The Ford N8D is a 1,596 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced from 2010 to 2018. It features port fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and a 16‑valve layout with Ti-VCT (twin independent variable cam timing). In standard form it delivers 88 kW (120 PS) and 153 Nm of torque, offering smooth and predictable performance for entry‑level models.
Fitted to models such as the Fiesta Mk7, B‑Max, and C‑Max, the N8D was engineered for cost‑effective urban mobility with low maintenance demands and strong cold‑start reliability. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and precise electronic throttle control, meeting Euro 5 standards throughout its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust camshaft lobe for cylinder 4, highlighted in Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑13‑2087. This issue manifests under high‑mileage conditions and can cause rough idle or misfire codes. Ford revised the camshaft metallurgy in mid‑2014 production to improve surface hardness and reduce wear rates.
All production years (2010–2018) meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2345).
The Ford N8D is a 1,596 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for subcompact and compact models (2010–2018). It combines port fuel injection with DOHC and Ti-VCT architecture to deliver smooth, predictable power delivery and low running costs. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances drivability with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,596 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (ULP 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.4 mm | |
| Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) @ 6,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 153 Nm @ 4,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi‑point port injection (Bosch ME7.8) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C945‑A (SAE 5W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 102 kg |
The naturally aspirated design offers predictable throttle response and low mechanical complexity but requires adherence to 15,000 km or 12‑month oil intervals using Ford WSS‑M2C945‑A (5W‑20) to protect camshaft lobes and timing chain. ULSP (ultra‑low‑sulfur petrol) meeting EN 228 is required to maintain catalytic converter efficiency. High‑mileage vehicles (>120,000 km) should be inspected for exhaust cam lobe wear on cylinder 4, especially if rough idle or P0304 misfire codes appear. Revised camshafts introduced after 06/2014 improve durability per TSB‑13‑2087.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS‑M2C945‑A (5W‑20) specification (Ford Owner’s Manual 2011). Not interchangeable with later WSS‑M2C945‑B.
Emissions: Euro 5 compliance applies to all 2010–2018 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2345).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON minimum fuel (Ford TIS Doc. N8D‑2010).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs N8D‑2010, ES‑N8D‑01, TSB‑13‑2087
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2345)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Ford N8D was used across Ford's B‑platform and C‑platform architectures with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the B‑Max for NVH tuning and a different intake manifold in the C‑Max—and from mid‑2014 the camshaft metallurgy was updated to address lobe wear, creating minor service part 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 N8D‑2010). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('D' for 1.6L N8D). All N8D units feature a black plastic cam cover with integrated coil packs and a visible exhaust manifold on the rear bank. Critical differentiation from Sigma engines: N8D uses Ti-VCT (twin independent variable cam timing) and produces 120 PS; Sigma variants lack VCT and have different ignition coil layout. ECU part numbers beginning with ‘10C602’ or ‘11C602’ confirm N8D application. Service parts require production date verification—camshafts for engines before 06/2014 differ from post-06/2014 units (Ford TSB‑13‑2087).
The N8D's primary reliability risk is exhaust camshaft lobe wear on cylinder 4, with elevated incidence in high-mileage (>120,000 km) or high-load urban use. Ford internal data (2014) indicated a measurable uptick in cam-related warranty claims before 150,000 km for pre-mid-2014 engines, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased misfire-related failures in older Fiistas. Consistent oil changes and avoiding sustained high-RPM operation make cam longevity critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2013–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2014–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD N8D.
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.
