Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Focus RS engine problems: owners promised free repairs

Ford is offering a free fix for the head gasket problems on the Ford Focus RS that cause white smoke and misfires

Ford Focus RS - on track

Numerous cases of engine problems suffered by the Ford Focus RS have forced Ford to extend free inspections and repairs to all owners affected, regardless of mileage or warranty status. Ford is currently contacting UK and European owners thought to be affected.

The mechanical malfunction of the 2.3-litre EcoBoost unit is linked to the head gasket, which fails to seal the engine block to the head correctly. Long term heat exposure warps the block preventing the head gasket from forming a watertight seal between the two engine components. As a result, coolant seeps into the cylinder block, producing the white smoke upon combustion and causing misfires when the engine is cold.

Advertisement - Article continues below

To rectify the problem, Ford dealers are checking the cooling system and replacing the head gasket for a new unit. If it’s needed, Ford will also fit a new cylinder block, too. Ford has confirmed the work will be carried out free of charge.

The Ford Mustang uses a detuned version of the same 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, but different internals have safeguarded it from the problem.

> Ford Focus RS Mountune M400 review – can the RS cope with nearly 400bhp?

Ford issued an official statement regarding the issue. ‘Owners of 2016-17 Focus RS vehicles are being offered a free inspection and repair, regardless of warranty or mileage status, for concerns of white exhaust smoke and/or coolant consumption stemming from an issue with cylinder head gaskets. Ford dealers will test the cooling system, replace the cylinder head gasket and may replace the cylinder head, as required, at no cost to the customer.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

£8000 savings on Skoda’s Octavia VRS, and you still want an SUV?
Skoda Octavia vRS
News

£8000 savings on Skoda’s Octavia VRS, and you still want an SUV?

Skoda’s Octavia vRS has never been marked down for being too expensive, but with the latest savings to be had it’s even more of a performance car barg…
13 Jun 2025
Caterham 310 Encore is the end of the line for the Ford 1.6
Caterham Seven 310 Encore
News

Caterham 310 Encore is the end of the line for the Ford 1.6

It’s goodbye and goodnight for the Caterham Seven 310, with the 25-strong run of 310 Encores serving as the final farewell
11 Jun 2025
£15k off an Audi RS6 – 621bhp super estate discounted by over 10 per cent
Audi RS6
News

£15k off an Audi RS6 – 621bhp super estate discounted by over 10 per cent

Audi’s V8 titan is near the end of its life and high-spec examples are now available with big discounts
10 Jun 2025