Ford N7BA Engine (2018–2023) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Ford N7BA is a 1,999 cc, inline — four, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. Part of Ford's updated Sigma engine family, it features double overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable cam timing (Ti — VCT), and multi — point fuel injection. Designed for mainstream passenger applications, it delivers 103 kW (140 PS) and 188 Nm of torque, offering balanced performance for urban and highway driving.

Fitted to models including the Ford Focus (Mk4), Fo…

Ford N7BA Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2018–2023 meet Euro 6d-Final emissions standards .

Ford N7BA Technical Specifications

The Ford N7BA is a 1,999 cc inline-four petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size passenger vehicles (2018–2023). It combines Ti-VCT variable cam timing with multi-point fuel injection to deliver linear throttle response and stable idle quality. Designed to meet Euro 6d-Final standards, it balances fuel economy with durability in mixed driving conditions.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
1,999 cc
Fuel type
Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON)
Configuration
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Bore × stroke
82.5 mm × 93.2 mm
Power output
103 kW (140 PS) @ 6,500 rpm
Torque
188 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
Fuel system
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Emissions standard
Euro 6d-Final
Compression ratio
12.0:1
Cooling system
Water-cooled
Turbocharger
Not applicable
Timing system
Timing chain (front-mounted, low-stretch design)
Oil type
Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification
Dry weight
124 kg

Ford N7BA Compatible Models

The Ford N7BA was used across Ford's C519/CD3 platforms with transverse mounting and front-wheel drive layout. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the EcoSport and revised engine mounts in the Kuga-and from 2020 received updated cam phaser hardware to address timing instability, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Ford
Years:
2018–2023
Models:
Focus (Mk4)
Variants:
2.0 Ti-VCT, 2.0L 140 PS
View Source
Ford PT-2019
Make:
Ford
Years:
2019–2023
Models:
Kuga (Mk3)
Variants:
2.0 Ti-VCT FWD
View Source
Ford EPC #F-KG-20V
Make:
Ford
Years:
2018–2022
Models:
EcoSport
Variants:
2.0 Ti-VCT
View Source
Ford TIS Doc. S20781

Looking for a replacement Ford engine?

Free to submit · No obligation to buy

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.

Common Reliability Issues - FORD N7BA Compatible Models

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.

Intake camshaft phaser wear or failure
Symptoms: Rattle at idle or light load, camshaft timing codes, reduced low-end torque, check engine light.
Cause: Front-mounted phaser with early-design oil control valve susceptible to instability during rapid valve timing adjustments, exacerbated by extended oil intervals.
Fix: Replace with updated OEM-specified phaser per service bulletin; inspect timing chain and guides for stretch or damage during replacement.
Lambda (O2) sensor degradation
Symptoms: Check engine light, increased fuel consumption, failed emissions test, rough idle.
Cause: Age-related contamination and reduced response in upstream sensor (pre-cat), common beyond 100,000 km.
Fix: Replace sensor with OEM-specified unit; verify fuel trim values and perform adaptation reset after replacement.
Intake manifold carbon buildup
Symptoms: Reduced throttle response, hesitation, minor misfires at idle, EGR-related fault codes.
Cause: Oil vapour from PCV system mixing with intake air, forming deposits on throttle body and intake runners.
Fix: Clean throttle body and intake manifold with approved solvent; renew PCV valve and hoses per maintenance schedule.
Coolant leak from water pump housing
Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating warning, residue near front of engine, white smoke at startup.
Cause: Age-related cracking of plastic water pump housing or failure of integrated gasket seal.
Fix: Replace water pump and housing as a unit with updated OEM part; bleed cooling system thoroughly after repair.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

FORD N7BA FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The N7BA is generally reliable when maintained properly, though early models (2018–2019) are prone to intake camshaft phaser wear. Post-2020 revisions significantly improved durability. Regular oil changes with Ford-spec 5W-30 and timely replacement of wear items (lambda sensors, water pump) support long-term reliability. Engines exceeding 180,000 km are common with consistent servicing.

The most frequent issues include intake camshaft phaser rattle at idle, lambda sensor failure leading to poor fuel economy, carbon buildup in the intake system, and coolant leaks from the water pump housing. These are documented in Ford service bulletins and field reports, with corrective hardware updates issued for phaser and housing components.

The N7BA 2.0L petrol engine was used in the Ford Focus (Mk4, 2018–2023), Ford Kuga (Mk3, 2019–2023), and Ford EcoSport (2018–2022). It was phased out in favour of hybrid and turbocharged EcoBoost engines. All variants meet Euro 6d-Final emissions standards.

Limited tuning potential exists. ECU remaps typically yield +10–15 kW, but gains are modest due to the naturally aspirated design and lack of performance-oriented internals. Aftermarket exhausts and intake systems offer minimal improvement. Most owners prioritize reliability over performance, and aggressive tuning may accelerate cam phaser wear due to increased RPM usage.

In real-world conditions, the N7BA achieves approximately 8.0–9.5 L/100km (city) and 5.5–6.5 L/100km (highway), translating to 30–35 mpg UK combined. Fuel economy varies by model and driving style. The Focus 2.0 is generally more efficient than the heavier Kuga or EcoSport. Proper maintenance ensures optimal efficiency.

Yes. The N7BA is an interference engine, meaning that if the timing chain fails or jumps, the pistons can contact the open valves, resulting in severe internal damage. This underscores the importance of timely inspection and replacement of the timing chain and cam phasers, especially on pre-2020 models.

Ford specifies WSS-M2C946-A (5W-30) synthetic blend or full synthetic oil. This must be changed every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. Using the correct oil ensures proper lubrication of the cam phaser and reduces wear in high-temperature areas of the engine.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

About this reference

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.

Sourcing Policy

Source selection

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.

Evidence and uncertainty

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.

Primary Sources

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.

Regulatory Context

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.

Methodology

Data compilation

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.

Corrections & Submissions

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 & Legal

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

Data Privacy

Privacy and cookies

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.

Data Requests

For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk

Trademarks

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.

Commercial Disclosure

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.

Funding model

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.

Verification and identification note

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.