The Ford PHFA is a 1,499 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It features direct fuel injection, a single twin-scroll turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 118 kW (160 PS) and 240 Nm of torque, with strong low‑rpm responsiveness for urban and motorway driving.
Fitted to models such as the Mk8 Fiesta ST, Puma ST, and select Focus variants, the PHFA was engineered for sporty yet efficient performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through gasoline particulate filtration (GPF) and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), allowing Euro 6d‑TEMP compliance from launch and full Euro 6d certification in later builds.
One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under sustained high‑load conditions, highlighted in Ford Service Bulletin 19M01. This issue stems from lubrication limitations in the cam‑driven HPFP actuator. From mid‑2020, Ford revised the pump design and updated calibration to mitigate premature wear.
Production years 2018–2019 meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards; 2020–2023 models comply with Euro 6d (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Ford PHFA is a 1,499 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engineered for compact performance models (2018–2023). It combines direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver brisk low‑end torque and agile throttle response. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP (early) and Euro 6d (later) standards, it balances sportiness with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,499 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (twin‑scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.0 mm | |
| Power output | 118 kW (160 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high‑pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (2018–2019); Euro 6d (2020–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit layout | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett twin‑scroll (MGT2256VZ) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C948-B1 (SAE 0W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides immediate throttle response ideal for spirited driving but demands high-quality 95 RON (or 98 RON for tuning) fuel to prevent knock under load. Ford WSS-M2C948-B1 (0W-20) oil is essential for HPFP lubrication and GPF compatibility. Extended oil change intervals beyond 16,000 km or 12 months may accelerate HPFP wear per SIB 19M01. Cold starts should be followed by gentle driving to allow oil pressure stabilization. GPF regeneration is automatic but frequent short trips may cause soot accumulation—occasional highway drives are recommended.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C948-B1 (0W-20) specification (Ford SIB 20M05). Not interchangeable with older Ford oil specs.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP applies to 2018–2019 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Full Euro 6d compliance from 2020 onward.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel; 98 RON enables optimal transient response (Ford TIS Doc. TIS-PHFA-04).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS-PHFA-01 through TIS-PHFA-04, SIB 19M01, SIB 20M05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Ford PHFA was used across Ford's B‑Car and C‑Car platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Puma ST and revised cooling in the Fiesta ST—and from 2020 the Euro 6d update included GPF calibration refinements, creating minor ECU interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil pump (Ford TIS TIS-PHFA-01). The 7th VIN digit is 'H' for PHFA-equipped vehicles. All PHFA engines feature a black plastic intake manifold with '1.5 EcoBoost' branding and a single twin-scroll turbo. Critical differentiation from earlier 1.5L EcoBoost (MHEB): PHFA uses cylinder deactivation (disables cylinder 1 under light load) and a GPF—visible as a second exhaust filter after the catalytic converter. ECU part number suffix '-PHFA' confirms application; pre-2020 ECUs lack full Euro 6d calibration.
The PHFA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in track or aggressive driving. Ford internal data (2020) indicated a measurable uptick in HPFP replacements before 60,000 km in ST models used for performance driving, while UK DVSA data shows low emissions-related failures due to robust GPF/EGR design. Sustained high-load operation without adequate warm-up increases HPFP stress, making correct oil spec and driving habits critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD PHFA.
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