Head Gasket

In some 2016-2017 Focus RS vehicles, a design flaw in the cylinder head gasket led to coolant leaks into the engine’s combustion chamber. This issue often manifested as visible white smoke from the exhaust or persistently low coolant levels without external leaks.

Ford responded with Customer Satisfaction Program 17B32, offering free repairs to address the problem. Dealers were instructed to pressure-test the cooling system and replace the head gasket. In more severe cases, where damage extended to the cylinder head itself, the entire assembly was replaced.

The program, initially effective through January 2019, was extended to May 2019 to ensure more owners could benefit. Ford also provided rental vehicles during repairs to minimize inconvenience.

This issue highlighted the importance of robust testing during the pre-production phase but also demonstrated Ford’s commitment to addressing problems with their high-performance vehicles head-on.

Do I have the right head gasket?

1. Visual Inspection of the Gasket Design:

  • The original (old) head gasket used on affected 2016-2017 models was not specifically designed for the Focus RS engine. Instead, it was a carryover from the Ford Mustang EcoBoost engine, leading to compatibility issues.

  • The updated gasket, developed as part of Ford’s service fix, is a redesigned part made specifically for the Focus RS. It can be distinguished by different visual features, such as revised sealing rings and material patterns.

2. Part Numbers:

• The old gasket typically has part numbers associated with the Mustang EcoBoost engine.

  • The updated gasket has a unique Ford part number (e.g., G1FZ-6079-D or G1FZ-6079-E) included in the repair kit issued under Customer Satisfaction Program 17B32.

3. Inspection Process:

• If you have documentation from a repair under the 17B32 program, verify if the new gasket part number is listed on the repair invoice.

• Alternatively, watch the MarkCup video on how to identify the correct head gasket.

4. VIN Lookup:

  • Use the Ford Owner website or contact your dealer to check if your car has had the gasket replaced under the Customer Satisfaction Program. Affected VINs were specifically flagged in Ford’s system.

5. Symptoms of the Old Gasket:

• Persistent white smoke from the exhaust.

• Unexplained loss of coolant without visible external leaks.

• Rough idling or misfires due to coolant entering the combustion chamber.

6. Production Date:

  • Vehicles built between August 3, 2015, and July 6, 2017, at the Saarlouis plant are more likely to have the original gasket if they haven’t been repaired.

YouTuber MarkCup does an excellent job describing how to identify the correct head gasket