The Ford QXBA is a 1,498 cc, inline‑three turbo‑petrol engine introduced in 2022 as part of Ford’s EcoBoost family. It features a DOHC 12‑valve layout, direct fuel injection, and a single twin‑scroll turbocharger. In standard form it produces 110–125 kW (150–170 PS) with torque between 240–270 Nm, offering responsive low‑end pull and efficient urban performance.
Fitted to models such as the Puma, Focus, and Kuga, the QXBA was engineered for compact efficiency without sacrificing drivability. Emissions compliance is achieved through a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and precise lambda control, enabling full Euro 6d certification from launch (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9352).
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower, noted in Ford Service Bulletin TSB‑23‑0871. This stems from marginal lubrication under high-frequency actuation during aggressive driving or sustained boost. Ford addressed this in late 2023 by revising the cam follower material and updating the fuel pump actuation profile via ECU calibration.
All production years (2022–present) meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9352).
The Ford QXBA is a 1,498 cc inline‑three turbo‑petrol engineered for compact and crossover applications (2022–present). It combines direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver brisk low‑rpm response and smooth mid‑range pull. Designed to meet Euro 6d from launch, it balances everyday usability with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (ULP 95 RON min, 98 RON recommended) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (twin‑scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.3 mm | |
| Power output | 110–125 kW (150–170 PS) | |
| Torque | 240–270 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high‑pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with electric auxiliary pump | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin‑scroll (Honeywell Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C949‑A (SAE 0W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 110 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides immediate throttle response ideal for city and motorway use but demands high-quality 95 RON (or 98 RON for durability) unleaded petrol to prevent knock and HPFP wear. Oil must meet Ford WSS-M2C949-A (0W-20) to ensure GPF compatibility and proper chain lubrication. Extended high-load operation without cooldown periods can accelerate cam follower wear—Ford recommends post-drive idle for 30–60 seconds after spirited driving. The GPF requires occasional highway driving (>60 km/h for 15+ minutes) to enable passive regeneration. Early QXBA units (pre-10/2023) should be inspected for HPFP cam follower wear per TSB‑23‑0871.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C949-A (0W-20) specification (Ford Owner’s Manual). Not interchangeable with older 5W-30 specs.
Emissions: Full Euro 6d compliance from launch (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9352).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 125 kW output benefits from 98 RON fuel for optimal durability (Ford TIS Doc. F24‑3330).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F24‑3310, F24‑3315, TSB‑23‑0871
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9352)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford QXBA 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 updated mounts in the Focus—and from late 2023 the Puma adopted an updated ECU map for cam follower durability, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Ford TIS F24‑3305). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('H' for 1.5L EcoBoost). All QXBA engines feature a black plastic intake manifold with “1.5 EC BOOST” embossed. Critical differentiation from PHFC: QXBA uses updated Bosch ECU (ME17.5.30) and revised HPFP cam follower geometry. Early vs. late cam follower: Pre-10/2023 units use standard steel follower; post-date use nitrided steel per Ford TSB‑23‑0871.
The QXBA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear under sustained high-load or aggressive driving conditions. Ford internal data from 2024 indicated elevated HPFP-related warranty claims in pre-late-2023 builds, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions-related failures due to robust GPF control. Aggressive driving without cooldown cycles and marginal fuel quality amplify wear, making fuel specification and post-drive idle critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2022–2025) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2023–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD QXBA.
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