Ford Focus
1.5L EcoBoost four-cylinder in the Focus DEH. Shares the open-deck cylinder liner issue with other EcoBoost 1.5/2.0 engines (TSB 2019/2020). Revised block from mid-2019 is significantly more robust.
Sporty EcoBlue
182 hp diesel in the Mk4 Focus with manual gearbox — surprisingly lively, good punch, the chassis plays along.
Engine Weaknesses 6
Open-deck design: hairline cracks between cylinder bores allow coolant into the combustion chambers. Ford TSB 2019/2020 recommends short-block replacement. Problem known up to approx. mid-2019.
Symptoms: White exhaust smoke, coolant loss without visible leak, rough cold start, oil-coolant emulsion.
The 1.5L EcoBoost (M9DA) shows recurring coolant loss from porous coolant hoses and faulty clamp fittings. Continued driving with insufficient coolant can crack the cylinder head. Ford issued a software update that limits power when coolant level is critically low.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level, overheating warning, white smoke from exhaust, loss of cabin heating
Early 1.5 EcoBoost four-cylinders (up to approx. March 2019) are prone to hairline cracks in the cylinder block. Coolant enters the cylinders and causes severe engine damage. Short-block replacement required.
Symptoms: Rough cold start, white exhaust smoke, coolant loss without external leak, engine warning light.
Individual 1.5 EcoBoost engines show piston ring fractures from as early as 35,000 km. The affected cylinder loses compression completely; short-block replacement required.
Symptoms: Sudden power drop, severe misfiring or engine stalling, compression loss in one cylinder measurable.
In addition to structural liner issues, coolant hoses and the thermostat housing can also leak and contribute to coolant loss.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level, occasional temperature warning.
Direct injection without port wash leads to carbon deposits on inlet valves. Symptoms typically appear from 80,000 km and require mechanical cleaning.
Symptoms: Hesitation on cold start, slight power loss, increased fuel consumption.
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
Recall for 9,858 vehicles (Oct–Dec 2018) due to bolts at the brake pedal-to-master cylinder connection being at risk of fracture. Complete brake failure is possible.
Cracking and squeaking from the electric steering on parking manoeuvres. Isolated cases of steering failure with a warning message on cold start. Usually resolved under warranty.
On the 155 hp MHEV variants with manual gearbox, the synchro rings for 1st and 2nd gear wear prematurely. Failures documented from as low as 22,000 km. Ford does not offer improved replacement parts.
Early 2018–2019 model years had significant electrical issues: failed parking sensors, a faulty SYNC 3 system, defective stop-start and Auto Hold functions. Software updates resolve many problems.
The underbody has inadequate corrosion protection: weld seams unsealed, cavities open. Rust forms early in splash zones. The exhaust system corrodes quickly.
The SYNC 3 system freezes regularly on early DEH models (2018–2020), stops responding to touch input or shows a black screen. Software updates improve the issue.
Reports & Tests
800 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2018–2024). Most reported: Powertrain (302), Engine (221), Fuel System (123).