Ford Fiesta 2010: Head gasket failed

When checking the washer fluid, water, oil etc. on our 2010 Ford Fiesta Econetic diesel recently I noticed the cooling water reservoir was full of oil. We had it immediately towed to our Ford dealership that told us they had never seen anything like this before and they started to try figure out what had happened. There was no water in the engine, only oil in the water reservoir. The engine was slowly pulled down to eliminate possible causes, until finally it came down to the head gasket, which I was told had 'let go'. The dealership could not tell me how this had occurred; they simply said it had 'let go'. I would imagine that in a car that is just four years old a head gasket should not just let go. Can you please give advice as to what recourse we have back to Ford in covering the repair costs?

Answered by CarsGuide

15 August 2014

Graham Smith

You’re right; a cylinder head gasket shouldn’t just ‘let go’. Ask your dealer to request Ford to cover at least part of the cost of repairing your car. Even though the warranty has expired they still have an obligation under consumer laws to support the vehicle.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

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