KNOWN FAULTS · Ford

Ford Focus (III) 1.0 EcoBoost common problems.

2011–2018 · Petrol

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

5 known faults with sources

Applies if: Weak points of this model from inspections, breakdown statistics and recalls; anything specific to one engine is stated in the sheet.

EcoBoost clutch, batteries and suspension on the Focus IIIKnown weak points

Engine / equipment: Ford Focus III (petrol, diesel and electric)
Period mentioned: 2010–2018
Symptoms: A pressure plate that breaks on manual EcoBoosts; batteries, alternators and boost control (2011); starter (2011–2014); at the roadworthiness test, springs and shock absorbers, suspension, lights, oil leaks already at the first inspection and exhaust; a broken cable in the tailgate hinge.
Possible cause described: Recalls: pressure plate on manual 1.0, 1.5 and 1.6 EcoBoost (1/8/2012–30/6/2016), the 2.0 TDCi fuel sensor and sump leak, side and knee airbags, alloy wheels and the automatic-gearbox wiring loom.
Check for the garage: Check every campaign by VIN; check oil leaks, suspension and lights; test the battery.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Ford USA technical message for the same 1.0 EcoBoost (Fiesta, Focus and EcoSport).

Coolant use, white smoke and rough running on the 1.0 EcoBoost: crack in the head next to the integrated manifoldEngine

Engine / equipment: 1.0 EcoBoost three-cylinder: Fiesta, Focus, EcoSport, B-Max and C-Max
Period mentioned: 2014–2019
Symptoms: The coolant level drops with no visible leak, white smoke comes from the exhaust and the engine runs rough (a cylinder misfires).
Possible cause described: Ford technical message SSM 47587 (October 2018) for the 2014–2017 Fiesta, 2015–2018 Focus and 2018–2019 EcoSport with the 1.0 EcoBoost says to run the extended cooling-system pressure test first and, if there is no external loss, inspect the exhaust manifold area integrated in the cylinder head: if there is a crack around the exhaust ports, the parts are replaced.
Check for the garage: Do not keep driving if the coolant keeps dropping: the 1.0 EcoBoost is damaged if it overheats. The garage pressure-tests the cooling system, looks for external leaks and, if there are none, carefully inspects the exhaust manifold area of the head for cracks.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

1.0 EcoBoost wet belt: blocked oil pumpEngine

Engine / equipment: 1.0 EcoBoost three-cylinder with oil-immersed belts
Period mentioned: Approx. 2014–2021
Symptoms: Low oil-pressure warning just before a loss of power; sometimes the engine seizes without warning. With no oil pressure the vacuum pump that assists braking can also stop working.
Possible cause described: The oil-immersed belt material can degrade and shed debris that blocks the oil-pump pickup screen; the tensioner arm can also break. The US agency (NHTSA) is investigating almost 136,000 cars; most failures happened before the belt-change interval.
Check for the garage: With the oil-pressure warning, stop and do not restart. At the garage, check the belt and tensioner and look for debris in the sump and pump screen; use the exact oil Ford specifies and do not stretch the change intervals.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

1.0 EcoBoost coolant hose that may fail (2011–2013)Cooling

Engine / equipment: 1.0 EcoBoost, nylon pipe between engine and coolant tank
Period mentioned: 2011–2013
Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating and, if you keep driving, serious cylinder-head or engine damage.
Possible cause described: The nylon coolant pipe could fail at high temperature on about 44,700 cars built between October 2011 and October 2013. Ford replaced it in a 2015 service action and in 2018 committed to paying for outstanding repairs.
Check for the garage: Check with Ford by VIN that the service action was done; watch the coolant level and stop at the temperature warning.
Cost cited in the source: The pipe replacement was free; later damage, case by case by Ford.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Only with the PowerShift dry dual-clutch automatic (DPS6). Confirm the gearbox type.

Judder on the PowerShift dry dual-clutch gearbox (DPS6)Automatic gearbox

Engine / equipment: 6-speed PowerShift automatic with dry dual clutch (DPS6 / 6DCT250)
Period mentioned: Approx. 2011–2018
Symptoms: Shudder or judder when pulling away, especially in traffic; gearbox-module faults that can stop the car starting.
Possible cause described: Early wear of the dry clutches (the software did not compensate well for temperature), and failures of the control module (TCM) and clutch actuators.
Check for the garage: Read codes (e.g. P0900, clutch actuator), update the gearbox software and run the relearn drive cycle; if the shudder remains, replace the clutch. Ask Ford about campaigns or warranty extensions for the VIN.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.