Ford C-Max, Fiesta ST, Focus And 1 More Recall R/2018/008: The Engine Cylinder Head May Crack, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 8 Jan 2018
- Launched
- 15,228
- vehicles in the UK
- 17S09
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Ford recalled C-Max, Fiesta ST, Focus and 1 more vehicles built between 2 June 2010 and 20 December 2014. Localized overheating of the engine cylinder head may cause the cylinder head to crack.This may cause a pressurized oil leak which in extreme circumstances could result in a fire in the engine compartment. The dealer will replace affected components and fit a Coolant Level Sensor along with associated software to provide and audible and visual warning to the driver. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Localized overheating of the engine cylinder head may cause the cylinder head to crack.This may cause a pressurized oil leak which in extreme circumstances could result in a fire in the engine compartment.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD MAY CRACK Defect: Localized overheating of the engine cylinder head may cause the cylinder head to crack.This may cause a pressurized oil leak which in extreme circumstances could result in a fire in the engine compartment. Remedy: On affected vehicles Inspect engine and cooling system. Replace affected components and fit a Coolant Level Sensor along with associated software to provide and audible and visual warning to the driver.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause the cylinder head to crack.This may cause a pressurized oil leak which in extreme circumstances could result in a fire in the engine compartment.
The Fix
The dealer will replace affected components and fit a Coolant Level Sensor along with associated software to provide and audible and visual warning to the driver. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
C-Max, Fiesta ST, Focus and 1 more built between 2 June 2010 and 20 December 2014 may be included. Ford estimates 15,228 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Ford, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Ford.
- Book with any franchised Ford dealer, quoting the campaign code 17S09 or the DVSA reference R/2018/008. See how to get a Ford recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuga, Mach-ETraffic sign recognition (TSR) unexpected activation / deactivation | Low | R/2026/366 | |
| KugaEDS wiring touch | Urgent | R/2026/355 | |
| Kuga, RangerPotential exhaust gas recirculation valve failure | Urgent | R/2026/160 | |
| Kuga, Mach-E, Transit, Transit Courier and 1 moreUnintended high beam behaviour: compliance | Book soon | R/2026/268 | |
| Focus, Kuga, Tourneo Connect, Transit Connect and 1 moreDiesel DV-Neo engine coolant pump update | Urgent | R/2026/237 |
This is one of 378 Ford recalls in DVSA’s data. The Ford recall launched before it was R/2017/273 on 29 Sep 2017, for rear driveshaft may become damaged resulting in loss of drive. The one launched after it was R/2018/009 on 8 Jan 2018, for the engine cylinder head may crack. You can also see every Ford recall, the Ford Kuga recall history, all recalls launched in 2018 and fire risk recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2018/008, launched 8 January 2018. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.