The Ford F38B is a 1,596 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2013 and 2018. It features direct fuel injection (EcoBoost), twin — independent variable cam timing (Ti — VCT), and a compacted graphite iron (CGI) block for strength and weight savings. In standard tune, it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, offering a balance of responsiveness and efficiency in Ford’s C/D — segment lineup.
Fitted to models such as the C — MAX, Focus, and Mondeo,…
Production years 2013–2018 meet Euro 5 standards .
The Ford F38B is a 1,596 cc inline-three turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size applications (2013–2018). It combines direct fuel injection with twin-independent variable cam timing to deliver responsive low-RPM performance and improved fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances everyday drivability with efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,596 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline-3, DOHC, 12-valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.4 mm | |
Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch HDEV5, up to 200 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single-scroll turbo (Honeywell GT1246V) | |
Timing system | Timing chain (front-mounted; wear-prone under poor maintenance) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 128 kg |
The Ford F38B was used across Ford's C1/C2 platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Focus and revised EGR routing in the Mondeo-and from 2016 the facelifted C-MAX adopted revised oil control, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The F38B delivers strong torque and good efficiency, but early models (2013–2015) had reliability concerns, especially timing chain failures. Later revisions (post-2016) improved chain durability, so well-maintained examples can be quite robust. Regular servicing and using high-quality oil (5W-30 Ford WSS-M2C947-A1) greatly aid longevity.
The biggest issues are timing-chain wear (leading to rattling or breakage), turbo actuator sticking, and intake carbon buildup affecting EGR and throttle response. Other complaints include oil leaks from gaskets and occasional injector faults. These are well-documented in Ford service bulletins.
This 1.6L turbo petrol was used in several Ford models during the 2013–2018 period. It appeared in the Focus (1.6 EcoBoost), C-MAX (1.6 EcoBoost), and Mondeo (1.6 EcoBoost). It was phased out in favour of the newer Dragon engine family.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the F38B platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.
Good for a turbo petrol. In a Focus 1.6 EcoBoost (150 PS), combined consumption is ~6.5 L/100km (~43 mpg UK). Highway figures can reach ~5.0 L/100km (~57 mpg UK). Real-world economy depends on driving style, but expect 40–50 mpg (UK) on mixed roads for a healthy F38B.
Yes. The F38B is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails, pistons can contact open valves, causing severe internal damage. That's why chain maintenance is critical—any rattle or warning light should be investigated immediately.
Ford specifies a 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting Ford WSS-M2C947-A1 spec. Always use a quality oil designed for turbocharged direct-injection engines and change it every 15,000 km or as per manual to ensure proper chain lubrication and reduce carbon formation.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
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.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.