The Ford HMDA is a 2,261 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2020 and 2023. It belongs to the third generation of Ford's EcoBoost engine family, featuring direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbocharging, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with variable valve timing. In standard tune, it delivers 210 kW (286 PS) and 440 Nm of torque, primarily aimed at performance-oriented applications in North American and European markets.
Fitted to the Ford Explorer ST and Mustang Dark Horse (export variants), the HMDA was engineered for high-speed stability and responsive power delivery. The engine integrates with advanced 10-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel-drive systems to maximise traction and drivability. Emissions compliance is achieved through a close-coupled three-way catalytic converter and dual lambda sensor monitoring, meeting U.S. EPA Tier 3 Bin 30 and Euro 6d standards.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump drive cam, noted in Ford Service Action 21M08. This issue arises from inadequate lubrication at the cam lobe interface under sustained high-load operation. From mid-2022, Ford introduced a revised fuel pump drive module with enhanced surface hardening and updated engine oil specifications to mitigate wear risks.

Production years 2020–2021 meet U.S. EPA Tier 3 Bin 30 and Euro 6d-TEMP; 2022–2023 models comply fully with Euro 6d (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Ford HMDA is a 2,261 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine developed for high-performance applications (2020–2023). It utilises twin-scroll turbocharging and Bosch HDEV6 direct injection to deliver strong specific output and rapid torque build-up. Designed to meet stringent emissions standards in both North American and European markets, it balances aggressive performance with regulatory efficiency requirements.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,261 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (Honeywell RHF5 VNT) | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 93.2 mm | |
| Power output | 210 kW (286 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 440 Nm @ 3,000–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV6 direct injection (up to 250 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (2020–2021); Euro 6d (2022–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Variable nozzle turbine (VNT) turbo with electronic wastegate | |
| Timing system | Dual roller chain (primary and secondary) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C950-A (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The VNT turbo provides rapid boost response ideal for overtaking and towing but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using Ford WSS-M2C950-A (5W-30) to prevent fuel pump cam and timing chain wear. Extended idling after high-load operation should be avoided to reduce thermal stress on the turbo actuator. Direct injection demands premium petrol (RON 98 minimum) to minimise intake valve deposits and maintain performance. Post-2022 models feature revised high-pressure fuel pump modules; pre-2022 units should be inspected per Ford SIB 21M08. Lambda sensor health is critical for emissions compliance and long-term fuel trim stability.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C950-A (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 21M08). Meets ACEA C2 standards.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP applies to 2020–2021 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890). Full Euro 6d compliance confirmed for 2022–2023 production.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. 210 kW output requires RON 98 fuel quality (Ford TIS Doc. F24010).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F24200, F25410, SIB 21M08
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford HMDA was used across Ford's U625 and S197 platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific calibrations—tuned for towing in the Explorer ST and optimised for track use in the Mustang Dark Horse export variant—and from 2022 adopted revised ECU mapping and fuel pump hardware, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS F24250). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('L' for 2.3L EcoBoost). Pre-2022 models have silver turbocharger housings; post-2022 units use black housings with revised fuel pump drive module. Critical differentiation from non-turbo variants: HMDA features a high-pressure fuel pump on the intake cam cover and VNT turbocharger. Service parts require model-year verification—fuel pump modules before 06/2022 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Ford SIB 21M08).
The HMDA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump drive cam wear, with elevated incidence in sustained high-load operation. Internal Ford quality reports from 2022 indicated a notable share of pre-2022 engines requiring fuel pump service before 90,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased emissions-related failures linked to lambda sensor degradation in high-mileage units. Frequent high-RPM use and low-octane fuel increase stress, making oil quality and fuel specification adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2020-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD HMDA.
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