The Ford L1T is a 1,498 cc, inline — three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It forms part of Ford's EcoBoost engine family, featuring direct fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and an integrated exhaust manifold for improved thermal efficiency. In standard tune, it delivers 103 kW (140 PS) with peak torque of 230 Nm available from 1,600 rpm, enabling responsive urban and highway performance.
Fitted to models such as the Focus ST — Line…
Production years 2018–2020 meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards; 2021–2023 models comply with full Euro 6d .
The Ford L1T is a 1,498 cc inline-three turbocharged petrol engine engineered for performance compact models (2018–2023). It combines direct fuel injection with a low-inertia turbocharger to deliver strong mid-range torque and agile throttle response. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances sporty driving dynamics with regulated efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline-3, DOHC, 12-valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 85.8 mm | |
Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
Torque | 230 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (2018–2020); Euro 6d (2021–2023) | |
Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Garrett GT1246V variable-nozzle turbo | |
Timing system | Chain-driven (single-row, front-mounted) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 118 kg |
The Ford L1T was used across Ford's C2 and B3 platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Fiesta and enhanced cooling in the Puma ST-and from 2021 the facelifted Focus ST adopted revised engine mapping and actuator hardware, 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 L1T delivers strong performance and efficiency, but early models (2018–2020) had reliability concerns, particularly turbo wastegate actuator sticking. Later revisions (2021–2023) improved actuator durability and ECU calibration, making well-maintained examples robust. Regular servicing and using high-quality oil (5W-30 Ford WSS-M2C949-B1) and premium fuel (RON 98) greatly enhance longevity.
The biggest issues are turbo wastegate actuator sticking, intake and EGR carbon buildup, high-pressure fuel pump wear, and occasional valve cover oil leaks. These are well-documented in Ford service bulletins, particularly SIB 19S14, which addresses the actuator redesign and maintenance recommendations for affected units.
The L1T 1.5L EcoBoost engine was used in performance variants including the Focus ST (2018–2023), Fiesta ST (2018–2023), and Puma ST (2019–2023). It replaced the older 1.6L EcoBoost and is distinct from the base 1.0L three-cylinder. All models meet Euro 6d emissions standards, with post-2021 versions complying with full Euro 6d requirements.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the L1T 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 performance petrol engine. In a Fiesta ST (140 PS), typical consumption is ~8.2 L/100km (city) and ~5.8 L/100km (highway), or about 39 mpg UK combined. Real-world figures vary with driving style, but expect 35–45 mpg (UK) on mixed roads for a healthy L1T. Performance driving reduces economy significantly.
Yes. The L1T is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, pistons can contact open valves, resulting in severe internal damage. While chain life is generally long, any signs of chain noise or tensioner failure must be addressed immediately to prevent catastrophic engine failure.
Ford specifies a 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting Ford WSS-M2C949-B1 (or newer) specification. Always use a high-detergent oil suitable for turbocharged direct-injection engines and change it every 15,000 km or as per Ford's service schedule to prevent carbon buildup and ensure fuel pump longevity.
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.