Ford Focus ST
2.0L EcoBoost, 250 hp — sharper driver's car than the Golf GTI but with a cheaper interior. The Sound Symposer routes induction noise mechanically into the cabin — no speaker fakery, just a rubber hose. Sounds angry under load, exhaust bangs on full-throttle shifts. Head gasket is also an issue in the ST, though less frequently than in the RS Mk3. Watch crankcase breather and spark plug wear. Steering feedback is better than any GTI of that generation — if driving fun matters more than interior quality, buy the ST.
250 hp EcoBoost — sharper than the GTI, cheaper inside
The steering feedback is better than any GTI of this generation. Chassis and suspension are sharpened. The price: cheaper interior. VW drivers who have driven both say: the Focus drives better, the Golf feels more premium. Sound Symposer divides opinion — rubber hose rather than speaker.
Engine Weaknesses 8
The in-tank low-pressure fuel pump is a known weak point on all 2.0 EcoBoost engines. A clogged fuel filter increases pump load until failure.
Symptoms: Hesitation and power loss under load, difficult starting, code P0087, sudden engine stall.
Older 2.0 EcoBoost engines show hairline cracks in the open-deck block at high mileages with coolant intrusion. Issue existed until approximately 2019; revised block is more robust.
Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible leak, rough cold start, oil-coolant mix.
The 2.0 EcoBoost in the Focus ST is susceptible to LSPI pre-ignition at low rpm under load — particularly when overtaking in a high gear. Pre-ignition events cause piston ring land fractures and engine damage.
Symptoms: Sudden power loss, rough running as if on three cylinders, oil consumption with blue smoke, large compression differences between cylinders, fault codes P0301–P0304.
The boost control solenoid or wastegate can cause boost pressure instability. Code P0299 (turbo underboost) is frequently documented, particularly at higher mileages.
Symptoms: Code P0299, noticeable power drop on acceleration, check engine light.
The wastegate flap on the K03 turbo loses its preload due to bushing wear and starts to rattle. Without repair the turbo can no longer hold full boost. Typical noise: metallic clatter when lifting off the throttle.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling or clattering when lifting off the throttle or on load change, power loss at full throttle, code P0299 (underboost).
Direct injection leads to carbon deposits on the intake valves. Without port injection, deposits accumulate year on year and measurably reduce flow cross-section.
Symptoms: Stumble on cold start, reduced acceleration, slightly increased fuel consumption from around 80,000 km.
The ignition coils on the EcoBoost 2.0 in the Focus ST Mk3 are heat-sensitive and fail individually. Results in misfires and check engine light with P0301–P0304.
Symptoms: Check engine light flashing; noticeable power loss; hesitation under load; misfire codes P0301–P0304.
The valve cover gasket on the EcoBoost 2.0 in the Focus ST Mk3 becomes porous from around 80,000 km. Oil drips onto the turbo exhaust manifold and creates a burning smell.
Symptoms: Burning smell; visible oil residue on valve cover; slight oil level drop between services.
Vehicle Weaknesses 11
Vehicles with 6-speed manual gearbox and 1.0/1.5/1.6 EcoBoost (Aug 2012–Jun 2016) were recalled due to faulty clutch pressure plates. In some cases a complete clutch replacement was required.
The PTU of the GKN all-wheel drive system has no active cooling. Above 150°C the system switches to FWD. TSB 5461 for oil leaks 2016–2017. An aftermarket cooling kit is strongly recommended for track use.
The GKN torque-vectoring rear differential (RDU) of the Focus RS Mk3 requires fresh specialist oil every 48,000 km. Neglecting this causes the clutch plate packs to overheat and the gears to wear prematurely.
Springs and shock absorbers are frequently flagged at inspection. The sportily tuned suspension of the MK3 wears chassis components more rapidly than its predecessor.
The Getrag six-speed shows synchromesh wear in 2nd and 3rd gear at higher mileages. A gearbox oil change with specialist fluid can delay early failure. Repair 1,500–3,000 EUR.
Rear wheel arch openings rust at the bumper transition edge. The roof above the rear doors can deform through body torsion. Boot water ingress through leaking spoiler fixings is widespread.
Launch control and drift mode put enormous strain on the clutch. Replacement including labour over 1,000 EUR. Clutch test: 5th gear, 50 km/h, full throttle — if revs rise without vehicle accelerating, the clutch is worn.
The standard 350×25mm one-piece discs on the Focus RS Mk3 overheat with aggressive driving and warp. Particularly after track days or hard mountain passes. Noticeable as pedal vibration under braking.
A weak battery causes errors in the stop-start and Auto Hold systems. Early SYNC 3 versions show crashes, incorrect traffic sign recognition, and slow boot times.
Door seals can work loose, causing wind noise or water ingress. Door edge protection strips fall off and are expensive to replace.
Early MK3 model years show surface rust on the underbody and exhaust components from around 80,000 km. Silencer boxes and brackets in particular corrode through quickly.
Reports & Tests
12472 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2011–2018). Most reported: Powertrain (6109), Engine (2108), Steering (1627).