Recalls: Ford LV Focus RS
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Ford LV Focus RS
No recall information is available for the Ford LV Focus RS. To search for recalls of Ford models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: Ford.
Problems and faults: Ford LV Focus RS
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Ford Focus RS: PCV diaphragm rupture
For the 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) diaphragm – located in the oil filter housing – may rupture. Symptoms of a ruptured PCV diaphragm include:
- A high-pitched, whining/whistling noise that increases with engine speed. This noise is caused by excessive crankcase pressure escaping via the oil seals. For reference, this noise stops when the dipstick is removed (since removing the dipstick releases back pressure, see video below);
- A lack of boost pressure in low gears;
- Excessive oil consumption;
- High oil pressure at idle;
- Blue smoke from the exhaust; and,
- Illumination of the engine warning light.
To fix, the air filter housing assembly needs to be removed so that the oil filter housing can be replaced. Sometimes, the breather hose from the assembly to the block may be damaged and also require replacement.
If the PCV diaphragm has ruptured, the vehicle should not be run until the oil filter housing is replaced since doing so could damage the camshaft or crankshaft oil seals and cause oil leaks. If an oil leak occurs at the timing belt end, the timing belt and seals must be replaced. If, however, an oil leak occurs at the crankshaft’s main oil seal, then the gearbox must be removed, the seal replaced and, in extreme cases, the clutch replaced.
It is understood that Ford/Volvo (for the C30 T5) subsequently introduced an uprated diaphragm which had an additional vent on the diaphragm cover, though failures of the updated diaphragm do still occur. Failures are more common in low mileage vehicles that:
- Have been used to drive short distances since the engine does not reach its operating temperatures; and,
- Reside in high humidity environments.
Ford Focus RS: solenoid boost valve
For the 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the solenoid boost valve is susceptible to failure. If there is a lack of performance and the boost gauge boost doesn’t go beyond a quarter of the dial, this is indicative of a failed solenoid boost valve. If the valve is operating properly, the dial on the boost pressure gauge should go beyond halfway before settling down in the middle.
Ford Focus RS: coolant leaks
Ford Focus RS vehicles are susceptible to coolant leaks from –
- The thermostat housing at the cylinder head side gasket. Specifically, the leak occurs at the bottom corner and a mirror is required to see it;
- The turbo coolant feed and return; and,
- The radiator top hose joint at the back of the engine on the gearbox side.
The coolant hoses may also experience internal delamination as the vehicle ages. Where internal delamination has occurred, the hoses will appear swollen in size.
For Ford Focus RS vehicles, the driver’s side bottom corner of the radiator may also leak. The leak usually occurs from the sealant join between the alloy radiator core and the plastic end tank. Since a sponge at the bottom of the radiator absorbs most coolant drips, it is rare that coolant will leak and form visible drops on the floor. As such, a pressure test of the coolant system is recommended at each service to detect this leak. Fitment of a fully alloy radiator is recommended to prevent future failures.
Ford Focus RS: clutch does not return
For the Ford Focus RS, the clutch pedal may not fully return to the ‘up’ position. This may be due to:
- The seal from the original slave cylinder tearing and becoming stuck in the clutch line – this usually occurs after the clutch has been replaced. To fix, the clutch line has to be removed, blown out with compressed air and then have clean brake fluid poured through it. The brake fluid should flow easily and consistently in both directions; or,
- In the case of hard driving (during or after), hydraulic fluid may boil and cause air bubbles to form. To fix, the clutch should be bled and high boiling-point DOT 5.1 fluid used.
Ford Focus RS: air conditioning
- During full throttle acceleration, the air conditioning compressor clutch is designed to shut down to reduce accessory losses;
- The air conditioning may stop working due to failure of the air conditioning compressor clutch – this is caused by the spacing shims expanding and preventing the clutch from fully engaging. A common symptom of this fault is the air conditioning blowing cold for 10-15 minutes and then blowing hot; and,
- The air conditioning may stop working due to a refrigerant leaking from the compressor shaft seal.
Ford Focus RS: corrosion/rust
For the Ford Focus RS, corrosion can occur in the following areas:
- Rear wheel arches (where a slightly misaligned bumper can rub away the paint); and,
- The tailgate and hatch area (particularly where the tailgate’s rubber buffer meets the body).
Ford LV Focus RS: other problems and faults
- While early Focus RS models were susceptible to exploding plenum chambers due to a backfire, Ford remapped the fuelling system such that Australian-delivered models did not experience this problem.
- Tyre life for the Focus RS can be as little as 10,000 kilometres, though careful owners can achieve in excess of 20,000 kilometres.
AustralianCar.Reviews thanks OEM Denied for their contributions to this page.
