The Ford IQJA is a 1,498 cc, inline-three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It forms part of Ford's EcoBoost engine family, featuring direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbocharging, and variable cam timing. Designed for compact and subcompact applications, it delivers 103 kW (140 PS) and 230 Nm of torque, balancing responsive urban performance with improved fuel efficiency.
Fitted to models such as the Fiesta ST, Focus, and Puma, the IQJA engine was engineered for spirited driving character with everyday usability. Emissions compliance is achieved through a close-coupled three-way catalyst and integrated exhaust manifold, enabling Euro 6d-TEMP compliance across its production run. Its compact design and low-end torque delivery make it ideal for front-wheel-drive hatchbacks and crossover applications.
One documented concern is premature turbocharger wastegate actuator sticking, noted in Ford Service Action 19M06. This issue arises from carbon buildup on the actuator lever mechanism under frequent short-trip driving. From 2021, revised actuator hardware and updated ECU calibration were introduced to mitigate the risk, improving long-term reliability in later production units.
Production years 2018–2020 meet Euro 6c standards; 2021–2023 models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Ford IQJA is a 1,498 cc inline-three turbocharged petrol engineered for compact performance applications (2018–2023). It combines direct fuel injection with a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and agile throttle response. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards, it balances sporty driving dynamics with regulated emissions performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-3, DOHC, 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 | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6c (2018–2020); Euro 6d-TEMP (2021–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett twin-scroll turbo with electronic wastegate | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (integrated into cylinder head) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C946-B1 (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent turbo bearing wear and carbon buildup on the wastegate. Ford WSS-M2C946-B1 (5W-30) oil is critical due to its thermal stability and protection of the direct injection system. Short-trip driving increases carbon deposits on the intake valves, necessitating periodic cleaning. The HDEV5 fuel pump demands high-octane petrol (RON 95 minimum) to maintain performance and prevent knock. Post-2021 models feature revised wastegate actuators; pre-2021 units should be inspected per Ford SIB 19M06. Three-way catalyst longevity depends on avoiding sustained high-load operation with lean mixtures.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C946-B1 (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 19M06). Compatible with ACEA C2 standards.
Emissions: Euro 6c applies to 2018–2020 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6d-TEMP compliance verified for 2021–2023 units.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Full output requires RON 95+ fuel (Ford TIS Doc. B36012).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs B35721, B36012, SIB 19M06
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 8854:2021 Road vehicles — Light-duty compression- and spark-ignition engines — Vocabulary
The Ford IQJA was used across Ford's CD4 and CMF-B platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake tracts in the Fiesta ST and revised cooling routing in the Puma-and from 2021 the facelifted Focus adopted updated engine management software, creating calibration differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the left-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (Ford TIS B35900). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('J' for IQJA series). Pre-2021 models have silver valve covers with black plastic intake manifolds; post-2021 units use dark grey valve covers. Critical differentiation from non-turbo variants: IQJA features a Garrett turbocharger mounted to the exhaust manifold and a high-pressure fuel pump on the cam cover. Service parts require production date verification - wastegate actuators for engines before 06/2021 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Ford SIB 19M06).
The IQJA's primary reliability risk is turbocharger wastegate actuator sticking, with elevated incidence in urban short-trip use. Internal Ford quality reports from 2020 indicated a notable share of pre-2021 engines requiring actuator service before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased emissions-related failures in stop-start traffic. Frequent cold starts and low-speed operation increase carbon accumulation, making periodic inspection and software updates critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD IQJA.
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