Ford Focus Reliability and Common Problems

The Ford Focus is a popular choice for new drivers who want a sporty yet budget-friendly hatchback as their first vehicle. While it sold over 13 million units by 2019, the Focus went through its share of reliability issues. Certain problems cropped up more often and some year models proved more troublesome than others.

Is the Ford Focus Reliable?

In a list of the top 20 worst vehicles, CarComplaints.com assigned the #13 and #14 spots to the 2014 and 2012 Ford Focus, respectively. The most common complaint involves the Ford dual clutch automatic transmission. The Drive reports that Focuses with manual transmission enjoy comparable reliability with competitors like the Mazda 3.

The Ford Focus scored 4 out of 5 with RepairPal, putting it in the 27th place among 36 compact vehicle models. RepairPal also noted that the Focus has average ownership and annual repair costs. In terms of fuel economy, Cars.com reported that the basic Focus trim can achieve up to 40 miles per gallon (mpg). Testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Focus good overall crash and safety ratings for a compact car.

Compared by model year, CarComplaints.com identified the 2000-2003 and 20012-2014 model years as the most troublesome for the Ford Focus. Other model years proved much more reliable. Improvements finally showed in the 2015 Focus and the 2018-2019 Focuses received fewer complaints.

Top Ford Focus Problems

The Focus is more reliable than it’s given credit for, but issues with troublesome year models have marred its reputation. Below are the most commonly reported Ford Focus problems:

Fluctuating Engine RPM

The 2018 Ford Focus enjoys one of the best reliability levels of the model. An analysis by CarComplaints.com indicated that the worst of the PowerShift transmission woes from 2011-2015 have gotten resolved. Only a few cases of improper shifting show up on the 2018 Focus’ track record with its transmission.

Despite its decent reputation, the 2018 Ford Focus still runs into problems with its engine. Some users have reported that the engine’s RPM can jump after they shifted the gear into the park position. The RPMs can also rise despite depressing the clutch pedal.

Exhaust and Fuel System Issues

Consumer Reports reported that more than a million units of the 2012-2018 Ford Focus year models were recalled because of a bad purge valve in the exhaust system that could indirectly damage the car’s fuel tank. Known issues included loss of power, malfunctioning fuel gauges, and an inability to restart the engine after a stall. The recall required the vehicles to be reprogrammed and any affected parts to be replaced.

A follow-up article reported that Ford issued a related recall for 2012-2014 and 2017 Ford Focuses. The company explained that these vehicles didn’t get a complete software update and required additional reprogramming.

Transmission Problems

Many complaints about the Ford Focus involve the transmission system. According to Motorbiscuit, the problem began in 2011 when Ford updated the Focus with the “PowerShift” automatic transmission. Dual-clutches and dry clutches were troublesome enough on their own, but PowerShift made things worse by combining the two features.

The 2011-2016 Ford Focus year models suffered from transmission problems. The countless issues with the PowerShift transmission propelled the 2014 Focus to the #9 spot on CarComplaints.com’s list of the worst vehicles.

Low-Speed Pre-Ignition

If the 2014 Ford Focus is the black sheep of the family, then the Ford Focus ST is its opposite. While the sports compact also shared the same faulty exhaust valve as the Focus and Fiesta, Focus ST units with manual transmissions enjoyed decent reliability.

Its EcoBoost engine is a downsized boosted engine that delivers the same output as a bigger engine while consuming less fuel and generating lower emission levels. The Focus ST also has turbochargers to increase its engine operating pressure. While it has its advantages, this type of engine came with its own share of problems.

Motorbiscuit reported that both downsized and turbocharged engines can have low-speed pre-ignition problems. In this scenario, the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder ignites before the ignition system fires off the spark plug. Low-speed pre-ignition can damage the pistons and other internal parts. To avoid this, drivers should avoid accelerating the Ford Focus ST when it’s in high gear at low revolutions per minute (RPM).

Steering Problems

The 2012 Ford Focus is not too far behind the 2014 model year in terms of complaints. An ABC News report covered issues with the model year’s steering system. Many owners reported that the electronic power-assisted steering system randomly shut down while they were driving, depriving the steering of power and increasing the risk of an accident. Another incident involved the steering wheel locking up right after the driver started his Focus.

Ignition Key Problems

While problems with the PowerShift automatic transmission made the Ford Focus infamous, it didn’t occur quite as often as ignition key-related problems. According to CarComplaints.com, most commonly reported issue by Focus owners was a problem with the key not turning in the ignition.

This problem turned up most often in the 2003 Ford Focus and effectively rendered the vehicle undrivable. There were also reported cases of keys getting trapped in the ignition.

Engine Stall

The 2000 Ford Focus was the first model year to develop numerous problems. CarComplaints.com counted 556 individual complaints levied against this model year, including the same ignition key problems that hounded the 2003 Focus.

CarComplaints.com further reported that the 2000 Ford Focus also developed numerous engine problems. The most common issue was the engine dying during operation. The second most likely problem was more severe—drivers reported blown engines, which required extensive repair or outright replacement.

The Ford Focus is such a popular model that many people will still buy the compact car despite its many flaws. For those who are eyeing a used Focus, it’s a good idea to read up on the most common issues with the specific year model you’re considering to decide if its pros outweigh the cons. Stick to a manual transmission Focus or Focus ST to avoid the model’s biggest pitfall.

Ford Focus Years to Avoid

The Ford Focus years you should avoid are the 2007, 2012, 2013, and 2014 models.

2007 Ford Focus

The 2007 Ford Focus had over 700 complaints and two recalls, mainly due to the alternator dying sooner than expected. Most owners complained it went out without warning, prompting them to replace it every 18 months. Tire wear is another issue faced by the 2007 remodel, as it wears out under low mileage.

2012 Ford Focus

The 2012 Ford Focus is deemed the worst of the bunch. It had prevalent power steering issues, as some owners complained power steering died on them while driving in traffic. Steering difficulties made the model a pain to drive, considering it could occur at any time.

This model year was also known for its malfunctioning door latches. Some users noted that they couldn’t close their doors once opened. Alternatively, there were times when the doors suddenly opened while their vehicles were moving.

2013 Ford Focus

While not as bad as the 2012 model year, the 2013 Focus was hampered with transmission issues.

These problems reportedly start at around 45k miles, and most owners had to spend around $2,500 to repair their transmissions.

 This model year was also plagued with issues with its backup camera and infotainment system.

2014 Ford Focus

The 2014 Focus is one of the most problematic vehicles of all time, recording around 3,000 complaints and 10 recalls. Drivers reported poor vehicle performance characterized by jerking and hesitation during acceleration. The flawed dual-clutch transmission system also caused grinding and poor shifting.

Where to Get Auto Parts and Accessories for Your Ford Focus

Making memories with your Ford Focus doesn’t have to stop when it develops issues that make driving risky or a hassle. Whether you’re dealing with the issues mentioned above or something else, resolving them is usually as easy as repairing or replacing a bad part. Fortunately, finding replacements for your Ford Focus is easy at CarParts.com.

All you need to do is visit our website with your mobile phone or your computer. From here, you can use our vehicle selector and search filters to find compatible parts that fit your preferred brand, price, and features.

We make it a point to get our auto parts from the most reliable names in the industry, each carefully selected by a team of professionals to guarantee quality and durability. In addition, our warehouses are strategically located all over the US, meaning you can receive your order in as fast as two business days.

Don’t let your daily driver gather dust in the garage. Browse our collection of auto parts for your Ford Focus now!

Products Mentioned in this Guide

Exhaust System Exhaust Valve