Ford Focus RS : day 262 : The Focus RS head gasket recall

Now that it's out there what does FSA 17B32 mean for current and future Focus RS owners?
Note that in the video at 8:03 what I stated was incorrect, the proper engine evaluation process is;
Pressure test to 20PSI
Does pressure drop exceed 4PSI after 5 hours?
No = head gasket replacement only
Yes = bore scope cylinder inspection...
Does bore scope inspection show evidence of coolant in the combustion chambers?
No = head gasket replacement only
Yes = head gasket AND head replacement
This does mean your car can fail the pressure test but still only be given a head gasket replacement. Heads are ONLY replaced if there is coolant evidence in the cylinders.
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[@MarkCup70]

Note that in the video at 8:03 what I stated was incorrect, the proper engine evaluation process is; Pressure test to 20PSI Does pressure drop exceed 4PSI after 5 hours? No = head gasket replacement only Yes = bore scope cylinder inspection... Does bore scope inspection show evidence of coolant in the combustion chambers? No = head gasket replacement only Yes = head gasket AND head replacement This does mean your car can fail the pressure test but still only be given a head gasket replacement. Heads are ONLY replaced if there is coolant evidence in the cylinders.

[@STEVEBHPDEVON]

MarkCup70 got my car back from exeter ford today from the recall, new head and head gasket, took it in last Friday and collected it today sat, now it's time to enjoy :-) cheers steve

[@MarkCup70]

Yours is only the second one I've heard of that's had the actual work done Steve, I'm glad it went well for you!

[@STEVEBHPDEVON]

MarkCup70 it's going to take time to get them all done and then the haters can stop moaning

[@stephencaseyb]

Hi Mark got mine back on Thursday, FYI I live in Ireland, they changed gasket and head.

[@bigrob9921]

I don't even own an RS but I still like to watch your updates.

[@scottlucas2281]

Same here. I do want one but this dodgy engine has put me off. I'll get a golf R instead

[@bigrob9921]

I have the Toyota gt86, luckily no issues as yet. Touch wood

[@Toobluejzs147]

I think this dood got screwed with his rs i love mine

[@everettnielsen1960]

So I know this comment is super late. I watched your videos prior to buying my car so I had full knowledge of it but when I purchased my 2016 RS used from a ford dealer before the gasket recall came out and they had no idea I told them but they didn’t believe me. it went in for the head gasket 2 weeks ago . So now been 2 weeks without my car. Ford gave me a loaner car for the whole 2 weeks now which has been nice. Dealer has been great except lots of parts delayed in shipping. Took almost 3 months for Gasket Kit to arrive! That’s my story! Thanks for sharing yours! Fellow rs owner :)

[@gregmurnin4532]

Mark...as always your info is invaluable....many thanks! I contacted Evans Halshaw Glasgow today. The service department advised me that they have been inundated with RS owners who have a Field Service Action on Etis. I was assured that I would be contacted as soon as the parts are available and to bring my car in for pressure testing (FEb 2017 build). They also advised that I would be eligible for a courtesy car. I was impressed by the way I was treated and the awareness that the service department had. I must say that I owe a great debt to you for your knowledge, enthusiasm and overall input regarding the RS. Thank you! I also am very glad that I joined the MK3 Focus RS club. Keep up the great work Mark...your input is invaluable!Cheers!Greg

[@paulwilliamson7757]

I have a 2016 RS with the head gasket issue my car isn’t showing any of the warning signs but after watching your latest blog I have mine booked into Arnold Clark for a week on the 12th of February with a courtesy car for the duration I’d just like to thank you for your excellent work and presentation I like many other RS owners would have been left completely in the dark about this issue. Cheers Mark 👍

[@SPURTIS00]

@MarkCup70 USA RS owner here. Firstly, thanks for a good, informative video. My car has had the pressurization test performed and it passed. This was a few weeks ago, and I'm taking the car back in for the repair on Monday. I'm comfortable and content with this and think that Ford is doing the right thing. The dealer is going to provide me with a loaner car during the fix, which I also appreciate. Of course you have lost an engine, as have a small number of others. But when this storm blows over, I believe the reputation of the RS will be restored and all will be good. Thanks

[@andywhite15]

Very informative video. Thanks Mark. By the way don’t want to alarm you but there’s a Crocodile about to enter your house 😉

[@GG-im1cb]

It’s good to see an acknowledgement by Ford, especially after ignoring the liner failures in the 5 cylinder Mk2 RS’s and ST’s that are causing so many premature engine failures, when all that is needed is a simple shim between each cylinder.

[@stevefox6753]

Thanks for the video Mark, it's put my mind at rest about the open deck engine design. I was worried that the gasket replacement wouldn't solve it. Well done for putting all this work in!

[@Scott555ish]

Great video Mark. I've been sitting on the fence for some time regarding buying an RS. But now this issue has gone official it actually puts my mind at rest. Kinda hoping all the annoyed owners move on and trade in, therefore giving me more choice.

[@MarkCup70]

There's plenty that are selling up Scott, sit tight and I'm sure a bargain will come up...just make sure it's got the right gasket before you part with your hard earned!

[@jimd385]

Thanks for a really great video. As yet, I’ve had no communication from anyone regarding a recall In fact, were it not for KZbin and particularly yourself and Fezza, I wouldn’t even know there was an issue with RS engines failing. Your detailed and informative video really has put my mind at ease, so thanks again I appreciate the efforts you’ve gone to on behalf of the RS community. Lastly, my thoughts on ownership: I’m still a huge Ford fan and that won’t change, and while do admit that buying an expensive new car is a serious financial commitment, I also have a long memory of how my cars used to be before I could afford to buy new ones. For about 17 years all I ever owned were well used old cars that broke down constantly, so the prospect of a new car needing some engine work won’t bother me at all. Looking forward to seeing the new Focus whenever that comes, and it’s ST/RS variants which I’m sure are still a few years away. Cheers for the info mate.

[@davespooney8472]

Great video, thank you for putting so much time into this. I think Ford have responded well.

[@djh5755]

Thanks Mark... all the information I have obtained on this gasket problem has come from you including the US recall. Spoke to a Ford machanic just last week and he told me it was a European problem that only effected 300 cars. You sharing the US recall is a huge weight lifted. I have the Mustang gasket in my RS and I know this because of your last video... thanks again. I have not received my recall from Ford yet but in the meantime I think I will take bore scope pictures of my cylinders and head so I have pictures of any potential damage that my have been caused. If you have any thoughts on this please chime in.

[@charlietimes2770]

make sure an ASE certified mechanic does the scoping because ford can void what's left of your warranty, they still have to replace head gasket anyway. there is a reason ford waited so long to do something about this...money! the longer they wait to address the problem the better chances they have of only having to fix a smaller percentage of these cars. everyday these cars are being destroyed showing off or just in everyday auto accidents...fewer cars left to fix after every wreck. I love my little RS but I am not looking forward to dealing with my dealership because they are all clueless, good luck to you Darrin!

[@KrisFLton]

Thanks Mark. Just booked my car in for the work to be done. The dealer will have it for 4/5 days. They’ve confirmed they’ll run the pressure test and get the parts in. Mine has no symptoms, so the dealer and I assume it’s a test and swap of the gasket. Good service from them so far, Loan Car for the duration. And no sign of two dealer visits yet.

[@cs8sz]

I also don't own a focus rs and probably never will, but I really love your videos, keep up the great work.

[@phwilkins]

Called ford and was told there is a back log and it will be up to, two to four weeks before they can fit the car in. Also a back log on the parts as well. They did ask for my reg to just check on ford etis to see if the cars was on there, I did say I had already checked that it was on there ... So the waiting game begins... Cheers mark for a great video and info..

[@StanAsher]

great video, thank you... great information. I have a 2017 RS build date is November 2016 and the motor build date is October 2016. I took mine in to Ford to be checked and sure enough I not only needed the new Head gasket but also a while new head..mileage is 8190after it failed the pressure test, and it failed quickly. The service department was nice, I went and talked to sales about simply trading it in on a new one ( Another RS) but they said they didn't want my car since it was messed up (wow) I love the car, and I hope that the work is done correctly and that the new head gasket and head fixes the issue

[@sparkford04]

Bet they would still mark it up if they were selling it on their forecourt - not good to here those comment when you think of depreciation rates.

[@ADDwithJTC]

Damn Stan, that's fucked up. I pray you have no other problems. I would never give THAT dealer my biz again. They're supposed to reassure you, not make you feel like your car is messed up after they fix it. That's messed up.

[@jonnyp2802]

My engine build is 15th June 2017 checked the gasket and yes it's the correct one with the brass inserts. It's still on the system for recall 😭 best to be safe than sorry I suppose. Appreciate the vids mate 👍

[@jeremyloveday8189]

Interesting. I would want to know if I had the right gasket and if I did they wouldn’t be changing my gasket. Does the brass rivet definitely mean it’s the correct one?!? That should be the first thing the dealers look for..

[@davespooney8472]

jeremy loveday yup brass rivets = correct gasket. The dealer will just inspect the car, if it's wearing its correct gasket, it can be returned to its owner.

[@MarkCup70]

There's likely to be a crossover period where a mix of cars around the same date came with either of the two gaskets. I'd imagine if your car is around this time (which yours will be) they'll want to check it just to be certain.

[@ivoamaro381]

Hi Mark. First of all , thank you for all your work, explaining what is happening to the RS engine. I used to have a black RS. I said "used" because i bought on july but had an accident on december and the front of the car just got destroyed. That was not my fault since the other driver simply cross a STOP sign...so her insurence is paying me the value of my car. So now i'm getting another RS, this time grey. This grey one, was already on a dealer since the time i bought mine on july. Its probably affected by this problem. I spoke to the dealer's mechanic and he said they haven't heard, until now, this recall...and more, he said in Porto (Portugal) there is no case of a head gasket failure. My black one had already 11 000 kms and no problems. Lets wait and see whats going to happen in europe

[@JonathanTyas]

Excellent video and sleuthing Mark. Keep up the good work and happy RSing.

[@rosssmith9941]

Dont own a RS, but this recall/engineering defect, is very interesting, i hope yours is trouble free now though. Great content!

[@charlietimes2770]

thank you Mark for putting in the work

[@purebread1]

Great video mark if I knew all this a month ago I wouldn't have cancelled my order so thank you again👍

[@Invitingsauce]

The whole thing puts me off buying a used RS for sure.

[@Ghettoize]

I could be in the market for a RS also looking into bmw 135i or a used c6

[@ThomMurphy]

I wager this didn't turn you off it, but moved you further away from your already distant position. If you liked the car, we're set on buying it, and were just waiting to see what Ford would do because you lacked confidence in them, what would you had expected to be done better. Why? They seem to be going well beyond the standard agreement of warranty that most people bought the car under. Certainly most people aren't entitled to rental cars and whatnot under standard warranty. They're also running it as a FSA and not just TSB. Personally, I was waiting. I'm more than satisfied with their response. Not their response time, though, that took way to long IMHO.

[@jayrave4]

Thom Murphy are you another salty MK3 Focus RS owner pissed he bought a lemon and didn’t go for German?

[@jayrave4]

tankd0g exactly this - once these are out of warranty Ford will making some serious money 😂😂😂😂

[@SPURTIS00]

Ford will honor the warranty regardless of who was the original owner. Don't worry about that part.

[@edjohnson1788]

Brilliant video, Mark! Thank you so much!!!!

[@rskyle17]

Well explained and well put together

[@Yakazuka]

The scene from Farther Christmas the movie comes to mind when all the toys made on the 'fast' production line are breaking because they were rushed. I've had my RS replacement gasket and thankfully there was no damage to the block or head, it seems stronger now and it's getting better MPG.

[@MarkCup70]

My new engine genuinely feels stronger than my first. I can't wait to get it back on the rolling road to see if anythings changed. Maybe for have turned up the wick a little knowing it won't now get bent out of shape?!

[@kronos350]

I bought the car last week in Italy from official Ford dealer, they were supposed to deliver it today but 2 days ago they told me about the campaign and so they have to do the test first and then change the gasket and the head if necessary, on one side I m happy it happens now, on the other side I feel worry. Here in Europe cost about 48K euros and with that money I can pretty much buy anything that run fast. Thanks for your video

[@TriptoCo]

kronos350 Pretty reassuring for a new car, huh? No! Don't buy a Ford. They are all shitty with rediculously poor build quality.

[@ronaldderooij1774]

I saw some youtubers showing not a head gasket problem, but a cracked engine block giving the same problems.

[@rinusbrand9993]

By watching KZbin vlogs I noticed your RS and followed You since. What you do is great. You must also have noticed the C6Z06 valve/valve guide isssues. Ths issue can occur after just less then 30000 km, and could result in total engine damage when relevant valves break. The engine block sleeves can not be replaced in the LS7. This was known to GM, but no recall made. Owners are still facing these issues which are now thru the internet and Forums. The owners are to bleed paying for there costly cyl. head repairs. Or even the cost of a new engine block etc.

[@scandango]

Great video - thank you for the thorough job. As a Ford Focus RS owner, I am super bummed. My experience from day one with the brand has been horrible. I originally drove from California to Arizona to pick up a 2016 grey RS in November, 2016 (every dealer in California was marking them up like crazy...I was able to work a deal with this Arizona dealership for invoice). After a 6 hour drive, I was literally 15 minutes away from the dealership, the salesman calls me and explains that there was a "mishap"...they sent the car over to the tint shop last minute to fix a blemish in the tint and the tint guy accidentally popped the clutch and hit the wall with the front bumper...damage was not horrible, but scraped up pretty bad. They offered to pay for the body-work when I returned to California with the car....no thanks, I decided to pass...who wants a brand new car that needs the entire front bumper to be repainted. Fast forward...The same dealership ordered me the same spec RS, but a 2017. The car was built sometime in Jan, 2017 and I drove to Arizona again in April, 2017 to pick up the car. After returning home to California, I noticed a strange squeaking noise coming from the steering rack. After doing some research online, I found that this was a common problem and likely caused by the plastic shock spring spacers that are literally jammed in the front springs during shipment (something to do with allowing the cars to be loaded for shipment overseas). I took a look under the fender, and sure enough, suspension spacers were still there on both front left and right springs. Dealership forgot to remove them before letting me drive off the lot. I took the car to the local dealership/service center and they removed the spacers (squeaky noise gone). I thought the car was unusually stiff on the drive back from AZ...it was the spacers. From what I have read online, there are clear instructions on the pre-delivery checklist for the folks at Ford to remove the spacers. Strike one. Fast forward again...having purchased the car in AZ, getting the car registered in CA was a bit of a pain. I had to get the car smogged and while at the smog shop, the mechanic noted that there was both orange and green coolant in the coolant reservoir. Apparently the same folks at the Ford dealership who completed the pre-delivery inspection (and failed to remove the shock spacers) topped off the factory installed orange coolant with green coolant (they don't mix, in fact they bind and form a gel). It's a big no-no to mix orange and green coolant (and fairly common knowledge). So back to the Ford dealership (strike two)...This time I had to schedule a service appointment (there was no mention of a cost or paying for a car rental...I would think this would be covered under Ford's warranty, or just out simple respect for the customer). When I went to drop off the car before work, I was THEN told that they would charge me $150 to flush the cooling system and I would also need to pay for the car rental...WTF? Their whole position was that I purchased the car from a different dealership and if I wanted to have the work done for free, I should take it back to the original dealership's service center (6 hours away in Arizona mind you). I ultimately came back to my local Ford service center in CA on a weekend so my wife take me home while the flush was completed (and I wouldn't have to fork over any money to Ford for the car rental). I called the original AZ dealership and gave them hell and they reimbursed me for the $150 I had to pay for the flush. The whole experience with the local Ford service center in CA was super frustrating...just getting bamboozled by Ford every step. And now THIS...completely incorrect head-gaskets installed on thousands of cars (strike three). I am going to get the gasket replaced, sell the car (fully disclosing all the issues to the buyer), and file a lawsuit with Ford to recoup the difference between original purchase price and whatever I can sell it for. I have been struggling on whether or not to sell the car after the experiences above, and have literally only put 1,100 miles on the car over 10 months of ownership. I always had a weird feeling like there were more issues with the car. Oh yeah, I also called Ford's corporate customer service department after the coolant fiasco explaining that I would like them to purchase the car back given the history (who knows what else was missed or installed incorrectly on the car) and they basically told me to pound sand. Horrible brand with horrible customer service as far as I'm concerned. Forgive the extended vent...had to let it out.

[@MarkCup70]

It's official, you've posted the longest, wholly justified, comment ever on one of my videos!

[@ADDwithJTC]

Kevin Scan Sounds like the people at the Ford dealer of your choice in Arizona are mentally retarded. Pop the clutch by accident and hit a wall on a tint job? Add wrong coolant? Being a mechanic for 9 years dealers and private shops alike I can tell you that these things don't happen in any of the places I've worked at here on the east coast. Heat fried their brains over there. Sorry bout the head gasket. Your car will be great after the fix. Just enjoy it!

[@AlexAutoFun]

Great video, super detailed and well presented, thanks for sharing this info!

[@k9jsb224]

What muppets are Disliking this upload? Great information!

[@gooner9798]

Thank you Mark, comprehensive details. This issue has actually put off upgrading my 2015 Focus ST-2 to the RS.

[@TheBigLebowskix]

gooner9798 Same here, hence Why I got a 2016 Focus ST3

[@ADDwithJTC]

I love my 17 Focus ST1. Have no intentions on changing cars for a long time. Although next car is most likely a Mustang. I watch these videos because I just like to know what's going on and Mark had a good story to tell and is very good at explaining!

[@jimmydingledangle5526]

I have a 17 plate with only 180 miles on the clock. Just checked the Ford ETIS and mine shows action required. Thanks for all your updates on this Mark it is much appreciated. Will be ringing Gates at Stevenage tomorrow to get it booked in!

[@stephenheyes1487]

James Doggett Your probably lucky with very low mileage, Iam more worried mine has about 8,000 miles on it, who knows how much damage has happened over that time, may trade mine in next year🤔

[@SPHHable]

thanks Mark for sharing this around. good work mate!

[@roadgoose3851]

I know a guy here in Sydney who purchased a new Focus RS a few months ago. Not sure if the engine build date precedes August 2017 or not. He babies the car and is very proud of it (and I fully understand why - is a wonderful car) He was completely oblivious to the widespread head gasket issues many RS owners are experiencing - I had to break the news to him as up until last Sunday (25th March) he'd not heard anything of the issue, nor had received any heads-up from Ford/his dealer re: recall Believe he's in contact with his dealership now trying to clarify what happens next re: possible need for head gasket/FSA 17B32 corrective work. what would really concern me as an RS Focus owner, is Ford dealers undermining any resale/trade-in value on these cars as a result of the issue that Ford themselves created - I have to concede, I'm waiting for 'that' to become the next chapter of this Focus RS saga to be played out on KZbin Also, the new head gasket: what concern is there that all the new head gasket will do, is push any further gasket/open deck related issues to fall outside the warranty period, whereupon Ford do not carry any liability? No offence to anyone, but personally I wouldn't want to play Russian Roulette with one of these Focus RS's myself so will not be in the market for one

[@woodsy555]

Very informative has usual Mark .... Great work buddie.

[@davidweir6842]

great work mark very informative took my rs in yesterday and got mine tested.needs head and gasket.parts ordered for possibly tuesdayand beleive it or not mechanics found some nuts n seeds under my kn filter.....true.... so I guess they can can conclude I defa have not bn revving the nuts off it lol car also showed a recall for it at service centre for check head gasket and had heard that glasgow branch have 90 rs to do at the mo take care and keep up the vids plz

[@michaelvargas82]

9K on my 2017 RS and the car is at the dealership for a 2nd HG repair. Oil was leaking from the head gasket and front timing cover. HG recall was done at 200 miles prior to purchase.

[@ThatGuyInVegas]

I went through hell from 10,000 miles to 20,000 miles from July 16th, 2017 to January 20th, 2018 getting my car completely error code free. New engine, new catalytic converter, two new 02 sensors and over a month in the garage spread across two Ford dealerships and a dozen return visits. Somehow I still love my car.

[@MarkCup70]

You're not alone Kurt. Despite all of this I genuinely love mine 👍😀

[@beagleboy111]

A local Car journalist in Australia is saying they have a faulty head and upper cylinder problem which blows the gasket and Ford are putting a strengthened one that will last just past your warranty date and fail again.

[@exoc1]

I had my engine replaced in July -17, but I lost my trust in the car. Every time i started it up, I checked the mirror for smoke. I loved the car, but ended up selling it. Replaced it with a -98 Rover mini. :D

[@jaegerg2]

Thanks Mark, extremely thorough and informative!

[@jamesmcclendon3932]

Dude, thanks for the important info! Guess what I just got in the mail? My recall letter.

[@barrysmalley4333]

I’ve got my car booked in with dealer no problems with modifications my vehicle has revo stage 2 fitted all covered under field action. My problem is they are having my car for 3 days to do the tests but won’t supply me with a courtesy car for this. They are then giving me the car back while they order the parts then when I take it back they will supply me with a hire car for a maximum of 4 days. This is ridiculous no car for checks but ok when work carried out I’ve taken this up with ford direct and am waiting for a reply to this. I also think it’s ridiculous as it has the wrong gasket but are quite happy to let me have car back and drive around with wrong gasket and could create further damage.Dealer told me it’s not them it’s fords directive to do the work this way so it is a couple of visits to the dealer, but only supply car on 1 visit???. Keep up the good work yours is the best and most informative channel out there.

[@zaheedevans3]

Great content Mark, thank you.

[@davidmulcahy4864]

I cancelled my order for a new RS Last year (was my retirement present) and bought a new Fiesta ST3 MP215 instead. Its so much fun and no worries.

[@kevhulme8595]

Thanks mark thinking of getting the rs this year but not many had recall done very worrying .

[@MarkCup70]

What I'm hearing Kev is that they're slowly getting through them. the frustrating thing is the dealers are a little inconsistent in how they're handling the claims. Some have many people queued up in line and are knocking them off one by one and others seem to do all they can to not do the work! Keep at it and you'll find the right car for you in the end.

[@kevhulme8595]

MarkCup70 thank you mark for letting me know .

[@patrickwoodmency]

I took mine in and they did the pressure test. It was good, so they told me to pick her up. I asked if they replaced the headgasket. They said they didn't have to because it passed the pressure test. I told them they needed to re-read the TSB. They called me back a little while later and told me I was correct. Now I'm waiting on the new HG which is allegedly on back order. Be careful. I read the TSB and it's worded poorly which could lead to them not repairing the HG.

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420]

The close-up of the speedometer and tachometer suggests an acute anachronism which Ford should rectify. 1980's parts being fitted to a current model.

[@yousifkhalil1990]

Great video mark, i tried to book my car in yesterday to be told the parts required are on back order !! very annoying !! i almost don't wanna drive the car.

[@MarkCup70]

I'm hearing this from others as well Yousif, not good!

[@yousifkhalil1990]

My car is now booked in on the 5th, but you was right there will be two visits needed, dealer has told me that the first visit will be to test the engine pressures... and inspect the cylinders with a bore scope. This is gonna take all day, once they have done all testing and they find out whether it’s just a head gasket replacement or complete head. They will then send me away and re book me to come back for the works.... 😡

[@alansmith83]

Hi Mark. My understanding is that since it is the wrong head gasket it may still seal. That being said, since the cooling ports are on the Mustang head gasket are different from those of the RS this may cause hot spots from poor circulation resulting in damage to both the block and head. Bearing in mind that these hot spots could begin to warp the head and block but STILL seal the gasket. After changing the gasket there may still be damage resulting in failure of the new cylinder head and gasket.There is nothing in the recall that states they will check the block for damage, there is nothing that states if a failure occurs after the work is done whether that is covered under extended warranty either. I am hitting a brick wall with my Ford dealership and they can't even tell me the proper procedure for testing. I also asked them how will they know if there is damage to the block, their reply, "we do tests", although they could not specify what these tests are. Can you shed any light on any of this?

[@poker_18rs92]

3:40 is what anyone looking to buy a Focus RS should read. That explains everything & those vehicles manufactured during that timeline need new gaskets. What amazes me are all of the dealers out there selling pre-owned Focus RS's without head gaskets replacements & the amount of people over-paying for a vehicle with bad head gaskets. When you even mention FSA they act stupid about it. Why the hell would anyone pay 35K+ for a vehicle that has bad head gaskets?

[@daveyb110]

Fords uk have sent me a letter and is booked in for a pressure test on the 9th of may 👍🏼

[@DeanandFiddy]

Top job job Mark. I emailed my dealer on the 23rd and received a reply of “the recall has only been released in the US so we don’t know what the recall entails” fair enough I suppose. But it sounds like the UK dealers now have the info? If so it would be a poor show not to have come back to me. Let’s see what this week brings. My car is on Etis for 17B32.

[@MarkCup70]

They have access to it Dean. I was speaking with mine again today to advise him of the FSA being cancelled against my car and as I was on the phone he pulled the FSA details up on his screen...try again with yours.

[@kronos350]

They issue the campaign all over the world

[@rabmc]

Great video, explained perfectly 👌🏼

[@martinwollenberg5735]

very very well explained. thank you very much!

[@bshah4831]

Thank you, very informative.

[@mariuscovaciu4947]

I had HG replaced at 17.000 km. Now, it has 30.000 km and failed again. Currently my car is at the dealer and they gave me a replacement car. My dealer said that Ford will provide a new HG and also a new cylinder head set. What new cylinder head set means, my dealer doesn't know yet. Waiting for the parts to arrive and I'll update. My dealer said that when he send pictures of my engine with water inside the cylinder, Ford send to him immediately instructions to replace cylinder head set.

[@sent1685]

How is it going ??? Any update ?

[@buckaroobonsi555]

The problem is the block is an open deck design. That is not idea for high performance turbo charged applications. They should have supported the cylinders more like a semi-open deck design. The head and block are moving independently of each other. This is scrubbing the gasket in places. Their is an extra whole in the gasket as well from the factory that is not needed and weakens the sealing.

[@mhallums]

So, another update. My Focus RS in for first service today (30th January), just under 12K miles covered. On arrival, I was advised that first service would be carried out as planned, but the car will definitely need to come back for a recall, irrespective of whether it has faulty head gasket or not. Will be pressure tested exactly as reported in this video. Will update everyone on the findings.

[@Pollock330]

not sure if anyone else also had this happen, my 17 RS turbo took a shit after they did the warranty for the head gasket. more than likely a tech error if they do or dont remove the turbo in the process. how ever it did put me out of my car longer than i wanted to be.

[@davidweir6842]

yep mark what a palava dealer has head and gasket but no sealer They have canceled my book in until i recieve official recall letter so still fighting with ford to get my car in. It was chkd on fri and failed. coolant cn thru borescope and failed pressure test...strange they gave us car bck

[@stevenburke2551]

Alot,laughing at the gasket in the ford focus RS because it goes sometimes and not 👏👏👏

[@StreetieTV]

It seems most Focus Models have recalls. My Focus 1.6L Titanium Turbo has had a recall for its cooling system. 17s09.

[@xr2fan655]

Thanks Mark. Checked Etis and my car was listed. Contacted TrustFord today. They said I could book in for the work without the letter. With courtesy car, middle of March. Without courtesy car 19th February. While in the meantime the worst could happen and a need for a new engine. They weren’t exactly falling o er themselves to get it in.

[@DashDriver-z1r]

Tony ORourke pressure them to get you a rental car, ford should pay.

[@devaneysod]

Hi Mark.. I'm in the process of buying a 2016 R.S and expressed my concern over the head gasket issue. My ford dealer said the didn't know anything about any recalls on this car. Not very reassuring from a ford main dealer.

[@-DC-]

devaneysod I'd have ended the buying process at that point.

[@sent1685]

Stay away from them then

[@juancruz-jg5pq]

my rs aas a 17 year model, build date 12/16 and my car passed the pressure test , amd now the dealer had to send results to see if it is necessary install the new head gasket design. its been 10 days since i dropped off my car for the recall

[@mhallums]

Following up on my last comment, the latest I've heard is that it's only a very small number of cars affected as it was just one batch of gaskets for the Mustang that were supplied to RS' by mistake.

[@MarkCup70]

I think it's a few more than that Mark. Responses on my last video where the owners checked their cars to see which gasket was fitted suggest every car before July 17 has the wrong gasket.

[@Alex13mod]

I got a new engine as-well way before the recall.

[@keithbjelland1813]

I heard that the focus RD is made by ford in Germany and the MUSTANG ECO BOOST is made in the USA.

[@christinerumiz7587]

Very informative video. Unfortunately Ford Australia are yet to acknowledge the recall 17B32. Ford Care keep telling me there is no recall listed against my car despite it been in the date range identified by Ford and yes it has the head gasket without the brass rivet. The FordEtis site doesn't seem to be too reliable either, first search of my VIN showed the recall was listed but subsequent searches have resulted in no recalls list for my VIN all within a 12 hour period, so not sure what is going on here.

[@daewoo4664]

AutoExpertTV will sort it for you

[@sharky322]

Open decked engine blocks are not good for high boost applications. Thats why 4g63 engines are proven to hold massive amount of boost (of course with some forged rods/pistons ). The closed deck cast iron block is bulletproof.

[@MrStucks]

The FSA notice has gone from my car too. It was showing on Friday but today it is no longer there. My car is May 2016 but has the CORRECT gasket - maybe Ford has found a way of working out which cars got the incorrect gaskets?

[@MarkCup70]

That is very interesting! Have you owned the car from new? If not, is it possible that the engine's been replaced in the last six months prior to you buying it?

[@MrStucks]

I have found the answer regarding my car - dealer confirmed it had had a replacement engine already. Fitted 6th September. Just before I bought it.

[@juancruz-jg5pq]

today i received a phone call from dealer, and service guy told me, " head gasket is good and passed the pressure test. we are sending results to europe and ser if you need the new head gasket or not. so finally what was the result n your vehicle?

[@jimmydingledangle5526]

I feel relaxed I took the five year warranty and in my view ford will have to extend their warranties on this or the damage to the RS brand could be irreparable. Similar to Porsche with the 991.1 GT3 engine issues.

[@Nic8479]

I live in America and my 3rd cylinder blew out. Ford claimed I “wiped” the memory and have denied every request to honor their warranty. Please pass this on to the forums

[@sparkford04]

Mark, It a shame that Ford didn't do what you have just done , in this video, by addressing all customer / owners via an official KZbin detailed announcement and engineering reasoning for what they have just done in launching the recall. How many cars are affected due to their in-house Traceability tracking system globally. What criteria determines what was a previous engine change and not just a cylinder replacement or cyl head gasket,which is now the proposed under the recall.. Will there still be a % need, depending on what technicians see via the scope checks, in higher mileage cars a case for engine replacement?

[@Yoogoy]

I bought my focus RS from salvage auction and fixed it up, it’s rebuilt title, will ford still repair the head gaskets?

[@andiedwards368]

Hi Man, fantastic video. Was planning to buy an Rs for my 53rd birthday. A treat for all of my hard working days, till this issue came up. Was planning to buy private, any advice if i do go down that route?

[@Zadster]

From a user comment on PistonHeads, the head gasket problem is down to the wrong component (i.e. Mustang spec not RS spec) being delivered by the gasket supplier. This explains why the issue didn't appear in testing and why it only came to light some months after customer cars were delivered. Amazing how drivers of other cars have totally forgotten pretty major recalls. Gearbox fails, swirl flaps trashing engines, Nikasil liners failing after several years - trivial stuff like that...

[@davespooney8472]

Porsche and Subaru - both supposed manufacturers of high quality vehicles have ignored major engine design flaws for years. Many customers £10k+ out of pocket and yet Ford have recognised the problem, issued a comprehensive fix and people are still screaming don't buy a focus rs. It's their loss.... I'm not even a Ford fan and often scoff at classic Ford tax, but have been observing this issue for months now.

[@jim6807]

Right I have to agree with you both

[@davidweir6842]

got mine booked in for fri lost 250 ml coolant not had a recall letter yet I am 2nd owner of car 16 plate

[@roberts773]

Could be an issue for me mark as i wasn't offered the 5 year warranty cover when I bought the car 😤

[@weirs8]

Hi @MarkCup70 thanks for another very good video which is a big help for everyone dealing with this shambles from Ford. Just out of curiosity do you have a link to this literature from Ford which gives all details of the field service action? I wouldn’t mind taking it in with me when my car goes in next week just so I know exactly what’s going on. I worry the dealerships aren’t that well equipped to deal with this and wouldn’t mind having all the details written down so I can go through it with them and make sure they don’t miss anything. Completely lost my faith in Ford as a result of this issue.

[@randellgribben9772]

they also found that the valancia 2.0 did not have the 'V' cuts........ they are drilled..i got lucky.. my 2.0 ecoboost on my 2014 ford fusion has the spanish engine

[@charlottehull3628]

in all honestly would you now purchase a used focus rs ?, would you expect all used rs in official ford dealerships to now be fixed, I am very interested I one but only from a ford dealership, I think a lot of people have both mr Fezza and yourself to thank for your hard work

[@MarkCup70]

All it takes is the VIN and a check on ETIS to know any car you want to purchase is OK. The trouble with that is that so many won't be aware outside of the community and I'm sure some cars will slip through the net.

[@sazeey1]

Its put me off a RS for good...used values for these cars will plumit.. I will stick to my ST3.

[@cjmoritz]

I heard that there was also a problem with the back of the block cracking between cylinders 2 & 3, has this been addressed?

[@michaelhesford5191]

Thanks mate !! I get my new one in March it was made on the 6th of December. I hope they are put the right one in 🤪 I’ll have to ring them tomorrow

[@MarkCup70]

6th December 2017? If so you're almost 100% sure to have the correct gasket.

[@michaelhesford5191]

MarkCup70 yes mate and thanks ⭐️👍

[@hondatrix]

Did you notice that the gasket part numbers for the replacement gasket and the gasket to be used when the cylinder head is replaced are different? Is the new head different too?

[@roberts773]

Good work Mark, what about the Warranty when I get mine done I want my three year warranty to restart have ford mentioned this issue to you?

[@MarkCup70]

They haven't and I've not asked Robert. As I have the extended 5yr/100k mile warranty, and as my engine failed within the first six months of that I saw little point in getting into that argument with Ford.

[@fsxnico]

Hi Mark. There's a video you should look into, it's in german but you can use youtube translator, the channel is "beast factory" video name is "Chris erklärt / RS3 Problem / by beast factory" . A small summary would be: The gasket is not the problem (obviously the wrong gasket is, but even with the "right" gasket the issue will persist), but the cooling in general is, there are vapor and airbubbles forming in the manifold area because of poor cooling system design. The fix would be to use an oilbased coolant which evaporates at much higher temperatures. I don't know what to think about it but it seems legit, what do you think?

[@adamjordan3872]

2 diffrent dealers passed my car off as been ok one had to top the coolant up it passed pressure test ive lost all faith in ford major let down now im driving a broken car waiting for the bang lol

[@stephenheyes1487]

Adam Jordan I think they should replace the engines fella, 30k is alot for any car not sure I will be keeping hold of mine may give it back next year and go in for another make

[@adamjordan3872]

Stephen Heyes i know its well dissheartening ive had to talk to dealer principal surely driving my car a month with coolant leak will need a new engine

[@stephenheyes1487]

Adam Jordan Iam more worried with mine with well over 8,000 miles, Iam hoping I get a new engine whatever happens us owners are going feel hit on future vehicle values that is a given

[@Oosh21]

Send an email to Ford corporate in you country, outlining the facts of the situation, and your concerns. Make sure you keep a copy of it and any response. It'll prove invaluable evidence if something goes bang later.

[@stephenheyes1487]

Oosh21 Thanks fella I think I will do that not very happy, we should all be getting a new engine, I think I will trade my RS in next year the car is more than likely lose alot of value because of this engine problem at very least we should be offered a extended warranty as a gesture of goodwill especially when you have spent 30k on one of their products

[@garygraham6095]

Hi mark I checked ford's website for a recall on my Rs and there is not one I also asked my dealer and they told me the same any advice on this!!! Thanks Gary G

[@dukedaz8920]

Great vid m8👍

[@chrisbaxter5041]

Very interesting video I'm still sitting on the fence about buying one I'm currently driving a modified mk2 st but wanting that four wheel drive Keep up the great work and when's that BMW coming to the channel?

[@MarkCup70]

That'll be soon Chris, I'm looking forward to trying it again out now it has some attitude!

[@TonyLeach-airguntech]

27000 cars reported effected Mark

[@MarkCup70]

That many? Wow...that would make it circa GBP20m or USD30m then. Ouch!

[@simontaylor3211]

Nice clarinet playing 😂🎼

[@MarkCup70]

Ha ha! Badly timed practice though!

[@jollyjoker1352]

Drove one, wanted to buy it and had luck - a friend of mine working in the Ford development department gave me the advice to buy another car. If there has been coolant in the bore scope what does this mean to oil slick ?

[@shaunsimpson9902]

Is this future proof or should you avoid a 3 year old rs.

[@gundamfan2020]

Cosworth.. we miss you