The Ford RFK is a 1,499 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It features direct fuel injection, a single twin-scroll turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 118–134 kW (160–182 PS) with peak torque of 240–270 Nm, enabling responsive urban drivability and efficient highway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Focus Mk3 ST-Line, C-MAX, and Grand C-MAX, the RFK was engineered for compact performance with a focus on low emissions and drivetrain refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through gasoline particulate filtration (GPF), cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and precise lambda control, allowing Euro 6b compliance from launch and full Euro 6d-TEMP adoption from 2018.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) under sustained high-load conditions, highlighted in Ford Service Bulletin 02/2019. This issue stems from thermal stress on the pump’s internal components during aggressive driving cycles. From mid‑2019, Ford introduced a revised HPFP with improved metallurgy and lubrication pathways.
Production years 2015–2017 meet Euro 6b standards; 2018–2020 models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7743).
The Ford RFK is a 1,499 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and MPV applications (2015–2020). It combines direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and refined high-rpm operation. Designed to meet Euro 6b and Euro 6d-TEMP standards, it integrates GPF and advanced EGR for emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,499 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 94.3 mm | |
| Power output | 118–134 kW (160–182 PS) | |
| Torque | 240–270 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP6 high-pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b (2015–2017); Euro 6d-TEMP (2018–2020) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with electric auxiliary pump | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin‑scroll turbo (Honeywell Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C949-A (SAE 0W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 114 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides immediate throttle response ideal for spirited driving but demands high-quality 0W-20 oil meeting Ford WSS-M2C949-A to protect the high-pressure fuel pump and turbo bearings. Extended high-load operation without adequate cooldown can accelerate HPFP wear—Ford recommends avoiding immediate shutdown after aggressive driving. The GPF requires periodic highway driving (>50 km/h for 15+ minutes) to enable passive regeneration; frequent short trips may trigger active regen cycles or warning lights. Post-2019 engines include an upgraded HPFP per SIB 02/2019.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C949-A (0W-20) specification (Ford Owner’s Manual). Not interchangeable with generic 0W-20 oils.
Emissions: Euro 6b applies to 2015–2017 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7743). Euro 6d-TEMP compliance from 2018 onward.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. 134 kW output requires RON 98 fuel for optimal performance (Ford TIS Doc. M89110).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M89101, M89105, SIB 02/2019
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7743)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Ford RFK was used across Ford's C‑Car and MPV platforms with transverse mounting and exclusive to European and Asia-Pacific markets. This engine received platform-specific calibrations—revised ECU maps in the Grand C-MAX for load compensation and modified cooling in the Focus ST-Line for urban duty cycles—and from 2018 the C-MAX received updated engine calibration for WLTP compliance, creating minor ECU interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Ford TIS M89120). The 7th VIN digit for RFK-equipped vehicles is typically 'R' or 'F'. Visual identification: black plastic cam cover with '1.5 ECOBOOST' embossing; GPF housing integrated into the exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from earlier 1.5L EcoBoost (Sigma): RFK uses cylinder deactivation (on 182 PS variants), confirmed via OBD2 mode 22 data. Pre-2019 and post-2019 HPFPs are not interchangeable (Ford SIB 02/2019).
The RFK's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) degradation under aggressive or frequent high-load use, with elevated incidence in modified or frequently redlined engines. Ford internal field data from 2019 noted a measurable uptick in HPFP replacements before 80,000 km in performance-oriented variants, while UK DVSA records show low emissions-related failures due to robust GPF/EGR design. Extended high-load operation without cooldown increases thermal stress, making post-drive idle cooldown and correct oil specification critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2017–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD RFK.
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