Engine Code

FORD R9DC engine (2018–present) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Ford R9DC is a 1,499 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine introduced in 2018 as part of Ford’s updated EcoBoost family. It features a DOHC 12‑valve layout, direct fuel injection, and a single twin‑scroll turbocharger. In standard tune it produces 110 kW (150 PS) and 240 Nm of torque, optimized for responsive urban performance and fuel efficiency.

Fitted primarily to the Focus Mk4 (C519), Puma, and Kuga (2020+), the R9DC was engineered to meet stringent Euro 6d emissions standards while maintaining everyday drivability. Emissions compliance is achieved through a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and high-pressure fuel injection up to 250 bar.

One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower, referenced in Ford Service Information Bulletin TSB‑20‑2150. This issue arises from marginal lubrication under high thermal loads and extended oil change intervals, prompting Ford to revise the cam follower material and update maintenance guidance in 2021.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

All R9DC engines meet Euro 6d standards from launch (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9523).

R9DC Technical Specifications

The Ford R9DC is a 1,499 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2018–present). It combines direct fuel injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver brisk low‑end torque and agile urban performance. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards from launch, it balances sporty character with regulatory compliance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,499 cc
Fuel typePetrol (Gasoline)
ConfigurationInline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve
AspirationTurbocharged (twin‑scroll)
Bore × stroke79.0 mm × 81.0 mm
Power output110 kW (150 PS)
Torque240 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm
Fuel systemHigh-pressure direct injection (up to 250 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 6d (from launch)
Compression ratio10.5:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled
TurbochargerSingle twin‑scroll (Honeywell Garrett)
Timing systemBelt‑driven
Oil typeFord WSS‑M2C945‑B1 (SAE 0W‑20)
Dry weight109 kg
Practical Implications

The twin-scroll turbo provides immediate throttle response ideal for city 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‑20‑2150. 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.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C945-B1 (0W-20) specification (Ford Owner Manual – Puma 2020). Meets ACEA C5 standards.

Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all R9DC engines from 2018 onward (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9523). Includes RDE compliance.

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Power output validated at 6,000 rpm (Ford TIS Doc. M56901).

Primary Sources

Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M56789, M56890, M56901

Ford Service Information Bulletins: TSB-20-2150

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9523)

SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards

R9DC Compatible Models

The Ford R9DC was used across Ford's C519/B299 platforms with transverse mounting and no third-party licensing. This engine received platform-specific calibrations—revised ECU maps in the Kuga for AWD torque distribution and compact intercooler routing in the Puma—and from 2021 the introduction of an updated HPFP cam follower design, creating service distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Ford
Years:
2018–present
Models:
Focus (Mk4)
Variants:
Focus 1.5 EcoBoost 150 PS
View Source
Ford EPC Doc. F18‑5530
Make:
Ford
Years:
2019–present
Models:
Puma
Variants:
Puma 1.5 EcoBoost 155 PS
View Source
Ford Group PT‑2023
Make:
Ford
Years:
2020–present
Models:
Kuga (Mk3)
Variants:
Kuga 1.5 EcoBoost FWD
View Source
Ford TIS Doc. M57001
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Ford TIS M56810). The 8th digit of the VIN indicates engine type ('9' for R9DC series). All R9DC units include a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) and use a black cam cover with '1.5 ECOBOOST' embossing. Critical differentiation from PNDA: R9DC produces 150 PS (vs. 160 PS) and uses a slightly different turbo actuator. Service parts for fuel systems differ before and after 04/2021 due to cam follower material upgrade (Ford TSB‑20‑2150).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Ford TIS Doc. M56810

Location:

Stamped on front timing cover adjacent to crank pulley (Ford TIS M56810).

Visual Cues:

  • Three-cylinder layout with integrated exhaust manifold
  • Black plastic cam cover with '1.5 ECOBOOST' embossing
  • GPF visible in exhaust system downstream of turbo
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Ford SIB TSB‑20‑2150

Fuel System:

HPFP cam follower units before 04/2021 use earlier material; post-2021 units require updated follower per TSB‑20‑2150.

Emissions Hardware:

All R9DC engines include GPF and cooled EGR; not interchangeable with pre-Euro 6d exhaust systems.
Cam Follower Upgrade

Issue:

Early R9DC engines experienced accelerated wear in the HPFP cam follower due to thermal stress and marginal lubrication under high-load cycles.

Evidence:

Ford SIB TSB‑20‑2150

Recommendation:

Replace with revised cam follower (Part No. CV6Z‑9F477‑E) and inspect HPFP plunger during service.

Common Reliability Issues - FORD R9DC

The R9DC'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 90,000 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 infrequent highway driving accelerate wear, making adherence to service schedules critical.

HPFP cam follower wear or failure
Symptoms: Hard starts, misfires, loss of power, P0087 or P0234 codes.
Cause: Wear in cam-driven HPFP follower due to marginal lubrication under high thermal and mechanical stress.
Fix: Replace with revised cam follower and HPFP assembly per Ford TSB‑20‑2150; verify oil meets WSS‑M2C945‑B1 spec.
Gasoline particulate filter (GPF) clogging
Symptoms: Reduced power, increased fuel consumption, regeneration warning lights, exhaust smell.
Cause: Insufficient exhaust temperatures during short urban trips prevent passive GPF regeneration.
Fix: Perform forced regeneration via diagnostics; if clogged beyond threshold, replace GPF assembly per Ford procedure.
Timing belt tensioner noise
Symptoms: Squealing or chirping from front engine cover, irregular idle.
Cause: Bearing wear in tensioner pulley under thermal cycling, exacerbated by infrequent driving.
Fix: Install revised tensioner kit per Ford service guidance; inspect belt for cracks or glazing.
Coolant leaks from thermostat housing
Symptoms: Coolant odor, low reservoir level, steam from engine bay.
Cause: Plastic thermostat housing prone to cracking under thermal stress over time.
Fix: Replace housing with updated OEM part; flush and refill with Ford-approved coolant.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about FORD R9DC

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD R9DC.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

About EngineCode.uk
Independent technical reference for engine identification and verification

Platform Overview

Independent Technical Reference

EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with FORD or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.

Sourcing Policy

Strict Sourcing Protocol

Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.

No Unverified Sources

No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.

Transparency in Gaps

If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.

Regulatory Stability

EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.

Primary Sources & Documentation
Official OEM and government publications used for data verification

Primary Sources

FORD Official Site

Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.

EUR-Lex

EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C

UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.

DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT

Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.

Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)

UK type-approval authority for automotive products.

Official Documentation

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory Context & Methodology
Framework and processes ensuring data accuracy and compliance

Regulatory Context

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval

UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.

VCA Certification Portal

Type-approval guidance and documentation.

Methodology

Data Compilation

All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.

Corrections & Submissions

To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk

Legal, Privacy & Commercial Disclosure
Copyright, data privacy, and funding transparency

Copyright & Legal

Fair Dealing Use

All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.

Copyright Concerns

For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk

Data Privacy

GDPR Compliance

EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.

Data Requests

For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk

Trademarks

Trademark Notice

All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.

Commercial Disclosure

No Paid Endorsements

This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.

Funding Model

Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.

Last Updated: 16 August 2025

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialFORD documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .

All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.