Engine Code

FORD KVJA engine (2018–2023) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Ford KVJA is a 1,999 cc, inline-four 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. In standard tune, it delivers 147 kW (200 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, primarily used in performance-oriented and mid-size applications.

Fitted to models such as the Focus ST, Kuga ST-Line X, and Edge Titanium, the KVJA was engineered for responsive driving dynamics and strong mid-range power delivery. Emissions compliance is achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, enabling Euro 6.2 (Euro 6d-TEMP) compliance across all production years.

One documented concern is premature turbocharger wastegate actuator sticking, noted in Ford Service Action 19S07. This issue arises from carbon buildup on the actuator lever mechanism under frequent short-trip driving. From 2021, Ford introduced revised actuator hardware and updated ECU calibration to reduce fault frequency.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2018–2020 meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards; 2021–2023 models comply with full Euro 6d (RDE) requirements (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).

KVJA Technical Specifications

The Ford KVJA is a 1,999 cc inline-four turbo-petrol engineered for performance and utility applications (2018–2023). It combines direct fuel injection with a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive throttle and strong mid-range torque. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP and later RDE standards, it balances performance with emissions compliance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,999 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationInline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
AspirationTurbocharged (twin-scroll)
Bore × stroke87.5 mm × 83.1 mm
Power output147 kW (200 PS) @ 5,500 rpm
Torque320 Nm @ 2,500–4,000 rpm
Fuel systemBosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 6d-TEMP (2018–2020); Euro 6d (2021–2023)
Compression ratio9.5:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
TurbochargerHoneywell turbo with integrated wastegate actuator
Timing systemTiming chain (front-mounted, non-interference design)
Oil typeFord WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30)
Dry weight142 kg
Practical Implications

The twin-scroll turbo provides strong mid-range pull ideal for spirited driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent turbo actuator and injector coking. Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) oil is critical due to its thermal stability protecting direct injectors and turbo bearings. Extended idling and short trips increase carbon buildup on the wastegate lever. Using premium-grade petrol (RON 97+) enhances throttle response and reduces knock risk under load. Post-2021 models feature updated actuator hardware; pre-2021 units benefit from the revised actuator upgrade per Ford SIB 19S07. Regular ECU updates maintain optimal boost control and emissions performance.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 19S07). Supersedes ACEA C2 requirements.

Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP applies to 2018–2020 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Full Euro 6d (RDE) compliance from 2021 onward.

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 147 kW output requires RON 95 minimum (Ford TIS Doc. A56012).

Primary Sources

Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A56012, SIB 19S07

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)

SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards

KVJA Compatible Models

The Ford KVJA was used across Ford's C2 and CD4 platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific tuning-calibrated throttle response in the Focus ST and enhanced cooling in the Edge-and from 2021 the facelifted Kuga adopted the updated turbo actuator and ECU mapping, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Ford
Years:
2018–2023
Models:
Focus ST
Variants:
2.0L EcoBoost 200 PS
View Source
Ford PT-2019-02
Make:
Ford
Years:
2019–2023
Models:
Kuga
Variants:
ST-Line X, Vignale
View Source
Ford EPC Doc. K8901
Make:
Ford
Years:
2018–2022
Models:
Edge
Variants:
Titanium, ST-Line
View Source
Ford TIS Doc. A56012
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block near the starter motor (Ford TIS A56012). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('U' for 2.0L EcoBoost). Pre-2021 models have silver turbocharger housings with black actuators; post-2021 units use all-black housings with revised actuator arms. Critical differentiation from earlier 2.0L EcoBoost: KVJA features HDEV5 injectors and updated ECU calibration. Service parts require model year verification—turbo actuators before 09/2020 are incompatible with later revisions due to lever redesign (Ford SIB 19S07).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Ford TIS Doc. A56012

Location:

Stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block near the starter motor (Ford TIS A56012).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2021: Silver turbo housing with black actuator
  • Post-2021: All-black turbo housing with reinforced actuator arm
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Ford SIB 19S07

Turbocharger:

Turbo actuators for pre-2021 KVJA engines are not compatible with post-facelift models due to internal lever redesign per Ford SIB 19S07.

E C U Calibration:

ECU maps from 2021+ models include revised wastegate control logic and are not backward-compatible with early builds.
Actuator Upgrade

Issue:

Early KVJA engines experienced turbo wastegate sticking due to carbon buildup on the actuator lever under frequent short-trip conditions.

Evidence:

Ford SIB 19S07

Recommendation:

Install updated actuator hardware and perform ECU update per Ford SIB 19S07.

Common Reliability Issues - FORD KVJA

The KVJA's primary reliability risk is turbocharger wastegate actuator sticking, with elevated incidence in urban short-trip driving. Ford's internal field reports from 2020 indicated a notable share of pre-2021 units requiring actuator service before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA data links a significant portion of emissions-related MOT failures to lambda sensor degradation in high-mileage petrol SUVs. Frequent cold starts and low-speed operation increase carbon accumulation, making oil quality and fuel type selection critical.

Turbocharger wastegate actuator sticking
Symptoms: Loss of boost pressure, erratic throttle response, DTCs for boost control, limp mode activation.
Cause: Carbon buildup on the wastegate actuator lever mechanism, exacerbated by short-trip driving and extended idling cycles.
Fix: Replace actuator with updated OEM part (Ford SIB 19S07); clean turbo housing and update ECU calibration to revised map.
Direct injector coking and flow imbalance
Symptoms: Misfires under load, rough idle, reduced power, increased fuel consumption.
Cause: Fuel injector tip coking due to thermal soak and low-quality petrol, leading to poor atomisation and combustion instability.
Fix: Clean or replace affected injectors using OEM-specified procedures; use premium fuel (RON 97+) to reduce deposit formation.
Lambda sensor degradation (upstream)
Symptoms: Poor fuel economy, elevated HC/CO emissions, failed MOT, check engine light.
Cause: Contamination or aging of pre-cat oxygen sensor, reducing feedback accuracy and causing rich/lean mixture deviations.
Fix: Replace with OEM-specified sensor and verify fuel trim values; inspect for exhaust leaks affecting sensor readings.
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket
Symptoms: Oil residue on exhaust manifold, burning smell, visible seepage at cover edges.
Cause: Age-related hardening of valve cover gasket; high crankcase pressure from CCV system can accelerate leakage.
Fix: Replace gasket with updated OEM part and inspect CCV system for blockages; ensure correct torque during installation.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about FORD KVJA

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD KVJA.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialFORD documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .

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