The Ford SAFA is a 1,596 cc, inline‑four turbo‑petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2015. It features gasoline direct injection, a single twin‑scroll turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivered 110 kW (150 PS) and 240 Nm of torque, offering responsive urban performance with compact packaging.
Fitted to models such as the Focus (MK3), C-Max, and Grand C-Max, the SAFA was engineered for efficiency-focused drivers seeking punchy low-end torque and reduced emissions. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise injection control, a close‑coupled three‑way catalytic converter, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), meeting Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe on the camshaft, highlighted in Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑13‑0042. This issue stems from marginal surface hardening in early‑batch camshafts under sustained high load. From mid‑2013, Ford implemented a revised camshaft with improved case hardening to address the failure mode.
All production years (2010–2015) meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6218).
The Ford SAFA is a 1,596 cc inline‑four turbo‑petrol engineered for compact hatchbacks and MPVs (2010–2015). It combines gasoline direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver brisk low‑rpm response and spirited acceleration. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances sporty character with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,596 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (ULP 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.4 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 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 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with electric auxiliary pump | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin‑scroll (Garrett GT1549V) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C946‑A (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 126 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides immediate throttle response and strong mid-range pull, ideal for spirited road use. However, the high-pressure fuel pump requires consistent use of 95 RON (or higher) unleaded petrol to prevent premature wear. Oil changes must follow Ford’s 16,000 km or 12-month interval using WSS-M2C946-A spec oil to protect turbo bearings and timing chain. Extended high-load operation without cooldown can accelerate turbo bearing wear. The camshaft upgrade per TSB-13-0042 is recommended for pre-2013 engines showing hesitation or misfire under boost.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C946-A (5W-30) specification (Ford TSB-13-0042). Equivalent to ACEA C2 but with Ford-specific additive limits.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all SAFA engines (2010–2015) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6218). No Euro 6 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Peak output requires 95 RON fuel (Ford TIS Doc. F21100).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F21050, F21062, F21100
Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB-13-0042
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6218)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Ford SAFA was used across Ford's C1/C346 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised cooling ducting in the Focus and reinforced mounts in the C-Max—and from 2015 the facelifted Focus adopted the updated 1.5L EcoBoost, creating 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 F21090). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('S' for 1.6L EcoBoost). SAFA units feature a black plastic intake manifold with “1.6L EcoBoost” branding and a Garrett GT1549V turbo with twin-scroll housing. Differentiate from later 1.5L engines by displacement badge and absence of cylinder deactivation hardware. HPFP part number 1715920 (pre-2013) vs. 1715920A (post-TSB) confirms revision status.
The SAFA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe wear on the camshaft in early builds, with elevated incidence in sustained high-load or track use. Ford internal field data from 2014 indicated a notable failure rate before 90,000 km in pre-TSB engines, while DVSA records show minimal emissions-related recalls. Extended boost cycles without fuel quality control increase camshaft degradation, making 95+ RON petrol and timely upgrades critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2011–2015) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD SAFA.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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