Ford Focus RS
2.0L Duratec Turbo, 215 hp — the original Focus RS and pioneer of the super-hatch genre. Front-wheel drive with a Quaife limited-slip diff: the steering wheel pulls noticeably under full throttle, torque steer is a character trait, not a bug. Above 3,500 rpm the turbo growl swallows the wastegate hiss. Only 4,501 examples built, all in Imperial Blue. Engine is known as tough and modification-friendly — Stage 1 delivers 260+ hp. Driveshafts and turbo oil supply are the main concerns at high mileage. Cam belt every 100,000 km. The car looks better with age, not worse — the design doesn't date. Holds its value well: prices rarely drop below market level.
215 hp front-wheel drive — torque steer as character
Only 4,501 examples, all Imperial Blue. The wheel wrenches sideways at full throttle — Quaife limited-slip diff distributes the load, RevoKnuckle hadn't arrived yet. Pioneer of the superhatch genre. Whoever sees one knows immediately what it is. The design doesn't age, and neither do the prices.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The electric pump in the water chargecooler fails — coolant boils, charge air gets hot enough to melt spark plugs or damage pistons. Regular functional checks are mandatory.
Symptoms: Noticeable power drop under boost, MIL, in worst case pinging or knocking
The metal pipe in the chargecooler circuit inside the wheel arch corrodes and leaks. Original rubber hoses collapse with age. Aluminium replacement parts are significantly more durable but hard to source.
Symptoms: Coolant loss in the chargecooler circuit, damp patches in the wheel arch, power loss from reduced flow
The wastegate actuator on the Garrett GT2560LS sticks after periods of inactivity. Overboost or lack of boost build-up results. Particularly known on vehicles with long periods between use.
Symptoms: Irregular boost build-up, power drop or boost spikes, whistling from the turbo
The banjo bolt on the turbo oil feed line is a known wear item on the Garrett GT2560LS. Due around every 80,000 km. Cheap preventive replacement avoids oil loss and turbo damage.
Symptoms: Small oil puddle under the turbo area, oil smell after driving, in worst case clouds of blue smoke
Thermostat housing and water pump are known leak points. Upgrading to an aluminium housing and 82°C thermostat (instead of the standard 92°C) significantly improves cooling and reliability.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level, damp patches on the engine block, coolant smell after driving
Early ALDA vehicles (production late 2002) showed misfires on cold start due to ECU mapping. A Ford/Mountune remap fixes this permanently. Later vehicles already corrected at the factory.
Symptoms: Stumbling and hesitation in the first 2–3 minutes after cold start, especially in winter; runs normally once warmed up
The camshaft position sensor seal gives way on older engines. A manageable repair that is often overlooked until oil accumulates. Regular visual inspection is sufficient.
Symptoms: Oil accumulation around the cam cover, oil smell after driving, wet patches on top of engine
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 (1998–2004). Most reported: Electrical (2872), Engine & Cooling (943), Fuel System (818).