The Ford R6A is a 2,261 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine introduced in 2018 as part of Ford’s EcoBoost family. It features direct fuel injection, a single twin-scroll turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard tune it produces 202–224 kW (275–304 PS) with torque peaking at 450–475 Nm, delivering strong performance for sporty SUV applications.
Fitted to performance-oriented derivatives such as the Edge ST and Explorer ST, the R6A was engineered for responsive throttle response, high specific output, and towing capability. Emissions compliance is achieved through gasoline particulate filtration (GPF), cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and precise lambda control, meeting Euro 6d standards from launch.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) under sustained high-load conditions, noted in Ford Service Bulletin TSB-22-1875. This stems from thermal stress and marginal fuel lubricity in low-quality petrol. Ford addressed it in 2021 with revised pump internals and updated PCM calibration.
All production years (2018–present) meet Euro 6d emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921).
The Ford R6A is a 2,261 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for mid-size performance SUVs (2018–present). It combines direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver immediate boost response and high torque across a broad rev range. Designed to meet Euro 6d from launch, it balances towing capability with stringent particulate and NOx compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,261 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, min. 95 RON) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 87.5 mm × 94.0 mm | |
| Power output | 202–224 kW (275–304 PS) | |
| Torque | 450–475 Nm @ 2,000–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP6 high-pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d (WLTP/RDE compliant) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual electric pumps | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin‑scroll (Honeywell/Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, reinforced design) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C948-B1 (SAE 0W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 158 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides strong low-end torque ideal for towing and highway overtaking, but sustained high-load operation (e.g., mountain grades with trailer) can accelerate HPFP wear if fuel quality is substandard. Ford WSS-M2C948-B1 (0W-20) oil is essential for GPF compatibility and turbo bearing longevity. Use only EN 228-compliant 95 RON or higher petrol—98 RON recommended for consistent high-load use. Post-2021 engines include updated HPFP internals per TSB-22-1875; earlier units benefit from PCM calibration updates during service visits. GPF regeneration is automatic but requires occasional highway driving to complete passive cycles.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C948-B1 (0W-20) specification (Ford Owner’s Handbook 2019). Not backward compatible with older Ford oil specs.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all model years (2018–present) under VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921.
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85 standards. 224 kW variant requires 98 RON for optimal performance (Ford TIS Doc. P2190).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs P2180, P2185, P2190
Ford Service Bulletin TSB-22-1875
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8921)
UN Regulation No. 85 (Engine Power Measurement)
The Ford R6A was used across Ford's CD6 and U725 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts and oil pan baffling in the Edge ST for dynamic handling, and unique exhaust manifolding in the Explorer ST for underbody packaging—and from 2021 both models adopted revised HPFP hardware and updated ECU calibrations, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (Ford TIS P2182). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('R' for R6A series). All R6A units feature a black cam cover with 'EcoBoost' branding and a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) integrated into the exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from earlier 2.3L EcoBoost (L3T): R6A uses revised block casting with integrated oil cooler, updated HPFP, and GPF from launch. ECU part numbers must match exact model/year—calibrations are not interchangeable between Edge ST and Explorer ST without full reprogramming (Ford SIB TSB-22-1875).
The R6A's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) degradation under sustained high-load conditions, with elevated incidence in hot climates or frequent towing. Ford internal data from 2022 indicated a measurable uptick in HPFP warranty claims for pre-2021 builds, while UK DVSA records show GPF-related limp-mode events are rare but linked to chronic urban-only use. Extended idling and poor fuel quality accelerate wear, making fuel specification and driving pattern 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 R6A.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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