Focus RS owners offered 'free repair'
The 2.3-litre engine has shown a tendency for burning its coolant like Columbo; now Ford agrees to a fix regardless of warranty
A statement released today announces that, "owners of 2016-17 Focus RS vehicles are being offered a free inspection and repair, regardless of warranty or mileage status, for concerns of white exhaust smoke and/or coolant consumption stemming from an issue with cylinder head gaskets."
Crucially, its dealers are under instruction to "test the cooling system, replace the cylinder head gasket and replace the cylinder head, as required, at no cost to the customer." Given that Ford had reportedly already resorted to replacing entire engines in some cars still under warranty, the news doesn't come as a complete surprise, although the maker will hope that it helps puts a few minds at ease - not least in the model's buoyant secondhand market.
While clearly acknowledging an issue, the Blue Oval hasn't quite got around to explaining the root cause. The idea that the head gasket is failing to seal properly is obviously confirmed by the nature of the fix - although the suspicion that the engine block itself is prone to warping after multiple heat cycles isn't specifically addressed. Regardless, any RS owner concerned about their car burning coolant fluid to spectacular effect is now encouraged to contact their local franchise dealer.
They then take a reasonably reliable Mazda engine, make a big song and dance about a new cylinder head, which them promptly becomes the weak point of the whole car.
Fix Or Repair Daily indeed, remind me why people bang on about these things again?
I see them directly quoting Ford, in a pretty unbiased manner.
Untwist your panties.
I ran a modded 6MPS for 5yrs, very similar engine to the Eco boost. HG failures are not at all common, even when modded. The bottom end will go first. I considered the FRS when I replaced the MPS but the ride quality was too harsh for me, looks like there are after market cures....
https://youtu.be/RWrXM4yBpnE
I see them directly quoting Ford, in a pretty unbiased manner.
Untwist your panties.
They then take a reasonably reliable Mazda engine, make a big song and dance about a new cylinder head, which them promptly becomes the weak point of the whole car.
Fix Or Repair Daily indeed, remind me why people bang on about these things again?
I think honourable of Ford, but someone has dropped the ball somewhere in the design.
My next questions would be whether the replacement gaskets are an updated design, and whether this is a one-time-only deal, and if your replacement one goes pop too, you're out in the cold.
Wonder who'll be first to try cranking up the boost because of the assurance it'll get fixed?
I may now look to trade in my S3 for an RS.
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