I've heard of engine failure issues in the Ford Focus - is it true? | Ask Honest John

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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.../

Tags: known defect buying a new car engine failures consumer advice

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