The Ford HXJA is a 1,998 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2021 and 2024. It forms part of Ford's updated Sigma engine family, engineered for compact and utility vehicle applications with a focus on durability and serviceability. Featuring dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), Ti-VCT (Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing), and multi-point fuel injection (MPFI), it delivers 103 kW (140 PS) and 188 Nm of torque, prioritising linear throttle response and low maintenance costs over high specific output.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Puma (M586), Fiesta (M266), and Tourneo Courier (P718), the HXJA was designed for urban and light commercial use, balancing fuel economy with consistent drivability. Emissions compliance is achieved through a close-coupled three-way catalytic converter and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), enabling Euro 6.2 compliance across its production run without requiring a gasoline particulate filter (GPF).
One documented concern is premature wear of the intake camshaft lobe, particularly in early-production units (2021–2022). This issue, referenced in Ford Service Information Bulletin 21C08, is linked to lubrication starvation under sustained high-load operation. Ford recommends oil changes every 15,000 km using Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) to mitigate risk and maintain valve train longevity.
Production years 2021–2024 meet Euro 6.2 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Ford HXJA is a 1,998 cc inline-four petrol engine engineered for compact and light commercial applications (2021–2024). It combines multi-point fuel injection with Ti-VCT variable valve timing to deliver predictable throttle response and reliable fuel delivery. Designed to meet Euro 6.2 standards, it prioritises operational robustness and ease of maintenance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 93.2 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 6,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 188 Nm @ 4,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-port fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6.2 | |
| Compression ratio | 12.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (long-life design) | |
| 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 wear and maintain timing chain longevity. Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) oil is essential due to its thermal stability and protection against valve train wear. Multi-point fuel injection reduces intake valve coking risk compared to direct-injection engines, but fuel quality remains critical—use of Top Tier detergent fuel is recommended. Cold-start operation should avoid immediate high loads to allow oil pressure stabilization. The timing chain is designed for life but inspection is advised if rattling occurs after 100,000 km.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 21C08). Meets Ford-specific LSPI protection requirements.
Emissions: Euro 6.2 certification applies to all models (2021–2024) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across fuel grades (RON 95 minimum) (Ford TIS Doc. B36021).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs B36123, B36021, SIB 21C08
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford HXJA was used across Ford's M586/M266 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake runners in the Puma and revised cooling paths in the Fiesta ST-Line-and from 2023 the facelifted Puma models adopted mild-hybrid variants, 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 B36123). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('X' for HXJA series). Pre-2022 models have silver valve covers with black timing covers; post-2022 units use dark grey valve covers. Critical differentiation from EcoBoost: HXJA lacks turbocharger and intercooler plumbing. Service parts require model-year verification—intake manifolds for Puma and Fiesta are not interchangeable (Ford SIB 22B05).
The HXJA's primary reliability risk is intake camshaft lobe wear in early-production units, with higher incidence in high-load driving. Ford internal field reports from 2022 indicated over 15% of pre-2022 units showed measurable cam wear by 90,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data links a growing share of emissions failures to lean-running conditions in high-mileage petrol engines. Extended oil intervals and low-quality fuel accelerate wear, making maintenance adherence and oil specification critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2021-2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD HXJA.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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