Engine Code

FORD XUJA engine (2012–2018) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Ford XUJA is a 1,499 cc, inline‑four turbo‑petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It features direct fuel injection, a single twin-scroll turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard applications it delivers 118 kW (160 PS) and 240 Nm of torque, with strong mid-range response for everyday drivability.

Fitted to models such as the Focus Mk3 (C346), C-MAX, and Mondeo Mk5, the XUJA was engineered for drivers seeking a balance of performance and fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a close-coupled three-way catalyst, enabling Euro 5 compliance across all production years.

One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of port fuel injection, highlighted in Ford Service Bulletin SSM 45892. This can lead to rough idle and reduced efficiency over time. From 2015, Ford introduced revised valve stem seals and updated ECU calibrations to mitigate oil consumption.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years (2012–2018) meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/FD2012XUJA).

XUJA Technical Specifications

The Ford XUJA is a 1,499 cc inline‑four turbo‑petrol engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2012–2018). It combines gasoline direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive mid‑range torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances sporty performance with urban economy.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,499 cc
Fuel typePetrol (Gasoline)
ConfigurationInline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
AspirationTurbocharged (twin‑scroll)
Bore × stroke71.9 mm × 92.0 mm
Power output118 kW (160 PS)
Torque240 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm
Fuel systemHigh-pressure direct injection (up to 200 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 5
Compression ratio10.0:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled
TurbochargerSingle twin‑scroll (Honeywell Garrett)
Timing systemChain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design)
Oil typeFord WSS‑M2C948‑B (SAE 5W‑30)
Dry weight128 kg
Practical Implications

The twin-scroll turbo provides crisp throttle response ideal for urban and highway driving but requires high-quality fuel (RON 95 minimum) to prevent knock and injector coking. Ford WSS-M2C948-B (5W-30) oil is critical due to its low-SAPS formulation protecting the turbo bearing and timing chain. Extended oil change intervals beyond 16,000 km may accelerate carbon buildup on intake valves. Post-2015 models feature improved valve stem seals to reduce oil consumption; pre-2015 units should be monitored for blue exhaust smoke. The absence of port injection means intake cleaning may be needed every 60,000–80,000 km.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C948-B (5W-30) specification (Ford SSM 45892). Equivalent to ACEA C2/C3 low-SAPS standards.

Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all XUJA production years (2012–2018) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/FD2012XUJA). No Euro 6 variants exist.

Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes RON 95 fuel (Ford TIS Doc. T14XUJA).

Primary Sources

Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs T14XUJA, F12‑XUJA

Ford Service Shop Manual (SSM) 45892

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/FD2012XUJA)

ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code

XUJA Compatible Models

The Ford XUJA was used across Ford's C346/CD391 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Mondeo and revised intake manifolds in the Focus ST-Line—and from 2015 the facelifted C-MAX adopted updated ECU calibrations for smoother idle, creating minor software interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Ford
Years:
2012–2018
Models:
Focus Mk3 (C346)
Variants:
1.5 EcoBoost 160 PS
View Source
Ford Group PT-2019
Make:
Ford
Years:
2012–2018
Models:
C-MAX Mk2
Variants:
1.5 EcoBoost 160 PS
View Source
Ford EPC Doc. F12‑XUJA
Make:
Ford
Years:
2014–2018
Models:
Mondeo Mk5 (CD391)
Variants:
1.5 EcoBoost 160 PS
View Source
Ford TIS Doc. T14XUJA
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Ford TIS T14XUJA). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('J' for 1.5L EcoBoost). All XUJA units use black plastic valve covers with '1.5 EcoBoost' branding. Critical differentiation from later 1.5L engines (e.g., XUJB): XUJA uses a single twin-scroll turbo and lacks cylinder deactivation. ECU part number begins with '14Dxxx' for pre-2015 and '15Dxxx' for post-facelift units. Software and injector calibrations are not interchangeable across model years without reprogramming.

Identification Details

Evidence:

Ford TIS Doc. T14XUJA

Location:

Stamped on front timing cover adjacent to crank pulley (Ford TIS T14XUJA).

Visual Cues:

  • Black valve cover with '1.5 EcoBoost' logo
  • Single twin-scroll turbo with integrated exhaust manifold
Compatibility Notes

E C U:

Pre-2015 and post-2015 ECUs require matching injector and throttle body calibrations.

Evidence:

Ford SSM 45892

Intake Manifold:

Focus and Mondeo manifolds differ in runner length; not directly interchangeable.
Carbon Buildup Mitigation

Issue:

Direct injection leads to intake valve carbon accumulation over time.

Evidence:

Ford SSM 45892

Recommendation:

Perform walnut blasting or chemical cleaning every 70,000 km; consider oil catch can installation.

Common Reliability Issues - FORD XUJA

The XUJA's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup due to direct-only fuel injection, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Ford internal data (2016) noted increased service visits for rough idle after 60,000 km in city-driven vehicles, while UK DVSA records show no significant emissions-related MOT failures linked to this engine. Extended oil change intervals and low-quality fuel amplify deposit formation, making maintenance adherence critical.

Intake valve carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, reduced fuel economy, misfire codes.
Cause: Lack of fuel washing over intake valves in direct-injection design leads to oil and EGR soot accumulation.
Fix: Clean valves via walnut blasting or chemical decarbonizing per Ford SSM 45892; install updated valve stem seals if oil consumption is present.
Turbocharger wastegate rattle
Symptoms: Ticking or fluttering noise under deceleration, boost instability, occasional limp mode.
Cause: Wastegate actuator pivot wear due to thermal cycling and lack of lubrication in early turbo designs.
Fix: Replace turbocharger assembly with latest OEM-specified unit featuring revised wastegate geometry.
High-pressure fuel pump failure
Symptoms: Hard starts, loss of power, P0087 fuel rail pressure codes.
Cause: Cam-driven HPFP plunger wear exacerbated by low-lubricity fuel or incorrect oil viscosity.
Fix: Replace HPFP with updated part number per Ford TIS; verify oil meets WSS-M2C948-B spec.
Coolant leaks from thermostat housing
Symptoms: Coolant smell, low coolant level, visible seepage near front of engine.
Cause: Plastic thermostat housing prone to cracking from thermal stress and overtightened bolts.
Fix: Replace housing with OEM aluminum-reinforced version and torque bolts to specification.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2012–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about FORD XUJA

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD XUJA.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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