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 Eco…
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 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.
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.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The KNBA is generally robust with strong low-end performance, but pre-2020 models had issues with turbo wastegate actuators. Later revisions (post-2021) improved actuator durability, so well-maintained examples can exceed 150,000 km. Regular servicing and using high-quality oil (5W-30 Ford WSS-M2C947-B1) greatly enhance longevity.
The main issues are turbo wastegate actuator sticking, intake carbon buildup, and lambda sensor degradation. Other concerns include coolant leaks from the thermostat housing and occasional MAF sensor faults. These are documented in Ford service bulletins and verified through UK MOT data.
This 1.0L EcoBoost engine was used in the Fiesta (MK8), Puma (including ST), and B-MAX (2018–2020). It also forms the basis for the Geely Coolray 1.5T in global markets. Applications span hatchbacks and small SUVs, primarily in Europe and Asia.
Yes. The KNBA responds well to ECU remapping, with stage 1 tunes typically adding +20–30 kW. Stock internals handle moderate increases, but cooling and fuel system upgrades are recommended beyond 150 PS. Tuning should preserve lambda and knock control strategies to avoid reliability issues.
Very efficient. In a Puma 1.0 EcoBoost (2020), typical consumption is ~6.5 L/100km (city) and ~4.8 L/100km (highway), or about 43 mpg UK combined. Real-world figures range 40–50 mpg (UK) depending on driving style and transmission type.
Yes. The KNBA is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or skips, piston-to-valve contact is likely, resulting in severe internal damage. While chain life is generally long, any unusual noise from the front cover should prompt immediate inspection.
Ford specifies a 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting Ford WSS-M2C947-B1 (or newer) specification. Use only quality oils designed for turbocharged direct-injection engines and change every 15,000 km or annually to protect the turbo and fuel system.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with FORD or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
FORD Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialFORD documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed”.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.