The Ford RKH is a 1,499 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine introduced in 2021 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 110–125 kW (150–170 PS) with torque peaking at 240–270 Nm, delivering responsive urban performance and efficient highway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Focus (Mk4), Puma, and Kuga, the RKH was engineered for compact and subcompact SUV/crossover applications requiring a balance of agility, refinement, and CO₂ efficiency. 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 high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under sustained high-load conditions, noted in Ford Service Bulletin TSB-24-0312. This issue stems from thermal stress and fuel lubricity limitations in marginal-quality petrol. Ford addressed it in mid-2023 with revised pump internals and updated calibration strategies.
All production years (2021–present) meet Euro 6d emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9356).
The Ford RKH is a 1,499 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engineered for compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2021–present). It combines direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver brisk low‑end response and smooth mid‑range pull. Designed to meet Euro 6d from launch, it balances performance with stringent particulate and NOx compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,499 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, min. 95 RON) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 94.2 mm | |
| Power output | 110–125 kW (150–170 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 6d (WLTP/RDE compliant) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with electric auxiliary pump | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin‑scroll (Honeywell/Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, low‑maintenance design) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C948-B1 (SAE 0W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 114 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides immediate throttle response ideal for city driving, but sustained high-load operation (e.g., mountain towing) can accelerate HPFP wear if fuel quality is poor. 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 to prevent injector coking and HPFP failure. Post-mid-2023 engines include updated pump internals per TSB-24-0312; pre-mid-2023 units benefit from updated calibration 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 2022). Not backward compatible with older Ford oil specs.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all model years (2021–present) under VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9356.
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85 standards. 125 kW variant requires 98 RON for optimal performance (Ford TIS Doc. P2390).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs P2380, P2385, P2390
Ford Service Bulletin TSB-24-0312
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9356)
UN Regulation No. 85 (Engine Power Measurement)
The Ford RKH was used across Ford's C2 platform with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Kuga for NVH control and revised cooling ducts in the Puma for urban thermal management—and from mid-2023 the Focus ST-Line adopted a higher-output calibration with unique exhaust tuning, creating ECU 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 P2382). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('R' for RKH series). All RKH units feature a black plastic cam cover with 'EcoBoost' branding and a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) integrated into the exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from earlier 1.5L Dragon engines: RKH uses a 3-cylinder layout with twin-scroll turbo and GPF; Dragon engines are 3-cylinder without GPF (pre-Euro 6d). ECU part numbers must match exact model/year—calibrations are not interchangeable between Focus and Kuga without reprogramming (Ford SIB TSB-24-0312).
The RKH's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) degradation under sustained high-load conditions, with elevated incidence in hot climates or frequent short-trip driving. Ford internal data from 2024 indicated a measurable uptick in HPFP warranty claims for pre-mid-2023 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 (2021–2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2022–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD RKH.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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