Ford Allegedly Acknowledges Focus RS’ Head Gasket Issue, Comes Up With A Fix

Ford has reportedly admitted that the head gaskets in the Focus RS’ 2.3-liter EcoBoost have an issue and has come out with a fix. As a thread on FocusRS.org titled “Failed/Leaking Head Gasket Resource Thread” claims, the fix will be completed under Customer Satisfaction Program 17B32.

The report states that the automaker will replace the head gaskets on all affected vehicles and perform a pressure test as well. If the vehicle doesn’t pass the pressure test, Ford will also replace the car’s cylinder head. All Focus RS models built between August 3, 2015 and July 6, 2017 are included in the fix which is, of course, free of charge.

Ford claims that replacing the cylinder head gasket, pressure-testing the cooling system and inspecting the combustion chamber for coolant should take around 9.2 hours. Replacing the cylinder head lengthens the process to 10.3 hours.

The way Ford’s technicians will figure out if the hatchback’s cylinder head will need to be replaced is by pressure testing the cooling system for approximately five hours. If pressure drops by more than four psi, technicians will then use a borescope to see if there’s coolant inside the cylinders. If there is, they will replace the cylinder head.

The same document states that owners will receive paperwork on the fix this week. Focus RS owners will want to take their hatchback to a dealership as soon as possible, as the automaker will deny coverage on any engine damage that is directly caused from failing to get the issue fixed.

It may have taken the Blue Oval a while to announce a fix, but at least it has acknowledged the problem and worked on how to rectify it.

We reached out to Ford for a comment and this is what the automaker had to say: “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. Ford dealers will test the cooling system, replace the cylinder head gasket and may replace the cylinder head, as required, at no cost to the customer.”