KNOWN FAULTS · Ford

Ford Focus (IV) 1.5 EcoBoost common problems.

2018–2025 · Petrol

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

2 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.

Electronics, driver aids and campaigns on the Focus IVElectrical and electronic systems

Engine / equipment: Ford Focus IV (petrol, mHEV, ST and diesel)
Period mentioned: 2018 onwards
Symptoms: Traffic-sign recognition showing wrong limits, parking sensors, Sync 3, stop-start, auto hold and flat batteries; windscreen trims that come loose and the panoramic-roof seal.
Possible cause described: The guide rates the engines as reliable. Recalls: rear-lock spring (child lock), a brake-pedal bolt that could break, an automatic-gearbox stud rubbing the wiring (21/3/2018–7/3/2019) and the 2.0 diesel automatic wiring (31/7/2019–4/3/2020), both with possible engine stalling.
Check for the garage: Check the campaigns by VIN (especially the brake pedal); ask for software updates.
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: Same three-cylinder 1.5 EcoBoost as the US Escape; the recalls cited are US ones: ask Ford by VIN.

Cracked injectors on the three-cylinder 1.5 EcoBoost: petrol leakFuel system

Engine / equipment: Three-cylinder 1.5 EcoBoost (in the US, 2020–2022 Escape and 2021–2023 Bronco Sport; in Europe, the same engine as the Kuga III and Focus IV)
Period mentioned: 2020–2023
Symptoms: A petrol smell in the engine bay or under the car, engine warning light and, in the worst case, fire under the bonnet.
Possible cause described: The fuel injectors can crack and let petrol out onto hot parts. Ford recalled cars in the US in November 2022, March 2024 and again in 2025: the fix is software that detects the damaged injector and reduces power; Ford says the underlying condition may still exist.
Check for the garage: With a petrol smell, do not start it and take it to the garage; ask Ford by VIN whether your car has the update or an equivalent campaign.
Cost cited in the source: Free under the recall.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.