2020 FORD FIGO

Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Loud ticking or tapping noise from engine, especially cold start, Check engine light with cam position sensor codes, Loss of power or rough idle, Metallic rattling that increases with RPM

Fix: Requires cylinder head removal to replace all lifters/tappets and inspect camshaft for scoring. If cam is damaged, add 3-4 hours for camshaft R&R. Total labor 8-12 hours for lifters alone, 12-16 hours if cam needs replacement. Often find metal debris requiring oil system flush.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,500

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Overheating under load, Milky oil on dipstick or oil cap, Rough idle and misfires

Fix: Head gasket replacement requires cylinder head removal, resurfacing is typically needed due to warping. Labor 10-14 hours including head R&R, resurface at machine shop, new gasket set, timing components, and fluids. Three-cylinder design makes this more labor-intensive than expected.

Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive vibration at idle, especially in gear, Clunking when shifting or accelerating, Transmission feels like it's moving excessively, Vibration through steering wheel and floorboard

Fix: Replace transmission mount, often the lower mount fails first due to three-cylinder vibration characteristics. 2-3 hours labor, straightforward job but requires supporting transmission properly.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid spots under vehicle, Pink or red fluid mixing with coolant in overflow tank, Transmission overheating warnings, Milky transmission fluid on dipstick

Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler and flush both cooling system and transmission. If coolant contaminated transmission, may need full transmission service. Labor 4-6 hours including flush procedures.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Wobbling or vibration that increases with RPM, Squealing from serpentine belt area, Visible rubber separation on balancer pulley, Check engine light with crank position sensor codes

Fix: Replace harmonic balancer, requires special puller and installer tools. On this engine, accessibility is decent but alignment is critical. 3-4 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Symptoms: Hard starting, especially when hot, Loss of power under acceleration, Engine stumbling or hesitation, Stalling at idle or low speeds

Fix: Replace fuel filter, should be done every 30,000-40,000 miles as preventive maintenance but often neglected. This engine seems particularly sensitive to fuel quality. 1-1.5 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $120-220