The Ford KNBA is a 999 cc, inline-three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It forms part of Ford's EcoBoost engine family, featuring direct fuel injection, variable valve timing (Ti-VCT), and a compact turbocharger for improved low-end torque and efficiency. In standard tune, it delivers 85 kW (116 PS) with peak torque of 170 Nm, primarily aimed at urban and compact vehicle applications.
Fitted to models such as the Fiesta ST-2, B-MAX, and Puma EcoBoost, the KNBA was engineered for responsive city driving and fuel-efficient commuting. Its design emphasizes drivability in stop-start traffic while meeting Euro 6 emissions standards through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control. This balance of performance and economy made it a core powertrain in Ford’s European lineup.
One documented concern is premature turbocharger wastegate actuator sticking, noted in Ford Service Action 19S12. 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 newer production units.
Production years 2018–2019 meet Euro 6b standards; 2020–2023 models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Ford KNBA is a 999 cc inline-three turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and subcompact models (2018–2023). It combines direct fuel injection with twin-independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) to deliver responsive low-end torque and improved fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards, it balances urban drivability with emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 999 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-3, DOHC, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 67.8 mm | |
| Power output | 85 kW (116 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 1,400–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b (pre-2020); Euro 6d-TEMP (2020–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | IHI IS28V variable-nozzle turbo | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (front-mounted, low wear) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C947-B1 (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The IHI turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent turbo bearing and wastegate degradation. Ford WSS-M2C947-B1 (5W-30) oil is essential due to its thermal stability and protection of the direct injection system. Extended idling and short trips promote carbon buildup on the Ti-VCT actuators and intake valves. The HDEV5 fuel pump demands minimum 95 RON petrol to prevent injector coking. Post-2021 models feature updated wastegate actuator hardware; pre-2020 units should be checked per Ford SIB 19S12. Three-way catalytic converter longevity depends on consistent warm-up cycles.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C947-B1 (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 19 05 08). Compatible with ACEA C2 standards.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to pre-2020 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). 2020–2023 units meet Euro 6d-TEMP under real-driving emissions (RDE) testing.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 85 kW output requires 95 RON fuel (Ford TIS Doc. B19001).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs B18230, B18765, SIB 19S12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford KNBA was used across Ford's CD337/CB5 platforms with transverse mounting and shared design elements with Geely for global compact applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Puma and revised exhaust routing in the Fiesta-and from 2021 the facelifted Puma ST adopted the KNBA with enhanced ECU mapping, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block near the starter motor (Ford TIS B18300). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('D' for 1.0L EcoBoost). Pre-2020 models have silver intake manifolds with black turbo housings; post-2021 ST variants use red-painted turbo covers. Critical differentiation from non-turbo variants: KNBA features IHI turbocharger and direct injection; naturally aspirated versions lack turbo and use port injection. Service parts require production date verification - wastegate actuators before 06/2020 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Ford SIB 19S12).
The KNBA's primary reliability risk is turbocharger wastegate actuator sticking, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Internal Ford quality reports from 2019 indicated a notable share of pre-2020 engines requiring actuator service before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a significant portion of emissions-related MOT failures to lambda sensor degradation in frequently cold-driven vehicles. Short warm-up cycles and infrequent oil changes increase turbo and sensor stress, making fuel quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018–2022) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD KNBA.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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