I’m looking into buying a used Ford Focus Ecoboost 2017 (125 ZETEC Auto). It’s got 29k miles on it and just passed its MOT in August 2023.
After reading everyone’s feedback, I’ve decided not to go through with the purchase.
These engines have a reputation for major failures. People in the motor trade call them “eco boom” for a reason. You might want to look this up before deciding.
Kai said:
These engines have a reputation for major failures. People in the motor trade call them “eco boom” for a reason. You might want to look this up before deciding.
I checked into it, and it seems like the issues mostly happened with older models and were covered by recalls. Haven’t found anything on this particular year.
@Lennon
While some issues were addressed in recalls (like the weak piping in the cooling system), there are still big problems Ford hasn’t owned up to, like oil starvation caused by the wet belt degrading.
@Zyler
Yikes, that sounds serious! I think I’ll stay away from this car. Thanks for the heads-up.
@Lennon
I think the issues were sorted for 2017 models. It was mainly the 2013-2016 ones that had big problems.
Hart said:
@Lennon
I think the issues were sorted for 2017 models. It was mainly the 2013-2016 ones that had big problems.
What makes you think they fixed the engine in 2017? Honest question.
@Zyler
I heard they widened the coolant passages between the cylinders, which stopped the head gaskets from blowing due to overheating. The hoses are still an issue, but there are aftermarket fixes for that.
These engines have a wet timing belt that runs in oil. Over time, bits of the belt wear off, clog the oil passages, and destroy the engine. I’d steer clear.
Torin said:
These engines have a wet timing belt that runs in oil. Over time, bits of the belt wear off, clog the oil passages, and destroy the engine. I’d steer clear.
I have a Puma with the same tech, and it’s on lease, so I can’t control the service intervals. But yeah, I agree—18k mile intervals seem way too long for these belts.
@Hart
If it’s a lease, it’s not your problem when the engine blows up! 
Kim said:
@Hart
If it’s a lease, it’s not your problem when the engine blows up!
Exactly! It’s already in its third year with 30k miles, so I’m just riding it out.
Kim said:
@Hart
If it’s a lease, it’s not your problem when the engine blows up!
Can’t wait for the call: “Your car blew up. Can you come get it?”
The automatic transmission is one of the worst out there—not as bad as the Powershift ones or Nissan CVTs, but still unreliable.
As for the engine, the Ecoboost 1.0T is known to have issues. I wouldn’t worry too much about the unpaid tax; it just means the car’s been sitting at a dealership.
I owned one, and the engine failed without warning. It cost me £7k to replace. I’m just keeping it running until it dies again, and then I’ll switch to electric.
The car itself is fine, but there are safer options out there.
I’ve got a 10-year-old Fiesta Ecoboost with 91k miles and no issues. Don’t let forum armchair mechanics scare you off.
Micah said:
I’ve got a 10-year-old Fiesta Ecoboost with 91k miles and no issues. Don’t let forum armchair mechanics scare you off.
My 2015 Focus didn’t make it past 90k. The timing belt degraded, and bits clogged the oil passages. It cost £700 for a new kit, but the repairs caused other issues, so I sold it. I loved my Focuses (MK1, MK2, and MK3), but this one was a disappointment.
A car sitting untaxed might have been off the road for repairs. It’s worth asking about it and looking into the history.
Hart said:
A car sitting untaxed might have been off the road for repairs. It’s worth asking about it and looking into the history.
Or it’s just been sitting at a dealership.
Hart said:
A car sitting untaxed might have been off the road for repairs. It’s worth asking about it and looking into the history.
It’s probably just been at a dealership for two months. Nothing shady here.