Recalls: Ford Mk.2 Focus
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 Mk.2 Focus
2007-09 Ford Focus TDCi: exhaust heat shield omitted
In May 2010, a recall was issued for Ford Focus TDCi variants manufactured from 28 March 2007 to 17 August 2009. In some of these vehicles, the DW10 diesel engine may not have been fitted with an exhaust heat shield which could produce heat-related durability problems (PRA 2010/11675).
Ford Focus TDCi: loss of power braking assistance
In May 2009, a recall was issued for seventy (70) Ford LV Focus vehicles fitted with 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines. In these vehicles, the supply of vacuum to the brake booster could be interrupted – this could result in a hard brake pedal and increased stopping distances (PRA 2009/10807).
Problems and faults: Ford Mk.2 Focus
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.
2006-07 Ford Focus: re-work of wiring loom error
In 2010, Ford UK issued a ‘non-code action’ for Ford Focus vehicles that were manufactured from 1 September 2006 to 31 October 2007. For affected Ford Focus vehicles, the wiring loom was to be re-worked due to a production error (NCA/2010/010).
Ford Mk.2 Focus: difficulty starting and poor engine performance
Difficulty starting the vehicle and poor engine performance – including entering ‘limp home’ mode – may be due to the Power Control Module (PCM) cluster gateway not closing properly and draining the battery; reprogramming the PCM should fix the problem.
Ford Mk.2 Focus: throttle body switch
Engine vibration, ‘engine malfunction’ warnings and entering ‘limp home’ mode may be due to a fault in the throttle body switch which requires replacement. In the interim, stopping the vehicle, turning the engine off and waiting five minutes should re-set the switch and enable the journey to be completed.
Ford LV Focus TDCi: PowerShift transmission
For Ford LV Focus TDCi vechiles with Ford’s ‘PowerShift’ double clutch transmission, a technical service bulletin was issued to dealers in late 2011 for a software update to re-program the powertrain control module for “smoother acceleration, reduced hesitation, better low-speed drivability and improved shift scheduling”.
To prevent premature wear of the PowerShift transmission, it should not be driven like a conventional automatic transmission. As such, drivers should not hold the car on inclines by using the accelerator; by braking when coming to rest on an incline, the hill launch assist function will engage to prevent the vehicle rolling backwards when the driver removes their foot from the brake to accelerate. Furthermore, drivers should not engage in stop/start creeping which may cause the clutch to slip.
Ford Mk.2 Focus: other problems and faults
- For manual models, downshifting into first gear at speeds above 25km/h may cause the clutch disc to break apart – even if the clutch is not subsequently engaged – requiring the installation of a revised clutch disc and pressure plate.
- The clutch may not disengage due to a leaking slave cylinder that must be replaced (along with the clutch disc and pressure plate).
- The air conditioning may stop working due to a refrigerant leaking from the compressor shaft seal.
- Models with turbo-diesel engines should not be driven through floodwaters due to the low air intake.
- The windscreen washers could leak and rainwater could drain into the spark plug housing and cause corrosion.
- For early models, squealing noises from the rear drum brakes when applied may require the fitment of revised brake shoes.
