The Ford RTK is a 1,999 cc, inline‑four turbo‑petrol engine introduced in 2021 as part of Ford’s updated EcoBoost family. It features a DOHC 16‑valve layout, direct fuel injection, and a single twin‑scroll turbocharger with an integrated exhaust manifold. In standard form it produces 175–230 kW (238–313 PS) with torque between 370–420 Nm, offering strong mid‑range response and high‑rpm refinement.
Fitted to performance and premium models such as the Focus ST, Kuga ST-Line Vignale, and Puma ST, the RTK was engineered for dynamic driving with everyday usability. Emissions compliance is achieved through a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and precise lambda control, enabling full Euro 6d certification from launch (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9215).
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower, noted in Ford Service Bulletin TSB‑22‑1187. This stems from marginal lubrication under high-frequency actuation during aggressive driving or sustained boost. Ford addressed this in Q1 2023 by revising the cam follower material and updating the fuel pump actuation profile via ECU calibration.
All production years (2021–present) meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9215).
The Ford RTK is a 1,999 cc inline‑four turbo‑petrol engineered for compact performance and crossover applications (2021–present). It combines direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver strong mid‑range torque and responsive high‑rpm power. Designed to meet Euro 6d from launch, it balances sporty character with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,999 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (ULP 95 RON min, 98 RON recommended) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (twin‑scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 87.5 mm × 83.1 mm | |
| Power output | 175–230 kW (238–313 PS) | |
| Torque | 370–420 Nm @ 2,000–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP6 high‑pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual electric pumps | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin‑scroll with integrated exhaust manifold (Honeywell Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C949‑A (SAE 0W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 141 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo with integrated exhaust manifold provides linear power delivery and rapid spool, ideal for spirited driving but demands high-quality 98 RON unleaded petrol for optimal durability under load. 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 HPFP cam follower wear—Ford recommends post-drive idle for 60 seconds after aggressive use. The GPF requires occasional highway driving (>60 km/h for 15+ minutes) to enable passive regeneration. Early RTK units (pre-03/2023) should be inspected for cam follower wear per TSB‑22‑1187.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C949-A (0W-20) specification (Ford Owner’s Manual). Not interchangeable with older 5W-30 specs.
Emissions: Full Euro 6d compliance from launch (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9215).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 230 kW output requires 98 RON fuel for durability (Ford TIS Doc. F23‑5230).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F23‑5202, F23‑5205, TSB‑22‑1187
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9215)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford RTK was used across Ford's C‑Car and CD‑Car platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—enhanced cooling in the Kuga ST-Line Vignale, reinforced mounts in the Focus ST—and from Q1 2023 the Puma ST adopted updated ECU calibration for cam follower 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 F23‑5008). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('J' for 2.0L EcoBoost). All RTK engines feature a black plastic intake manifold with “2.0 EC BOOST” embossed and an integrated exhaust manifold in the cylinder head. Critical differentiation from Q7DA/R9CH: RTK uses updated Bosch ECU (ME17.5.38) and revised HPFP cam follower geometry. Early vs. late cam follower: Pre-03/2023 units use standard steel follower; post-date use nitrided steel per Ford TSB‑22‑1187.
The RTK's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear under sustained high-load or aggressive driving conditions. Ford internal data from 2023 indicated elevated HPFP-related warranty claims in pre-Q1-2023 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 (2021–2025) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2022–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD RTK.
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