The Ford Q4BA is a 1,499 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2020 and 2025. It features direct fuel injection, a single twin-scroll turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 240 Nm of torque, optimized for responsive urban driving and efficient highway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Puma, Focus, and Kuga across European markets, the Q4BA was engineered to balance everyday usability with low emissions. Emissions compliance was achieved through gasoline particulate filtration (GPF), cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and precise lambda control, enabling full Euro 6d certification from launch.
One documented concern is occasional low-pressure fuel pump (LPFP) circuit faults under high ambient temperatures, highlighted in Ford Service Bulletin 22M04. This issue stems from thermal stress on the in-tank pump module’s control electronics. From late 2022, Ford updated the LPFP control strategy and revised the pump assembly to improve thermal resilience.
All production years (2020–2025) meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7891).
The Ford Q4BA is a 1,499 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and crossover applications (2020–2025). It combines direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver brisk low‑end torque and smooth throttle response. Designed to meet Euro 6d from launch, it balances drivability with stringent emissions 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 | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high‑pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar) + in-tank low-pressure pump | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| 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 | 110 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides immediate torque ideal for city and highway use but requires 95 RON (minimum) fuel to avoid knock under load. Ford WSS-M2C948-B1 (0W-20) oil is essential for GPF compatibility and low-friction operation. Extended oil intervals beyond 16,000 km or 12 months may accelerate wear in high-temperature climates. The in-tank LPFP is sensitive to sustained high ambient heat; vehicles in southern Europe should avoid prolonged idling in traffic. Occasional highway driving ensures complete GPF regeneration and prevents soot accumulation.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C948-B1 (0W-20) specification (Ford SIB 21M07). Not interchangeable with older Ford oil specs.
Emissions: Full Euro 6d compliance across all model years (2020–2025) per VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7891.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel; 98 RON enables optimal transient response (Ford TIS Doc. TIS-Q4BA-04).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS-Q4BA-01 through TIS-Q4BA-04, SIB 22M04, SIB 21M07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7891)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Ford Q4BA was used across Ford's B‑Car and C‑Car platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific calibrations—revised cooling in the Kuga and GPF tuning for urban Puma variants—and from 2022 the LPFP control update created 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-Q4BA-01). The 7th VIN digit is 'Q' for Q4BA-equipped vehicles. All Q4BA engines feature a black plastic intake manifold with '1.5 EcoBoost' branding and a single twin-scroll turbo. Critical differentiation from PHFA: Q4BA lacks cylinder deactivation and uses a simplified GPF calibration. ECU part number suffix '-Q4BA' confirms application; pre-2022 ECUs may lack thermal LPFP protection per SIB 22M04.
The Q4BA's primary reliability risk is low-pressure fuel pump (LPFP) control faults in high-ambient-temperature environments, with elevated incidence in southern European markets. Ford internal field data (2023) indicated a measurable uptick in LPFP-related DTCs before 50,000 km in vehicles operated consistently above 35°C, while UK DVSA data shows minimal emissions failures due to robust GPF design. Sustained idling in traffic without airflow exacerbates thermal stress, making driving pattern and software calibration critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2020–2025) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD Q4BA.
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