KNOWN FAULTS · Ford

Ford Focus (III) 1.5 / 1.6 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: Only the four-cylinder 1.5 EcoBoost.

Block cracks on the 1.5 and 2.0 EcoBoost with coolant lossCooling

Engine / equipment: Four-cylinder 1.5 EcoBoost and 2.0 EcoBoost: Kuga, Mondeo, S-Max, Galaxy, Focus and C-Max
Period mentioned: Approx. 2014–2019
Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible leak, rough running on cold start, white smoke and, in serious cases, engine failure.
Possible cause described: Hairline cracks in the block let coolant into the cylinders; it mainly affects older 1.5 units and, less often, the 2.0. Ford revised the block in mid-2019.
Check for the garage: Watch the coolant level; if it drops with no external leak, run a pressure and combustion-gas test and check the spark plugs. Ask Ford by VIN about warranty actions.
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: Only the 1.6 EcoBoost built from 23/7/2010 to 21/9/2014.

Overheating and cracked cylinder head on the 1.6 EcoBoostCooling

Engine / equipment: 1.6 EcoBoost: Focus, C-Max, Kuga, Fiesta ST and Transit Connect
Period mentioned: 2010–2014
Symptoms: The temperature rises, coolant is lost and, in extreme cases, oil sprays under pressure from a crack in the head with a risk of fire in the engine bay.
Possible cause described: Lack of coolant circulation causes local overheating of the head. In 2018 Ford recalled cars built between 2010 and 2014: it checks engine and cooling parts and adds a coolant level sensor with a warning.
Check for the garage: Check with Ford by VIN that the recall was done; watch the coolant level and stop at the temperature warning.
Cost cited in the source: Free under the recall.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

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: Only the 1.6 EcoBoost. Ford USA bulletin for the same engine.

Lack of power with the engine warning light and P0299 / P0234 on the 1.6 EcoBoost: wastegate solenoidInjection / turbo

Engine / equipment: 1.6 EcoBoost direct injection: Focus, C-Max, Kuga, Fiesta ST, Mondeo and Transit Connect
Period mentioned: 2013–2016
Symptoms: The engine loses power and the engine warning light comes on. The computer stores codes P0234 (turbo overboost), P0245 or P0246 (wastegate solenoid circuit) or P0299 (turbo underboost).
Possible cause described: Ford bulletin 15-0162 (October 2015) for the 1.6 EcoBoost of the Escape, Fiesta ST and Fusion says to check the charge-air-cooler pipes and vacuum lines first; if they are fine, the cause is the solenoid valve that regulates the turbo wastegate, and it is replaced.
Check for the garage: Read the codes. Check that the charge-air-cooler pipes and vacuum lines are not split or loose; if they are fine, test the wastegate solenoid (under the engine) and make sure its hoses are fully fitted before replacing the turbo.
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: 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.