The Ford QJBC is a 1,999 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine introduced in 2018 as part of Ford’s updated EcoBoost family. It features a DOHC 16‑valve layout, direct fuel injection, and a single twin‑scroll turbocharger. In standard tune it produces 177 kW (240 PS) and 370 Nm of torque, engineered for performance-oriented applications with responsive throttle response.
Fitted primarily to the Focus ST (Mk4) and Puma ST, the QJBC was designed to deliver sporty dynamics while meeting stringent Euro 6d emissions standards. Compliance is achieved through a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and high-pressure fuel injection up to 350 bar.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower, referenced in Ford Service Information Bulletin TSB‑20‑2145. This issue arises from marginal lubrication under aggressive driving cycles and extended oil change intervals, prompting Ford to revise the cam follower material and update maintenance guidance in 2021.
All QJBC engines meet Euro 6d standards from launch (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9456).
The Ford QJBC is a 1,999 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for hot hatch and performance crossover applications (2018–present). It combines high-pressure direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver strong mid-range torque and agile performance. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards from launch, it balances sporty character with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,999 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Gasoline) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (twin‑scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 87.5 mm × 83.1 mm | |
| Power output | 177 kW (240 PS) | |
| Torque | 370 Nm @ 1,600–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | High-pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d (from launch) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin‑scroll (Honeywell Garrett GTX2252) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C945‑B1 (SAE 0W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo delivers strong mid-range torque ideal for spirited driving but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals. Ford WSS-M2C945-B1 (0W-20) oil is essential to protect the high-pressure fuel pump cam follower and turbo bearings. Extended oil intervals or aggressive driving without proper warm-up accelerate HPFP wear, as documented in TSB‑20‑2145. The GPF requires periodic highway driving (>20 min at 2,000+ rpm) for passive regeneration. Cold starts should be followed by gentle driving to allow oil pressure to stabilize.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C945-B1 (0W-20) specification (Ford Owner Manual – Puma ST 2020). Meets ACEA C5 standards.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all QJBC engines from 2018 onward (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9456). Includes RDE compliance.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Power output validated at 5,500 rpm (Ford TIS Doc. M34789).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M34567, M34678, M34789
Ford Service Information Bulletins: TSB-20-2145
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9456)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford QJBC was used exclusively in Ford's performance variants with transverse mounting and no third-party licensing. This engine received platform-specific calibrations—revised ECU maps and reinforced mounts in the Focus ST, and compact intercooler routing in the Puma ST—and from 2021 the introduction of an updated cam follower design, creating service distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Ford TIS M34590). The 8th digit of the VIN indicates engine type ('Q' for QJBC series). All QJBC units include a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) and use a black cam cover with '2.3 ECOBOOST' embossing. Critical differentiation from earlier 2.0L EcoBoost: QJBC has 2.3L displacement, chain-driven timing, and unique HPFP cam follower design. Service parts for fuel systems differ before and after 05/2021 due to cam follower material upgrade (Ford TSB‑20‑2145).
The QJBC's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles driven aggressively or with extended oil change intervals. Ford internal field data from 2021 indicated a notable rate of HPFP-related failures before 80,000 km in early builds, while UK DVSA records show increased MOT advisories for lambda sensor drift linked to GPF saturation in short-trip usage. Stop-start urban cycles and track use without proper cooldown accelerate wear, making adherence to service schedules critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD QJBC.
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