The Ford SAFB is a 1,596 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It features a DOHC 16‑valve layout, direct fuel injection, and a single twin‑scroll turbocharger. In standard tune it delivers 118 kW (160 PS) and 240 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive urban performance and everyday efficiency.
Fitted to models such as the Focus ST (Mk3), C-MAX, and Mondeo (Mk4), the SAFB was designed to balance sporty drivability with Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions compliance. Emissions control was achieved through precise high-pressure injection, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and, from 2015 onward, a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) in certain markets.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower, referenced in Ford Service Information Bulletin TSB‑15‑2290. This issue stems from marginal lubrication under high thermal loads and extended oil change intervals, prompting Ford to revise the cam follower material and update maintenance guidance in 2016.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models meet Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8125).
The Ford SAFB is a 1,596 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and mid-size sedans (2012–2018). It combines direct fuel injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver strong low‑end torque and agile urban performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances sporty character with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,596 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Gasoline) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (twin‑scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.4 mm | |
| Power output | 118 kW (160 PS) | |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | High-pressure direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin‑scroll (Honeywell Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C945‑A (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 115 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides brisk throttle response ideal for city and highway driving but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals. Ford WSS-M2C945-A (5W-30) oil is essential to protect the high-pressure fuel pump cam follower and turbo bearings. Extended oil intervals or aggressive driving without proper warm-up accelerate HPFP wear, as documented in TSB‑15‑2290. The GPF (on 2015+ models) requires periodic highway driving (>20 min at 2,000+ rpm) for passive regeneration. Cold starts should be followed by gentle driving to allow oil pressure to stabilize.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C945-A (5W-30) specification (Ford Owner Manual – Mondeo Mk4). Meets ACEA C2/C3 standards.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2012–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8125). Euro 6 compliance confirmed for 2015–2018 builds in EU markets.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Power output validated at 6,000 rpm (Ford TIS Doc. M60345).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M60123, M60234, M60345
Ford Service Information Bulletins: TSB-15-2290
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8125)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford SAFB was used across Ford's C346/CD391 platforms with transverse mounting and no third-party licensing. This engine received platform-specific calibrations—reinforced mounts in the Focus ST, compact intercooler routing in the C-MAX, and revised cooling in the Mondeo—and from 2015 the introduction of a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) in Euro 6 markets, creating service and tuning distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Ford TIS M60150). The 8th digit of the VIN indicates engine type ('S' for SAFB series). All SAFB units feature a black cam cover with '1.6 ECOBOOST' embossing and integrated exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from Sigma 1.6: SAFB uses direct injection and turbocharging; Sigma is naturally aspirated with port injection. Service parts for HPFP cam followers differ before and after 06/2016 due to material upgrade (Ford TSB‑15‑2290).
The SAFB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower degradation, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently driven vehicles. Ford internal field data from 2016 indicated a notable rate of HPFP-related failures before 120,000 km in early builds, while UK DVSA records show increased MOT advisories for lambda sensor drift linked to GPF saturation in short-trip usage. Extended oil change intervals and stop-start urban cycles accelerate wear, making adherence to service schedules critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2012–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD SAFB.
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