The Ford NCA is a 999 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine introduced in 2018. It features direct fuel injection, a twin‑scroll turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). This EcoBoost unit delivers up to 92 kW (125 PS) and 170 Nm of torque, with technologies like cylinder deactivation enhancing real‑world fuel economy.
Fitted primarily to the fourth‑generation Fiesta and Puma ST‑Line models, the NCA was engineered for urban agility and spirited driving. Emissions compliance is achieved through a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) and precise engine management, meeting stringent Euro 6d‑TEMP and Euro 6d standards depending on the model year and market.
One documented concern involves the high‑pressure fuel pump, with failures reported leading to no‑start conditions or engine stalling. This issue, referenced in Ford Field Service Action 46166, is often linked to internal component wear. Ford has issued revised pump assemblies for affected vehicles as a corrective measure.
Production years 2018–2020 meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards; 2021–present models meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Ford NCA is a 999 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engineered for supermini and compact crossover applications (2018–Present). It combines direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive performance and class‑leading efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it balances everyday drivability with low emissions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 999 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 71.9 mm × 82.0 mm | |
| Power output | 74–92 kW (100–125 PS) | |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 1,400–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | High‑pressure direct injection (Bosch HDEV6) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d‑TEMP / Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Twin‑scroll (Garrett Motion) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C945‑B (SAE 5W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides immediate throttle response ideal for city driving but demands premium unleaded (95 RON minimum) to prevent pre-ignition and protect the high-pressure fuel system. Ford WSS-M2C945-B (5W-20) oil is critical for optimal variable valve timing operation and turbo bearing protection. Extended oil change intervals beyond 16,000 km or 12 months can accelerate wear on the timing chain tensioner. The GPF requires occasional highway driving to initiate passive regeneration; persistent short trips may trigger a warning light. High-pressure fuel pump failures, addressed in FSA 46166, necessitate prompt replacement with the updated part to avoid immobilisation.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C945-B specification (Ford Owner's Handbook). ACEA C2/C5 compliant.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP certification applies to 2018-2020 models; Euro 6d applies to 2021+ models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. 92 kW output requires 95 RON fuel (Ford Engineering Spec. ES-12345).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 418-03-01, ES-12345, TSB 21-2-15
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code — Net power
The Ford NCA was used across Ford's B‑Car platform with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the Puma for handling-and from 2021 the Fiesta facelift models adopted minor ECU updates for Euro 6d compliance, creating software interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block, near the exhaust manifold flange (Ford Workshop Manual 418-03-01). The 8th VIN digit typically indicates engine displacement ('B' for 1.0L). Visually, the NCA features a black plastic intake manifold with 'EcoBoost' branding and a centrally mounted twin-scroll turbocharger. Critical differentiation from the older Fox-based 1.0L EcoBoost: NCA uses a different cylinder head casting and a Garrett turbo (vs. BorgWarner on Fox). Software and some ancillary parts are incompatible between pre-2021 and post-2021 models due to Euro 6d updates (Ford TSB 22-1-08).
The NCA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles using lower-grade fuel or with high mileage. Ford FSA 46166 documents this issue for specific production ranges, while owner reports frequently cite stalling incidents. Using fuel below 95 RON and neglecting oil changes make adherence to Ford's maintenance schedule critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018-2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD NCA.
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.
