The clutch can fracture, the break damages the transmission case, and gearbox oil can leak from it. The car may become immobile, and the leaking oil can ignite on the hot engine or exhaust.
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Ford issued three campaigns. The first went out in March 2018 (18V169000) for the 1.6 EcoBoost with the 6-speed manual, the second in November 2018 (18V845000) for the 1.0 EcoBoost cars, and the third in June 2026 (26V376000) because part of the earlier repairs had been done incorrectly. A car that has had the repair is not necessarily in order.
In the European range the 1.0 EcoBoost with the 6-speed manual is the most common Focus.
What to check
- Pull away from a standstill several times: the clutch must not shudder, slip or kick
- Pull away on a hill using the clutch: slipping shows up here first
- Look under the car around the transmission housing: fresh or dried oil traces can mean a break