The Ford NAV is a 1,596 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and sequential multi‑point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 88 kW (120 PS) and 153 Nm of torque, engineered for urban efficiency and smooth daily driving.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Fiesta (Mk7), B-MAX, and EcoSport, the NAV was designed for cost‑effective ownership, low emissions, and responsive city performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise fuel metering and exhaust after‑treatment, meeting Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust camshaft lobes, particularly in high‑mileage or oil‑starved conditions. This issue, highlighted in Ford Service Bulletin TSB‑14‑0035, is linked to inadequate lubrication under sustained high‑rpm operation. From 2015, Ford introduced revised camshaft metallurgy and updated oil pump specifications to mitigate the risk.
All production years (2012–2018) meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Ford NAV is a 1,596 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2012–2018). It combines DOHC architecture with sequential multi‑point fuel injection to deliver responsive low‑end power and urban drivability. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances fuel economy with everyday reliability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,596 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| 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 | Sequential multi‑point injection (SMPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C945-A (SAE 5W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The naturally aspirated design offers linear throttle response ideal for city driving but requires consistent oil changes every 10,000–15,000 km to prevent camshaft lobe wear. Ford WSS-M2C945-A (5W‑20) oil is critical due to its anti-wear additives protecting high-load valvetrain components. Extended high-RPM operation without adequate warm-up increases risk of oil starvation at the exhaust cam. The engine lacks turbo or direct injection, simplifying maintenance but limiting tuning potential. Post-2015 units include updated camshafts per TSB‑14‑0035; pre-2015 engines should be inspected for lobe scoring during major services.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C945-A (5W‑20) specification (Ford TSB‑14‑0035). Equivalent to API SN/ILSAC GF-5.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all NAV production years (2012–2018) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output verified on Ford dynamometer per PT‑2014 protocol.
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs P12345, ES-NAV-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
Ford Service Bulletin TSB‑14‑0035
The Ford NAV was used across Ford's B‑platform vehicles with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the B-MAX for NVH reduction and compact accessory drive in the EcoSport—creating minor service part differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Ford TIS P12345). The 8th digit of the VIN indicates engine type ('N' for NAV 1.6L). All NAV engines feature black plastic cam covers with '1.6 Ti-VCT' branding. Critical differentiation from Sigma engines: NAV uses chain-driven DOHC with external cam phasers; Sigma uses belt-driven SOHC. Oil filler cap on NAV is integrated into the cam cover—unlike Sigma’s separate cap.
The NAV's primary reliability risk is exhaust camshaft lobe wear, with elevated incidence in high-RPM or extended-interval oil change scenarios. Ford internal field data from 2015 indicated measurable lobe degradation in over 15% of pre-2015 engines beyond 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show low failure rates overall due to robust emissions design. Consistent oil quality and adherence to service intervals make cam longevity critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2014–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD NAV.
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.
