The Ford UFDB is a 1,499 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2024. It features a DOHC 12‑valve layout, gasoline direct injection (GDI), and a single twin‑scroll turbocharger. In standard form it delivered 118 kW (160 PS) at 6,000 rpm with 250 Nm of torque at 1,600–4,000 rpm, providing responsive low-end thrust and improved fuel economy over larger four-cylinder units.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Focus Mk4, Puma, and Fiesta ST (2023+ mild-hybrid variants), the UFDB was engineered for compact performance with reduced emissions and CO₂ output. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), and precise GDI control strategies meeting Euro 6d standards.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear leading to fuel rail pressure instability, highlighted in Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑21‑0015. This issue stems from insufficient lubrication in the cam-driven HPFP follower, exacerbated by extended oil change intervals or low-detergent fuels. Ford introduced revised pump and follower kits from 2022 onward.
All production years (2018–2024) comply with Euro 6d emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/FORD-UFDB-2019).
The Ford UFDB is a 1,499 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and subcompact vehicles (2018–2024). It combines gasoline direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver brisk low-end torque and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet stringent Euro 6d emissions standards, it integrates a gasoline particulate filter and cooled EGR for regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,499 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Gasoline) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.0 mm × 87.5 mm | |
| Power output | 118 kW (160 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | High-pressure gasoline direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with electric auxiliary pump | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin‑scroll turbo (BorgWarner B03) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C948‑B (SAE 5W‑30 synthetic) | |
| Dry weight | 102 kg |
The three-cylinder layout provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using Ford WSS‑M2C948‑B (5W‑30) to protect the HPFP cam follower and turbo bearings. Carbon buildup on intake valves—common in GDI engines—is mitigated by the mild-hybrid belt-driven starter-generator (BISG) in Puma/Focus variants, which enables frequent engine-off coasting. Use of TOP TIER gasoline is strongly recommended to reduce injector and HPFP wear. The GPF regenerates passively during normal driving; avoid prolonged short trips to prevent soot accumulation. Revised HPFP kits (from 2022) should be installed if P0087 or hard-start symptoms appear.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS‑M2C948‑B (5W‑30) synthetic oil (Ford LB‑UFDB‑2019). Equivalent to ACEA C2/C3 with low-SAPS formulation.
Emissions: Full Euro 6d compliance confirmed for all model years via VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/FORD-UFDB-2019.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Figures represent net output with ancillaries installed (Ford DR‑UFDB‑2018).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs FORD‑TIS‑1499GDI‑01
Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑21‑0015
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/FORD-UFDB-2019)
Ford Powertrain Specification Sheet PT‑UFDB‑2019
The Ford UFDB was used across Ford's C2 and B2E platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—integrated belt-driven starter-generator (BISG) in the Puma and Focus Mk4 mild-hybrid variants, and reinforced mounts in the Fiesta ST (2023+)—and from 2022 the HPFP and cam follower were revised to address wear concerns, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Ford TIS Fig. 1499GDI‑02). The full code reads 'UFDB' followed by a serial number. Hybrid variants (Focus/Puma) feature a 48V BISG pulley on the front crankshaft and additional wiring harnesses; the Fiesta ST lacks these. ECU part numbers begin with '15Cxxx'—verify via Ford IDS diagnostics. Do not confuse with the non-turbo Sigma 1.5L (code Sigma‑Ti-VCT), which has no turbo, no direct injection rails, and different valve cover design.
The UFDB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear due to marginal lubrication in the cam-driven follower mechanism, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to extended oil change intervals or low-quality fuel. Ford internal field reports from 2021 noted a measurable rate of P0087 fuel rail pressure faults after 60,000 km in non-compliant maintenance cases, while UK DVSA MOT data shows GPF-related warning lights as a secondary concern in high-idle urban use. Adherence to oil specs and fuel quality makes HPFP longevity critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018–2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD UFDB.
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