The Ford RFM is a 1,499 cc, inline‑three turbo‑petrol engine introduced in 2018 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 Fiesta, Puma, and Focus, the RFM 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 Euro 6d‑TEMP compliance from launch and full Euro 6d certification from 2020 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6721).
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe wear on the camshaft, noted in Ford Service Bulletin TSB‑19‑2315. This stems from thermal stress and marginal lubricity under sustained high-load conditions. Ford addressed this in mid‑2021 by revising camshaft metallurgy and updating the HPFP actuation profile via ECU calibration.
Production years 2018–2019 meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards; 2020–present models comply with Euro 6d (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6721).
The Ford RFM is a 1,499 cc inline‑three turbo‑petrol engineered for compact applications (2018–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-TEMP (early builds) and Euro 6d (2020 onward), it balances everyday usability with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,499 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-TEMP (2018–2019); Euro 6d (2020–present) | |
| 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 | 111 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 lobe 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 RFM units (pre-06/2021) should be inspected for HPFP cam lobe wear per TSB‑19‑2315.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C949-A (0W-20) specification (Ford Owner’s Manual). Not interchangeable with older 5W-30 specs.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP applies to 2018–2019 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6721). Full Euro 6d compliance from 2020 onward.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 125 kW output benefits from 98 RON fuel for optimal durability (Ford TIS Doc. F22‑4540).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F22‑4520, F22‑4525, TSB‑19‑2315
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6721)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford RFM 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 Focus and updated mounts in the Puma—and from 2020 the Fiesta adopted updated ECU maps for cam lobe 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 F22‑4508). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('H' for 1.5L EcoBoost). All RFM engines feature a black plastic intake manifold with “1.5 EC BOOST” embossed. Critical differentiation from PHFC/QXBA: RFM uses updated Bosch ECU (ME17.5.28) and revised cam lobe geometry for HPFP drive. Early vs. late camshaft: Pre-06/2021 units use standard cam lobe; post-date use hardened nitrided lobe per Ford TSB‑19‑2315.
The RFM's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe wear on the intake camshaft under sustained high-load or aggressive driving conditions. Ford internal data from 2021 indicated elevated HPFP-related warranty claims in pre-mid-2021 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 (2018–2025) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD RFM.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
