The Ford ZTJA is a 1,999 cc, inline‑four turbo‑petrol engine produced between 2021 and 2024. It features direct fuel injection, a single twin‑scroll turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 177 kW (240 PS) and 376 Nm of torque, with strong mid‑range response ideal for performance‑oriented compact SUVs and hatchbacks.
Fitted to models such as the Focus ST, Puma ST, and Kuga ST‑Line, the ZTJA was engineered as a refined evolution of the earlier YLF6, with improved thermal management and emissions control. Emissions compliance was achieved through gasoline particulate filtration (GPF), cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and precise lambda control, enabling full Euro 6d compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe wear on the intake camshaft, highlighted in Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑24‑0112. This issue arises from material fatigue under sustained high‑load conditions without adequate cooldown. From mid‑2023, Ford introduced a revised camshaft metallurgy and updated HPFP internals to mitigate premature wear.
All production years (2021–2024) meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9876).
The Ford ZTJA is a 1,999 cc inline‑four turbo‑petrol engineered for performance compact vehicles (2021–2024). It combines direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver strong mid‑range torque and crisp throttle response. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it balances sporty drivability with stringent emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,999 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 87.5 mm × 83.1 mm | |
| Power output | 177 kW (240 PS) | |
| Torque | 376 Nm @ 3,000–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP6 high‑pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with electric auxiliary pump | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin‑scroll (Honeywell Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C949‑A (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The twin‑scroll turbo provides strong mid‑range punch ideal for spirited driving but demands high‑quality fuel (98 RON recommended) to prevent knock and HPFP/camshaft stress. Oil changes every 15,000 km using Ford WSS‑M2C949‑A (5W‑30) are critical to maintain turbo bearing and chain longevity. Extended high‑load driving (e.g., track use, mountain roads) without cooldown periods may accelerate HPFP drive lobe wear—per TSB 24‑0112, affected camshafts should be replaced with updated units. The GPF requires occasional highway driving (>2,500 rpm for 20+ minutes) to enable passive regeneration and avoid clogging.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS‑M2C949‑A (5W‑30) specification (Ford Owner’s Manual). Equivalent to ACEA C2/C5.
Emissions: Euro 6d applies to all model years (2021–2024) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9876).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output assumes 98 RON fuel (Ford TIS Doc. ZTJA‑A201).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ZTJA‑A102, A105, A110, TSB 24‑0112
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9876)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Ford ZTJA was used across Ford's C‑segment performance platforms with transverse mounting and exclusive to European and global emerging markets. This engine received platform-specific calibrations—enhanced cooling in the Focus ST and revised torque curves in the Puma ST—and from 2023 the Kuga ST‑Line adopted updated engine mounts for NVH refinement, creating minor ECU and hardware interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (Ford TIS ZTJA‑A103). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('J' for ZTJA series). All ZTJA units feature a black plastic intake manifold with “2.0 ECOBOOST” embossed and a visible GPF bulge in the exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from YLF6: ZTJA uses updated camshaft metallurgy and revised HPFP internals. ECU part number must match calibration—Focus ST uses ECU 2S6J‑12A650‑AH, while Kuga uses 2S6J‑12A650‑AJ. Swapping without reprogramming causes limp mode (Ford TSB 24‑0331).
The ZTJA's primary reliability risk is HPFP drive lobe wear on the intake camshaft in early builds, with elevated incidence in sustained high-load or track-day use. Ford internal field data from 2024 indicated a measurable uptick in camshaft replacements before 60,000 km in ST models, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions-related failures due to robust GPF management. Aggressive driving without cooldown periods increases thermal and mechanical stress, making fuel quality and driving habits critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD ZTJA.
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