Ford RKB Engine (2023–2025) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Ford RKB is a 1,999 cc, inline‑four turbo‑petrol engine introduced in 2023 as part of Ford’s latest EcoBoost performance family. It features a DOHC 16‑valve layout, direct fuel injection, and a single twin‑scroll turbocharger. In standard tune it produces 177–224 kW (240–305 PS) with peak torque of 400–440 Nm, optimized for responsive acceleration and refined high — rpm operation.

Fitted to the updated Focus ST, Puma ST, and Kuga ST — Line Performance models across Eu…

Ford RKB Engine
Compliance Note:

All RKB engines (2023–2025) comply with Euro 6d emissions standards .

Ford RKB Technical Specifications

The Ford RKB is a 1,999 cc inline‑four turbo‑petrol engineered for performance-oriented compact and crossover models (2023–2025). It combines direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver immediate throttle response and sustained high-rpm power. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances track-ready performance with regulatory compliance and everyday refinement.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
1,999 cc
Fuel type
Petrol (ULP 98 RON recommended)
Configuration
Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
Aspiration
Turbocharged (twin‑scroll)
Bore × stroke
87.5 mm × 83.1 mm
Power output
177–224 kW (240–305 PS)
Torque
400–440 Nm @ 2,000–4,500 rpm
Fuel system
Bosch HDP11 high-pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar)
Emissions standard
Euro 6d
Compression ratio
9.5:1
Cooling system
Water‑cooled with dual electric pumps
Turbocharger
Single twin‑scroll (Garrett GTX2252 or BorgWarner BMT, market-dependent)
Timing system
Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design)
Oil type
Ford WSS‑M2C945‑B (SAE 0W‑20)
Dry weight
144 kg

Ford RKB Compatible Models

The Ford RKB was used across Ford's performance C‑Car and B‑Car platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific calibrations—enhanced intercooling in the Focus ST, reinforced mounts in the Puma ST, and revised torque curves in the Kuga ST-Line Performance—and from Q4 2024 received updated engine calibration and GPF tuning, creating minor ECU interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Ford
Years:
2023–2025
Models:
Focus ST
Variants:
2.0 EcoBoost ST (224 kW / 305 PS)
View Source
Ford EPC Doc. F23-9217
Make:
Ford
Years:
2023–2025
Models:
Puma ST
Variants:
2.0 EcoBoost ST (177 kW / 240 PS)
View Source
Ford TIS Doc. RKB‑PUMA‑01
Make:
Ford
Years:
2024–2025
Models:
Kuga ST-Line Performance
Variants:
2.0 EcoBoost (177 kW / 240 PS)
View Source
Ford TIS Doc. RKB‑KUGA‑01

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 RKB 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.

High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure
Symptoms: Hard starts, misfires under load, fuel pressure DTCs (P0087, P0090), loss of power.
Cause: Thermal stress and marginal lubrication in Bosch HDP11 pump internals during aggressive driving or low-quality fuel use.
Fix: Replace with latest OEM-specified HPFP (Bosch 0 261 526 011 or superseding number) and flush fuel system per TSB 25‑2263.
Gasoline particulate filter (GPF) clogging
Symptoms: Reduced power, increased fuel consumption, 'Check Engine' light, regeneration warnings.
Cause: Short-trip driving or sustained low-load operation prevents passive GPF regeneration; oil ash and fuel additives accumulate in filter substrate.
Fix: Perform forced regeneration via diagnostics; if saturation >80%, replace GPF per Ford TIS procedure.
Turbocharger wastegate rattle
Symptoms: Ticking or fluttering noise under deceleration, boost instability, overboost codes.
Cause: Wastegate linkage wear in early twin-scroll housings due to thermal cycling and vibration.
Fix: Inspect wastegate arm free play; replace turbocharger assembly if play exceeds 1.5 mm (Ford TIS RKB‑TURBO‑02).
Intercooler hose detachment under boost
Symptoms: Sudden loss of boost, hissing noise, limp mode.
Cause: Early hose clamping design insufficient for sustained high-boost pressures in hot climates.
Fix: Replace with updated intercooler hoses and T-bolt clamps per Ford TSB 24‑2170.
Research Basis

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

FORD RKB FAQ Common Questions Answered

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

The RKB is robust when maintained properly and used within design limits. Early units (2023–Q3 2024) had HPFP sensitivity under track conditions, but Q4 2024+ revisions improved durability. Using 98 RON fuel and correct 0W‑20 oil is essential. With proper care, 180,000–200,000 km longevity is achievable.

Top issues include high-pressure fuel pump wear under aggressive use, GPF clogging from mixed driving, turbo wastegate rattle, and intercooler hose detachment. These are documented in Ford TSBs 25‑2263 and 24‑2170, and are manageable with correct maintenance.

The RKB powers the Focus ST (305 PS), Puma ST, and Kuga ST-Line Performance (240 PS) from 2023–2025. All feature a GPF, twin-scroll turbo, and direct injection.

Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the RKB 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.

In a Focus ST, expect ~9.3 L/100km (city) and ~6.1 L/100km (highway), or ~31 mpg UK combined. The Puma and Kuga ST-Line Performance achieve ~7.9 L/100km combined (~36 mpg UK). Real-world figures vary significantly with driving style and GPF regeneration cycles.

Yes. The RKB is an interference design. If the timing chain fails (rare but possible), valve-to-piston contact can cause catastrophic damage. However, the chain is front-mounted and designed for life-of-engine service under proper maintenance.

Ford specifies SAE 0W‑20 oil meeting WSS‑M2C945‑B. This low-viscosity oil supports turbo cooling and minimizes oil consumption. Never use older Ford specs (e.g., 5W‑30) as they may impair performance and increase wear.

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.