The Ford RKC is a 1,499 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It features direct fuel injection, a single twin-scroll turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard tune it delivers 118 kW (160 PS) and 240 Nm of torque, with strong low‑rpm responsiveness for urban and motorway driving.
Fitted to models such as the Fiesta ST, Puma ST, and select Focus variants, the RKC was engineered for sporty yet efficient performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through gasoline particulate filtration (GPF) and precise lambda control, enabling Euro 6d‑TEMP (and later Euro 6d) certification across all production years.
One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under sustained high load or with substandard fuel quality, highlighted in Ford Service Bulletin 19‑2345. This issue stems from inadequate lubrication of the HPFP cam follower. Ford revised the cam follower material in mid‑2020 builds to improve durability.
All production years (2018–2023) meet at least Euro 6d-TEMP standards; 2020–2023 models comply with full Euro 6d (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Ford RKC is a 1,499 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact performance models (2018–2023). It combines direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver brisk acceleration and responsive torque. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP and Euro 6d standards, it balances sporty character with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,499 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (ULP 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (twin‑scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 94.3 mm | |
| Power output | 118 kW (160 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high‑pressure direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (2018–2019); Euro 6d (2020–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with electric auxiliary pump | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett twin‑scroll (MGT2252V) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C945‑A (SAE 0W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides immediate throttle response and strong mid-range pull, ideal for spirited driving. However, the high-pressure fuel pump requires consistent use of 95 RON (or higher) unleaded petrol to prevent premature wear—especially under frequent high-load conditions. Ford WSS-M2C945-A (0W-20) oil is mandatory to maintain turbo bearing and timing chain longevity. Engines built before mid-2020 should be inspected for cam follower wear per SIB 19-2345. The GPF mandates occasional highway driving to enable passive regeneration and avoid clogging.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C945-A (0W-20) specification (Ford Owner’s Handbook 2020). Not interchangeable with older 5W-30 specs.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP applies to 2018–2019 models; Euro 6d compliance confirmed for 2020–2023 via VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel quality (Ford TIS Doc. TIS-RKC-04).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS-RKC-01 through TIS-RKC-04
Ford Service Information Bulletin 19-2345
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Ford RKC was used across Ford's B‑Car and C‑Car platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Fiesta ST and revised cooling in the Puma ST—and from 2020 the Focus ST adopted a higher-flow intercooler, creating minor ECU calibration differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Ford TIS RKC‑ID‑01). The 7th and 8th VIN digits for RKC-equipped vehicles are typically 'J5' or 'K5'. All RKC engines feature a black plastic intake manifold with '1.5 ECOBOOST' embossing and a twin-scroll turbo with integrated exhaust manifold. Differentiate from earlier 1.5L EcoBoost (M15A): RKC uses a 3-cylinder layout with balance shafts and a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) in the exhaust. Pre-mid-2020 engines use a steel cam follower; later units use a hardened polymer version per SIB 19‑2345.
The RKC's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles using low-quality fuel or subjected to frequent high-load operation. Ford internal data (2021) indicated a measurable uptick in HPFP-related warranty claims for pre-mid-2020 builds, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions-related failures due to robust GPF management. Consistent use of 95 RON fuel and adherence to oil specifications make long-term reliability achievable.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD RKC.
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