The Ford YLFA is a 1,499 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) layout with 12 valves and direct fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 118 kW (160 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, offering brisk urban performance and refined mid‑range response.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Focus Mk4, Puma, and Fiesta ST (2023+), the YLFA was engineered for responsive drivability with low emissions and strong fuel efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through gasoline particulate filtration (GPF) and precise combustion control, meeting Euro 6d standards across all production years.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of fuel-washing (a side effect of direct injection), highlighted in Ford Service Bulletin TSB 21‑06‑14. This issue can lead to rough idle and misfires over time. From 2021, Ford updated the engine management calibration to increase EGR flow during warm-up, mitigating deposit formation.
All production years (2018–2023) meet Euro 6d emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9876).
The Ford YLFA is a 1,499 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2018–2023). It combines DOHC architecture with direct fuel injection and a low-inertia turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and smooth power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances performance with environmental compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,499 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 75.0 mm × 85.0 mm | |
| Power output | 118 kW (160 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | High-pressure direct injection (Bosch HDEV6) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single low-inertia turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C945-A1 (SAE 0W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 102 kg |
The YLFA delivers punchy low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using Ford WSS-M2C945-A1 (0W-20) oil to protect turbo bearings and timing components. Due to direct injection, intake valves are prone to carbon fouling—symptoms include hesitation and misfires after 60,000 km. Use only EN 228-compliant unleaded petrol with max 10% ethanol to avoid injector coking. Post-2021 engines benefit from revised EGR strategies that reduce deposit accumulation.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C945-A1 (0W-20) specification (Ford TSB 21‑06‑14). Equivalent to ACEA C5.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all YLFA models (2018–2023) under VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9876.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified on Ford Focus 1.5 EcoBoost (2019) chassis dyno logs (Ford TIS YLFA-DYN-01).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs YLFA-ENG-01, YLFA-ENG-02, YLFA-ENG-03, TSB 21‑06‑14
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9876)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Ford YLFA was used across Ford's C2 and B2E platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Puma and revised exhaust manifolding in the Focus Mk4—and from late 2021 the Fiesta ST adopted a higher-output calibration with unique cam profiles, creating minor 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 alternator (Ford TIS YLFA-ID-01). The 7th VIN digit for YLFA-equipped vehicles is typically 'L'. All units feature a black cam cover with “1.5 ECOBOOST” embossed. Critical differentiation from earlier 1.5L Sigma engines: YLFA uses direct injection, a GPF, and a 3-cylinder layout. Do not interchange injectors or high-pressure fuel pumps between model years—2021+ units use updated Bosch HDEV6.2 components (Ford TSB 21‑06‑14).
The YLFA's primary reliability risk is carbon buildup on intake valves due to its direct-injection design, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or short-trip urban use. Ford internal data from 2022 indicated up to 12% of pre-2021 engines required intake cleaning before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show GPF-related warnings as a growing cause of advisory notes. Extended oil intervals and low-quality fuel accelerate deposit formation, making correct maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD YLFA.
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