The Ford LA is a 1,242 cc, inline-four petrol engine produced between 2002 and 2011. It belongs to Ford's Sigma engine family, featuring a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) layout and 16-valve configuration. Designed for compact urban vehicles, it delivers 55 kW (75 PS) with a focus on fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs, making it ideal for city commuting and light-duty use.
Fitted primarily to the Ford Fiesta Mark V and Mark VI (Mk5/Mk6) in European and emerging markets, the LA engine was engineered for economical daily driving with responsive throttle characteristics. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and electronic fuel injection, enabling Euro 3 and later Euro 4 standards across its production run. Its simplicity and durability contribute to long service life under routine maintenance.
One documented concern involves premature camshaft wear in early production units, particularly under extended oil change intervals. This issue, highlighted in Ford Service Information Bulletin 05M01, is attributed to inadequate lubrication at the cam lobes due to oil passage design. Later models (post-2006) incorporated revised camshafts and oil feed routes to improve durability and reduce wear rates.
Production years 2002–2005 meet Euro 3 standards; 2006–2011 models comply with Euro 4 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
The Ford LA is a 1,242 cc inline-four petrol engine designed for compact B-segment vehicles (2002–2011). It combines DOHC architecture with multi-point fuel injection to deliver reliable performance and fuel economy. Engineered to meet evolving emissions standards, it balances urban drivability with environmental compliance and serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,242 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 73.9 mm × 72.0 mm | |
| Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 110 Nm @ 4,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Siemens Simos 7.2 multi-point injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 (pre-2006); Euro 4 (2006-2011) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (single-row, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C205-A (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 96 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides linear throttle response ideal for city driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil service intervals to protect the camshafts and timing chain. Ford WSS-M2C205-A (5W-30) oil is essential due to its anti-wear additives critical for the DOHC valvetrain. Cold starts should be followed by gentle operation for 1–2 minutes to ensure proper valvetrain lubrication. The Simos 7.2 fuel system requires regular use of high-quality petrol (RON 95 minimum) to prevent injector coking. Post-2006 models feature revised camshafts; pre-2006 units should be inspected per Ford SIB 05M01. The catalytic converter must be monitored for thermal degradation under frequent short trips.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C205-A (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 06 03 11). Compatible with ACEA A1/B1.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to 2002–2005 models; Euro 4 applies to 2006–2011 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Full torque available at 4,250 rpm with clean intake and correct fuel quality (Ford TIS Doc. B13025).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs B12468, B13025, SIB 06 03 11
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4321)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford LA was used across Ford's B-segment platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shortened exhaust manifolds in the Fiesta and revised intake routing for packaging-and from 2006 the facelifted Fiesta Mk6 adopted updated camshaft profiles, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side engine block near the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS B12602). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('B' for LA series). Pre-2006 models have silver valve covers with exposed spark plug boots; post-2006 units use black valve covers with integrated wiring loom routing. Critical differentiation from turbo variants: LA is naturally aspirated with no intercooler or boost piping. Service parts require production date verification - camshafts for engines before 06/2006 are incompatible with later units due to lobe profile and oil feed redesign (Ford SIB 05M01).
The LA's primary reliability risk is camshaft wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in urban short-trip driving. Internal Ford quality reports from 2007 indicated a measurable share of pre-2006 engines requiring camshaft replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased catalytic converter failures in stop-start traffic. Cold-start cycles and extended idling increase valvetrain and catalyst thermal stress, making oil quality and warm-up procedures critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2003-2011) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2005-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD LA.
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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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