The Ford MTDA is a 1,596 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It forms part of Ford's Sigma engine family, featuring double overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable cam timing (Ti-VCT), and multi-point fuel injection. Designed for compact and subcompact applications, it delivers 85 kW (115 PS) and 155 Nm of torque, balancing urban drivability with fuel efficiency.
Fitted to models including the Ford Fiesta (Mk7), Ford B-Max, and Ford Focus (early Mk3 variants), the MTDA was engineered for cost-effective ownership and responsive city driving. Its emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, meeting Euro 5 standards across its production run and enabling low-band CO2 taxation in European markets.
One documented service concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, particularly in stop-start urban cycles. Highlighted in Ford Service Action 14S06, this issue stems from oil flow restrictions under frequent cold starts. From 2015, revised tensioner hardware and updated oil change intervals were implemented to improve durability.
Production years 2012–2018 meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Ford MTDA is a 1,596 cc inline-four petrol engine engineered for compact passenger vehicles (2012–2018). It combines Ti-VCT variable cam timing with multi-point fuel injection to deliver responsive low-end torque and stable idle quality. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances fuel economy with durability in high-cycle urban environments.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,596 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.4 mm | |
| Power output | 85 kW (115 PS) @ 6,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 155 Nm @ 4,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (front-mounted, prone to tensioner wear) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C913-D (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides predictable throttle response ideal for city driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent timing chain wear. Ford WSS-M2C913-D (5W-30) oil is essential due to its shear stability and flow characteristics under cold-start conditions. Extended idling and short-trip usage increase carbon buildup on intake valves, necessitating periodic cleaning. The absence of direct injection reduces fuel system complexity but limits high-RPM efficiency. Post-2015 models benefit from updated tensioner design; pre-2015 units should be inspected per Ford Service Action 14S06. Catalytic converter longevity depends on consistent lambda sensor function and use of unleaded fuel meeting EN 228 standards.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C913-D (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 14S06). Compatible with ACEA A1/B1 and API SN standards.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all MTDA production years (2012–2018) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output remains consistent across fuel qualities meeting 95 RON minimum (Ford TIS Doc. S15670).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs S15670, S15671, S15672, SIB 14S06
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
European Commission Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Ford MTDA was used across Ford's B2E/C346 platforms with transverse mounting and front-wheel drive layout. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Fiesta and revised engine mounts in the Focus-and from 2015 received updated tensioner hardware to address timing chain concerns, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the left-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS S15670). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('H' for 1.6L Ti-VCT). Pre-2015 models have silver valve covers with black intake manifolds; post-2015 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from Duratec: MTDA uses a front-mounted timing chain with a single cover, while Duratec HE variants use a belt. Service parts require production date verification - timing tensioners before 06/2015 are not compatible with later revised units (Ford SIB 14S06).
The MTDA's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start driving. Internal Ford field reports from 2014 indicated a significant number of pre-2015 engines exhibiting chain noise before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA data links a notable share of emissions failures to lambda sensor degradation in high-mileage units. Short-trip cycles and delayed oil changes increase wear, making service interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2012-2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD MTDA.
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.
