The Ford UKBB is a 1,596 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine introduced in 2010 as part of Ford’s EcoBoost family. It features a DOHC 16‑valve layout, direct fuel injection, and a single twin-scroll turbocharger. In standard tune it produces 110 kW (150 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque from 1,750–4,500 rpm, offering responsive performance with improved fuel economy over larger naturally aspirated units.
Fitted to models including the Ford C-MAX, Focus Mk3, and Mondeo Mk4 facelift, the UKBB was engineered for everyday drivability with strong mid-range pull and urban efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise engine management and exhaust after-treatment, enabling Euro 5 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear under sustained high-load conditions, highlighted in Ford Engineering Bulletin FEB‑12‑04. This issue stems from metallurgical fatigue in early pump designs, leading to fuel pressure drop and misfire codes. Ford addressed this in 2013 with revised HPFP internals and updated calibration.
All UKBB engines meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/FORD/UKBB).
The Ford UKBB is a 1,596 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size vehicles (2010–2016). It combines direct injection with a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and refined operation. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance and real-world efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,596 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 minimum; RON 98 recommended for sustained performance) | |
| 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 @ 1,750–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | 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 turbo (Honeywell Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC (lifetime design) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C945-A (SAE 5W‑30 full synthetic) | |
| Dry weight | 124 kg |
The DOHC chain-driven valvetrain offers long-life reliability but requires precise oil quality to protect high-pressure fuel pump components. Use of Ford-specified 5W‑30 oil is essential to prevent HPFP cam follower wear. Direct injection leads to carbon buildup on intake valves over time, though less critical than in port-injected turbo engines. Regular oil changes (every 15,000 km or annually) and avoidance of low-quality fuel reduce HPFP failure risk per FEB‑12‑04. The engine’s high specific output demands adequate warm-up before aggressive driving.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C945-A (5W‑30) specification (Ford Lubricants Guide 2010). Not interchangeable with ACEA A3/B4 without validation.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification confirmed under VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/FORD/UKBB for all production years (2010–2016).
Power Ratings: Measured under EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 and SAE J1349. Figures reflect net output with accessories.
Ford Workshop Manual (2010), Sections 1B–3D
Ford Engineering Drawings: UKBB‑01, UKBB‑05
Ford Service Bulletins: FEB‑12‑04, SIB 03‑11‑08
UK Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) Type Approval Database
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Ford UKBB was used across Ford's C1 and CD4 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the C-MAX for NVH control and unique exhaust manifolds in the Mondeo—and from 2013 minor ECU updates were introduced for HPFP durability, creating minor calibration interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Ford Workshop Manual 2010, Fig. 1B‑2). The code 'UKBB' appears as raised casting. VIN 8th digit is '6' for this EcoBoost family. Early units (2010–2012) feature silver intake manifolds; 2013+ units use black manifolds with updated HPFP brackets. Differentiate from the similar 1.6L Duratec Ti-VCT by turbo presence and direct injection rails—UKBB has high-pressure fuel lines and twin-scroll turbo housing.
The UKBB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear under sustained high-load use, with elevated incidence in early 2010–2012 builds. Ford Engineering Bulletin FEB‑12‑04 documented cam follower fatigue in <3% of high-mileage fleet units, while UK DVSA data shows turbo wastegate faults as a secondary concern in modified vehicles. Aggressive driving without proper warm-up and incorrect oil use increase HPFP wear, making oil specification and operational discipline critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2010–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD UKBB.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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FORD Official Site
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EUR-Lex
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.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
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