Thinking About a 2022 Ford Focus… Should I Go for It or Walk Away?

I’m stuck trying to decide if I should buy a 2022 Ford Focus. It has 45,000 miles on it, and I keep hearing people call the EcoBoost engines ‘EcoBoom’—which has me worried.

It’s a 1.0L petrol hybrid, and I’m tempted because it’s newer than my current car. But with all the stories I’ve read, is this a good idea or should I look at something else?

If it’s the 3-cylinder, I’d stay away. It has a wet oil pump belt that eventually breaks down, gets sucked into the oil pickup, and wrecks the engine. There’s no warning—it just happens.

Zeek said:
If it’s the 3-cylinder, I’d stay away. It has a wet oil pump belt that eventually breaks down, gets sucked into the oil pickup, and wrecks the engine. There’s no warning—it just happens.

A lot of these failures happen because people don’t follow service intervals or use the wrong oil. Many garages just throw in any 5W-30 instead of the Castrol that Ford specifically designed for these engines. If you’re set on buying it, make sure it has a full service history—ideally from Ford—or that the belt was replaced recently. That way, at least you can take care of it properly going forward.

@Rian
Funny thing is, in the U.S. they don’t even use Castrol—Motorcraft or Pennzoil is more common.

Zeek said:
If it’s the 3-cylinder, I’d stay away. It has a wet oil pump belt that eventually breaks down, gets sucked into the oil pickup, and wrecks the engine. There’s no warning—it just happens.

That’s exactly what I’m worried about. My current Focus is also a 1.0L, but I got it with just 8K miles, and it’s been great so far. But buying another one with 45K miles already on it feels like a risk.

@Emory
45K miles isn’t that much.

Zeek said:
@Emory
45K miles isn’t that much.

True, but with the reputation these engines have, I’m wondering if it’s worth the gamble. I’ve read that the MK4.5 has a timing chain instead of a wet belt—so maybe that makes it safer?

@Emory
What year is your current car?

Zeek said:
@Emory
What year is your current car?

I have a 2019 Focus Active with 35K miles. So the one I’m looking at is newer but has more miles.

Emory said:

Zeek said:
@Emory
What year is your current car?

I have a 2019 Focus Active with 35K miles. So the one I’m looking at is newer but has more miles.

Got it. What’s a ‘69 plate’ though?

@Zeek
It’s a UK thing—it means it was registered in 2019.

Emory said:
@Zeek
It’s a UK thing—it means it was registered in 2019.

Ahh, makes sense. I’m in the U.S., so our plates work differently. Figured you were from Europe or Australia based on how you wrote your post. Guessing UK?

@Zeek
Yep, UK here.

Zeek said:
If it’s the 3-cylinder, I’d stay away. It has a wet oil pump belt that eventually breaks down, gets sucked into the oil pickup, and wrecks the engine. There’s no warning—it just happens.

The newer ones have a timing chain.

Edit: That’s the MK4.5. I have an older Ecoboost with a wet belt, and mine is still going strong at 105K km!

@River
That’s good to know! The one I’m looking at is the MK4.5, so it should have a chain instead of a belt. I’m assuming that’s a safer option?

Emory said:
@River
That’s good to know! The one I’m looking at is the MK4.5, so it should have a chain instead of a belt. I’m assuming that’s a safer option?

Yeah, the chain is designed to be in oil, unlike the rubber belt, so it should last a lot longer.

My Ecoboost Focus has been sitting at Ford for three months now—third blown engine, all because of oil pressure issues. I don’t mind the long-term rental car they gave me, but three engines in three years is ridiculous.

Save yourself the headache and run.

@Cary
That’s awful. Hopefully, it’s covered under warranty so you’re not paying out of pocket.

Emory said:
@Cary
That’s awful. Hopefully, it’s covered under warranty so you’re not paying out of pocket.

It is, but there’s always a cost. Lost time, missed work, and the constant hassle of dealing with Ford. Plus, they fight you on warranty claims every step of the way.

I wouldn’t do it.