Widely considered the "best" and most reliable year. It came from the factory with the correct head gasket, revised dampers for a slightly better ride, and a standard Quaife limited-slip differential (LSD) on the front axle. Only 1,000 were made for North America, so they command a premium price.

A manufacturing mix-up led to the installation of head gaskets intended for the Ford Mustang EcoBoost, which has a different cooling passage design.

Beyond the head gasket, keep an eye on these common "Focus quirks":

The most infamous issue with the Focus RS concerns the head gasket in .

Ford issued a service action to replace the gaskets (and sometimes the entire cylinder head). When buying, verify that this work was completed via service records or by checking the VIN with a Ford dealer. 2. Best Years to Buy

These models typically have the corrected head gasket from the factory but lack the 2018's LSD and specific cosmetic bits like the black roof and mirrors. 3. Common Mechanical Issues & Maintenance

Buying a used Ford Focus RS (Mk3, 2016–2018) is a thrilling prospect for any driving enthusiast, but it requires careful homework. While it is a "four-door super hatch" with 350 hp and advanced all-wheel drive, certain mechanical pitfalls and ownership histories can turn a dream car into a financial nightmare.

This flaw causes coolant to burn, leading to white smoke from the exhaust, misfires, and potentially catastrophic engine failure (hydrolock).