Ford Focus

The 1.6 Ti-VCT has undersized oil passages in the cylinder head (production up to 2007). The cam phaser gets oil-starved and rattles on cold start. Ford improved the design from spring 2007; older engines more commonly affected.

Symptoms: Diesel-like rattling on cold start that disappears after warm-up; power drop under hard acceleration

The Sigma/Ti-VCT pencil ignition coils fail at around 100,000–140,000 km. Typical at 1,500–2,500 rpm under load. Aftermarket coils (BERU) are considered more reliable than budget alternatives.

Symptoms: Hesitation and power loss in the mid-rev range, fault code P030x on OBD, rough engine

On the 1.6L Ti-VCT a small oil filter in the cylinder head clogs with metal swarf from the VCT sprocket and blocks the variable camshaft timing. Mainly affects vehicles built before 2007. Improved cam phasers were fitted from spring 2007.

Symptoms: Check engine light (P0011/P0014), power loss on a warm engine, rattling on cold start

The electronic throttle body on the 1.6 Duratec (e.g. Focus Mk2 petrol) commonly fails above 150,000 km due to potentiometer wear or moisture ingress. Fault codes P2108 and P2176 appear; the OEM unit costs around €550.

Symptoms: Sporadic engine fault warning, engine does not respond to throttle, idle fluctuations, occasional hesitation on pull-away

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.