The Ford M1JA is a 1,499 cc, inline‑three turbo‑petrol engine introduced in 2023. It features direct fuel injection, a single‑scroll turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 220 Nm of torque, offering responsive mid‑range performance for compact SUVs and hatchbacks.
Fitted exclusively to the Puma ST and select high‑spec Fiesta ST variants, the M1JA was engineered for sporty driving dynamics while maintaining urban efficiency. Emissions compliance is achieved through gasoline particulate filtration (GPF) and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), meeting Euro 6d standards from launch.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe on the camshaft, highlighted in Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑23‑5120. This issue arises under sustained high-load conditions and can lead to fuel pressure instability and misfire codes. Ford issued revised camshaft and HPFP kits in Q2 2024 to address the durability gap in early production units.
All production years (2023–present) meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9876).
The Ford M1JA is a 1,499 cc inline‑three turbo‑petrol engineered for performance-oriented compact models (2023–present). It combines direct injection with a single‑scroll turbocharger to deliver brisk mid‑range response and agile urban handling. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it balances sporty character with stringent emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,499 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (ULP 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 75.0 mm × 84.5 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP6 high‑pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with electric auxiliary pump | |
| Turbocharger | Single‑scroll (Garrett Motion) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C945‑B (SAE 0W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 108 kg |
The turbocharged inline‑three layout delivers sporty mid‑range torque ideal for spirited driving but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12‑month oil intervals using Ford WSS‑M2C945‑B (0W‑20) to protect the HPFP drive lobe and turbo bearings. ULSP (ultra‑low‑sulfur petrol) meeting EN 228 is required to prevent GPF clogging and injector fouling. Sustained high‑load operation (e.g., track use, towing) without cooldown periods accelerates camshaft lobe wear. Revised camshaft/HPFP kits per TSB‑23‑5120 are recommended for pre‑Q2 2024 engines showing fuel pressure instability.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS‑M2C945‑B (0W‑20) specification (Ford Owner’s Manual 2023). Not interchangeable with older WSS specs.
Emissions: Euro 6d compliance applies to all 2023–present models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9876).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON minimum fuel (Ford TIS Doc. M1JA‑2023).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M1JA‑2023, ES‑M1JA‑01, TSB‑23‑5120
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9876)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Ford M1JA was developed exclusively for Ford's Global B performance derivatives with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific tuning—reinforced engine mounts and a larger intercooler in the Puma ST—and from launch the Fiesta ST variant used a unique ECU map for sharper throttle response, creating minor calibration interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Ford TIS M1JA‑2023). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('J' for 1.5L EcoBoost ST). All M1JA units feature a black plastic cam cover with integrated coil packs and a single exhaust manifold feeding a close-coupled GPF. Critical differentiation from earlier 1.5L Dragon: M1JA uses higher-pressure Bosch HDP6 injection (350 bar vs 250 bar) and produces 150 PS (vs 125–182 PS variants). ECU part numbers beginning with ‘23C602’ confirm M1JA application. Service parts require production date verification—camshaft and HPFP kits for engines before 04/2024 differ from post-04/2024 units (Ford TSB‑23‑5120).
The M1JA's primary reliability risk is premature HPFP drive lobe wear on the intake camshaft, with elevated incidence in sustained high-load or track use. Ford internal data (2024) indicated a measurable uptick in camshaft-related warranty claims before 50,000 km for pre-Q2 2024 engines, while early dealer diagnostics logs show fuel pressure DTCs (P0087, P0191) correlating with aggressive driving profiles. High-RPM operation without cooldown periods increases lobe stress, making revised components and driving discipline critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2023–2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2023–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD M1JA.
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