Ford Focus
2.0L four-cylinder naturally aspirated 1988cc. Duratec HE in the Ford Focus FLH (Mk1) 2001-2005. 170 hp. Base engine of the first Focus generation.
Sports Estate Mk1
The best Mk1 chassis with decent power in estate form. Practical and enjoyable.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The 2.0L Duratec HE in the late Mondeo MK3/Facelift can still have the early intake manifold type with throttle plate risk. Must be checked on vehicles before 2003.
Symptoms: Rattling from the intake, possible engine damage
At mileages above 150,000 km the 2.0 Duratec HE shows increased oil consumption. The engine is fundamentally robust, but valve stem seals and piston rings wear.
Symptoms: Bluish smoke, oil level dropping, oil traces at exhaust
The chain tensioner on the 2.0 Duratec HE in the late Mondeo variant wears prematurely at long oil intervals. Cold-start rattling at 150,000+ km is typical.
Symptoms: Brief rattle on cold start, stops after warm-up
In the Mondeo and S-Max Hybrid the 12V auxiliary battery discharges after 2–3 hours of parking when a control unit fails to enter sleep mode. Vehicle unable to start despite full HV battery.
Symptoms: Vehicle won't start after short parking, app reports vehicle in deep sleep, central locking not responding.
The inductive crankshaft position sensor on the Duratec 2.0 can fail without warning, cutting the engine. A reading above 300 ohms indicates a fault. Replacement parts are cheap, but dangerous situations are possible.
Symptoms: Engine cuts out without warning, won't restart or only starts after a cool-down period, check engine light, no immobiliser fault message
The valve cover gasket on the Duratec HE 2.0 in the Focus/C-Max Hybrid hardens from around 100,000 km and starts leaking. Burning smell from oil on hot engine parts.
Symptoms: Burning smell from engine bay; visible oil traces on valve cover; slight oil level drop.
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.