The Ford SRFE is a 1,596 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and sequential multi‑point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 88 kW (120 PS) and 153 Nm of torque, with a focus on fuel efficiency and urban drivability.
Fitted to models such as the B257 Focus, B299 C-MAX, and B515 Kuga, the SRFE was engineered for cost‑effective ownership and smooth daily commuting. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise fuel metering and exhaust after‑treatment, allowing Euro 5 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is excessive oil consumption in early production units, highlighted in Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑12‑0345. This issue is linked to piston ring land design that permits oil migration into the combustion chamber. From mid‑2013, Ford implemented revised piston assemblies to mitigate the problem.
All production years (2010–2018) meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Ford SRFE is a 1,596 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact and crossover models (2010–2018). It combines DOHC architecture with sequential multi‑point fuel injection to deliver responsive low‑rpm performance and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances drivability with fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,596 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.4 mm | |
| Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) @ 6,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 153 Nm @ 4,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point injection (SMPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C945‑A (SAE 5W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The SRFE delivers smooth, linear power ideal for city and motorway use but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent oil consumption and sludge buildup. Ford WSS‑M2C945‑A (5W‑20) oil is critical due to its low‑viscosity formulation supporting piston ring sealing. Early engines (pre‑2013) should be inspected for excessive oil usage; affected units may require piston replacement per TSB‑12‑0345. The chain‑driven valvetrain is generally robust but relies on clean oil circulation—extended intervals risk premature wear.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS‑M2C945‑A (5W‑20) specification (Ford TSB‑12‑0345). Not interchangeable with ACEA A5/B5 without verification.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all SRFE production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified on B257 Focus chassis (Ford PT‑2019).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs FTS‑8821, FTS‑8902, TSB‑12‑0345
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Ford SRFE was used across Ford's B257/B299 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the B515 Kuga and modified exhaust manifolds in the B299 C-MAX—and from 2015 the facelifted B257 Focus Mk3 retained the same engine with updated ECU calibrations, maintaining full interchangeability. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS FTS‑8850). The 7th and 8th VIN digits indicate engine type ('FA' for SRFE 1.6L). All SRFE units feature black plastic valve covers with '1.6 Ti-VCT' embossing. Critical differentiation from Sigma engines: SRFE uses a timing chain (not belt) and has a single cam phaser on the intake cam only. Pre-2013 engines lack the updated piston part number F15Z‑6105‑BA—verify via casting mark on piston crown.
The SRFE's primary reliability risk is excessive oil consumption in early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or warm-climate use. Ford internal field data from 2014 indicated up to 12% of pre-2013 engines required piston replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show no significant emissions-related MOT failures linked to this engine. Extended oil change intervals and incorrect viscosity accelerate ring land coking, making oil specification and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2012–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD SRFE.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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