The Ford N7BA is a 1,999 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. Part of Ford's updated Sigma engine family, it features double overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable cam timing (Ti-VCT), and multi-point fuel injection. Designed for mainstream passenger applications, it delivers 103 kW (140 PS) and 188 Nm of torque, offering balanced performance for urban and highway driving.
Fitted to models including the Ford Focus (Mk4), Ford Kuga (Mk3), and Ford EcoSport, the N7BA was engineered for responsive drivability and low-cost ownership. Its emissions compliance is achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, meeting Euro 6d-Final standards across its production run and supporting low-CO2 fleet compliance in European markets.
One documented service concern is premature wear of the intake camshaft phaser, particularly under aggressive throttle use. Highlighted in Ford Service Information Bulletin 19S07, this issue stems from oil flow instability during rapid valve timing adjustments. From 2020, revised phaser hardware and updated oil change intervals were implemented to improve durability.
Production years 2018–2023 meet Euro 6d-Final emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Ford N7BA is a 1,999 cc inline-four petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size passenger vehicles (2018–2023). It combines Ti-VCT variable cam timing with multi-point fuel injection to deliver linear throttle response and stable idle quality. Designed to meet Euro 6d-Final standards, it balances fuel economy with durability in mixed driving conditions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,999 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 93.2 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 188 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-Final | |
| Compression ratio | 12.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (front-mounted, low-stretch design) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C946-A (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 124 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides predictable throttle response ideal for daily driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent cam phaser wear. Ford WSS-M2C946-A (5W-30) oil is essential due to its high-shear stability and consistent viscosity under thermal cycling. Extended idling and aggressive acceleration increase carbon buildup on intake valves, necessitating periodic cleaning. The absence of direct injection reduces fuel system complexity but limits high-RPM efficiency. Post-2020 models benefit from updated phaser design; pre-2020 units should be inspected per Ford SIB 19S07. Catalytic converter longevity depends on consistent lambda sensor function and use of unleaded fuel meeting EN 228 standards.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C946-A (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 19S07). Compatible with ACEA A5/B5 and API SP standards.
Emissions: Euro 6d-Final certification applies to all N7BA production years (2018–2023) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output remains consistent across fuel qualities meeting 95 RON minimum (Ford TIS Doc. S20780).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs S20780, S20781, S20782, SIB 19S07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
European Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
The Ford N7BA was used across Ford's C519/CD3 platforms with transverse mounting and front-wheel drive layout. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the EcoSport and revised engine mounts in the Kuga-and from 2020 received updated cam phaser hardware to address timing instability, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS S20780). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('L' for 2.0L Ti-VCT). Pre-2020 models have silver valve covers with black intake manifolds; post-2020 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from EcoBoost: N7BA uses a naturally aspirated layout with front-mounted timing chain, while EcoBoost variants use turbocharging and direct injection. Service parts require production date verification - cam phasers before 08/2020 are not compatible with later revised units (Ford SIB 19S07).
The N7BA's primary reliability risk is intake camshaft phaser wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in aggressive driving cycles. Internal Ford field reports from 2021 indicated a notable number of pre-2020 engines exhibiting phaser noise before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA data links a significant 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 (2018-2022) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD N7BA.
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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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