Ford Focus: 1.0 EcoBoost M1DA cylinder head crack & coolant loss

The M1DA (and early M2DA) three-cylinder cylinder head develops cracks adjacent to the EGR port coolant gallery, allowing coolant to enter the combustion chamber or exhaust tract. Ford issued an extended warranty program and recalls in multiple markets after widespread failures. Coolant loss is often gradual and symptom-free until the engine overheats catastrophically. A combustion gas (CO2) test on the coolant reservoir is the definitive pre-purchase check. Repair requires cylinder head replacement; reground or welded heads often re-crack at the same location.

• White or sweet-smelling steam from exhaust under load
• Coolant level dropping with no visible external leak
• Overheating warning light or high temperature gauge
• Milky or caramel-coloured residue on oil filler cap
• Bubbling in coolant reservoir at idle

1. 1

   Perform a combustion gas (block) test on the coolant reservoir with engine warm and running.

2. 2

   Check coolant level cold and look for oily residue on the cap.

3. 3

   Inspect exhaust for sustained white steam.

4. 4

   Check Ford VIN against extended warranty or recall campaigns.

5. 5

   Review service records for previous head replacement.

Parts involved: Cylinder head.

≈A$3,220 to ≈A$7,820 at independent workshop rates, shown as an approximate guide in Australian dollars. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, converted to Australian dollars, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

• “Has the cylinder head been replaced under Ford's extended warranty?”
• “Has a combustion gas test ever been performed on the coolant?”
• “Any history of coolant loss, overheating, or white exhaust smoke?”
• “What is the current coolant level — when was it last topped up?”

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.