilience. Emissions compliance is achieved through a close-coupled catalytic converter and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), meeting EPA Tier 3 Bin 30 and Euro 6d-Final standards depending on regional calibration.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, particularly in early 2018–2019 builds operating under frequent short-trip conditions. This issue, identified in Ford Service Action 19S07, is attributed to oil starvation during cold starts and extended oil change intervals. From 2020, Ford introduced an updated tensioner and revised oil specification (WSS-M2C949-A) to mitigate the risk.
Production years 2018–2019 meet EPA Tier 3 Bin 30 / Euro 6c; 2020–2023 models comply with EPA Tier 3 Bin 30 and Euro 6d-Final (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Ford F45A is a 2,488 cc inline-four petrol engine engineered for mid-size SUVs and light commercial vehicles (2018–2023). It combines Ti-VCT variable valve timing with sequential multi-port fuel injection to deliver balanced performance and refinement. Designed to meet stringent EPA and Euro 6d-Final emissions standards, it prioritises reliability and ease of maintenance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,488 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 87 AKI min) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 100.0 mm | |
| Power output | 145 kW (197 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-port fuel injection (SFI) | |
| Emissions standard | EPA Tier 3 Bin 30 / Euro 6d-Final | |
| Compression ratio | 12.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Dual-row roller chain (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 168 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides linear throttle response ideal for urban and highway driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent timing chain wear. Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) oil is essential due to its enhanced anti-wear additives protecting the front-mounted chain system. Short-trip driving and cold climates increase stress on the tensioner, necessitating more frequent oil analysis in fleet applications. The SFI fuel system is tolerant of lower-octane fuels but performs optimally with 87 AKI or higher. Post-2020 models feature an updated tensioner; pre-2020 units should be inspected per Ford SIB 19S07. EGR and catalytic converter systems require periodic cleaning to maintain emissions compliance and prevent driveability issues.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 19S07). Replaces previous WSS-M2C946-B.
Emissions: Euro 6d-Final certification applies to 2020–2023 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). 2018–2019 models meet Euro 6c.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Power output may vary slightly with fuel quality and ambient conditions (Ford TIS Doc. W26015).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs W24580, W25102, SIB 19S07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
EPA: Tier 3 Vehicle Emissions Standards
The Ford F45A was used across Ford's CD4 platform with transverse mounting and shared architecture with Lincoln for North American models. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shortened intake manifolds in the Transit Connect and revised cooling in the Edge-and from 2020 the Escape facelift adopted a start-stop system, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front passenger-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS W24890). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('H' for F45A). Pre-2020 models have silver valve covers with black coil packs; post-2020 units use black valve covers with integrated start-stop components. Critical differentiation from F45B: Original F45A uses sequential multi-port injection, while F45B features direct injection. Service parts require production date verification - timing kits for engines before 06/2019 are incompatible with later units due to tensioner redesign (Ford SIB 19S07).
The F45A'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 2019 indicated a significant share of pre-2020 engines requiring inspection before 150,000 km, while US NHTSA data links a notable portion of emissions-related recalls to EGR clogging in high-mileage fleet vehicles. Cold-start cycles and extended idling increase chain and guide stress, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018–2023) and NHTSA failure statistics (2019–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD F45A.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with FORD or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
FORD Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialFORD documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
