What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
I've heard of engine failure issues in the Ford Focus - is it true?
I'm thinking of replacing my current motor with a Ford Focus Ecoboost. Last week I was in my local Ford dealers when I overheard a heated conversation between the service manager and a customer who’s 2014 Ford Focus Ecoboost had lost its coolant and the engine had seized weeks out of the manufacturer's warranty. Having searched online, there seems to be any amount of similar problems which has made me a little wary of proceeding with my intended purchase. I guess that for any engine a small percentage of owners will have problems. I was thinking about the alternative of a SEAT Leon, but the Focus Zetec trim has things that are useful like the heated front screen. What’s your view?
Asked on 21 January 2018 by mickfrommarden
Answered by
Honest John
The problem was with the degas pipe that takes superheated steam from the watercooled turbo back to the coolant expansion tank. There was a weak union in the pipe that could fracture, leading to the engine losing its coolant and since it is a tiny engine with a very small coolant capacity that could be fatal. The problem was realised and the degas pipe was redesigned some years ago. Most were replaced when the cars were in a Ford dealer for service. The problem mostly arises where the cars have been independently serviced and the degas pipe has not been replaced. Full details and a photo here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/ford/focus-2011/?sec.../
Similar questions
I'm thinking of buying a new Ford Kuga with the Powershift auto box, but have heard various adverse reports about reliability and performance of these boxes. I would be very grateful for your opinion.
My Ford Focus EcoBoost is presently at a Ford dealer for investigation and I have been informed that it requires a new engine. There's less than 25,000 miles on the clock. The water pump has failed and...
Are the new MINI Cooper reliable and are parts expensive? Also, would it be better to buy or lease?
Related models
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Quality and refinement are impressive. Great to drive with sharp handling. Shares same base as contemporary Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf.
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Relaxed but still enjoyable to drive, well-equipped for the money, a huge choice on the used market.
Elsewhere on 
.jpg)
