Ford Focus
Ford 1.6L Duratec (Sigma) 100 hp. Focus II standard petrol. Manual and automatic. Also HWDB, SHDA, SHDB.
Efficient Estate
Good diesel for high-mileage drivers. No character, but frugal and adequate.
Engine Weaknesses 6
Sigma/Duratec 16V engines are interference engines with a timing belt. Ford specifies 150,000 km change intervals; workshops recommend 100,000 km. A skipped or tensioned belt causes total engine destruction.
Symptoms: No warning — sudden engine stop and complete destruction if belt snaps without replacement
The pencil-type ignition coils in the Sigma/Duratec 16V family fail around 100,000–140,000 km. Problems typically appear at 1,500–2,500 rpm under load. Aftermarket coils (BERU ZS350) are considered more reliable.
Symptoms: Juddering and torque loss in the mid-rev range, fault code P030x, rough idle
The electronic throttle body on the 1.6 Duratec (e.g. Focus Mk2 petrol) often fails from 150,000 km through potentiometer wear or moisture ingress. Fault codes P2108 and P2176 appear; the original unit costs around £480.
Symptoms: Intermittent engine management warning, engine will not accept throttle input, idle fluctuations, occasional stumble on pull-away
Thermostats in the Sigma/Duratec family frequently stick open. The engine never reaches operating temperature and the heater barely works. Straightforward and cheap to fix.
Symptoms: Temperature gauge stays permanently low, barely any heat from the heater, increased fuel consumption
The crankshaft rear oil seal on the gearbox side of the 1.6L Duratec 16V frequently leaks from around 100,000 km. Small amounts of oil drip onto the clutch and contaminate it. Regular inspection and timely replacement prevent more costly damage.
Symptoms: Oil film on the underside of the engine, oil smell after driving, occasional clutch slip from oil contamination
Individual ignition coils on the 1.6 Duratec fail repeatedly. Multiple back-to-back failures are documented. Replacing all coils and spark plugs at the same time saves on follow-up costs and prevents catalytic converter damage.
Symptoms: Juddering and misfires on acceleration, backfire noises, engine management light, increased fuel consumption
Vehicle Weaknesses 11
Despite full galvanising, sills and wheel arches rust heavily, especially at the junctions between the wing and the bumper. The tailgate rusts under the roof spoiler when water ingresses.
Wheel bearing failures frequently noted in inspection reports, especially from 2010 model year. Track rods and suspension components wear above average. Control arm bushes and lower arms fail prematurely.
Plastic thermostat housings are prone to cracking and coolant loss. Coolant temperature can become unstable; in the worst case the engine overheats.
The brake pressure sensor in the ABS block corrodes and cannot be replaced individually — the entire ABS unit must be swapped. Primarily affects vehicles up to model year 2007.
Up to model year 2007, water accumulates at the junction between the rear bumper and wheel arch, leading to rust. Ford had to carry out multiple repaints. Check carefully before buying.
Ford does not supply an individual wheel bearing — only the complete hub (approximately 290 EUR). Lower RevoKnuckle needle bearings can seize. Press-fitting requires specialist tools. High front tyre wear accelerates deterioration.
Wheel arch edges are almost universally affected without cavity wax treatment. Water penetrates through rear light seals and spoiler fixings into the boot floor, which then corrodes from the inside.
ABS cables chafe on suspension components, ranging from a simple warning light to complete ABS failure. Cable repair is needed, not just a sensor swap.
Heated windscreen filaments fail due to corrosion at cable connections. Instrument cluster shows failures from cold solder joints on the PCB.
The boot draws in water through a leaking tailgate or failed seals. The spare wheel well fills with water, the floor covering rots, and electronics are at risk.
Already due after approximately 25,000 km with spirited use. Front axle 400–500 EUR for discs and pads, rear axle 180–220 EUR. Track day use drastically shortens the intervals.