01
Ford R9DA Engine - Replacement Cost, Problems & CompatibilityProblems & Compatibility
The R9DA is the 2.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine fitted to the Ford Focus ST and Mondeo. Reconditioned R9DA units are available from an estimated £1,800 , making it a viable and performance-preserving replacement for affected hosts.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
Used from
£800
Reconditioned from
£1,800
Rebuilt from
£2,800
GB
Secure enquiry - no spam.
Quotes only from vetted UK engine specialists.
Key Specs
Ford R9DA - Specifications at a Glance
Engine Code
R9DA
Fuel
Petrol
Configuration
2.0L turbocharged inline-4, direct injection
Power Output(s)
250 hp (184 kW) @ 5,500 rpm
Years Produced
2012-Present
UK Models Fitted
2 Ford models - full list in Compatibility below
Replaced
N/A (First generation of this specific 2.0L ST application)
Replaced By
R9DC (Facelift Focus ST variant with minor calibration updates)
Most Common Failure
Carbon buildup and coolant system leaks
Reconditioned Price Range
£1,800-£3,200 supply-only
Vetted UK specialists for R9DA replacements
Minimum 12-month warranty on reconditioned and rebuilt options
Fitted To
Which Ford Models Use the R9DA-
The R9DA engine was primarily developed for Ford's performance and upper-midrange models, with the Focus ST being the highest-volume application in the UK market.
| Model | Generation/Chassis | Badge(s) | Years | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ford Focus | Mk3 (Pre-facelift & Facelift) | ST250 | 2012-2018 | |
| Ford Mondeo | Mk4 / Mk5 | 2.0 EcoBoost | 2013-2017 |
02
Ford Mondeo
CROSS-BRAND
R9DA is documented across 2 BMW applications spanning Ford Focus, Ford Mondeo. Registration lookup confirms the exact suffix before quotes are sent.
Not sure which engine your car has?
Not sure which engine your car has- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact R9DA fitment before any quotes are sent.
Prices
Ford R9DA Engine Replacement Cost (UK)
Condition | Supply Only | Fitted (Independent Specialist) | Typical Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
Used | £800-£1,500 | £1,450-£2,150 | 3-6 months |
Reconditioned | £1,800-£3,200 | £2,450-£3,850 | 12-24 months |
Rebuilt | £2,800-£4,500 | £3,450-£5,150 | 12-24 months |
The R9DA engine replacement cost is heavily influenced by the condition of the turbocharger and high-pressure fuel pump, which are often retained or upgraded during a rebuild. Units with documented timing chain and water pump replacements command a slight premium, while those with piston ring land damage (a known risk on heavily tuned examples) will push the R9DA engine cost toward the rebuilt tier. For a complete breakdown of labour and parts, see our full reconditioned engine cost guide.
Labour Guide
Fitting a R9DA engine typically takes 10-14 hours at £65-£85/hr (independent specialist rate) - confirm exact labour when comparing quotes.
Price Factors
Ready to compare R9DA quotes?
Get competitive quotes from trusted UK specialists today.
Common Problems
Ford R9DA Engine Problems - What Actually Fails
Every engine has its weak points. Here are the known issues with the R9DA, based on real-world data and verified failure patterns.
Verified issue focus: Carbon buildup and coolant system leaks.
1. Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves - 2012-Present
1. Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves - 2012-Present
Typical onset:
60,000-90,000 miles
What happens:
As a direct-injection engine, fuel does not wash over the intake valves, allowing oil vapour from the PCV system to bake onto the valves. This restricts airflow, causing rough idling, hesitation, and a noticeable loss of the ST's signature power.
Repair vs replace:
A walnut blasting service can resolve this without engine removal. However, if ignored for extreme mileages, it can contribute to pre-ignition and piston damage, necessitating a full R9DA engine replacement.
Read more about this issue
2. Coolant System Leaks (Water Pump & Thermostat Housing) - 2012-Present
2. Coolant System Leaks (Water Pump & Thermostat Housing) - 2012-Present
Typical onset:
50,000-80,000 miles
What happens:
The plastic composite thermostat housing and water pump seals are known weak points on the 2.0 EcoBoost family. Cracks or seal degradation lead to external coolant leaks or internal mixing, risking rapid overheating and head gasket failure if warning lights are ignored.
Repair vs replace:
Early detection allows for a straightforward component replacement. If overheating has already warped the cylinder head, a reconditioned R9DA engine is the most reliable long-term solution.
Read more about this issue
3. Piston Ring Land Failure - Primarily on tuned or poorly maintained units
3. Piston Ring Land Failure - Primarily on tuned or poorly maintained units
Typical onset:
40,000-80,000 miles (accelerated by aggressive tuning or incorrect spark plugs)
What happens:
The #4 piston is most susceptible to ring land cracking under high boost pressure or pre-ignition (knock). This results in severe misfires, blue smoke from the exhaust, and a catastrophic drop in cylinder compression.
Repair vs replace:
This is a catastrophic failure. A simple repair is not viable; the engine must be replaced with a reconditioned or rebuilt R9DA unit featuring updated forged internals if the car remains tuned.
Read more about this issue
The R9DA is generally robust when kept to factory specifications and serviced with the correct Ford WSS-M2C948-B 5W-30 oil. Facelift models and later production runs benefit from minor ECU and cooling system refinements, making severe bottom-end failures rare on unmodified cars.
Compare rebuilt R9DA prices with the failure already addressed
Engine Variants
How to Confirm You Have the R9DA
The R9DA engine code is stamped on a machined pad on the engine block, typically visible near the junction of the engine and transmission, and is also listed on your vehicle's V5C registration document under "Engine Capacity/Code".
Not sure which code is under your bonnet- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact R9DA fitment before any quotes are sent.
Easily Confused
2.5L Duratec ST (HUBA)
the previous generation Focus ST engine, which was a 5-cylinder unit without the direct-injection carbon buildup risks of the R9DA, though it carried its own head gasket quirks.
Alternative / Next-Gen Code
R9DC
the facelift Focus ST 2.0 EcoBoost variant featuring revised piston internals and updated ECU mapping, making it a marginally more robust iteration of the R9DA architecture.
Related JLR Variants
M8DA
the 1.5L EcoBoost variant found in lower-tier Focus and Mondeo models; owners of this code should note it suffers from distinct coolant intrusion issues not shared with the 2.0L R9DA.
Confirm the exact R9DA fitment
Not sure which code is under your bonnet- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact R9DA fitment before any quotes are sent.
Buying Guide
Buying a Replacement R9DA - What to Choose
Choosing the right replacement route depends on your budget, risk tolerance, and ownership goals. Here's a breakdown of your options.
Used:
A used R9DA engine is a viable, budget-friendly option only if it comes with a verifiable service history proving timely oil changes and no history of aggressive tuning. Given the risk of hidden carbon buildup or early coolant leaks, ensure the seller can provide recent compression test results before purchase. Browse our vetted used engine suppliers.
Reconditioned:
For most Focus ST and Mondeo owners, a reconditioned R9DA is the optimal balance of cost and reliability. A proper recon process will replace all coolant system plastics, install an updated water pump, clean or replace the high-pressure fuel pump, and fit a new timing chain assembly, directly addressing the R9DA engine problems outlined above. View reconditioned R9DA options.
Rebuilt:
A full rebuild is strongly recommended if your original R9DA suffered piston ring land failure or if you intend to apply a performance tune (Stage 2 or higher). A quality rebuild will upgrade the pistons and connecting rods to forged components, ensuring the 2.0 EcoBoost can safely handle increased boost pressures without catastrophic failure. Explore custom rebuilt engine builds.
Supply & Fit Line:
All quotes can be arranged as supply-only or full supply & fit through our network of UK specialists, complete with a minimum 12-month warranty and nationwide delivery. Learn more about our supply & fit service.
Vehicle Value Note:
The Ford Focus ST (Mk3) and Mondeo hold reasonable residual values, typically ranging from £4,000 to £12,000 depending on age and condition. A reconditioned R9DA engine replacement comfortably sits within this value band, making it a financially sound investment. However, for high-mileage examples with additional bodywork or transmission issues, evaluate the vehicle's overall scrap or part-ex value before committing to a major engine replacement.
Compare R9DA Engine Prices Now
Related Engines
Engines Related to the Ford R9DA
Explore engines that are closely related to the Ford R9DA, including its predecessor, successor, and key family variants.
Predecessor
2.5L Duratec ST (HUBA)
the previous generation Focus ST engine, which was a 5-cylinder unit without the direct-injection carbon buildup risks of the R9DA, though it carried its own head gasket quirks.
Successor
R9DC
the facelift Focus ST 2.0 EcoBoost variant featuring revised piston internals and updated ECU mapping, making it a marginally more robust iteration of the R9DA architecture.
Sibling
M8DA
the 1.5L EcoBoost variant found in lower-tier Focus and Mondeo models; owners of this code should note it suffers from distinct coolant intrusion issues not shared with the 2.0L R9DA.
FAQ
Ford R9DAFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Ford R9DA engine replacement cost-
A reconditioned Ford R9DA engine typically costs between £1,800 and £3,200 for supply-only, with fully fitted replacements ranging from £2,450 to £3,850. Prices vary based on whether the turbocharger and high-pressure fuel pump are included or upgraded. Independent specialist labour usually adds 10-14 hours at £65-£85 per hour.
- Prices vary based on whether the turbocharger and high-pressure fuel pump are included or upgraded.
- Independent specialist labour usually adds 10-14 hours at £65-£85 per hour.
Question 2What is the most common failure with the R9DA engine-
The most documented issues are carbon buildup on the intake valves and coolant system leaks from the plastic thermostat housing or water pump. Direct injection means fuel does not clean the intake valves, leading to restricted airflow and misfires over time. Coolant leaks can cause rapid overheating and secondary head gasket damage if warning signs are ignored.
- Direct injection means fuel does not clean the intake valves, leading to restricted airflow and misfires over time.
- Coolant leaks can cause rapid overheating and secondary head gasket damage if warning signs are ignored.
Question 3Which Ford models use the R9DA engine-
The R9DA is a 2.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine primarily fitted to the Ford Focus ST (Mk3, 2012-2018) and select Ford Mondeo models (2013-2017). It produces 250 hp in the Focus ST application. Always verify your specific chassis fitment using your registration number before ordering parts.
- It produces 250 hp in the Focus ST application.
- Always verify your specific chassis fitment using your registration number before ordering parts.
Question 4Should I buy a used or reconditioned R9DA engine-
A reconditioned R9DA is strongly recommended over a used unit due to the engine's known vulnerability to carbon buildup and cooling system degradation. Used engines carry the risk of hidden, pre-existing wear from aggressive tuning or missed oil services. A proper reconditioning process replaces all plastic coolant components, updates the water pump, and verifies turbocharger health.
- Used engines carry the risk of hidden, pre-existing wear from aggressive tuning or missed oil services.
- A proper reconditioning process replaces all plastic coolant components, updates the water pump, and verifies turbocharger health.
Question 5How do I know if my car has the R9DA engine-
The R9DA engine code is stamped on a machined pad on the engine block, visible near the transmission junction, and is listed on your V5C registration document. It is frequently confused with the later R9DC facelift variant, which requires different ECU mapping. Fitting the wrong revision can result in incorrect boost pressures and persistent check-engine lights.
- It is frequently confused with the later R9DC facelift variant, which requires different ECU mapping.
- Fitting the wrong revision can result in incorrect boost pressures and persistent check-engine lights.
Compare Ford R9DA Engine Prices Today
Get a free, no-obligation price comparison for your exact Ford R9DA engine. Our registration lookup confirms your precise fitment and sub-code before any quotes are sent, ensuring you receive accurate pricing from specialists who understand ST performance requirements. With reconditioned R9DA units starting from an estimated £1,800, comparing takes two minutes and could save you four figures on your repair.
Vetted UK Specialists
Vetted UK specialists for R9DA replacements
Minimum 12-Month Warranty
Minimum 12-month warranty on reconditioned and rebuilt options
Nationwide Delivery
Nationwide delivery plus supply and fit availability
Expert Support
Secure enquiry - no spam. Quotes only from vetted UK engine specialists.
Secure enquiry - no spam. Quotes only from vetted UK engine specialists.
Get Free R9DA Engine Quotes