The Ford GPDA is a 1,498 cc, inline-three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. Part of the Ford EcoBoost family, it was engineered for compact and subcompact vehicles requiring high efficiency and responsive performance. Featuring a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 12-valve configuration, and direct fuel injection, it delivered 103 kW (140 PS) and 230 Nm of torque, utilising turbocharging and intercooling to enhance low-end responsiveness and fuel economy.
Fitted primarily to the Ford Fiesta (Mk8) and Puma crossover, the GPDA was designed for urban and mixed driving conditions. Its three-cylinder layout provided inherent fuel efficiency and compact packaging, while meeting Euro 6d emissions standards. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close-coupled three-way catalytic converter (TWC), cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), ensuring compliance across European markets during its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, which in rare cases led to chain slippage and valve train damage. This issue, referenced in Ford Service Action 19B07, is attributed to early tensioner design limitations under prolonged thermal cycling. From 2020, revised tensioner assemblies with improved hydraulic stability were introduced to enhance chain retention.
Production years 2018–2023 meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/10256).
The Ford GPDA is a 1,498 cc inline-three turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact passenger vehicles (2018–2023). It combines direct fuel injection with a single-scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive throttle response and consistent fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances urban drivability with long-term serviceability for high-mileage applications.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-3, SOHC, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 90.0 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct fuel injection (GDI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single-scroll turbo (Honeywell), cooled EGR | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (front-mounted, single-row) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C946-A (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The inline-three turbocharged design provides strong low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires consistent oil pressure to maintain cam phaser function; extended oil intervals can lead to sluggish response and timing errors. Ford WSS-M2C946-A (5W-30) specification oil is essential for maintaining hydraulic actuator performance and reducing chain wear. Use of non-approved oils increases risk of tensioner degradation, especially during cold starts. The GDI system is prone to carbon buildup on intake valves; regular intake cleaning is recommended. Post-2020 revisions improved oil flow; pre-2020 engines should be monitored for tensioner wear via oil analysis or compression testing.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C946-A (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 19B07). Supersedes ACEA C2.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all GPDA production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/10256).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across fuel grades (RON 95 minimum).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs D17430, D16103, SIB 19B07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/10256)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford GPDA was used across Ford's B2 platform with transverse mounting and shared architecture with Volvo in early 2020s derivatives. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Fiesta and revised exhaust routing in the Puma-and from 2020 received internal timing chain upgrades to address early tensioner wear, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block, near the starter motor (Ford TIS D17430). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('J' for 1.5L EcoBoost). Pre-2020 units have silver valve covers with black coil packs; post-2020 models use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from four-cylinder variants: GPDA uses an inline-three layout with unique exhaust manifold geometry and no balance shaft. Service parts require production date verification—timing chain kits for pre-2020 engines are not interchangeable with later units due to revised tensioner design (Ford SIB 19B07).
The GPDA's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner degradation on early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for short journeys. Internal Ford quality reports from 2021 indicated a small but notable proportion of pre-2020 engines showing tensioner spring failure before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows increased misfire-related failures linked to valve timing drift. Frequent cold starts and delayed chain service increase wear, making adherence to service intervals 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 GPDA.
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