The Ford STR is a 1,596 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2002 and 2009. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) layout, 16‑valve architecture, and sequential multi‑point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 80 kW (109 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, providing responsive urban drivability and modest highway performance.
Fitted primarily to the Ford Streetka and certain European — market Ka models, the STR…
All production years (2002–2009) meet Euro 3 emissions standards .
The Ford STR is a 1,596 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for subcompact models (2002–2009). It combines DOHC 16‑valve architecture with sequential multi‑point fuel injection to deliver responsive low‑to‑mid range performance and urban efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances simplicity with everyday drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,596 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.4 mm | |
Power output | 80 kW (109 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
Torque | 145 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point injection (Bosch ME7.0) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Chain (maintenance‑free design) | |
Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C913-C (SAE 5W‑30) | |
Dry weight | 112 kg |
The Ford STR was used across Ford's B‑platform derivatives with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Streetka convertible and modified exhaust manifolds for packaging in the Ka—creating minor service part distinctions. 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 STR is generally reliable if maintained properly, but early models (2002–2005) are prone to camshaft wear. Later revisions improved durability. Regular oil changes with correct 5W-30 spec oil are essential. With care, it can exceed 150,000 km without major issues.
Top issues include exhaust cam lobe wear, ignition coil failure, plastic thermostat housing leaks, and IAC valve carbon fouling. These are documented in Ford service bulletins like 05S02 and widely observed in field data.
The STR was used exclusively in the Ford Ka (Mk1 facelift, 2002–2008) and the Ford Streetka (2003–2006), both in 1.6-litre form. No other Ford or partner brands used this engine.
Modest gains are possible via ECU remap (+8–12 kW) and induction/exhaust upgrades, but the stock internals limit aggressive tuning. Camshaft upgrades are risky due to known lobe wear—stick to mild bolt-ons and ensure cooling and oiling are optimal.
In the Streetka or Ka, expect ~7.2 L/100km (city) and ~5.1 L/100km (highway), or about 40–47 mpg UK combined. Real-world economy depends heavily on driving style due to the engine’s rev-happy nature.
Yes. The STR is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails (rare but possible), piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. However, the chain is designed to last the engine’s life with proper oil maintenance.
Ford specifies SAE 5W-30 oil meeting WSS-M2C913-C (or newer). This ensures proper cam lobe protection and sludge control. Change every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.
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.