The Ford FFDA is a 1,999 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It forms part of Ford's Dragon engine family, featuring twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) and port fuel injection. Designed for durability and serviceability, it delivers 103 kW (140 PS) and 180 Nm of torque, with a focus on smooth mid-range response for urban and highway driving.
Fitted to models including the Focus (C519), Kuga (C520), and Mondeo (CD391), the FFDA petrol engine was engineered for balanced everyday performance and fuel efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved via a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, meeting Euro 6.2 standards across all production years without requiring a gasoline particulate filter (GPF).
One documented service concern is premature wear of the intake camshaft lobe, particularly in early-build units operated under frequent short-trip conditions. This issue, referenced in Ford Service Action 19S06, is attributed to inadequate oil film development during cold cycles. From 2020, revised camshaft materials and updated oil change intervals were implemented to improve longevity.

All production years 2018–2023 meet Euro 6.2 (Euro 6d-TEMP) emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Ford FFDA petrol is a 1,999 cc inline-four naturally aspirated engine engineered for compact and mid-size passenger vehicles (2018–2023). It combines Ti-VCT variable valve timing with port fuel injection to deliver linear throttle response and consistent fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 6.2 standards, it balances durability with emissions compliance for mainstream applications.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,999 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 93.8 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 180 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Port fuel injection (PFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6.2 (6d-TEMP) | |
| Compression ratio | 12.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (single-row, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides predictable power delivery ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent camshaft lobe wear. Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) oil is critical due to its anti-wear additives protecting the Ti-VCT phasers and cam profiles. Short-trip driving without full warm-up increases oil contamination risk, accelerating wear. The PFI system is less prone to intake coking than GDI but still benefits from periodic fuel system cleaning. Post-2020 models feature upgraded camshafts; pre-2020 units should be monitored for cam wear symptoms per Ford SIB 19S06. Catalytic converter longevity depends on consistent lambda control and use of minimum 95 RON fuel.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 19S06). Compatible with API SN/SP and ACEA A5/B5.
Emissions: Euro 6.2 certification applies to all models (2018–2023) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No GPF required.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Ford Group PT-2018).
Ford Technical Information Service (XTIS): Docs DRA-7820, DRA-7825, DRA-7830, SIB 19S06
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford FFDA Petrol was used across Ford's C519/C520 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Focus and revised engine mounts in the Kuga-and from 2020, updated camshaft profiles and oil specifications were introduced to address early wear concerns, creating service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the left-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Ford XTIS DRA-7820). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('G' for 1.5L Ti-VCT). Pre-2020 models have silver valve covers with black timing covers; post-2020 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from GDI variants: FFDA has no high-pressure fuel pump on the cam cover and uses a traditional throttle body. Service parts require build date verification—camshafts and phasers for pre-2020 engines are not interchangeable with post-update units due to material revisions (Ford SIB 19S06).
The FFDA petrol's primary reliability risk is intake camshaft lobe wear on pre-2020 units, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Ford's internal field reports from 2019–2021 indicated a measurable rate of camshaft replacement before 100,000 km in affected batches, while UK DVSA data shows increased catalytic converter failures linked to lean conditions from degraded lambda sensors. Cold-start cycles and extended oil intervals increase wear and emissions system stress, making oil quality and timely maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD FFDA.
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