Ford Focus
Ford 1.8L Endura-DI (direct injection diesel, non-turbo) 75 hp. Focus I diesel. Also C9DB, C9DC.
Frugal Diesel
The first TDCi delivers decent torque and good efficiency. No thrills, but solid.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The injection pump on the 1.8 TDDi/Endura-DI commonly fails around 150,000 km. The engine starts with increasing difficulty or won't start at all. High-pressure pump failure is typical for older distributor-type injection pumps of this type.
Symptoms: Difficult starting, insufficient pressure build-up, engine stalls shortly after running, unable to restart
The Lucas distributor injection pump on the Endura-D 1.8 TD is prone to wear and internal leaks. Failure often occurs suddenly due to a faulty solenoid valve or pressure regulator valve.
Symptoms: Glow indicator flashes while driving; engine dies on the motorway and will not restart; vehicle suddenly loses power at full throttle.
Faulty camshaft position sensors are a known problem on 1.8 TDCi derivatives of the Endura family. The engine cuts out abruptly or won't start. The sensor is awkwardly positioned and exposed to temperature and oil contamination.
Symptoms: Sudden engine cutout while driving, poor cold starting, check engine light
The turbocharger on the 1.8 TDCi Endura is prone to premature wear. Irregular oil change intervals and short trips accelerate coking of the oil feed lines. Power loss sets in gradually.
Symptoms: Declining engine power, whistling, increased oil consumption
The distributor injection system on the 1.8L Endura-DI is prone to injector fouling and increased return flow from 100,000 km. Poor diesel quality and short trips accelerate wear. Cleaning or replacement of injectors required.
Symptoms: Difficult cold starting, rough idle, black smoke, increased fuel consumption
Glow plugs on the Endura-D rust in on high-mileage vehicles and snap when removed. Difficult cold starting below -5Β°C is the precursor. Seized plugs require special tools or cylinder head removal.
Symptoms: Difficult cold starting in sub-zero temperatures; white smoke when pulling away; rough running for several minutes after cold start.
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Sills and rear wheel arches rust from the inside out. Vehicles from approximately 150,000 km often have widespread corrosion. Always check with a magnet before buying.
Door lower edges and tailgate frequently show early rust spots, particularly at seal contact areas. Water collects in the folds and attacks the metal.
Water enters through a faulty windscreen seal on the passenger side. The pollen filter box can overflow and the passenger footwell carpet becomes wet. Risk of mould.
Rear brake callipers or drum brakes tend to seize, especially after extended periods standing. Brake discs and pads wear unevenly.
Door lock actuators fail frequently; doors lock and unlock sporadically. Plastic window regulator mechanism breaks; window sticks or drops into the door.
Anti-roll bar drop links and control arm bushes wear prematurely. Rear wheel bearings fail without visible play and only become noticeable through noise.
Window regulator motors fail frequently, often due to broken plastic in the drive mechanism. All four doors affected, especially the driver's side. Parts are cheap, but removal is time-consuming.
Reports & Tests
8129 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (1998β2004). Most reported: Electrical (2872), Engine & Cooling (943), Fuel System (818).